Inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler according to one embodiment may include: a wand including a chamber for accommodating a capsule including a powder and a puncture hole opening toward the chamber; a holder including an insertion groove into which the rod is inserted in a first direction; a piercing member provided in the insertion groove, the piercing member penetrating the piercing hole and crushing the capsule when the wand is inserted into the insertion groove; and a vibration member that provides vibration to the piercing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an inhaler. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes. For example, an inhaler is a device for allowing a user to inhale a liquid or gas containing a composition such as a medicine through their oral or nasal cavity.

[0003] Such devices have a chamber containing an inhalable composition, and the composition can pass from the chamber through a passageway and ultimately reach the oral or nasal cavity of a user for inhalation by the user.

[0004] The above description is information obtained during the process of conceiving the present disclosure, or information already possessed at the time, and is not necessarily known technology before filing this application. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues to be solved In the inhaler using the powder state composition, the non-electronic inhaler according to the prior art must inhale the powder according to the user's breathing. In this case, the amount of powder discharged from the inhaler may vary depending on the user's lung capacity, and users whose lung capacity does not reach a certain level will encounter limitations when using the inhaler.

[0006] In order to solve this problem, there is a need for an inhaler that allows even users with weak lung capacity to inhale smoothly and that can individually control the powder discharge state for general users.

[0007] Technical means of solving problems An inhaler according to an embodiment may include: a rod including a chamber for accommodating a capsule including a powder and a puncture hole opening toward the chamber; a bracket including an insertion slot for inserting the rod along a first direction; a puncture member disposed in the insertion slot, and when the rod is inserted into the insertion slot, the puncture member penetrates the puncture hole and crushes the capsule; and a vibration member providing vibration to the puncture member. In one embodiment, the vibration member may vibrate the piercing member in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, the vibration member may vibrate the piercing member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0009] In an embodiment, the vibration member may vibrate the piercing member in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include: a suction sensor for sensing airflow inside the stick; and a processor for receiving a sensing result from the suction sensor and controlling the vibration of the vibration member based on the sensing result.

[0011] In one embodiment, a sub-vibration member may be further included to provide vibration to the chamber.

[0012] In one embodiment, the inhaler may further include an elastic member disposed in the insertion groove, the elastic member being pressed by the rod when the rod is inserted into the insertion groove, wherein the sub-vibration member may provide vibration to the chamber of the rod through the elastic member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member may vibrate the chamber in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member may vibrate the chamber in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member vibrates the chamber in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the present invention may further include: a suction sensor for sensing the airflow inside the stick; and a processor for receiving a sensing result from the suction sensor and controlling the vibration of the vibration member and the sub-vibration member based on the sensing result.

[0017] In one embodiment, the wand may include: a suction nozzle disposed on opposite sides of the chamber; an airflow channel providing fluid communication between the chamber and the suction nozzle; and a mesh disposed between the airflow channel and the chamber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rod may further include a sealing member that seals the puncture hole, and when the rod is inserted into the insertion groove, the sealing member is crushed by the puncture member.

[0019] In an embodiment, the wand may include a door configured to selectively open and close the puncture hole.

[0020] In one embodiment, it may also include: an insertion detection sensor that detects whether the rod is inserted into the insertion slot; a door hinge that moves the door; and a processor that receives a detection result from the insertion detection sensor and controls the door hinge to open and close the door based on the detection result.

[0021] Effects of the Invention An inhaler including at least one of a vibration member and / or a sub-vibration member according to an embodiment may control a discharge amount of powder and / or a discharge speed of powder and help a user to smoothly inhale powder. However, the effects of the inhaler according to an embodiment are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3a The figure schematically shows the interior of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3b The figure schematically shows the interior of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4a The figure schematically shows the interior of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4b The figure schematically shows the interior of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of a rod according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view of a rod according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] When selecting the terms used in the embodiments, the functions of the embodiments are taken into consideration, and widely used general terms are selected as much as possible, but there may be differences based on the intentions of practitioners in this field, precedents, new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may also arbitrarily select terms, but in such cases, the meaning of the terms will be explained in detail in the specification. Therefore, the terms used in this specification are not simple terms and should be defined according to the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0031] When it is stated throughout the specification that a certain part "includes" a component, it means that other components may also be included unless otherwise mentioned, and does not mean that other components are excluded. In addition, the terms "-part", "-module" and the like described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0032] In this specification, when the expression "at least one" or the like appears before the listed components, it does not modify each of the listed components, but modifies the entirety of the components. For example, "at least one of a, b, and c" means the following: including a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a, b, and c.

[0033] In various embodiments, the term "puff" refers to an inhalation by a user, which refers to a situation where a user inhales something through the mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0034] In one embodiment, the inhaler may include a body (or a support) configured to support a cartridge (or a stick), which is configured to accommodate a capsule comprising a composition. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body and may be fixed to the body so as not to be disassembled by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the body with the capsule accommodated therein. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. When the cartridge is coupled to the body, the powder or the capsule comprising the powder may be injected into the interior of the cartridge.

[0035] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be practiced in the form of being implemented in an inhaler according to the various embodiments described above, or can be embodied and practiced in many different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0036] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler 100 according to an embodiment.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 The inhaler 100 according to an embodiment may include at least a portion of a control portion 110 , a sensing portion 120 , an output portion 130 , a battery 140 , a heater 150 , a user input portion 160 , a memory 170 , a communication portion 180 , and a driving portion 190 .

[0038] However, the internal structure of the inhaler 100 is not limited to Figure 1 That is, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that, depending on the design of the inhaler 100, the Figure 1 Some of the components shown may be included, or new components may be added thereto.

[0039] In one embodiment, the sensing unit 120 can sense the state of the inhaler 100 or the state around the inhaler 100 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 110 (or processor). The control unit 110 can control the driving of other components of the inhaler 100 based on the sensed information.

[0040] For example, the control unit 110 may control the operation of the heater 150 based on the sensing result of the sensing unit 120 by determining the rod (eg, Figure 2 rod 230), capsule (e.g., Figure 3a The drive unit 190 is controlled based on whether a capsule 232 ), a cigarette cartridge, a cigarette, etc. are inserted or not, or various functions are performed, such as displaying a notification through the output unit 130 .

[0041] In one embodiment, the sensing portion 120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 122 , an insertion detection sensor 124 , and a suction sensor 126 , but is not limited thereto.

[0042] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature at which the heater 150 is heated. The inhaler 100 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself may be used as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be arranged around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0043] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 124 can sense the insertion of a rod (e.g., Figure 2 of rod 230) or capsule (e.g., Figure 3a and Figure 3b The insertion detection sensor 124 may include, for example, at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, which can sense a signal change by the insertion and / or removal of the rod or capsule.

[0044] In one embodiment, the puff sensor 126 can sense the puff from the user based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 can sense the puff from the user based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change and pressure change.

[0045] In one embodiment, in addition to the above sensors, the sensing unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Those skilled in the art may intuitively infer the function of the sensor from the name of the sensor, so a more detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0046] In one embodiment, the output unit 130 can output information about the state of the inhaler 100 and provide it to the user. The output unit 130 may include at least one of the display unit 132, the tactile unit 134, or the sound output unit 136, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 132 and the touch pad are provided in a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 can also be used as an input device in addition to the output device.

[0047] In one embodiment, the display unit 132 can visually provide information about the inhaler 100 to the user. The information about the inhaler 100 may include, for example, at least a portion of various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 140 of the inhaler 100, the preheating state of the heater 150, the insertion / removal state of the stick or capsule or the limited use state of the inhaler 100 (e.g., abnormal items detected), the vibration state of the drive unit 190, and the display unit 132 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. In addition, the display unit 132 may also be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) device.

[0048] In one embodiment, the haptic portion 134 may provide the user with information about the inhaler 100 in a tactile manner by converting electrical signals into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation. The haptic portion 134 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0049] In one embodiment, the sound output unit 136 may provide the user with information about the inhaler 100 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output unit 136 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0050] In one embodiment, the battery 140 may provide power for operating the inhaler 100. The battery 140 may provide power to heat the heater 150.

[0051] In one embodiment, the battery 140 can provide the required power for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, the communication unit 180, or the driving unit 190) provided in the inhaler 100. The battery 140 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. The battery 140 can be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may receive power from the battery 140 to heat the aerosol generating material. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the inhaler 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts power from the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150. In addition, when the inhaler 100 generates aerosol by induction heating, the inhaler 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 140 into AC power.

[0053] In one embodiment, the control unit 110, the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, the communication unit 180 and the driving unit 190 may receive power from the battery 140 to perform functions. Figure 1 Although not shown, a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a regulator circuit, may also be included, which converts power from the battery 140 and provides it to each component.

[0054] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, the suitable resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy, including but not limited to titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloy, etc. In addition, the heater 150 may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having a conductive track arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0055] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 150 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0056] In an embodiment, the heater 150 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 150 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0057] In one embodiment, the user input unit 160 may receive input information from the user, or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a contact capacitance type, a pressure sensitive film type, an infrared sensor type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a scroll wheel, a micro switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although in Figure 1 Although not shown in the drawings, the inhaler 100 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140 .

[0058] In one embodiment, the memory 170 is hardware for storing various data processed in the inhaler 100, and can store data processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed by the control unit 110. The memory 170 may include at least one of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XE memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0059] In one embodiment, the memory 170 may store the operation time of the inhaler 100 , the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data associated with the user's smoking pattern, etc.

[0060] In one embodiment, the communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184 .

[0061] In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 182 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 184 may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 184 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the inhaler 100 in the communication network.

[0063] In one embodiment, the driving unit 190 may include various driving devices to assist the user in the inhalation operation of the inhaler 100. For example, the driving unit 190 may include a vibration member 191 to assist in conveying the powder of the inhaler 100.

[0064] In one embodiment, the vibration member 191 may be implemented as an electronic vibrator. When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibration member 191, the vibration member 191 may vibrate in response to the voltage. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the driving unit 190 may further include elements such as a motor, a shaft, a plurality of pinions, or a hydraulic device.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the inhaler 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can include at least one processor. The processor can be an array composed of multiple logic gates, or a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a microprocessor executable program. In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the processor can be implemented with other types of hardware.

[0066] In one embodiment, the control portion 110 may control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the power supply from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the control portion 110 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. In another example, the direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 150 according to a control command from the control portion 110.

[0067] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may analyze the result sensed by the sensing unit 120 and control the process to be performed subsequently. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 150 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 120, so that the operation of the heater 150 or the driving unit 190 starts or ends.

[0068] For example, the control unit 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the power supply time based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 120 , so that the heater 150 may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0069] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the output unit 130 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 may notify the user that the inhaler 100 is about to end through at least one of the display unit 132, the tactile unit 134, and the sound output unit 136. Alternatively, for example, the puff sensor 126 may sense the user's inhalation state, and based on this, the control unit 110 may control the driving of the vibration member 191 of the driving unit 190.

[0070] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount of the heater 150 according to the state of the stick or the capsule sensed by the sensing unit 120 .

[0071] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including computer executable instructions (e.g., a program module executed by a computer). Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, including volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media. In addition, computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0072] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an inhaler 200 according to an embodiment.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 , the inhaler 200 according to an embodiment may include a bracket 210 and at least a portion of a stick 230 .

[0074] In one embodiment, the bracket 210 may be configured as a cylindrical or polygonal column. The bracket 210 may be formed with an insertion slot 215 for inserting the rod 230, and the rod 230 may be inserted into the insertion slot 215 along a first direction (eg, -Y direction).

[0075] In one embodiment, the bracket 210 may include a first surface 211, a second surface 212, and a side surface 213. The insertion groove 215 may be formed in the first surface 211, and the second surface 212 may be a surface opposite to the first surface 211. The side surface 213 may be formed between the first surface 211 and the second surface 212.

[0076] In one embodiment, the insertion groove 215 may be a recess formed in the first surface 211 .

[0077] For example, the insertion slot 215 may have a shape extending along the longitudinal axis (eg, + / Y direction) of the bracket 210. The rod 230 may be inserted into the bracket 210 along the direction (eg, -Y direction or "first direction") through which the insertion slot 215 penetrates.

[0078] In one embodiment, an inlet (not shown) may be formed between the outer side of the bracket 210 and the insertion groove 215 , and air from outside the bracket 210 may flow into the insertion groove 215 through the inlet.

[0079] Although not shown in the figure, the bracket 210 can accommodate various components of the inhaler 200 therein. For example, the bracket 210 can accommodate a control unit (eg, Figure 1 control unit 110), at least one sensor (for example, Figure 1 The sensing unit 120) and the battery (eg, Figure 1 at least a portion of a battery 140 ).

[0080] In an embodiment, the rod 230 may be configured in a cylindrical or polygonal column shape, and may have a size and shape that can be inserted into the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210. The rod 230 may contain the powder P therein.

[0081] In one embodiment, a suction nozzle 231 may be provided on one side of the rod 230. For example, the suction nozzle 231 may be provided in the area of ​​the rod 230 that is inserted into the insertion slot 215 (eg, Figure 3a The user can inhale air by applying negative pressure to the wand 230. For example, the user can inhale the powder P or the air containing the powder P into an aerosol while holding the suction nozzle 231 in the user's mouth.

[0082] Figure 3a FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the interior of an inhaler 200 according to an embodiment. Figure 3b FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the interior of an inhaler 200 according to an embodiment.

[0083] Specifically, Figure 3a and Figure 3b It is shown Figure 2 The interior of the area A shown in the drawings, Figure 3a The state where the rod 230 is partially inserted or being inserted into the insertion groove 215 of the bracket 210 is shown. Figure 3b The state in which the rod 230 is substantially completely inserted into the insertion groove 215 of the bracket 210 is shown.

[0084] Reference Figure 3a and Figure 3bAccording to an embodiment, the inhaler 200 may include a puncture member 220 , an elastic member 225 , a chamber 233 , and at least a portion of a puncture hole 234 .

[0085] In one embodiment, the rod 230 may include a chamber 233 for accommodating the capsule 232. The chamber 233 may be a partial area of ​​the rod 230 inserted into the insertion groove 215. The chamber 233 may be a space for accommodating or storing the capsule 232, or may be a space for limiting the movement of the capsule 232.

[0086] In one embodiment, the capsule 232 may include powder P therein. The powder P may be a tobacco extract in a small particle state, or the powder P may be a pharmacological substance such as caffeine, taurine, aspirin, a sedative, a sleeping pill, a bronchodilator, or a vaccine, or a composition or functional material containing substances such as free nicotine or nicotine salt. However, this is only an example, and the powder P in the capsule 232 may be replaced by a liquid, a gas, or a combination thereof.

[0087] In one embodiment, the puncture hole 234 may be an opening opened from the outside of the rod 230 toward the chamber 233. The puncture hole 234 may be formed on a surface of the rod 230 facing the insertion groove 215, preferably formed on an area facing the puncture member 220. The diameter of the puncture hole 234 may be greater than or equal to the circumference of the puncture member 220.

[0088] In one embodiment, the rod 230 may include a chamber 233 and a nozzle (e.g., Figure 2 The airflow channel 235 provides fluid communication between the suction nozzle 231 and the chamber 233. The airflow channel 235 can be a flow path through which air including the powder P flows, and the airflow channel 235 and the chamber 233 can be separated by a mesh 236.

[0089] In one embodiment, the mesh 236 can allow the powder P and air to pass through, and can limit the passage of the capsule 232 or other foreign matter. Alternatively, the mesh 236 can filter part of the powder P or help the powder P not to clump. For example, the diameter of a single hole of the mesh 236 can be 5 microns.

[0090] In one embodiment, when the capsule 232 is crushed, at least a portion of the powder P inside the capsule 232 may be discharged into the chamber 233. When the user inhales air from the stick 230 through the nozzle 231, the powder P may pass through the mesh 236, through the airflow channel 235, move to the nozzle 231, and be inhaled by the user.

[0091] In one embodiment, the rod 230 may be disposable and may be replaced with another rod 230 after the powder P is used up. Alternatively, the rod 230 may be reusable, and when the powder P is used up, the rod 230 may be refilled with a capsule 232 or powder P and used again.

[0092] In one embodiment, the puncture member 220 may be disposed in the insertion groove 215 and may be formed to protrude from the insertion groove 215 in a direction (e.g., +Y direction) toward the rod 230. The puncture member 220 may crush the capsule 232. For example, when the rod 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215 along a first direction (e.g., -Y direction), at least a portion of the puncture member 220 may pass through the puncture hole 234 and be inserted into the chamber 233 of the rod 230, and the puncture member 220 may partially crush the capsule 232.

[0093] In one embodiment, the distal end of the puncture member 220 may have a sharp or pointed shape, for example, the puncture member 220 may be a needle or a sting. The distal end of the puncture member 220 may crush a partial area of ​​the capsule 232 and form a perforation in the capsule 232. The capsule 232 may discharge the powder P into the chamber 233 through the perforation crushed by the puncture member 220.

[0094] The elastic member 225 according to an embodiment may be disposed in the insertion groove 215. When the rod 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215, the elastic member 225 may be deformed (e.g., compressed) by being pressed by the rod 230. When the elastic member 225 is deformed, the elastic member 225 may press the rod 230 in a direction (e.g., +Y direction) opposite to the first direction of the elastic force. The elastic member 225 may include a coil spring, which may apply the elastic force to another structure.

[0095] Figure 4a FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the interior of an inhaler 200 according to an embodiment.

[0096] Reference Figure 4a , the inhaler 200 according to an embodiment may include a vibration member 250 (eg, Figure 1 Vibrating member 191).

[0097] In one embodiment, when the capsule 232 is crushed by the piercing member 220, a perforation communicating with the chamber 233 is formed in the capsule 232, and at least a portion of the powder P inside the capsule 232 can be discharged into the chamber 233 through the perforation. The powder P discharged into the chamber 233 is transferred to the air flow channel 235 through the mesh 236, and after passing through the air flow channel 235, it can be sucked through a nozzle (e.g., Figure 2 The suction nozzle 231 is sucked in by the user.

[0098] In one embodiment, based on various parameters related to the powder P discharged from the capsule 232 (for example, the amount of powder P discharged per unit time, the density of the powder P in the air passing through the airflow channel 235, or the degree of diffusion of the discharged powder P, etc.), factors such as the amount of powder P that can be inhaled by the user may also change.

[0099] In one embodiment, by controlling the amount of powder P discharged from the capsule 232 per unit time (hereinafter referred to as “discharge amount of powder P”) using the vibration member 250 , the inhaler 200 can provide powder P to the user according to the user's condition, usage environment, or user preference.

[0100] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 may provide vibration to the piercing member 220. Alternatively, the vibration member 250 may directly or indirectly vibrate at least one of the capsule 232, the powder P, or the chamber 233. Hereinafter, for ease of description, the inhaler 200 in which the vibration member 250 vibrates the piercing member 220 is described as an example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 may be implemented as an electronic vibrator, which generates vibration when a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the electronic vibrator. However, the embodiments in actual implementation are not limited thereto, and the vibration member 250 may be implemented as various structures and configurations capable of providing vibration to the puncture member 220.

[0102] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 may provide vibration to the puncture member 220 to assist in the discharge of the powder P in the capsule 232. When the vibration member 250 vibrates the puncture member 220, the perforation formed in the capsule may be enlarged, or the vibration may be transmitted to the capsule 232 or the powder P, whereby the discharge amount of the powder P may be increased.

[0103] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 may vibrate the puncture member 220 substantially parallel to the direction (ie, the first direction (eg, −Y direction)) in which the rod 230 is inserted into the bracket 210 (eg, + / −Y direction).

[0104] In one embodiment, when the vibration member 250 vibrates in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction, the powder P placed or stagnant between the capsule 232 and the puncture member 220 can be effectively discharged. In addition, it is advantageous in that the vibration radius of the puncture member 220 can be ensured without increasing the diameter of the puncture hole 234, and the powder P can be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the rod 230 through the puncture hole 234. Alternatively, the vibration of the vibration member 250 can be mainly transmitted to the puncture member 220 and the capsule 232, while the vibration transmitted to the rod 230 or the bracket 210 can be reduced or prevented.

[0105] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 may vibrate the puncture member 220 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the rod 230 is inserted into the bracket 210 (i.e., the first direction (e.g., the -Y direction)). The vibration of the puncture member 220 may be transmitted to the capsule 232, and the discharge of the powder P may be promoted by the vibration of the capsule 232.

[0106] In one embodiment, when the vibration member 250 vibrates in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the puncturing member 220 may increase the size of the perforation, or the puncturing member 220 may ensure a space between the capsule 232 and the puncturing member 220, thereby more effectively discharging the powder P. In addition, the capsule 232 may repeatedly collide with the chamber 233 due to the vibration, resulting in a further increase in the discharge amount of the powder P.

[0107] In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 can vibrate the piercing member 220 in a direction substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The vibration member 250 can vibrate the capsule 232 in three dimensions through the piercing member 220, thereby relatively increasing the discharge amount of the powder P compared to a simple unidirectional reciprocating motion.

[0108] In various embodiments, the inhaler 200 may need to reduce or increase the amount or speed of the powder P discharged from the capsule 232 according to various factors (the user's breathing volume, etc.) or according to the user's preferences. If it is controlled by a fixed perforation size alone, it may be difficult to meet the needs of different users and different environments.

[0109] For example, when the perforations are large, a large amount of powder P may be discharged in a short time, and thus the density of the powder P inhaled by the user may increase irregularly or suddenly. Alternatively, when the perforations are small, it is difficult to discharge the powder P, resulting in a user with a low lung breathing volume having difficulty inhaling the powder P. In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 can control the powder P to be effectively discharged from the capsule 232 by providing vibration to the capsule 232.

[0110] In the inhaler 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a perforation having a relatively small size can be formed in the capsule 232 by the puncturing member 220, and by controlling the amount of powder P discharged from the capsule 232 per unit time by the vibration member 250, the inhalation density of the powder P by the user can be controlled.

[0111] Figure 4b FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the interior of an inhaler 200 according to an embodiment.

[0112] Reference Figure 4b , the inhaler 200 according to an embodiment may include a sub-vibration member 255 (eg, Figure 1 Vibrating member 191).

[0113] exist Figure 4b In the description of the inhaler 200, contents overlapping with the above description about the inhaler 200 will be omitted.

[0114] In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member 255 may provide vibration to the chamber 233. The sub-vibration member 255 may directly or indirectly vibrate the chamber 233 to assist the powder P discharged into the chamber 233 to move to the air flow channel 235. Alternatively, the sub-vibration member 255 may assist the vibration member 250 in facilitating the discharge of the powder P from the capsule 232.

[0115] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 b, the sub-vibration member 255 may be connected to the elastic member 225 to provide vibration to the chamber 233 through the elastic member 225. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the sub-vibration member 255 may be implemented in various structures to transfer the vibration to the chamber 233. For example, the sub-vibration member 255 may be directly connected to the rod 230, or may be provided in the bracket 210 to apply an impact to the rod 230.

[0116] In one embodiment, the chamber 233 may provide kinetic energy to the powder P inside the chamber 233 due to vibration. Alternatively, the powder P may be evenly dispersed and may move along the airflow due to the vibration of the chamber 233. In addition, the vibration of the chamber 233 may be transmitted to the capsule 232, and the sub-vibration member 255 may facilitate the discharge of the powder P by vibrating the capsule 232.

[0117] In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member 255 can vibrate the chamber 233 in a direction (e.g., + / -Y direction) substantially parallel to the direction (i.e., the first direction) (e.g., -Y direction) in which the rod 230 is inserted into the bracket 210. In this case, the elastic member 225 can assist and strengthen the vibration of the sub-vibration member 255. Since the chamber 233 vibrates in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction, the powder P remaining on the bottom surface of the chamber 233 can be effectively moved, and there is no need to increase the opening of the insertion slot 215 for the vibration of the chamber 233.

[0118] In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member 255 may vibrate the chamber 233 in a direction (e.g., an XZ plane direction) substantially perpendicular to the direction (i.e., the first direction) in which the rod 230 is inserted into the bracket 210. In this case, the chamber 233 may repeatedly hit the capsule 232, thereby effectively inducing the discharge of the powder P. In addition, when the chamber 233 vibrates in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the powder P may be uniformly dispersed in a substantially horizontal direction of the capsule 232. In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member 255 may vibrate the chamber 233 in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The sub-vibration member 255 may cause the capsule 232 to vibrate three-dimensionally, thereby relatively increasing the discharge amount of the powder P compared to a simple unidirectional reciprocating motion.

[0119] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 110 can obtain information from various types of sensors (e.g., Figure 1 The sensing unit 120 of the inhaler 200 obtains information about the driving of the inhaler 200 and based on this, changes various factors such as the number of vibrations, vibration intensity, and vibration time of the vibration member 250 and / or the sub-vibration member 255, thereby controlling their vibrations.

[0120] For example, processor 110 may utilize a suction sensor (e.g., Figure 1 The suction sensor 126 receives information about the airflow inside the rod 230. If it is determined that the airflow is insufficient, the processor 110 can increase the discharge amount of the powder P by increasing the number of vibrations or the vibration intensity of the vibration member 250 and / or the sub-vibration member 255.

[0121] In addition, the processor 110 can receive information from a user input unit (e.g., Figure 1 The user input unit 160) or the communication unit (for example, Figure 1 The communication unit 180 of the embodiment receives a separate input signal and may control the vibration of the vibration member 250 and / or the sub-vibration member 255 based thereon.

[0122] For example, the processor 110 may control the vibration of the vibration member 250 and / or the sub-vibration member 255 according to various factors, such as the user's lung capacity, the user's preference, the use environment, etc. The inhaler 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can help the user to smoothly inhale the powder P and can be customized according to the user.

[0123] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of a rod 230 according to an embodiment, Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view of a rod 230 according to another embodiment. Specifically, Figure 5a and Figure 5b 2 are cross-sectional views of partial regions of the rods 230 that are separated from the brackets 210 .

[0124] Reference Figure 5a and Figure 5b , the rod 230 may include at least a portion of the sealing member 237 or the door 238.

[0125] like Figure 5aAs shown, the sealing member 237 can seal the puncture hole 234. When the rod 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215, the sealing member 237 can be crushed by the puncture member 220. For example, the rod 230 can be disposable. Alternatively, the rod 230 can be used multiple times. When the sealing member 237 and the capsule 232 are crushed, they can be reused by replacing the sealing member 237 and the capsule 232.

[0126] In one embodiment, the sealing member 237 can protect the chamber 233 to prevent water or foreign matter from flowing into the chamber 233 during the manufacture and transportation of the stick 230. Alternatively, the sealing member 237 can limit the area of ​​the puncture hole 234 crushed by the puncture member 220, thereby preventing the powder P from being discharged to the outside of the stick 230 through the puncture hole 234.

[0127] like Figure 5b As shown, the door 238 can selectively open and close the puncture hole 234. The door 238 can be opened before or when the rod 230 is inserted into the insertion slot 215. The door 238 can be moved by a door hinge 239.

[0128] For example, the door hinge 239 can move the door in a substantially vertical direction (eg, an XZ plane direction), or tilt the door in a substantially parallel direction (eg, a + / -Y direction).

[0129] In one embodiment, the door 238 can be opened when the inhaler 200 is being used or is about to be used, and can be closed when the inhaler 200 is not being used. The door 238 can protect the chamber 233 to prevent water or foreign matter from flowing into the chamber 233 during the manufacture and transportation of the stick 230. In addition, the used or crushed capsule 232 in the chamber 233 can be replaced through the door 238.

[0130] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 110 can obtain information from various types of sensors (e.g., Figure 1 The sensing part 230 obtains information about the coupling of the rod 230 and can control the driving of the door hinge 239 based on the information.

[0131] For example, processor 110 may use an insertion detection sensor (e.g., Figure 1The insertion detection sensor 124 of the inhaler 200 detects whether the rod 230 is inserted into the insertion slot 215 or is being inserted, and the door 238 can be opened by controlling the door hinge 239 so that the puncture member 220 passes through the puncture hole 234 based on this. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the door 238 can be opened and closed manually by the user. For example, the user can directly open and close the door 238, or the inhaler 200 can include a separate switch (not shown) connected to the door 238, so that the user opens or closes the door 238 by manipulating the switch.

[0132] In summary, the embodiments are described through limited drawings, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can make various changes and adaptations based on the description. For example, the described technology is performed in a different order from the described method, and / or the described system, structure, device, circuit and other components are combined or combined in a different form from the described method, or replaced or replaced by other components or equivalents, and appropriate results can be obtained. Therefore, other embodiments, other embodiments and equivalents of the scope of the claims all belong to the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An inhaler, characterized in that: include: a stick comprising a chamber for accommodating a capsule comprising a powder and a puncture hole opening toward the chamber; a bracket, comprising an insertion slot for inserting the rod along a first direction; a piercing member disposed in the insertion slot, the piercing member penetrating the piercing hole and crushing the capsule when the rod is inserted into the insertion slot; and A vibration member provides vibration to the piercing member.

2. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that The vibration member vibrates the piercing member in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

3. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that The vibration member vibrates the piercing member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that The vibration member vibrates the piercing member in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a puff sensor that senses airflow inside the wand; and A processor receives a sensing result from the suction sensor and controls vibration of the vibration member based on the sensing result.

6. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A sub-vibration member provides vibration to the chamber.

7. The inhaler according to claim 6, characterized in that Also includes: an elastic member disposed in the insertion groove, the elastic member being pressed by the rod when the rod is inserted into the insertion groove, The sub-vibration member provides vibration to the cavity of the rod through the elastic member.

8. The inhaler according to claim 6, characterized in that The sub-vibration member vibrates the chamber in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

9. The inhaler according to claim 6, characterized in that The sub-vibration member vibrates the chamber in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

10. The inhaler according to claim 6, characterized in that The sub-vibration member vibrates the chamber in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

11. The inhaler according to claim 6, characterized in that Also includes: a puff sensor that senses airflow inside the wand; and A processor receives a sensing result from the suction sensor and controls vibrations of the vibration member and the sub-vibration member based on the sensing result.

12. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that The rod comprises: a suction nozzle disposed on an opposite side of the chamber; an air flow channel providing fluid communication between the chamber and the nozzle; and A mesh is disposed between the air flow channel and the chamber.

13. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that The rod further comprises: A sealing member seals the puncture hole, and when the rod is inserted into the insertion groove, the sealing member is crushed by the puncture member.

14. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that The wand includes a door configured to selectively open and close the puncture hole.

15. The inhaler according to claim 14, characterized in that Also includes: an insertion detection sensor that detects whether the rod is inserted into the insertion slot; a door hinge, which moves said door; as well as A processor receives a detection result from the insertion detection sensor and controls the door hinge to open and close the door based on the detection result.

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