Inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler according to an embodiment includes: a rod including a chamber configured to receive a powder; a holder including an insertion groove into which the rod is inserted; a fixing member fixed in the insertion groove; an impact member connected to the fixing member; and a rotating member including a rotating shaft provided in the insertion groove and at least one rotating blade provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rotating member, the rotating member being configured to temporarily press the impact member when the rotating blade and the impact member engage with each other as the rotating member rotates about the rotating shaft.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the shortcomings 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

[0006] In an inhaler using a composition in a powder state, a 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.

[0007] In order to solve this problem, there is a need for an inhaler that allows smooth inhalation even by a user with weak lung capacity and that can individually control the powder discharge state for general users.

[0008] Technical methods to solve problems

[0009] An inhaler according to an embodiment includes: a stick including a chamber configured to accommodate powder; a holder including an insertion slot into which the stick is inserted; a fixing member fixed to the insertion slot; an impact member connected to the fixing member; and a rotating member including a rotating shaft disposed in the insertion slot and at least one rotating blade disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotating member. The rotating member may be configured such that as the rotating member rotates around the rotating shaft, when the rotating blade and the impact member engage with each other, the rotating member temporarily presses the impact member.

[0010] In an embodiment, one end portion of the striking member may be a fixed end connected to the fixing member, and the other end portion opposite to the one end portion of the striking member may be a free end.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the impact member is pressed by the rotating blade, the other end portion of the impact member is inclined in a direction away from the cavity, and when the impact member is separated from the rotating blade, the other end portion of the impact member can move toward the cavity and is configured to impact the cavity.

[0012] In an embodiment, when the impact member is pressed by the rotating blade, the other end portion of the impact member may bounce toward the cavity and be configured to impact the cavity.

[0013] In an embodiment, the impact member may be arranged to face one surface of the rod-shaped member, the one surface facing a direction in which the rod-shaped member is inserted into the insertion groove.

[0014] In an embodiment, the impact member may be arranged to face a side surface adjacent to one surface of the rod-shaped member, the one surface facing a direction in which the rod-shaped member is inserted into the insertion groove.

[0015] In one embodiment, the impact member and the rotating member may constitute an impact module, and the inhaler may include a plurality of impact modules.

[0016] In an embodiment, the impact modules may be arranged in opposite directions to each other based on the chambers.

[0017] In an embodiment, any one of the impact members and another impact member of the impact module may be configured to impact the chamber alternately.

[0018] In an embodiment, the impact modules may be arranged based on the same surface of the chamber.

[0019] In an embodiment, any one impact member and another impact member of the impact module may be configured to impact the chamber substantially simultaneously.

[0020] In one embodiment, the length of the rotating blade of any one rotating component of the impact module and the length of the rotating blade of the other rotating component may be different from each other.

[0021] In an embodiment, the rotating blade may be made of an elastic material, one end portion of the rotating blade may be a fixed end connected to the rotating member, and the other end portion opposite to the one end portion of the rotating blade may be a free end.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the rotating blade is pressed by the impact member, the other end portion of the rotating blade may be inclined in a direction away from the cavity, and when the rotating blade is separated from the impact member, the other end portion of the rotating blade may move toward the cavity and may be configured to impact the cavity.

[0023] In one embodiment, the inhaler may further include: a puff sensor configured to sense airflow inside the stick; and a processor configured to receive a sensing result from the puff sensor and control the rotation of the rotating member.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] The inhaler according to an embodiment can control the discharge amount and / or discharge speed of the discharged powder by causing the impact member to impact the chamber, and help the user to smoothly inhale the powder.

[0026] 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 according to the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3a The figure schematically shows the interior of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3b The figure schematically shows the interior of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 The figure schematically shows a partial area of ​​an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5a The figure schematically shows a partial area of ​​an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5b The figure schematically shows a partial area of ​​an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 The figure schematically shows a partial area of ​​an inhaler according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] 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 according to 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 disclosure are not simple terms, and the terms should be defined according to the meaning of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0036] It will be understood that when a certain part is described as "including" a specific component, it means that other components may also be included without special mention of a counterexample, and does not mean that other components are excluded. In addition, the terms "-unit", "-module" and the like described in the specification refer to a component that processes at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0037] 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 listed components. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" refers to the following: including a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a, b, and c.

[0038] In various embodiments, the term "puff" refers to inhalation by a user, which refers to the situation where a user inhales something into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nasal cavity.

[0039] In one embodiment, the inhaler may include a main body (or a holder) configured to support a cigarette cartridge (or a rod-shaped member), and the cigarette cartridge is configured to accommodate a capsule-shaped member including a composition. The cigarette cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The cigarette cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the main body and may be fixed to the main body so as not to be disassembled by the user. The cigarette cartridge may be mounted on the main body, and the capsule-shaped member is accommodated inside the cigarette cartridge. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. When the cigarette cartridge is coupled to the main body, the powder or the capsule-shaped member including the powder may be injected into the interior of the cigarette cartridge.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler 100 according to an embodiment.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 The inhaler 100 according to an embodiment may include at least a portion of the following: a controller 110 , a sensing unit 120 , an output unit 130 , a battery 140 , a heater 150 , a user input unit 160 , a memory 170 , a communication unit 180 , and a driving unit 190 .

[0043] However, the internal structure of the inhaler 100 is not limited to Figure 1That 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 modified, or new components may be added thereto.

[0044] In one embodiment, the sensing unit 120 may sense the state of the inhaler 100 or the state around the inhaler 100 and transmit the sensed information to the controller 110 (or processor). The controller 110 may control the driving of other components of the inhaler 100 based on the sensed information.

[0045] For example, the controller 110 may control the operation of the heater 150 based on the sensing result of the sensing unit 120 by determining the rod-shaped member (eg, Figure 2 rod-shaped member 230), capsule-shaped member (e.g., Figure 3a The drive unit 190 is controlled by the output unit 130 to determine whether the capsule 232, the cigarette cartridge, or the cigarette is inserted into the insertion slot, or to perform various functions, such as displaying a notification through the output unit 130.

[0046] In an embodiment, the sensing unit 120 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, and a suction sensor 126. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 124 can detect the insertion of a rod-shaped member (e.g., Figure 2 rod-shaped member 230) or capsule-shaped member (e.g., Figure 3a and Figure 3b The insertion detection sensor 124 may include at least one of the following: for example, a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, and the insertion detection sensor may sense signal changes by the insertion and / or removal of the rod or capsule.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In one embodiment, in addition to the above sensors, the sensing unit 120 may further include at least one of the following: 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 (e.g., an illumination sensor). Those skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name of the sensor, so a more detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0051] 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 a display 132, a tactile portion 134, or a sound output portion 136, but is not limited thereto. When the display 132 and a touch pad are provided in a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 132 may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0052] In one embodiment, display 132 can provide information about inhaler 100 visually to the user.For example, information about inhaler 100 can include at least a portion of the following various information: such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 140 of inhaler 100, the preheating state of heater 150, the insertion / removal state of the rod-shaped member or capsule-shaped member or the restricted state (for example, abnormal article detected) of the use of inhaler 100 or the vibration state of drive unit 190, and display 132 can output this information to the outside.Display 132 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an organic light emitting display (OLED) panel, etc.In addition, display 132 can also be the form of a light emitting diode (LED) device.

[0053] In one embodiment, the tactile 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 tactile portion 134 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 drive 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. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0057] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may receive power from the battery 140 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the inhaler 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current to direct current converter (DC / DC converter)) that converts power from the battery 140 and supplies the power 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 direct current power of the battery 140 into alternating current power.

[0058] In one embodiment, the controller 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 the power to corresponding components.

[0059] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, a 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. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. 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 embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0060] In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 150 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In one embodiment, the user input unit 160 may receive information input from the user, and may also output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 may include a keyboard, 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 roller, a micro switch, etc., but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In addition, although in Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, 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.

[0063] In one embodiment, the memory 170 is hardware for storing various data processed in the inhaler 100, and can store data processed by the controller 110 and data to be processed by the controller 110. The memory 170 may include at least one of the following types: a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD 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.

[0064] In one embodiment, the memory 170 may store the operation time of the inhaler 170 , the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, and data associated with the user's smoking pattern, etc.

[0065] In an 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 .

[0066] In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 182 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 (such as Wi-Fi), 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, etc., but the implementation method is not limited to this.

[0067] 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 the embodiment 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.

[0068] In one embodiment, the drive unit 190 may include various drive devices to assist the user's inhalation operation of the inhaler 100. For example, the drive unit 190 may include a rotating member 191, and the powder transmission of the inhaler 100 may be assisted by the rotational movement of the rotating member 191. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the drive unit 190 may also include elements such as a motor, a shaft, a plurality of pinions, or a hydraulic device.

[0069] In one embodiment, the rotating member 191 may be implemented as a wheel that rotates around a fixed axis, and when a voltage is applied to a power source (eg, a motor) for rotating the rotating member 191 , the rotating member 191 may rotate.

[0070] In one embodiment, controller 110 can control the overall operation of inhaler 100. In one embodiment, controller 110 can include at least one processor. Processor can be implemented as an array consisting of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory, in which a microprocessor executable program is stored. In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the processor can be implemented with other types of hardware.

[0071] In one embodiment, the controller 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 controller 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 controller 110.

[0072] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may analyze the result sensed by the sensing unit 120 and control the process to be performed subsequently. For example, the controller 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.

[0073] For example, the controller 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.

[0074] In one embodiment, the controller 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 controller 110 may notify that the use of the inhaler 100 is about to end through at least one of the display 132, the tactile portion 134, and the sound output portion 136. Alternatively, for example, the puff sensor 126 may sense the inhalation state of the user, and based on this, the controller 110 may control the driving of the rotating member 191 of the driving unit 190.

[0075] In one embodiment, the controller 110 may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount of the heater 150 according to the state of the rod-shaped member or the capsule-shaped member sensed by the sensing unit 120 .

[0076] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executable by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that a computer can access, and include volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media. In addition, computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media at the same time. Computer storage media include all of volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media implemented by 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 commands, data structures, or other data about modulated data signals (e.g., program modules), or include other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0077] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an inhaler 200 according to an embodiment.

[0078] Reference Figure 2 The inhaler 200 according to an embodiment may include a holder 210 and at least a portion of a stick-shaped member 230 .

[0079] In one embodiment, the holder 210 may be configured as a cylindrical or polygonal cylinder. The holder 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 an insertion direction (eg, Y direction).

[0080] In one embodiment, the holder 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.

[0081] In an embodiment, the insertion groove 215 may be configured as a recess formed in a concave manner in a direction from the first surface 211 toward the second surface 212 , and may be formed to be open toward at least a partial area of ​​the first surface 211 .

[0082] For example, the insertion groove 215 may have a shape extending along the longitudinal axis (eg, + / Y direction) of the holder 210. The rod 230 may be inserted into the holder 210 along the direction (eg, Y direction) through which the insertion groove 215 penetrates.

[0083] In one embodiment, an inlet (not shown) may be formed between the outer side of the holder 210 and the insertion groove 215 , and air from outside the holder 210 may flow into the insertion groove 215 through the inlet.

[0084] Although not shown in the figure, the holder 210 can accommodate various components of the inhaler 200 therein. For example, the holder 210 can accommodate a controller (eg, Figure 1 10), at least a portion of at least one sensor (e.g., Figure 1 The sensing unit 120) and the battery (eg, Figure 1 of battery 140).

[0085] In one embodiment, the rod-shaped member 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-shaped member 230 may accommodate the powder P therein.

[0086] In one embodiment, a mouthpiece 231 may be provided on one surface of the rod-shaped member 230. For example, the mouthpiece 231 may be provided in an area where the rod-shaped member 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215 (eg, Figure 3aThe user can inhale air by applying negative pressure to the rod-shaped member 230. For example, the user can inhale the powder P, or the air or aerosol containing the powder P, when the mouthpiece 231 is contained in the mouth.

[0087] Figure 3a is a diagram schematically showing the interior of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment, Figure 3b is a diagram schematically showing the interior of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0088] Specifically, Figure 3a and Figure 3b It is shown Figure 2 The figure inside the region A shown in Figure 3a 2 shows a state where the rod-shaped member 230 is partially inserted or being inserted into the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210. Figure 3b A state in which the rod 230 is substantially completely inserted into the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210 is shown.

[0089] Reference Figure 3a and Figure 3b According to one embodiment, the inhaler 200 may include at least a portion of the following: a puncture member 220 , an elastic member 225 , a chamber 233 , and a puncture hole 234 .

[0090] 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.

[0091] In one embodiment, the capsule 232 may contain powder P. The powder P may be a tobacco extract in a small particle state, or the powder P may be a pharmacological material such as caffeine, taurine, aspirin, a sedative, a sleeping pill, a bronchodilator, or a vaccine, or a composition or functional material containing materials such as free nicotine or nicotine salts. However, this is only an example, and the powder P in the capsule 232 may be replaced by a liquid, a gas, or some combination of these.

[0092] In one embodiment, the puncture hole 234 may be an opening that opens from the outside of the rod 230 toward the chamber 233. The puncture hole 234 may be formed on the surface of the rod 230 facing the insertion slot 215, ideally in the 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.

[0093] In one embodiment, the rod 230 may include a connection from the chamber 233 to the mouthpiece (e.g., Figure 2 The air flow channel 235 of the mouthpiece 231 in the embodiment of the present invention can be provided. The air flow channel 235 can be a flow path for the air containing the powder P to flow, and the air flow channel 235 and the chamber 233 can be separated by a net 236.

[0094] In one embodiment, the net 236 can allow the powder P and air to pass through, and can restrict the capsule 232 or other foreign matter from passing through. Alternatively, the net 236 can filter out some of the powder P or help the powder P not to agglomerate. For example, the diameter of a single hole of the net 236 can be 5 microns.

[0095] In one embodiment, when the capsule 232 is crushed, at least a portion of the powder P in the capsule 232 may be discharged to the chamber 233. When the user inhales air in the stick 230 through the mouthpiece 231, the powder P may pass through the mesh 236, pass through the airflow channel 235, move to the mouthpiece 231, and be inhaled by the user.

[0096] In one embodiment, the stick 230 may be disposable and may be replaced with another stick 230 after the powder P is used up. Alternatively, the stick 230 may be reusable, and when the powder P is used up, the stick 230 may be refilled with the capsule 232 or the powder P and used again.

[0097] In one embodiment, the puncture member 220 may be disposed in the insertion slot 215 and may protrude from the insertion slot 215 in a direction facing the rod-shaped member 230 (e.g., +Y direction). The puncture member 220 may crush the capsule 232. For example, when the rod-shaped member 230 is inserted into the insertion slot 215 in 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-shaped member 230, and the puncture member 220 may partially crush the capsule 232.

[0098] In one embodiment, the end of the puncture member 220 may have a pointed or sharp shape, for example, the puncture member 220 may be a needle or a thorn. The end portion of the puncture member 220 may crush a portion of the capsule 232 and form a perforation on the capsule 232. The capsule 232 may discharge the powder P into the chamber 233 through the perforation formed by the crushing of the puncture member 220.

[0099] The elastic member 225 according to one embodiment may be disposed in the insertion groove 215. When the rod-shaped member 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215, the elastic member 225 may be pressed by the rod-shaped member 230 to be deformed (e.g., compressed). When the elastic member 225 is deformed, the elastic member 225 may press the rod-shaped member 230 in a direction opposite to the first direction of the elastic force (e.g., +Y direction). The elastic member 225 may include a coil spring capable of applying an elastic force to other structures.

[0100] Figure 4 is a diagram schematically showing a partial area of ​​an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0101] Reference Figure 4 According to one embodiment, the inhaler 200 may include a rotating member 240 (eg, Figure 1 At least one of the rotating member 191) and the impact member 250.

[0102] In one embodiment, the rotating member 240 may be disposed inside the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210. The rotating member 240 may be a rotating plate or a wheel that rotates around the rotation axis R.

[0103] In one embodiment, the rotating member 240 may be driven by a drive unit such as an electric motor (e.g., Figure 1 The driving unit 190 in the embodiment receives power, and the rotation direction and revolutions per minute (RPM) of the rotating member 240 can be determined by a processor (e.g., Figure 1 The controller 110 in the control.

[0104] In one embodiment, the rotating member 240 may include at least one rotating blade 245 provided on an outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 240. The rotating blade 245 may be formed in plurality, and the plurality of rotating blades 245 may be spaced apart, preferably substantially equidistant from each other.

[0105] In one embodiment, the impact member 250 may be connected to a fixing member 255 fixed at a fixed position of the insertion groove 215, and at least a portion of the region of the impact member 250 may be fixed in the insertion groove 215. The fixing member 255, the impact member 250, and the rotating member 240 may be spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 233 by a predetermined distance, and may be arranged near the chamber 233.

[0106] In one embodiment, one end portion of the impact member 250 may have a structure connected to the fixed member 255, and the other end portion of the impact member 250 may have a structure extending from the one end portion toward the rotating member 240, for example, substantially having a rod shape or a cylindrical shape. For example, as the rotating member 240 rotates, the other end portion of the impact member 250 may extend into the moving range of the rotating blade 245 of the rotating member 240, so that the impact member 250 and the rotating blade 245 are engaged with each other.

[0107] In one embodiment, as the rotating member 240 rotates about the rotation axis R, the rotating blade 245 of the rotating member 240 may temporarily contact the impact member 250. In a case where the rotating blade 245 and the impact member 250 are in contact with each other, as the rotating member 240 continues to rotate, the rotating blade 245 and the impact member 250 may engage with each other, and the rotating member 240 may temporarily press the impact member 250.

[0108] In one embodiment, the impact member 250 may be tilted by interoperating with the rotation of the rotating member 240, and may impact the chamber 233. As the rotating member 240 rotates, the chamber 233 that is repeatedly impacted may vibrate.

[0109] Next, as the rotating member 240 moves in one direction (eg, Figure 4 The operation of the impact member 250 made of elastic material impacting the chamber 233 is described in detail.

[0110] In one embodiment, the impact member 250 may be made of an elastic material. One end portion of the impact member 250 may be a fixed end connected to the fixing member 255 to limit movement, and the other end portion opposite to the one end portion may be a free end that can be moved by external pressure. The impact member 250 may be temporarily deformed when engaged with the rotating blade 245, and may impact the chamber 233 during the recovery process.

[0111] For example, when the other end portion of the impact member 250 formed by the free end is pressed by the rotating blade 245, the impact member 250 may be bent in the pressing direction. When the rotating member 240 continues to rotate and the rotating blade 245 is separated from the other end portion of the impact member 250, the impact member 250 may rebound to a position in contact with the chamber 233 by a restoring force (or elastic force), which exceeds the position before being pressed by the rotating blade 245. The other end portion of the impact member 250 may impact the chamber 233, and the chamber 233 may vibrate due to the impact.

[0112] However, the above process is merely an example description of a portion of the inhaler 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure and is not limited thereto, and the inhaler 200 may vibrate the chamber 233 through different structures and operations.

[0113] For example, the rotating member 240 may rotate in a direction different from the above example (e.g., counterclockwise), and the rotating blade 245 may press the impact member 250 in a direction toward the chamber 233. The impact member 250 may be pressed by the rotating blade 245, popped out in a direction toward the chamber 233, and impact the chamber 233. The impact member 250 may be made of a rigid material, and may be relatively freely and rotatably arranged in the insertion groove 215 with one end portion of the impact member 250 fixed to the fixing member 255.

[0114] In one embodiment, the impact member 250 may be arranged in the insertion groove 215 in a direction facing the cavity 233, and may impact the side surface of the cavity 233. Figure 4 As shown, the impact member 250 may be arranged to face one side surface (eg, a surface in the +X direction) of the chamber 233 , the side surface being adjacent to a space into which the rod 230 is inserted.

[0115] In one embodiment, when the impact member 250 impacts the side surface of the chamber 233, the chamber 233 may vibrate in the left-right direction (eg, the XZ plane direction). The vibration of the chamber 233 may be a capsule inside the chamber 233 (eg, Figure 3a and Figure 3b The capsule 232 in the bag provides vibration, and as the capsule 232 vibrates, the powder (e.g., Figure 3a and Figure 3b Alternatively, the vibration of the chamber 233 can provide kinetic energy for the powder P remaining in the chamber 233 and help the powder P move to the air flow channel 235.

[0116] However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the impact member 250 may be arranged in the insertion groove 215 in a direction facing the cavity 233, and may impact the bottom surface of the cavity 233. For example, although not shown in the drawings, the impact member 250 may be arranged to face one surface of the rod-shaped member 230, which faces the insertion direction of the rod-shaped member 230 (e.g., the Y direction).

[0117] In one embodiment, when the impact member 250 impacts the bottom surface of the chamber 233, the powder P remaining on the bottom surface of the chamber 233 may receive kinetic energy and rise with the airflow. Alternatively, when the impact member 250 periodically impacts the bottom surface of the chamber 233, the chamber 233 may vibrate repeatedly, providing vibration to the capsule 232 in the chamber 233 and promoting the discharge of the powder P.

[0118] In one embodiment, the rotating blade 245 may have a shape protruding in a direction away from the rotating axis R. For example, one surface of the rotating blade 245 may extend straight in a direction away from the rotating axis R, and the other surface of the rotating blade 245 may extend in a curved shape such that the one surface contacts one end portion of the rotating blade 245. However, this is merely an example, and the rotating blade 245 may have various shapes, such as a triangle, a quadrilateral, a hemispherical shape, or an angular shape.

[0119] In one embodiment, the rotating blade 245 may have a first length L1 which is a width of an end portion of the rotating blade 245 in a direction away from the rotation axis R. As the first length L1 of the rotating blade 245 increases within a certain range, the compressive force applied by the rotating blade 245 to the impact member 250 may increase, and the impact strength applied to the chamber 233 may increase.

[0120] For example, when the first length L1 of the rotating blade 245 is relatively long, the impact member 250 may be inclined at a greater angle, and when the rotating blade 245 and the impact member 250 are separated from each other, the impact member 250 may hit the chamber 233 with a greater restoring force.

[0121] In one embodiment, the impact member 250 may have a second length L2, which is a width in an inclined direction (eg, X-axis direction). As the second length L2 of the impact member 250 increases within a certain range, the compression force stored in the impact member 250 may increase, and the impact strength applied to the chamber 233 may increase.

[0122] For example, when the second length L2 of the impact member 250 is relatively long, the rotating blade 245 must press the impact member 250 with greater pressure to tilt the impact member 250, and when the rotating blade 245 and the impact member 250 are separated from each other, the impact member 250 can hit the chamber 233 with greater restoring force.

[0123] In one embodiment, the inhaler 200 may need to reduce or increase the amount or rate of discharge of powder P from the capsule 232 depending on various factors such as the user's breathing volume or the user's preference.

[0124] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the impact member 250 can impact the chamber 233 by cooperating with the rotation of the rotating member 240. The chamber 233 can control the powder P to be effectively discharged from the capsule 232 through vibration caused by the impact, and can help the powder P to move effectively to the airflow channel 235.

[0125] For example, processor 110 may sense airflow from a suction sensor (e.g., Figure 1 The suction sensor 126 in the processor 110 receives the sensing result, and based on this, the rotation direction of the rotating member 240 and the rotation parameters such as the revolutions per minute (RPM) can be controlled. For example, when it is determined that the vital capacity of the user is relatively low, the processor 110 can increase the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the rotating member 240, and can increase the vibration intensity and / or the number of vibrations applied to the chamber 233.

[0126] As described above, the rotating member 240 and the impact member 250 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be arranged in various positions and can have various shapes and sizes, and based on this, factors such as the intensity, direction and period of the impact applied by the impact member 250 to the chamber 233 can be controlled.

[0127] In one embodiment, the fixed member 255, the impact member 250 and the rotating member 240 may constitute an impact module. The impact module may refer to a component including the impact member 250 capable of impacting a preset impact point of the chamber 233 and the rotating member 240 for achieving the impact of the impact member 250. Hereinafter, the inhaler 200 including a plurality of impact modules is described with reference to the above description.

[0128] Figure 5a is a diagram schematically showing a partial area of ​​an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0129] Reference Figure 5a , the inhaler 200 may include a plurality of impact modules.

[0130] Hereinafter, the inhaler 200 of the region impacting the chamber 233 is described, the inhaler including the plurality of rotating members 240a and 240b and the plurality of impact members 250a and 250b, and the related repeated description is omitted.

[0131] In one embodiment, the plurality of impact modules may include a first impact module and a second impact module. The first impact module may include a first impact member 250a and a first rotating member 240a, and the second impact module may include a second impact member 250b and a second rotating member 240b.

[0132] In one embodiment, the first impact module and the second impact module may be arranged in opposite directions (eg, + / −X direction) to each other based on the chamber 233 .

[0133] For example, the first rotating member 240a and the second rotating member 240b may rotate in opposite directions based on the first rotating axis Ra and the second rotating axis Rb, respectively. When the first impact member 250a is pressed by the first rotating blade 245a of the first rotating member 240a, in a state where one end portion of the first impact member 250a is fixed to the first fixing member 255a, the other end portion of the first impact member 250a may be tilted in a direction away from the chamber 233. When the second impact member 250b is pressed by the second rotating blade 245b of the second rotating member 240b, in a state where one end portion of the second impact member 250b is fixed to the second fixing member 255b, the other end portion of the second impact member 250b may be tilted in a direction away from the chamber 233. In addition, the first impact member 250a and the second impact member 250b may respectively impact different regions (e.g., opposite regions) of the chamber 233 by the restoring force. For example, the first impact member 250 a may impact one side (eg, +X side) of the side surface of the chamber 233 , and the second impact member 250 b may impact the other side (eg, X side) of the side surface of the chamber 233 .

[0134] In one embodiment, the first impact member 250a and the second impact member 250b may respectively repeatedly impact the chamber 233 in two directions of the chamber 233, so that the chamber 233 may receive stronger vibrations and transmit stronger vibrations to the capsule (e.g., Figure 3a and Figure 3b capsule 232) and powder (e.g., Figure 3a and Figure 3b Alternatively, the first impact member 250a and the second impact member 250b may provide kinetic energy to the powder P in two directions, thereby causing the powder P to be evenly diffused.

[0135] In one embodiment, in the first impact module and the second impact module, the first impact member 250a and the second impact member 250b may alternately impact the chamber 233. When the first impact member 250a and the second impact member 250b alternately impact the chamber 233, the single vibration intensity transmitted to the inhaler 200 may be reduced, the overall vibration amplitude transmitted to the chamber 233 may be increased, and the vibration effect may be improved.

[0136] Figure 5b is a diagram schematically showing a partial area of ​​an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0137] Reference Figure 5b , the inhaler 200 may include a plurality of impact modules.

[0138] Hereinafter, the inhaler 200 of the region of the impact chamber 233 including the plurality of rotating members 240c and 240d and the plurality of impact members 250c and 255d is described, and the related repeated description is omitted.

[0139] In one embodiment, the plurality of impact modules may include a third impact module and a fourth impact module.

[0140] In one embodiment, the third impact module may include a third impact member 250c and a third rotation member 240c, and the fourth impact module may include a fourth impact member 255d and a fourth rotation member 240d.

[0141] In one embodiment, the third impact module and the fourth impact module may be arranged to face the same surface of the chamber 233 .

[0142] In one embodiment, one end portion of the third impact member 250c of the third impact module and one end portion of the fourth impact member 255d of the fourth impact module may be equally connected to the third fixing member 255c. One end of the third impact member 250c may extend in one direction (e.g., +Y direction) from the other end portion of the third impact member 250c connected to the third fixing member 255c, and one end portion of the fourth impact member 255d may extend in another direction (e.g., Y direction) from the other end portion of the fourth impact member 255d connected to the third fixing member 255c.

[0143] For example, the third rotating member 240c and the fourth rotating member 240d may rotate in opposite directions to each other based on the third rotating axis Rc and the fourth rotating axis Rd, respectively. When the third impact member 250c is pressed by the third rotating blade 245c of the third rotating member 240c, one end portion of the third impact member 250c may be tilted in a direction away from the chamber 233 in a state where the other end portion of the third impact member 250c is fixed to the third fixing member 255c. When the fourth impact member 255d is pressed by the fourth rotating blade 245d of the fourth rotating member 240d, one end portion of the fourth impact member 255d may be tilted in a direction away from the chamber 233 in a state where the other end portion of the fourth impact member 255d is fixed to the third fixing member 255c. In addition, the third impact member 250c and the fourth impact member 255d may respectively impact different areas of one surface of the chamber 233 by the restoring force. For example, the third impact member 250c may impact an area on one side (e.g., Y side or lower side) of the side surface of the cavity 233, and the fourth impact member 255d may impact an area on the other side (e.g., +Y side or upper side) of the side surface of the cavity 233.

[0144] In one embodiment, since the third impact member 250c and the fourth impact member 255d impact the positions spaced apart from each other on the same surface of the chamber 233, the chamber 233 as a whole can receive stronger vibrations, and the stronger vibrations can be transmitted to the capsule (e.g., Figure 3a and Figure 3b capsule 232) and powder (e.g., Figure 3a and Figure 3b Powder P).

[0145] However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the third impact module and the fourth impact module may be independently spaced apart from each other by being connected to respective fixing members 255 , and each module may impact different regions of the chamber 233 .

[0146] In one embodiment, the length of the third rotating blade 245c (eg, Figure 4 The first length L1 in the embodiment and the length of the fourth rotating blade 245d may be different from each other. The lengths of the rotating blades 245c and 245d may be set differently depending on the need for stronger or weaker impact.

[0147] For example, when the length of the fourth rotating blade 245d is longer than that of the third rotating blade 245c, the fourth impact member 255d may effectively vibrate the chamber 233 by strongly impacting a position where stronger vibration is required.

[0148] However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the width (eg, Figure 4The second length L2 in the fourth impact member 255d and the width of the fourth impact member 255d may be different from each other, and the lengths of the impact members 250c and 255d may be set differently according to the need for stronger or weaker impact. The description that the lengths L1 of the plurality of rotating blades 245c and 245d and / or the lengths L2 of the plurality of impact members 250c and 255d are different from each other may also be applied to Figure 5a or other embodiments.

[0149] In one embodiment, since the third impact member 250 c and the fourth impact member 255 d may respectively impact the chamber 233 in the same direction toward the chamber 233 , the chamber 233 may receive stronger vibration, and the stronger vibration may be transferred to the capsule 232 and the powder P.

[0150] In one embodiment, in the third impact module and the fourth impact module, the third impact member 250c and the fourth impact member 255d may substantially simultaneously impact the chamber 233. When the third impact member 250c and the fourth impact member 255d simultaneously impact the chamber 233, the single vibration intensity transmitted to the inhaler 200 may be reduced, the overall vibration amplitude transmitted to the chamber 233 may be increased, and the vibration effect may be improved.

[0151] Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing a partial area of ​​an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0152] Reference Figure 6 , the rotating blades 246 of the rotating member 240 according to one embodiment may impact the chamber 233 .

[0153] Hereinafter, the inhaler 200 is described, wherein the rotating blade 246 impacts the chamber 233. For the convenience of description, the related repeated description is omitted, and the different contents are mainly described.

[0154] In one embodiment, the rotating blade 246 may be made of an elastic material. One end portion of the rotating blade 246 may be a fixed end portion connected to the rotating member 240, and the other end portion opposite to the one end portion may be a free end portion. As the rotating member 240 rotates, the rotating blade 246 may impact the side wall of the chamber 233.

[0155] In one embodiment, the other end portion of the impact member 251 may also be a fixed end in addition to the one end portion connected to the fixing member 255. The rotating blade 246 may be temporarily deformed when engaged with the impact member 251, and may impact the chamber 233 during recovery.

[0156] For example, when the other end portion of the rotating blade 246 as the free end portion is pressed by the impact member 251, the rotating blade 246 may be bent in the pressing direction. In addition, when the rotating member 240 continues to rotate and the other end portion of the rotating blade 246 is separated from the impact member 251, the rotating blade 246 may be rebounded to the position in contact with the chamber 233 by the restoring force (or elastic force). The other end portion of the rotating blade 246 may impact the chamber 233, and the chamber 233 may vibrate due to the impact. The impact member 251 may be separated from the rotating blade 246 after pressing the rotating blade 246, and the impact strength applied to the chamber 233 by the rotating blade 246 may increase.

[0157] In one embodiment, by repeatedly impacting the chamber 233 as the rotating blade 246 rotates, the chamber 233 may receive the vibration and transmit the vibration to the capsule (eg, Figure 3a and Figure 3b capsule 232) and powder (e.g., Figure 3a and Figure 3b The rotating blades 246 can provide kinetic energy for the powder P to make the powder P evenly dispersed.

[0158] Although these embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in form and detail may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. For example, if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented with other components or their equivalents, appropriate results will be achieved. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and / or equivalents of the claims are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An inhaler, comprising: a rod-shaped member including a chamber configured to contain a powder; a retaining member, the retaining member comprising an insertion slot into which the rod-shaped member is inserted; a fixing member fixed to the insertion groove; an impact member connected to the fixing member; as well as a rotating member including a rotating shaft disposed in the insertion groove and at least one rotating blade disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotating member, Here, the rotating member is configured such that, as the rotating member rotates about the rotating shaft, when the rotating blade and the impact member are engaged with each other, the rotating member temporarily presses the impact member.

2. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein One end portion of the striking member is a fixed end portion connected to the fixing member, and the other end portion of the striking member opposite to the one end portion is a free end portion.

3. The inhaler according to claim 2, wherein When the impact member is pressed by the rotating blade, the other end portion of the impact member is inclined in a direction away from the cavity, and when the impact member is separated from the rotating blade, the other end portion of the impact member moves toward the cavity and is configured to impact the cavity.

4. The inhaler according to claim 2, wherein When the impact member is pressed by the rotating blade, the other end portion of the impact member bounces toward the chamber and is configured to impact the chamber.

5. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein The impact member is arranged to face one surface of the bar-shaped member, the one surface facing a direction in which the bar-shaped member is inserted into the insertion groove.

6. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein The impact member is arranged to face a side surface adjacent to one surface of the bar-shaped member, the one surface facing a direction in which the bar-shaped member is inserted into the insertion groove.

7. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein The impact member and the rotating member constitute an impact module, and The inhaler comprises a plurality of the impact modules.

8. The inhaler according to claim 7, wherein The impact modules are arranged in opposite directions to each other based on the chambers.

9. The inhaler according to claim 7, wherein One striking member and another striking member of the striking module are configured to strike the chamber alternately.

10. The inhaler according to claim 7, wherein The impact modules are arranged to face the same surface of the chamber.

11. The inhaler according to claim 7, wherein: One impact member and another impact member of the impact module are configured to impact the chamber substantially simultaneously.

12. The inhaler according to claim 7, wherein The length of the rotating blade of one rotating component and the length of the rotating blade of the other rotating component of the impact module are different from each other.

13. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein: The rotating blade is made of an elastic material, one end portion of the rotating blade is a fixed end connected to the rotating member, and the other end portion opposite to the one end portion of the rotating blade is a free end.

14. The inhaler of claim 13, wherein: When the rotating blade is pressed by the impact member, the other end portion of the rotating blade is inclined in a direction away from the chamber, and when the rotating blade is separated from the impact member, the other end portion of the rotating blade moves toward the chamber and is configured to impact the chamber.

15. The inhaler of claim 1, further comprising: a puff sensor configured to sense airflow inside the wand; as well as A processor is configured to receive a sensing result from the suction sensor and control rotation of the rotating member.

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