Inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler according to an embodiment may comprise: an inhalation part through which a user inhales dry powder; and a storage unit having the dry powder inside and capable of generating an airflow in the form of a whirlwind when the user inhales into the inhalation unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhaler. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing need for alternative products to overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes. For example, an inhaler is a device that inhales a composition such as a drug in the form of a liquid or gas through the mouth or nose during inhalation. These devices have a container for holding the inhalable composition, and the composition can be ejected from the container through a fine tube through an inhalation port and finally into the mouth or nose, thereby enabling the user to inhale.

[0003] As an example of the prior art, European Patent No. 0017578 (granted on March 19, 1980) describes an inhaler.

[0004] The above background art was mastered or learned by the inventors during the development of the present invention and should not be construed as generally known prior art that was publicly available before the application of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problem to be Solved

[0006] An object according to an embodiment is to provide an inhaler that utilizes a cyclone-shaped airflow.

[0007] An object according to an embodiment is to provide an inhaler that can improve the uniformity of the inhaled dry powder.

[0008] Technical Solution for Solving the Problem

[0009] An inhaler according to an embodiment may include: an inhalation part for a user to inhale dry powder;

[0010] a storage part having the dry powder inside and capable of generating a cyclone-shaped airflow when the user inhales the inhalation part.

[0011] The storage part may include at least one inlet for air to flow in.

[0012] The inhalation part may include an airflow passage for air and the dry powder to flow through and a passage housing surrounding at least a part of the airflow passage, and a part of the airflow passage extends into the storage part.

[0013] The storage part and the airflow passage may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0014] The cross-sectional area of the part of the airflow passage extending into the storage part may be narrower than the area of one end of the airflow passage.

[0015] Compared with one end portion of the air flow channel extending into the storage portion, the air inlet may be closer to the inhalation portion on the storage portion.

[0016] The storage portion may include a cyclone chamber, and at least a part of the cyclone chamber is conical to generate an air flow in a cyclone form.

[0017] The inhaler according to an embodiment may further include a cover portion that can control the opening and closing of the air inlet of the storage portion or the inhalation portion, or can control the opening and closing of the air inlet and the inhalation portion.

[0018] The cover portion may include a first cover that controls the opening and closing of the air inlet of the storage portion and a second cover that controls the opening and closing of the inhalation portion.

[0019] The first cover and the second cover may respectively include adhesive elements that can be attached to the air inlet and the inhalation portion.

[0020] The inhaler according to an embodiment may further include a support portion that supports one end portion of the storage portion.

[0021] The support portion may include a porous material, a rigid material, or a combination thereof.

[0022] Advantages of the Invention

[0023] The inhaler according to an embodiment can utilize an air flow in a cyclone form.

[0024] The inhaler according to an embodiment can improve the uniformity of the inhaled dry powder. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 is an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is the cover portion of the inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 is the storage portion of the inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 is the storage portion of the inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 is the storage portion of the inhaler according to an embodiment. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0030] Next, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is one of several aspects of an embodiment, and the following description constitutes a part of the detailed description. During the description of an embodiment, when it is determined that a specific description of a related well-known structure or function will cause unnecessary confusion to the present disclosure, the specific description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] However, various changes can be made to the embodiments. In this document, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. The embodiments should be understood to include all changes made within the concept and technical scope of the present disclosure, their equivalents, and their alternatives.

[0032] In addition, considering that the inventor can appropriately define the term concept to optimally describe the invention, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted according to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted according to the meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of the invention according to an embodiment.

[0033] Unless otherwise specified in the context, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are used to express the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical or scientific terms used herein, have the ordinary meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the examples belong. Commonly used terms such as those defined in a dictionary should be understood in the context of the relevant technical content. Without specific definition in this specification, they should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal meanings.

[0035] During the description of the examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. During the description of the embodiments, when it is determined that a specific description of a related well-known structure or function will cause unnecessary confusion to the present disclosure, the specific description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] Also, when describing the components of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding components, etc. When it is described that one component is "connected", "coupled", or "attached" to another component, it should be understood that one component can be directly connected or attached to the other component, or an intermediate component can also be "connected", "coupled", or "attached" to this component.

[0037] When a component has the same function as a component of a certain embodiment, the same name is also used for description in other embodiments. Without mention of counterexamples, the configurations disclosed in a certain embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, and the specific description of the repeated configurations can be omitted.

[0038] Figure 1 is an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 , an inhaler according to an embodiment may include an inhalation part 100, a storage part 200, and a support part 300.

[0040] The user can inhale the inhaler by applying negative pressure to the inhalation part 100. The inhalation part 100 may have the shape of a mouthpiece to facilitate the user's inhalation. The inhalation part 100 may include an air flow channel 110 that allows air flow to the inside and a channel housing 120 that structurally surrounds the air flow channel 110. A part of the air flow channel 110 may extend into the storage part 200.

[0041] The storage part 200 is connected to the inhalation part 100. The air flow channel 110 of the inhalation part 100 may penetrate through one end of the storage part 200. Inhalable dry powder g may be present in the storage part 200. The dry powder g present inside the storage part 200 may include: functional substances such as caffeine or taurine; pharmacological substances such as aspirin, sedatives, sleep aids, bronchodilators, vaccines; or substances such as free-nicotine or nicotine salt. The storage part 200 may include a cavity s for storing the dry powder g. When the user applies negative pressure to the inhalation part 100 for inhalation, the air flow channel 110 of the inhalation part 100 may extract the air inside the storage part 200, thereby creating a negative pressure inside the storage part 200. The storage part 200 may include an air inlet 210 for allowing external air to flow in. When the user inhales the inhalation part 100, a negative pressure is created inside the storage part 200, causing air to flow in from the air inlet 210 formed on the storage part 200. After the air flows into the storage part 200 in the direction f1 shown in the figure, it is then inhaled by the user in the direction f2 shown in the figure through the air flow channel 110 extending into the storage part 200.

[0042] The support portion 300 can be arranged to abut against the storage portion 200. The support portion 300 can structurally support the storage portion. The support portion 300 can form the appearance of the inhaler together with the inhalation portion 100 and the storage portion 200. The support portion 300 can comprise a porous medium or a rigid material. For example, the support portion 300 can comprise a porous medium such as acetate tow.

[0043] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is the cover portion of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0044] The cover portion can open or close the inlet 210 formed on the storage portion 200 or the air flow passage 110 of the inhalation portion 100 for the user to inhale, or the cover portion can open or close both the inlet 210 and the air flow passage 110. The storage portion 200 can include a first cover and a second cover.

[0045] More specifically, Figure 2A shows the first cover of an inhaler according to an embodiment. The first cover 410 can open or close the inlet formed on the storage portion. The first cover 410 can be formed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the inlet of the storage portion. For example, when the inlet of the storage portion is formed into a slit shape, the first cover 410 can have the shape of a sealant elongated in the length direction of the slit. The first cover 410 can include an adhesive element 410a that can be attached to the storage portion. The region 410b of the first cover 410 other than the adhesive element 410a can shield the inlet of the storage portion. By using the region 410b of the first cover 410 other than the adhesive element 410a to shield the inlet, the dry powder inside the storage portion can be prevented from adhering to the adhesive element 410a. The region 410b of the first cover 410 other than the adhesive element 410a can include a coating for preventing the dry powder inside the storage portion from adhering. The first cover 410 can be repeatedly attached to or detached from the storage portion. The shapes of the first cover 410 and the adhesive element 410a can vary according to the shape of the inlet formed on the storage portion and are not limited to Figure 2A shown.

[0046] Figure 2BIt is the second cover of an inhaler according to an embodiment. The second cover 420 can open or close the air flow channel of the inhalation part. The second cover 420 can be formed into a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the air flow channel of the inhalation part. For example, when the air flow channel of the inhalation part is formed into a cylindrical shape, the second cover 420 can have the shape of a circular seal. The second cover 420 can include an adhesive element 420a that can be attached to the channel housing of the inhalation part. The area 420b on the second cover 420 other than the adhesive element 420a can shield the air flow channel of the inhalation part. By shielding the air flow channel with the area 420b on the second cover 420 other than the adhesive element 420a, the dry powder inside the air flow channel can be prevented from adhering to the adhesive element 420a. The area 420b on the second cover 420 other than the adhesive element 420a can include a coating to prevent the dry powder remaining inside the air flow channel from adhering. The second cover 420 can be repeatedly attached to or detached from the inhalation part. The shapes of the second cover 420 and the adhesive element 420a can vary according to the shapes of the air flow channel and the channel housing, and are not limited to Figure 2B as shown.

[0047] Figure 3 is the storage part of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3 , when the user inhales the inhaler, a cyclone-shaped air flow is generated inside the storage part 200. In the case of using a cyclone-shaped air flow, the swirling of the fluid can be utilized to separate the flow of the fluid according to the particle size flowing inside.

[0049] When the user inhales through the inhalation part, external air can flow into the storage part 200 through the inlet 210 along the direction f1 shown in the figure. At this time, the inlet 210 is closer to the inhalation part than the end 110e of the air flow channel 110 that partially extends into the storage part 200. The external air flowing in through the inlet 210 can spiral along the inner side surface of the storage part 200 to form a cyclone-shaped air flow, and the formed cyclone-shaped air flow can flow together with the dry powder g inside the storage part 200, and thus flow along the air flow channel toward the inhalation part along the direction f2 shown in the figure. As will be described later, the internal space s of the storage part 200 can be designed into a preset shape that is easy to form a cyclone-shaped air flow. The air flowing in through the inlet 210 along the direction f1 shown in the figure can spiral down along the tangential direction of the inner side surface of the storage part 200 (for example, in the -y direction), and then rise again together with the dry powder g inside the storage part toward the direction of the air flow channel (for example, in the +y direction). During this process, according to the diameter of the storage part 200, the dry powder g particles below the preset size flow toward the air flow channel direction and are inhaled by the user through the inhalation part along the direction f2 shown in the figure; while the particles above the preset size spiral inside the storage part 200 and remain inside the storage part 200 because they cannot break away from the flowing cyclone air flow. Preferably, the storage part 200 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0050] Figure 4 is the storage part of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 As shown in the figure, when the user inhales through the inhalation part, external air can flow into the storage part 200 through the inlet 210 along the direction f2, and a cyclone-shaped air flow can be generated inside the storage part 200. At this time, the inlet 210 is closer to the inhalation part than the end of the air flow channel 110 that partially extends into the storage part 200. The external air flowing in through the inlet 210 can spiral along the inner side surface of the storage part 200 to form a cyclone-shaped air flow, and the formed cyclone-shaped air flow can flow together with the dry powder g inside the storage part 200, and thus flow along the air flow channel toward the inhalation part along the direction f1.

[0052] At this time, the storage part 200 may include a cyclone chamber 220 that is at least partially conical, whereby it is easier to generate a cyclone-shaped air flow in the internal space s of the storage part 200. The cyclone chamber 220 provided inside the storage part 200 may include a first chamber part 221 in which the extending air flow channel 110 can be arranged and a second chamber part 222 that extends from the first chamber part 221 and has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area.

[0053] The inlet 210 may be formed on the first chamber portion 221, and the air flowing in through the inlet 210 in the direction f2 shown in the figure may spiral down along the tangential direction of the inner side surface of the second chamber portion 222 (for example, the -y direction). At this time, the shape of the second chamber portion 222 makes it easier to generate a cyclone-shaped air flow. The cyclone-shaped air flow generated in the second chamber portion 222 may rise again together with the internal dry powder g in the direction of the air flow passage (for example, the +y direction). During this process, according to the diameter of the storage unit 200, the dry powder g particles below the preset size flow in the direction f1 shown in the figure toward the air flow passage and are inhaled by the user through the inhalation portion; while the particles above the preset size swirl inside the storage unit 200 and remain inside the storage unit 200 because they cannot break away from the flowing cyclone air flow.

[0054] Figure 5 is the storage unit of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0055] Reference Figure 5 As shown in the figure, when the user inhales through the inhalation portion, external air may flow in through the inlet 210 of the storage unit 200 in the direction f2 shown in the figure, and a cyclone-shaped air flow may be generated inside the storage unit 200. At this time, the inlet 210 is closer to the inhalation portion than the end portion of the air flow passage 110 that partially extends into the storage unit 200. The external air flowing in through the inlet 210 may spiral along the inner side surface of the storage unit 200 to form a cyclone-shaped air flow, and the formed cyclone-shaped air flow may flow together with the dry powder g inside the storage unit 200, and thus flow along the air flow passage toward the inhalation portion in the direction f1 shown in the figure.

[0056] At this time, the storage unit 200 may include a cyclone chamber 220 that is at least partially conical, whereby it is easier to generate a cyclone-shaped air flow in the internal space s of the storage unit 200. The cyclone chamber 220 provided inside the storage unit 200 may include a first chamber portion 221 in which the air flow passage 110 that extends therein may be arranged, and a second chamber portion 222 that extends from the first chamber portion 221 and has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area.

[0057] The inlet 210 may be formed on the first chamber portion 221, and the air flowing in through the inlet 210 in the direction f2 shown in the figure may spiral down along the tangential direction of the inner side surface of the second chamber portion 222 (for example, the -y direction). At this time, it is easier to generate a cyclone-shaped air flow by virtue of the shape of the second chamber portion 222. The cyclone-shaped air flow generated in the second chamber portion 222 may rise again together with the internal dry powder g in the direction of the air flow passage (for example, the +y direction). In this process, according to the diameter of the storage portion 200, the dry powder g particles below the preset size flow in the direction f1 shown in the figure toward the air flow passage and are inhaled by the user through the suction portion; while the particles above the preset size spiral inside the storage portion 200 and remain inside the storage portion 200 because they cannot break away from the flowing cyclone air flow.

[0058] Here, the cross-sectional area of the part of the air flow passage 110 extending into the storage portion 200 may be narrower than the area of one end portion of the air flow passage. The air flow passage 110 extending into the storage portion 200 may have a passage neck 111 whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases first and then increases. The passage neck 111 of the air flow passage 110 can prevent the phenomenon of inhaling a large amount of dry powder g at one time, and can obtain a more uniform inhalation feeling by controlling the air flow rate moving to the suction portion.

[0059] Although the embodiments described above are embodiments described by specific components and other specific matters, defined embodiments, and drawings, this is provided to help understand the whole content. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art based on these descriptions. Therefore, the idea of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and the appended claims, their equivalents, or their equivalent variations all fall within the scope of the idea of the present invention.

Claims

1. An inhaler, characterized in that, Comprising: An inhalation part for the user to inhale dry powder, A storage part with the dry powder inside, and capable of generating a cyclone-shaped airflow when the user inhales through the inhalation part.

2. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage part includes at least one inlet for air to flow in.

3. The inhaler according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inhalation part includes an airflow channel for air and the dry powder to flow through and a channel housing surrounding at least a part of the airflow channel, A part of the airflow channel extends into the storage part.

4. The inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that, The storage part and the airflow channel are formed in a cylindrical shape.

5. The inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of the part of the airflow channel extending into the storage part is narrower than the area of one end of the airflow channel.

6. The inhaler according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet is closer to the inhalation part on the storage part than one end of the airflow channel extending into the storage part.

7. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage part includes a cyclone chamber, and at least a part of the cyclone chamber is conical to generate a cyclone-shaped airflow.

8. The inhaler according to claim 2, characterized in that, Further comprising: A cover part capable of controlling the opening and closing of the inlet of the storage part or the inhalation part, or capable of controlling the opening and closing of the inlet and the inhalation part.

9. The inhaler according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cover part includes a first cover for controlling the opening and closing of the inlet of the storage part and a second cover for controlling the opening and closing of the inhalation part.

10. The inhaler according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first cover and the second cover respectively include adhesive elements capable of adhering to the inlet and the inhalation part.

11. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising: A support part for supporting one end of the storage part.

12. The inhaler according to claim 11, characterized in that, The support part comprises a porous material, a rigid material or a combination thereof.

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