Inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler according to an embodiment may accommodate a capsule including a functional material, the inhaler including: a housing including a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface; at least a part of the suction nozzle protrudes from a first surface of the housing in a length direction in which the first surface and the second surface extend; a holder accommodated in the housing and including a capsule accommodating space; and a needle coupled to the suction nozzle and protruding toward the capsule accommodating space, the tip of the needle being insertable into the capsule accommodating space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various embodiments below relate to an inhaler. BACKGROUND

[0002] An inhaler can directly deliver a target substance to a user's lungs. The above background art is art that the inventors had possession of or obtained in the course of deriving the present invention, and does not necessarily have to be art that has been disclosed to the public before the present invention. SUMMARY

[0003] Problems to be Solved by the Invention An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of replacing a capsule.

[0004] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of achieving sufficient inhalation resistance.

[0005] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of preventing accidental leakage of a functional material powder.

[0006] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of securing a sufficiently long airflow path without increasing the size of the device.

[0007] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of improving the appearance by preventing an inflow hole of a lower end of a capsule from being exposed to the outside of a housing.

[0008] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of reducing contamination of a needle.

[0009] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0010] Means for Solving the Problems An inhaler according to one embodiment can accommodate a capsule including a functional material, and can include a housing including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface; a mouthpiece of which at least a portion protrudes from the first surface of the housing in a length direction in which the first surface and the second surface extend; a holder accommodated in the housing and including a capsule accommodation space; and a needle combined with the mouthpiece and protruding toward the capsule accommodation space, a tip end of the needle being capable of being inserted into the capsule accommodation space.

[0011] An inhaler according to an embodiment can accommodate a capsule including a functional material, the inhaler including a mouthpiece, a holder disposed in a length direction from the mouthpiece and including a capsule accommodation space, and an airflow path extending from the holder to the mouthpiece, the airflow path can include a first airflow path extending to the holder in the length direction, a second airflow path extending to the capsule accommodation space from the first airflow path in a width direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a third airflow path extending to the mouthpiece from the second airflow path in the length direction.

[0012] Effects of Invention An inhaler according to an embodiment can replace a capsule.

[0013] An inhaler according to an embodiment can achieve sufficient inhalation resistance.

[0014] An inhaler according to an embodiment can prevent accidental leakage of a functional material powder.

[0015] An inhaler according to an embodiment can secure a sufficiently long airflow path without increasing a device size.

[0016] An inhaler according to an embodiment can improve aesthetic properties by preventing an inflow hole of a lower end of a capsule from being exposed to the outside of a housing.

[0017] An inhaler according to an embodiment can reduce contamination of a needle.

[0018] However, effects of an inhaler according to an embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an inhaler according to an embodiment, viewed from a different angle.

[0021] Figure 3 is a front view of a state in which a housing is removed from an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an internal structure of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a holder of an inhaler according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates an airflow path of an inhaler according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected from currently widely used general terms, taking into account its function in the embodiments. However, different terms may be used depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedent, or the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, in certain cases, the terms are arbitrarily chosen by the applicant of this disclosure, and the meanings of these terms will be described in detail in the corresponding sections of the specific description. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure are not merely designations of the terms themselves, but should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and all the contents of this disclosure.

[0026] It should be understood that when a part "includes" a constituent element, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, that part does not exclude another constituent element, but may also include another constituent element. Furthermore, terms used in the specification such as "~part" or "~module" may refer to a unit used to perform at least one function or action, and may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] As used herein, expressions following the listed constituent elements, such as "...at least one of...", do not modify each of the listed constituent elements, but rather all of them. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, including a and b, including a and c, including b and c, or including a, b, and c.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an inhaler 10 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an inhaler 2 according to one embodiment, viewed from different angles. Figure 3 This is a front view of the inhaler 3 according to one embodiment after the housing has been removed. Figure 4 The internal structure of an inhaler 10 according to one embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 5 A retainer for an inhaler 10 according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 6 The airflow path of an inhaler 10 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to one embodiment, the inhaler 10 can deliver functional materials to a user. For example, according to one embodiment, the inhaler 10 can be configured to deliver nicotine aerosol to the user's lungs.

[0030] In one embodiment, the inhaler 10 may contain a capsule (e.g., Figure 4The capsule C may contain functional materials. For example, the functional materials may include at least one of nicotine, theanine, caffeine, taurine, a pharmacological substance, or a mixture thereof. The functional materials may be fine particles or dry powder. In one embodiment, the outer shell of the capsule C may be made of a material that can be penetrated or cut by a needle 300. For example, the capsule C may be filled with an amount of functional material equivalent to 10 to 14 inhalations.

[0031] In one embodiment, the inhaler 10 may include a housing 100, a mouthpiece 200, a needle 300, and a retainer 400.

[0032] The housing 100 may include a first surface 101, a second surface 102 opposite to the first surface 101, and a side surface 103 between the first surface 101 and the second surface 102. For example, the housing 100 may have an internal space defined by the first surface 101, the second surface 102, and the side surface 103. The housing 100 may be configured as a cylinder, and elongated protrusions or grooves may be regularly arranged on at least a portion of the side surface 103 adjacent to the first surface 101 of the housing 100. The protrusions or grooves may provide a gripping feel that facilitates the user's gripping of the side surface 103 of the housing 100.

[0033] The housing 100 may also include a housing cover 104 covering the second surface 102. The internal space of the housing 100 can be opened through the housing cover 104, allowing the capsule C to enter or exit the capsule receiving space when the housing cover 104 is open. The housing cover 104 may have a circular or cylindrical shape and may include elongated protrusions or grooves regularly formed along its outer circumferential surface. The protrusions or grooves provided a gripping feel to facilitate opening or closing the housing cover 104.

[0034] In one embodiment, the housing cover 104 may include a filter 105. The filter 105 may be configured to extend along the length of the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 (e.g., Figure 1 or Figure 2 The filter 105 (in the ±Y direction) penetrates the housing cover 104. One end of the filter 105 is exposed to the capsule containing space, and the other end is exposed to outside air. During inhalation, outside air flows in through the filter 105, which causes the capsule C to rise, thereby allowing the functional material powder to be discharged smoothly.

[0035] For example, filter 105 can be a cellulose acetate filter. Filter 105 can be a consumable. Alternatively, filter 105 can be used semi-permanently.

[0036] In one embodiment, the housing 100 may include housing inlet holes 103H that allow external air to flow into the interior space of the housing 100. The housing inlet holes 103H may be formed on the side surface 103. The housing inlet holes 103H may be holes formed through the side surface 103. For example, multiple housing inlet holes 103H may be provided, and the multiple housing inlet holes 103H may be arranged at equal intervals or equal angles along the side surface 103 of the housing 100.

[0037] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the nozzle 200 may protrude from the first surface 101 of the housing 100. The nozzle 200 may have a cylindrical nozzle body 210. See also... Figure 3 or Figure 4 A suction nozzle flange may be provided on the outer surface of the suction nozzle body 210. The suction nozzle flange may be along the width direction (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The upper part (in the ±X direction) protrudes from the nozzle body 210. Based on the nozzle flange, the upper part of the nozzle body 210 (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The +Y direction side) can protrude from the first surface 101 of the housing 100 to the outside of the housing 100, and with the nozzle flange as a reference, the lower part of the nozzle body 210 (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 The nozzle flange (on the Y-direction side) can be housed within the interior space of the housing 100 without being exposed to the outside. The nozzle body 210 can act as a stopper for the nozzle body 210. For example, the nozzle body 210 can move back and forth along its length, and the nozzle flange can restrict the nozzle body 210 from moving upwards (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 Move in the +Y direction.

[0038] The nozzle 200 may include a nozzle suction port 210H. The nozzle suction port 210H may be formed at the upper end of the nozzle body 210 (e.g., Figure 1 The upper end in the +Y direction), and can be along the length direction (e.g., Figure 1 The suction port 210H extends through the mouthpiece body 210 in the ±Y direction. The mouthpiece suction port 210H can be arranged in a straight line with the capsule containing space. Functional materials can be inhaled by the user from the capsule containing space through the mouthpiece suction port 210H.

[0039] In one embodiment, multiple suction holes 210H may be provided, and the multiple suction holes 210H may be arranged circumferentially at the upper end of the suction body 210. For example, see Figure 1Multiple suction holes 210H can be arranged regularly at equal intervals or angles along the upper edge of the suction body 210 in the circumferential direction. Multiple suction holes 210H can prevent insufficient suction when inhaling functional materials and provide appropriate suction resistance.

[0040] In particular, see Figure 4 The needle-like object 300 may be disposed at the lower end of the nozzle body 210 (e.g., Figure 4 (Y-direction side). The needle 300 can be disposed in the lower end of the nozzle body 210 at a position that does not overlap with the nozzle suction hole 210H. For example, the needle 300 can be attached to the center of the lower end of the nozzle body 210.

[0041] For example, multiple needles 300 can be configured. Multiple needles 300 can be arranged at equal intervals or angles from the center of the lower end of the nozzle body 210. The multiple needles 300 can have different lengths along their longitudinal direction. For example, the middle needle 300 can be the longest, and the peripheral needles 300 can be shorter than the middle needle 300. In this case, the central portion of the capsule C can be penetrated along its length, and only the upper part of the outer portion of the capsule C can be cut / broken, thereby making the vortex motion of the internal airflow of the capsule C smoother.

[0042] The needle 300 can move together with the mouthpiece 200. For example, when the mouthpiece 200 moves back and forth along its length toward the retainer 400 or the capsule receiving space within the retainer 400, the needle 300 can also move back and forth along its length together with the mouthpiece 200. The length of the needle 300 can be set such that the tip of the needle 300 is in a retracted state (e.g., Figure 4 The needle 300 is not inserted into the capsule receiving space. When the needle 300 is in the forward position (e.g., when the user presses the mouthpiece 200), the tip of the needle 300 can be inserted into the capsule receiving space, and at least a portion of the capsule C can be penetrated, cut, or broken by the needle 300.

[0043] The needle 300 can pass through the retainer 400 without being exposed to the outside. Furthermore, the needle 300 can pass through the housing 100 without being exposed to the outside. Because the needle 300 is doubly protected by the retainer 400 and the housing 100, contamination of the needle 300 due to the external environment can be reduced.

[0044] In one embodiment, the inhaler 10 may include an elastic element 600 between the mouthpiece 200 and the retainer 400. As the mouthpiece 200 advances toward the retainer 400, the elastic element 600 may apply a spring force to push the mouthpiece 200 back to its original position. For example, the elastic element may be configured as a coil spring.

[0045] One end of the elastic element 600 can be disposed on the suction flange of the suction nozzle 200. The other end of the elastic element 600 can be disposed on the upper end of the retainer 400 (e.g., Figure 4 The upper cover 430 of the retainer 400.

[0046] Normally, the nozzle 200 and the needle 300 can be in the retracted position via the elastic element 600 (e.g., Figure 4 (Position). When the user presses the nozzle 200, the needle 300 can advance along with the nozzle 200 to penetrate, cut, or break the capsule C. For example, the maximum advancing distance of the needle 300 can be set to the distance between the nozzle flange and the upper cover 430 of the retainer 400. When the user's pressing action is released, the needle 300 can return to its original position along with the nozzle 200 via the elastic element 600. At this time, the retraction position of the nozzle 200 can be limited by the nozzle flange.

[0047] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The retainer 400 may be located below the nozzle 200 (e.g., Figure 4 The retainer 400 includes a first outer shell 410 located inside the side 103 of the housing 100; a second outer shell 420 located inside the first outer shell 410 in a spaced-apart manner; and an upper cover 430 disposed near the first surface 101 of the housing 100. A capsule-receiving space may be provided in the second outer shell 420. The first outer shell 410 and the second outer shell 420 are spaced apart from each other, and a flow space for airflow is formed therebetween. The flow space between the first outer shell 410 and the second outer shell 420 may be covered by the upper cover 430.

[0048] The first outer shell 410 may be cylindrical, the upper part of the first outer shell 410 may be covered by the upper cover 430, and the lower part of the first outer shell 410 may be covered by the second surface 102 of the shell 100 or the shell cover 104.

[0049] The second outer shell 420 may be cylindrical, with its upper part covered by an upper cover 430 and its lower part covered by a second surface 102 or a cover 104 of the housing 100. The diameter of the second outer shell 420 may be smaller than that of the first outer shell 410 so that it can be accommodated within the first outer shell 410. In one embodiment, the retainer 400 may further include a rib 440. The rib 440 may project from either the first housing 410 or the second housing 420 toward the other. The rib 440 may form a spacing distance between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420, thereby stably forming a flow space between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420.

[0050] The upper cover 430 may be annular. The upper part of the flow space between the first outer shell 410 and the second outer shell 420 may be covered by the upper cover 430. The upper part of the second outer shell 420 may further extend through the center of the upper cover 430.

[0051] The upper cover 430 may include an upper cover through hole 430H. The upper cover through hole 430H may be formed to extend through the upper end surface of the upper cover 430 along its length. Multiple upper cover through holes 430H may be provided, and the multiple upper cover through holes 430H may be arranged at equal intervals or equal angles along the outer periphery of the upper end surface of the upper cover 430. Through the upper cover through hole 430H, the housing inlet hole 103H and the flow space between the first outer shell 410 and the second outer shell 420 can be interconnected, and air outside the housing 100 can flow into the flow space.

[0052] The second outer casing 420 may include a second outer casing inlet 420H. The second outer casing inlet 420H may be formed on the lower side of the second outer casing 420 and extends through the second outer casing 420 in the width direction. The inlet side of the second outer casing inlet 420H may contact the flow space, and the outlet side of the second outer casing inlet 420H may contact the capsule receiving space, thereby allowing the flow space and the capsule receiving space to communicate with each other through the second outer casing inlet 420H. External air flowing into the flow space can flow into the capsule receiving space through the second outer casing inlet 420H.

[0053] The second housing inlet 420H can pass through the first housing 410 without being exposed to the outside. Thus, the inhaler 10 can ensure excellent aesthetics, and the functional material powder can be kept from being exposed to the outside of the inhaler 10.

[0054] The housing inlet 103H can be closer to the first surface 101 of the housing 100 than the upper cover 430. Therefore, the housing inlet 103H can be located above the upper cover through hole 430H. The second housing inlet 420H can be located below the upper cover through hole 430H.

[0055] Refer again Figure 3 or Figure 4According to one embodiment, the inhaler 10 may further include an intermediate retainer 500. The intermediate retainer 500 may be a tubular (tube-shaped) structure disposed between at least a portion of the mouthpiece 200 and the retainer 400. An elastic element 600 may be disposed on the outer side of the intermediate retainer 500, and a needle-like object 300 may be disposed on the inner side of the intermediate retainer 500. The intermediate retainer 500 may be used to guide the elastic element 600 and / or the needle-like object 300. Depending on the design specifications of the inhaler 10, the intermediate retainer 500 may be omitted.

[0056] In one embodiment, the inhaler 10 may not include the housing 100. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the inhaler 10 can be configured without the housing 100. In this case, the elastic element 600 can be housed within the intermediate retainer 500 so as not to be exposed to the outside. When the inhaler 10 is without the housing 100, outside air can flow into the interior of the inhaler 10 through the upper cover through-hole 430H. When the inhaler 10 is without the housing 100, the inhaler 10 can have a smaller volume and weight.

[0057] Reference Figure 6 According to one embodiment, the inhaler 10 may include an airflow path.

[0058] In one embodiment, when the inhaler 10 does not include the housing 100, the airflow path may include: a first airflow path P1 extending along the length direction into the retainer 400; a second airflow path P2 extending from the first airflow path P1 along the width direction into the capsule receiving space; and a third airflow path P3 extending from the second airflow path P2 into the mouthpiece 200.

[0059] The first airflow path P1 can be the following airflow path: air flowing in through the upper cover through the through hole 403H moves along the length direction through the flow space formed between the first outer shell 410 and the second outer shell 420.

[0060] The second airflow path P2 can be an airflow path that penetrates the second outer shell 420. For example, after passing through the first airflow path P1, the airflow flows into the inlet hole 420H of the second outer shell and can move from the flow space along the width direction to the capsule receiving space.

[0061] The third airflow path P3 can be the path through which airflow flows from the capsule's containing space to the suction port 210H of the mouthpiece, and the third airflow path P3 can be formed along its length. When air moves along the third airflow path P3, the functional material powder flowing out of the capsule C can also move along with it and be inhaled by the user.

[0062] Since the airflow path of the inhaler 10 according to one embodiment can be configured to connect via a first airflow path P1 and a second airflow path P2, the second outer shell inlet 420H, which communicates with the capsule containing space, is not exposed to the outside, thereby maintaining a clean appearance. Thus, the inhaler 10 achieves excellent aesthetics and effectively prevents functional material powder from flowing out of the inhaler 10.

[0063] Compared to a case where the airflow path of the inhaler 10 only includes a second airflow path P2 and a third airflow path P3, the inhaler 10 can ensure sufficient inhalation resistance by also including a first airflow path P1. When the inhalation resistance is low, most of the functional material powder may be expelled during the initial delivery, thus failing to achieve uniform delivery. Since the airflow path of the inhaler 10 according to one embodiment includes the first airflow path P1, sufficient inhalation resistance can be ensured, thereby allowing the functional material powder to be delivered uniformly during 10 to 14 inhalations by the user.

[0064] In one embodiment, when the inhaler 10 includes a housing 100, the airflow path may further include a housing airflow path PH. The housing airflow path PH may be an airflow path that passes through the side 103 of the housing 100 in the width direction.

[0065] The housing airflow path PH can be the path through which air flowing in through the housing inlet hole 103H formed on the side 103 of the housing 100 moves to the internal space of the housing 100. After passing through the housing airflow path PH, the airflow can enter the first airflow path P1.

[0066] Since the airflow path of the inhaler 10 according to one embodiment may include a housing airflow path PH, a first airflow path P1, a second airflow path P2, and a third airflow path P3, the airflow can move along the width direction, the length direction, and then move again along the length direction to deliver it to the user. When the airflow path of the inhaler 10 according to one embodiment also includes the housing airflow path PH, sufficient inhalation resistance can be ensured even in a compact space.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the inhaler 10 allows for easy replacement of the capsule C, thereby ensuring sufficiently high inhalation resistance. Furthermore, the inhaler 10 according to one embodiment prevents accidental leakage of functional material powder and ensures a sufficiently long airflow path without increasing the device size. Additionally, the inhaler 10 according to one embodiment ensures excellent aesthetics by preventing the inflow hole (e.g., the second outer shell inflow hole 420H) at the lower end of the capsule C from being exposed to the outside of the housing 100 or retainer 400; and by providing dual protection for the needle 300 through the retainer 400 and the housing 100, it reduces contamination of the needle 300 by the external environment.

[0068] An inhaler 10 according to one embodiment can accommodate a capsule C comprising a functional material. The inhaler 10 may include: a housing 100 including a first surface 101, a second surface 102 opposite to the first surface 101, and a side surface 103 between the first surface 101 and the second surface 102; a mouthpiece 200, at least a portion of which protrudes from the first surface 101 of the housing 100 along a length direction extending from the first surface 101 and the second surface 102; a retainer 400, accommodated within the housing 100 and including a capsule receiving space; and a needle 300, coupled to the mouthpiece 200 and protruding toward the capsule receiving space, the tip of the needle 300 being insertable into the capsule receiving space.

[0069] In one embodiment, the housing 100 may include a housing inlet hole 103H for allowing air to flow into the housing 100, the housing inlet hole 103H being formed on the side 103.

[0070] In one embodiment, the retainer 400 may include: an upper cover 430 disposed near the first surface 101; a first outer shell 410 located inside the side surface 103; and a second outer shell 420 located inside the first outer shell 410 spaced apart from the first outer shell, wherein the second outer shell 420 may be provided with the capsule receiving space, and a flow space may be formed between the first outer shell 410 and the second outer shell 420, the flow space being covered by the upper cover 430.

[0071] The retainer 400 may further include a rib 440 protruding from at least one of the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 toward the other of the first housing 410 and the second housing 420, and the flow space may be formed by the rib 440.

[0072] The upper cover 430 may include an upper cover through hole 430H, which is configured to penetrate the upper cover 430 along the length direction. The housing inlet hole 103H and the flow space can communicate with each other through the upper cover through hole 430H.

[0073] The housing inlet 103H can be positioned closer to the first surface 101 than the upper cover 430.

[0074] In one embodiment, the second outer shell 420 may include a second outer shell inflow hole 420H, through which the flow space and the capsule containing space can communicate with each other.

[0075] In one embodiment, the suction nozzle 200 may have a cylindrical suction nozzle body 210, the suction nozzle 200 may include a suction nozzle inlet 210H formed along the circumferential direction, the suction nozzle inlet 210H may penetrate the suction nozzle body 210 along the length direction, and the needle-like object 300 may be attached to the center of the suction nozzle body 210.

[0076] In one embodiment, the suction nozzle 200 and the needle 300 are capable of moving forward or backward relative to the retainer 400.

[0077] An elastic element 600 may be provided between the suction nozzle 200 and the retainer 400, and the suction nozzle 200 may be restored to its original position through the elastic element 600.

[0078] In one embodiment, the housing 100 may further include a housing cover 104 for covering the second surface 102, the housing cover 104 may include a filter 105, one side of the filter 105 being exposed to the capsule receiving space and the other side of the filter 105 being exposed to outside air.

[0079] In one embodiment, the inhaler 10 may further include an intermediate retainer 500 located between the retainer 400 and the mouthpiece 200.

[0080] An inhaler 10 according to one embodiment can accommodate a capsule comprising a functional material. The inhaler 10 may include: a mouthpiece 200; a retainer 400 disposed along the length of the mouthpiece 200 and including a capsule receiving space; and an airflow path extending from the retainer 400 to the mouthpiece 200. The airflow path may include: a first airflow path P1 extending along the length of the retainer 400; a second airflow path P2 extending from the first airflow path P1 along a width direction perpendicular to the length of the mouthpiece to the capsule receiving space; and a third airflow path P3 extending from the second airflow path P2 along the length of the mouthpiece 200.

[0081] In one embodiment, the inhaler 10 may further include a housing 100, including a first surface 101, a second surface 102 opposite to the first surface 101 along the length direction, and a side surface 103 between the first surface 101 and the second surface 102. At least a portion of the mouthpiece 200 may protrude from the first surface 101 of the housing 100. The airflow path may further include a housing airflow path PH, which is formed along the width direction on the side surface 103 of the housing 100. The first airflow path P1 may extend from the housing airflow path PH.

[0082] In one embodiment, the retainer 400 may include: an upper cover 430 disposed near the first surface 101; a first outer shell 410 located inside the side surface 103; and a second outer shell 420 located inside the first outer shell 410 in a spaced-apart manner from the first outer shell, the first outer shell 410 and the second outer shell 420 being covered by the upper cover 430, the second outer shell 420 having the capsule-containing space, a flow space being formed between the first outer shell 420 and the second outer shell 420, at least a portion of the first airflow path P1 being formed along the flow space, and at least a portion of the second airflow path P2 being formed by passing through the second outer shell 420.

[0083] The above embodiments are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments can be derived from them. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences from the equivalents described in the claims will be interpreted as included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An inhaler accommodating a capsule including a functional material, characterized by the inhaler including: a housing including a first face, a second face opposite to the first face, and a side face between the first face and the second face; a mouthpiece, at least a portion of which protrudes from the first face of the housing in a length direction in which the first face and the second face extend; a holder accommodated in the housing and including a capsule accommodation space; and a needle combined with the mouthpiece and protruding toward the capsule accommodation space, a tip of the needle being capable of being inserted into the capsule accommodation space.

2. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized by the housing including a housing inflow hole through which air flows into the housing, the housing inflow hole being formed in the side face.

3. The inhaler according to claim 2, characterized by the holder including: an upper cover disposed close to the first face; a first casing located on an inner side of the side face; and a second casing located on an inner side of the first casing in a manner spaced apart from the first casing, the capsule accommodation space being provided in the second casing, a flow space being formed between the first casing and the second casing, the flow space being covered by the upper cover.

4. The inhaler according to claim 3, characterized by the holder further including a rib protruding from at least either one of the first casing and the second casing toward the other one of the first casing and the second casing, and the flow space being formed by the rib.

5. The inhaler according to claim 3, characterized by the upper cover including an upper cover through hole configured to penetrate the upper cover in the length direction, the housing inflow hole and the flow space being in communication with each other through the upper cover through hole.

6. The inhaler according to claim 5, characterized by the housing inflow hole being disposed closer to the first face than the upper cover.

7. The inhaler according to claim 3, characterized by the second casing including a second casing inflow hole, the flow space and the capsule accommodation space being in communication with each other through the second casing inflow hole.

8. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized by the mouthpiece having a cylindrical mouthpiece body, the mouthpiece including a mouthpiece inflow hole formed in a circumferential direction, the mouthpiece inflow hole penetrating the mouthpiece body in the length direction, the needle being combined to a center portion of the mouthpiece body.

9. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized by the mouthpiece and the needle being capable of advancing or retreating with respect to the holder.

10. The inhaler according to claim 9, characterized by an elastic member being provided between the mouthpiece and the holder, the mouthpiece being restored to an original position of the mouthpiece by the elastic member.

11. The inhaler according to claim 1, characterized by the housing further including a housing cover for covering the second face, The housing cover includes a filter, one side of which is exposed to the capsule accommodation space, and the other side of which is exposed to the outside air.

12. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein further comprising: an intermediate holder between the holder and the mouthpiece.

13. An inhaler accommodating a capsule including a functional material, the inhaler comprising: a mouthpiece; a holder disposed in a length direction from the mouthpiece and including a capsule accommodation space; and an airflow path extending from the holder to the mouthpiece, the airflow path including: a first airflow path extending in the length direction into the holder; a second airflow path extending from the first airflow path to the capsule accommodation space in a width direction perpendicular to the length direction; and a third airflow path extending from the second airflow path to the mouthpiece in the length direction.

14. The inhaler according to claim 13, further comprising: a housing including a first face, a second face opposite to the first face in the length direction, and a side face between the first face and the second face, at least a portion of the mouthpiece protruding from the first face of the housing, the airflow path further including a housing airflow path formed in the side face of the housing in the width direction, the first airflow path extending from the housing airflow path.

15. The inhaler according to claim 14, wherein the holder includes: an upper cover disposed close to the first face; a first outer case inside the side face; and a second outer case inside the first outer case in a manner spaced apart from the first outer case, the first outer case and the second outer case are covered by the upper cover, the second outer case has the capsule accommodation space, a flow space is formed between the first outer case and the second outer case, at least a portion of the first airflow path is formed along the flow space, and at least a portion of the second airflow path is formed by passing through the second outer case. ​ ​

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