A dry powder inhaler having a housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion

Abstract

The present invention provides a dry powder inhaler (10) including a housing (19). The housing (19) includes a first housing portion (11), a second housing portion (12), and a hinge device (40) connecting the first housing portion (11) and the second housing portion (12). The dry powder inhaler (10) is assembled by folding the first housing portion (11) and the second housing portion (12) together. The first housing portion (11) includes a cavity (81) for receiving a cover foil (95) and adapted to hold a dry powder medication. When folded together, the first housing portion (11) and the second housing portion (12) are adapted to form an inlet (9) and an outlet (8), the inlet (9) for extending the cover foil (95) therefrom and the outlet (8) for dispensing the medication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of drug inhalers, and more particularly to dry powder inhalers. The inhaler includes a housing comprising a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a hinge mechanism connecting the first and second housing portions, wherein the inhaler is assembled by folding the first and second housing portions together. Background Technology

[0002] In the medical field, inhalers have been widely used in the treatment of respiratory diseases and / or other ailments. Large quantities of medicines, drugs, and other substances can be inhaled into the lungs through these inhalers for rapid absorption in the bloodstream and to exert local effects within the lungs.

[0003] Inhaled medications are classified into two main categories in liquid form: suspensions and powders. The choice of category depends on the characteristics of the medication or drug to be inhaled.

[0004] The most common type of inhaler is the metered-dose inhaler. In this type of inhaler, the medication is typically stored as a solution in a pressurized canister containing propellant, although it can also be a suspension. The canister is attached to a manual plastic actuator. Once activated, the metered-dose inhaler releases a fixed dose of medication as an aerosol.

[0005] Another type of inhaler is a nebulizer, which delivers medication in the form of an aerosol produced by an aqueous formulation.

[0006] This article describes another type of inhaler in the form of a dry powder inhaler. Dry powder inhalers release a pre-measured, capsule-sized, or device-measured dose of powdered medication, which is inhaled through the inhaler. Inhalers with device-measured powdered medication typically have a medication reservoir containing the powdered medication, from which a measured dose can be retrieved using different dosing devices and then inhaled.

[0007] Unit-dose dry powder inhalers are typically used to ensure that the user is provided with a hygienic and appropriately dosed medication. Unit-dose dry powder inhalers contain a sealed dose and are discarded after the user has inhaled the dose.

[0008] Furthermore, the inhaler contains only one dose, thus eliminating the need for any dosing device, which significantly reduces its manufacturing cost due to its less complex design.

[0009] Unit-dose dry powder inhalers are low-cost and single-dose, and are therefore typically mass-produced by injection molding.

[0010] To ensure the inhaler's functionality, it requires components within its housing, such as a blister foil and flow guiding elements, to achieve optimized depolymerization. Furthermore, the dosage contained in the reservoir holding the medication must be appropriate.

[0011] Therefore, the housing of a unit-dose dry powder inhaler is traditionally composed of at least two separate housing parts, which have the necessary components and house the necessary dose.

[0012] Because the production volume of such unit-dose dry powder inhalers is typically large, the subsequent connection and handling of multiple housing parts makes manufacturing and assembly quite complex and expensive.

[0013] Given these drawbacks and limitations of existing technologies, there is a need for a dry powder inhaler that can be assembled and manufactured in a less complex and less costly manner. Invention Overview

[0014] Therefore, the present invention preferably seeks to mitigate, reduce, or eliminate one or more of the aforementioned identified defects and disadvantages in the art, either alone or in any combination, and addresses at least the aforementioned problems by providing a dry powder inhaler; the dry powder inhaler comprising a housing including a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a hinge device connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion; wherein the dry powder inhaler is assembled by folding the first housing portion and the second housing portion together; wherein the first housing portion includes a cavity for receiving a dose blister foil and adapted to hold a dry powder drug; and wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion, when folded together, are adapted to form an inlet and an outlet, the inlet for allowing the blister foil to extend therefrom, and the outlet for dispensing the drug.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention preferably seeks to mitigate, reduce, or eliminate one or more of the aforementioned identified defects and disadvantages in the art, either individually or in any combination, and at least addresses the aforementioned problems by providing a method for manufacturing a dry powder inhaler; wherein the method includes providing a housing comprising a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a hinge device connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion; the first housing portion and the second housing portion being adapted, when folded together, to form an inlet for allowing a cover foil to extend therefrom, and the outlet for dispensing medication; and assembling the inhaler by folding the first housing portion and the second housing portion together.

[0016] Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the appended and dependent patent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0017] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent and clear from the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an inhaler without a cover foil and with the housing unfolded;

[0019] Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of an inhaler having a foil cover and a folded housing;

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an inhaler having a foil cover and an unfolded housing;

[0021] Figure 4 is a side view of an embodiment of an inhaler without a cover foil and with the housing unfolded;

[0022] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an inhaler having a foil cover and a partially unfolded housing; and

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an inhaler having a foil cover and a folded housing. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following description focuses on embodiments of the invention applicable to drug inhalers (especially dry powder inhalers). However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this application, but can be applied to many other inhalers having an inlet and outlet and a drug reservoir.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a dry powder inhaler 10. The dry powder inhaler 10 includes a housing 19, which preferably forms the shape of the dry powder inhaler 10.

[0026] The housing 19 includes a first housing portion 11 and a second housing portion 12, wherein the housing 19 further includes a hinge device 40 connecting the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the first housing 11 includes a cavity 81 for receiving a cover foil and adapted to hold a dry powder medication. This can be achieved, for example, by heat-sealing (e.g., welding) the cover foil to the surrounding wall of the cavity 81, thereby sealing the cavity away from the rest of the interior of the housing 19 and protecting the medication from moisture. Therefore, the dry powder medication can remain in place during transport and handling of the inhaler 10 without any risk of leakage of the dry powder medication through the inlet 9 and outlet 8 of the housing 19.

[0028] The inhaler 10 can be assembled by folding the first shell portion 11 and the second shell portion 12 using the hinge device 40. Thus, when the first shell portion 11 and the second shell portion 12 are folded together, they are adapted to form an inlet 9 and an outlet 8, the inlet 9 for extending the cover foil therefrom and the outlet 8 for dispensing medication.

[0029] Therefore, as is customary, the user can first remove the foil cover when operating the inhaler, thereby exposing the dry powder medication inside. The user then inhales the medication through the outlet 8, allowing the dry powder medication to flow through the inhaler's outlet 8 towards the user. This inlet allows air to enter the housing and push the dry powder medication towards the outlet 8. Thus, the user can inhale the dry powder medication placed inside the cavity 81 of the housing 19, completing the treatment and discarding the inhaler 10.

[0030] The housing is preferably made of a plastic such as PP or PE and can be injection molded. Since the hinge device 40 interconnects the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12, the housing 19 is integral during at least most of the assembly, thereby greatly reducing the complexity of transportation and assembly.

[0031] Because the shell can be connected via a hinge mechanism before the insertion of other components such as flow guide elements and cover foil, the hinge function enables the shell to be transported and delivered in a simple manner.

[0032] This is particularly advantageous because the filling of the drug and the sealing of the drug within the cavity 81 by means of a cover foil are typically performed at a location other than the manufacturing site of the housing 19. By joining the housings before delivery to the location where the drug is filled and sealed, the number of parts to be handled during assembly and transport can be greatly reduced, making handling and transport more cost-effective.

[0033] Furthermore, since no complex and time-consuming connection operations are required during filling and sealing, the interconnected shells enable a more user-friendly and cost-effective final assembly and drug filling process. In fact, the shells can simply be folded up after being "loaded" with the dry powder drug.

[0034] The hinge function also allows the entire housing 19 to be injection molded as a single piece, whereby the hinge device 40 can be a foldable portion of the housing 19, which has a groove forming the outlet 8. Therefore, the entire housing can be manufactured in a single production step, significantly reducing the complexity and cost of assembly and manufacturing compared to traditional inhaler manufacturing methods where individual parts must be processed separately and then assembled together.

[0035] Because each cavity of the housing is independent, injection molding the entire housing as a single unit significantly reduces its susceptibility to tolerance errors. Therefore, the first shell portion only needs to mate with the second shell portion, which shares the same cavity. In traditional injection molding processes, the shell portions are injection molded separately, and each first shell portion must mate with each second shell portion. This can lead to incorrect assembly due to tolerance errors, resulting in the discarding of multiple shell portions. Therefore, injection molding the entire housing as a single unit makes the manufacturing process more cost-effective and reliable.

[0036] Referring further to Figure 1, an entrance can be formed by making cuts at the respective ends of the shell portions 11 and 12, wherein when the shells are in a folded state, the cuts are adapted to form the entrance 9 together. A hinge device 40 is disposed between the first shell portion 11 and the second shell portion 12 to form a pivot.

[0037] Thus, the first shell portion 11 includes a first end 71 and a second end 72, and the second shell portion 12 includes a corresponding first end 73 and a corresponding second end 74. The second ends 73 and 74 are connected by a hinge device 40 and can form an outlet together with the hinge device 40.

[0038] Therefore, when the housing is in a folded state, the inlet 9 can be formed by a first end 71 of the first housing portion 11 and a corresponding first end 73 of the second housing portion 12. Each of the first end 71 and the corresponding first end 73 may include a cut extending along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler 10, such that when the housing is in a folded state, these cuts together form the inlet 9.

[0039] Referring again to Figure 1, the first shell portion 11 also includes a shoulder 45, which is a shoulder extending from the first shell portion 11 to the second shell portion 12 when the shell 19 is in the folded state, wherein the shoulder 45 is adapted to receive a cover foil.

[0040] The shoulder 45 is preferably disposed between the inlet 9 and the cavity 81. Preferably, the shoulder 45 should be disposed between the inlet 9 and the cavity 81 so that when the housing 19 is in a folded state, it forms the inlet 9 together with the second housing portion 12.

[0041] This is particularly advantageous because the shoulder counteracts the inherent hollow shape of the housing 19 around the inlet 9 when folded, resulting in a smoother transition between the two shell sections surrounding the inlet. Without the shoulder, airflow could become turbulent due to the abrupt expansion of the housing downstream of the inlet. This could cause some airflow to just pass by the cavity, requiring a larger airflow to depolymerize the dry powder drug within the housing 19. The shoulder 45 guides the airflow into the inlet 9 and reduces the divergence angle around the inlet 9, thereby mitigating the divergent flow effect and achieving more effective depolymerization.

[0042] The inhaler 10 may also include at least one, but preferably multiple, flow-guiding elements suitable for dispersing the drug. Thus, the inhaler 10 includes flow-guiding elements 30 arranged within the housing and between the inhaler cavity 81 and the outlet 8. In other words, when the housing is folded, the flow-guiding elements may be arranged downstream of the cavity 81 and upstream of the outlet 8.

[0043] The airflow guiding element allows airflow to be directed directly through the inhaler 10, from the drug inlet 9 to the outlet 8, thus achieving a more stratified airflow pattern. This allows more air to flow through the entire inhaler 10 in a single inhalation, thereby reducing drug buildup and making it more likely for the drug to reach the patient's lungs.

[0044] In addition, due to the interception effect of the airflow guiding element, the powder carried in the air flowing through the inhaler during inhalation collides with the airflow guiding element and is further dispersed, thereby reducing drug aggregation.

[0045] The flow guiding element 30 may be an integrated component extending from the first and / or second housing. The flow guiding element 30 may also be disposed on a flow guiding element insert, and preferably is housed in a plate shape and attached to the first and / or second housing.

[0046] Advantageously, the flow guiding element 30 can extend from the first housing portion 11 (i.e., the housing portion including the cavity 81). Due to the foldable design of the inhaler 10, a small gap is required between the flow guiding element and the housing portion without the flow guiding element to ensure that the two housing portions can be folded and interlocked.

[0047] If the cavity 81 and the flow guiding element 30 are located on the same shell, i.e., on the first shell 11, the dry powder drug must travel a considerable distance from the cavity 81 to the second shell 12 in order to flow only through the gap and not through the flow guiding element 30. If the dry powder drug actually flows through the gap and travels a sufficient distance to the second shell 12, the kinetic energy of the dry powder drug particles must be high enough to achieve sufficiently low aggregation. In contrast, if the flow guiding element is located on a different shell than the one where the cavity 81 is located, the dry powder drug particles can more easily enter the gap due to the closer distance between the gap and the cavity (i.e., the particles require much less kinetic energy to pass through the gap).

[0048] Therefore, providing a flow guiding element 30 on the first shell 11 greatly reduces the risk of insufficient depolymerization of dry powder drugs.

[0049] To optimize and maximize the depolymerization effect of the drug, the flow guiding element 30 is basically drop-shaped, with its conical end extending towards the outlet.

[0050] The second housing 12 includes a set of inner walls 14 extending parallel to the second housing 12, wherein each of these inner walls 14 has at least one inward guide 15 adapted to direct fluid inward toward the outlet 8. Therefore, air flowing through the inhaler 10 can converge toward the longitudinal central axis of the inhaler, reducing the risk of turbulence due to interception effects near the outlet 8 (i.e., due to the walls surrounding the outlet 8). Thus, more airflow is allowed throughout the inhaler 10 during inhalation, from the inlet 9 to the outlet 8, further reducing accumulation and allowing more dry powder medication to reach the user's lungs.

[0051] When the housing is folded, an inner wall 14 on each side extends along the longitudinal centerline of the inhaler over the entire length of the housing 19. The inward guide portion 15 may be formed by the inner wall 14, which has at least one tapered portion that, when the housing is folded, has its tapered angle inclined inward toward the outlet 8.

[0052] As those skilled in the art will recognize, the set of inner walls may also be provided on the first housing portion 11, thereby the first housing portion may include the set of inner walls 14 described above.

[0053] The second housing 12 may further include a flow guide 48 adapted to direct the airflow entering the inlet 9 toward the cavity. Thus, the air entering the inlet is forced to flow toward the cavity of the first housing 11, thereby effectively evacuating the dry powder medication due to the dispersion effect of the air trapped on the bottom surface of the cavity 81. Therefore, initial deagglomeration of the dry powder medication is achieved immediately during inhalation, reducing the risk of the dry powder medication becoming stuck in the cavity and the risk of insufficient deagglomeration of the medication flowing through the inhaler 10.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, the airflow guide 48 may be a fin extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler 10 (i.e., extending along the width direction of the second shell 12), and the fin may thus have a corner face suitable for intercepting the air flowing through the inhaler 10 and directing it toward the cavity.

[0055] Preferably, the flow guide 48 may extend between the inner walls 14, which define the longitudinal boundary of the flow area of ​​the inhaler 10.

[0056] To hold the first shell portion 11 and the second shell portion 12 together in a folded state, one of the shell portions 11 and 12 may include at least one locking button 22, thereby allowing the other shell portion 11 or 12 to include at least one hole 21. The at least one hole 21 is adapted to receive the at least one locking button 22 to hold the shell portions 11 and 12 in the folded state. Therefore, utilizing the elastic deformation of the material of the button and / or hole, the two shell portions can be easily latched together by the retaining properties of the shell material, thus eliminating the need for additional mechanical fasteners such as screws, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing assembly costs.

[0057] Referring further to Figure 1, the first housing portion 11 may be provided with a pair of holes 21 for receiving a pair of buttons 22 provided on the second housing portion 12 when the housing is in the folded state. As shown, when the housing 19 is in the folded state, a pair of buttons and a pair of holes may be provided on their respective housing portions and located on each side of the inlet 9.

[0058] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the hinge device 40 includes a folding portion 42 with a support member 41 extending therefrom, whereby the support member 41 is adapted to abut against the first shell portion 11 and the second shell portion 12 when folded together. The folding portion 42 correspondingly defines a pivot of the housing 19, with the support member 41 arranged parallel to the pivot defined by the folding portion 42. Thus, the folding portion 42, together with the first and second shell portions via the support member 41, forms an outlet 8.

[0059] When the housing 19 is in a folded state due to the close contact between the first housing portion 11 and the support member 41 and between the second housing portion 12 and the support member 41, the support member 41 can ensure that there is a set distance between the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12 around the outlet 8.

[0060] Therefore, the size of outlet 8 does not depend entirely on the dimensions of the first shell portion 11 and the second shell portion 12 forming outlet 8. Instead, the support member 41 defines the set space for the height of outlet 8, thereby obtaining a consistent and repeatable outlet with a construction that is less sensitive to fluctuations in the molding shell tolerances. If the outlet were defined solely by the walls of the shell, any change in the dimensions of those walls could affect the size of outlet 8, thus the drug dose delivered to the user and the inhalation force required to inhale that dose could vary from inhaler to inhaler. This problem can be solved in a low-cost manner by providing the support member to the inhaler after the shell is molded.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, the folding portion 42 may include a pair of folding members, each extending between and interconnecting the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12. Therefore, the outlet 8 may be formed by an open space between the pair of folding members, which may be configured to be substantially aligned with the sidewalls of the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12.

[0062] Preferably, the support member 41 can be a pair of support members 41, which are formed by a pair of protrusions, each protrusion extending from the fold (i.e., from each of the pair of folds). Thus, the hinge device can be injection molded as a single piece, wherein the entire housing and the entire hinge device can be injection molded as one unit. This further reduces the manufacturing cost of the inhaler and reduces the risk of tolerance errors during manufacturing.

[0063] Each support member 41 may have a first side adapted to abut against the first shell portion 11 when the housing 19 is in a folded state and a second side adapted to abut against the second shell portion 12 when the housing 19 is in a folded state. The first and second sides of each support member 41 are parallel opposing surfaces.

[0064] Referring to Figure 3, in order to seal the medication within the drug reservoir, the dry powder inhaler 10 may include a cover foil 95, which is detachably attached to the first housing portion 11 to seal the cavity suitable for containing the dry powder medication. The cover foil is preferably made of aluminum due to its required advantageous sealing properties.

[0065] Advantageously, the cover foil 95 can be detachably attached to the first housing portion 11 via a heat seal. However, mechanical fastening devices such as clamping devices can also be used.

[0066] Furthermore, the cover foil can preferably be detachably attached to the shoulder of the first housing portion 11 by adhesive.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the inhaler 10 is in the fully extended state, and the foil cover is removed. Referring to this figure, the support member may have a generally trapezoidal shape, such that the bottom side of the support member is much wider than the top side (i.e., the protruding side of the support member). When the housing is in the fully extended state, the bottom side is preferably aligned with the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12. Therefore, the first housing portion 11 may include a sloping wall side 87 adapted to abut against the sloping side of the support member 41. Correspondingly, the second housing portion 12 may include a sloping wall side 88 adapted to abut against the corresponding sloping side of the support member 41. Thus, a sufficient seal is achieved at the joint between the housing portion and the support member.

[0068] Referring to Figure 5, which shows the housing 19 of the inhaler 10 in a partially folded state, the first housing portion 11 can be positioned as the bottom during assembly of the inhaler 10.

[0069] This allows a single dose of dry powder medication to be delivered into the cavity of the bottom shell portion (i.e., the first shell portion 11). A blister foil 95 can then be provided, which can be heat-sealed onto the cavity, i.e., onto the walls and shoulders 45 surrounding the cavity.

[0070] At this stage, the blister foil 95 is positioned to extend at the top of the cavity and outward a considerable distance from the first end of the first shell portion 11 that partially forms the entrance 9.

[0071] Furthermore, the flow guiding element 30 can be attached to the first housing portion 11. Preferably, this is achieved by providing the flow guiding element 30 on a flow guiding element insert 31 adapted to be fixed to the first housing portion 11. The flow guiding element insert 31 is a plate fixed to the first housing portion 11, whereby the flow guiding element 30 extends from the insert 31 to the second housing portion 12 when the housing is in a folded state.

[0072] Finally, the two shells can be folded together, thereby bringing them into contact with each other to form the shell of the inhaler 10.

[0073] Referring to Figure 6, which shows the shell in a fully folded state, as shown in the figure, the outlet 8 can be formed by a second shell 12, which includes a groove for dispensing the drug. Further referring to Figure 6, the flow guide 48 can be formed by an inward protrusion that is a recess extending into the interior of the shell (i.e., into the first shell 12) when the shell is in the folded state.

[0074] The present invention also relates to a method for providing a dry powder inhaler, wherein the method includes providing a housing 19 including a first housing portion 11, a second housing portion 12, and a hinge device 40 connecting the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12; the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12, when folded together, are adapted to form an inlet 9 and an outlet 8, the inlet 9 for allowing a cover foil to extend therefrom, and the outlet 8 for dispensing medication; the method further includes assembling an inhaler 10 by folding the first housing portion 11 and the second housing portion 12 together.

[0075] The method may also include connecting the first shell portion 11 and the second shell portion via a hinge device 40 before folding the shell 19 to form the shell 19.

[0076] Alternatively, the method may include injection molding the housing 19 before folding it, wherein the first housing portion 11, the second housing portion 12, and the hinge device 40 are integral parts of the housing 18.

[0077] Although the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but rather the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0078] In the claims, the use of the term "comprising / including" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although listed separately, multiple means, elements, or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Additionally, while individual features may be included in different claims, these features can be advantageously combined together, and inclusion in different claims does not imply that such combinations are infeasible and / or disadvantageous. Moreover, the singular description does not exclude multiple instances. The use of terms such as "a," "an," "first," "second," etc., does not exclude multiple instances. Reference numbers in the claims are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A dry powder inhaler (10) including a housing (19), said housing (19) comprising: The first shell portion (11) includes a first end (71) and a second end (72); The second shell portion (12) includes a corresponding first end (73) and a corresponding second end (74); and A hinge device (40) connecting the first shell part (11) and the second shell part (12); The dry powder inhaler (10) is assembled by folding the first shell (11) and the second shell (12) together; The second end (72) of the first shell portion (11) and the second end (74) of the second shell portion (12) are connected by a hinge device (40) and together with the hinge device (40) form an outlet (8); The first shell portion (11) includes a cavity (81) for accommodating a dose blister foil (95) and suitable for holding dry powder drugs; The first shell portion (11) and the second shell portion (12), when folded together, are adapted to form an inlet (9) and an outlet (8), the inlet (9) for allowing a cover foil (95) to extend therefrom, and the outlet (8) for providing the drug; and The hinge device (40) includes a folding portion (42) with a support (41) extending therefrom, wherein when the first shell portion (11) and the second shell portion (12) are folded together, the support (41) is adapted to abut against the first shell portion (11) and the second shell portion (12) to define a set space for forming the height of the outlet (8) and to ensure that the first shell portion (11) and the second shell portion (12) are spaced apart by a set distance around the outlet (8).

2. The inhaler (10) of claim 1, wherein the dry powder inhaler (10) includes a cover foil (95) detachably attached to the first housing portion (11) to seal the cavity (81).

3. The inhaler (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first housing portion (12) includes a shoulder (45) adapted to receive the cover foil (95).

4. The inhaler (10) as claimed in any of the preceding claims further includes a flow guiding element (30) adapted to disperse the drug, the flow guiding element (30) being disposed within the housing (19) and between the cavity (81) and the outlet (8).

5. The inhaler (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the flow guiding element (30) extends from the first housing portion (11).

6. The inhaler (10) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the flow guiding element (30) is substantially drop-shaped, with its tapered end extending toward the outlet (8).

7. The inhaler (10) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing (12) or the first housing (11) includes a set of inner walls (14) extending from the second housing (12) and extending parallel to the second housing (12), wherein each of the inner walls (14) has at least one inward guide (15) adapted to guide fluid inward toward the outlet (8).

8. The inhaler (10) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second housing (12) includes a flow guide (48) adapted to direct fluid entering the inlet (9) toward the cavity (81).

9. An inhaler (10) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the housing portions (11, 12) includes at least one locking button (22) and the other housing portion (11, 12) includes at least one hole (21) adapted to receive the at least one locking button (22) so as to hold the housing portion (11, 12) in a folded state.

10. The inhaler (10) as described in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the cover foil (95) is detachably attached to the first housing portion (11) by adhesive.

11. The inhaler (10) as described in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the cover foil (95) is made of aluminum.

12. A method of manufacturing a dry powder inhaler (10), the method comprising: A housing (19) is provided, the housing (19) including a first housing portion (11), a second housing portion (12), and a hinge device (40) connecting the first housing portion (11) and the second housing portion (12). The first housing portion (11) includes a first end (71) and a second end (72), and the second housing portion (12) includes a corresponding first end (73) and a corresponding second end (74), wherein the second end (72) of the first housing portion (11) and the second end (74) of the second housing portion (12) are connected by the hinge device (40) and together with the hinge device (40) form an outlet (8); the first housing portion (11) and the second housing portion (12) are adapted to form an inlet (9) and an outlet (8) when folded together, the inlet (9) for allowing a cover foil (95) to extend therefrom, and the outlet (8) for providing the drug; and The inhaler (10) is assembled by folding the first shell (11) and the second shell (12) together; The hinge device (40) includes a folding portion (42) with a support (41) extending therefrom, wherein when the first shell portion (11) and the second shell portion (12) are folded together, the support (41) is adapted to abut against the first shell portion (11) and the second shell portion (12) to define a set space for forming the height of the outlet (8) and to ensure that the first shell portion (11) and the second shell portion (12) are spaced apart by a set distance around the outlet (8).

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