Inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler for inhaling a functional substance according to various embodiments includes a holder including an opening and an internal space communicating with the opening, a piercing member disposed in the internal space and protruding toward the opening, and a functional substance accommodating member inserted into the internal space of the holder along the longitudinal axis of the holder from the opening and accommodating the functional substance. The piercing member includes a plurality of holes capable of allowing air to communicate with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following various embodiments relate to an inhaler.

Background Art

[0002] Research has been conducted on inhalers that directly deliver a target substance to a user's lungs. For example, Published Patent Gazette No. 10-2016-0065204 discloses a dry powder inhaler.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The inhalers according to various embodiments are to induce a swirling behavior of the functional substance powder without separately providing a swirling tunnel structure in the stick.

[0004] The inhalers according to various embodiments are to induce a smooth discharge of the functional substance powder.

[0005] The inhalers according to various embodiments are to prevent noise caused by the rotation of the capsule.

[0006] The inhalers according to various embodiments are to prevent the lower hole of the capsule from being exposed and prevent leakage of the functional substance powder from the lower part of the capsule.

[0007] The inhalers according to various embodiments are to provide an appropriate inhalation resistance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The inhalers according to various embodiments include a holder including an opening and an internal space communicating with the opening, a piercing member disposed in the internal space and protruding toward the opening, and a functional substance accommodating member inserted into the internal space of the holder along the longitudinal axis of the holder from the opening and accommodating the functional substance, and the piercing member includes a plurality of holes that allow air communication with each other.

[0009] The holder according to one embodiment includes a first holder surface with an opening formed therein, a second holder surface facing the first holder surface, and a side holder surface between the first holder surface and the second holder surface. The internal space is composed of a recess formed in a concave shape from the opening toward the second holder surface, and the piercing member can protrude from the end of the internal space toward the opening.

[0010] The piercing member according to one embodiment can include a base coupled to the end of the internal space, a main body portion extending from the base toward the opening, a tip disposed at the end of the main body portion, an air flow passage formed inside the main body portion, and a plurality of air flow holes formed outside the main body portion and communicating with the air flow passage.

[0011] The plurality of air flow holes can be formed to be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion.

[0012] The functional substance accommodating member according to one embodiment can include a stick insertable into the internal space and a capsule disposed inside the stick and accommodating the functional substance.

[0013] The length from the base to the tip of the piercing member can be configured to be longer than the longitudinal length of the capsule.

[0014] The inhaler according to one embodiment can further include an elastic member disposed at the end of the internal space.

[0015] The airflow holes are composed of a first airflow hole set and a second airflow hole set. The first airflow hole set is formed in the first main body region of the piercing member, and the second airflow hole set is formed in the second main body region of the piercing member. The first main body region is the region between the base and the end of the elastic member in a state where the elastic member is not compressed. The second main body region may be the region between the end of the elastic member and the tip in a state where the elastic member is not compressed.

[0016] The length of the second main body region in the longitudinal direction can be configured to be shorter than the length of the capsule in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, an inlet through which airflow flows can be formed between the outside of the holder and the internal space.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to various embodiments, the swirling behavior of the functional substance powder can be induced without separately providing a swirling tunnel structure in the stick.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the internal airflow introduced into the inhaler can smoothly discharge the functional substance powder by passing through the center of the functional substance housing member.

[0020] According to various embodiments, since the transfer of the functional substance powder is smoothly performed without the capsule rotating, noise caused by the rotation of the capsule can be prevented.

[0021] According to various embodiments, it is possible to prevent the lower hole of the capsule from being exposed and prevent the leakage of the functional substance powder from the lower part of the capsule.

[0022] According to various embodiments, an appropriate suction resistance can be imparted by the narrow airflow holes to improve the smoking feeling.

[0023] The effects of the inhaler according to various embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and different effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The terms used in the embodiments are selected as general terms widely used currently while considering the functions in the present invention, but this can change according to the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention are not just simple term names, and they must be defined based on the meaning they have and the overall content of the present invention.

[0026] When any part of the specification states that a component "includes" something, this means that it includes other components as well, unless there is a statement to the contrary. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is placed before an array of components, it modifies the entire set of components, not each individual component in the array. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows an inhaler 100 according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 schematically shows the structure of the inhaler 100 according to an embodiment in part A of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 shows the piercing member 120 of the inhaler 100 according to an embodiment, FIG. 4 shows the functional substance containing member 130 of the inhaler 100 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 5 schematically shows the arrangement relationship between the piercing member 120 and the capsule 132 of the inhaler 100 according to an embodiment. And FIG. 6 shows the operating state of the inhaler 100 according to an embodiment.

[0029] The inhaler 100 according to an embodiment can transmit a functional substance to the user. For example, the inhaler 100 according to an embodiment can be composed of an inhaler that transmits nicotine in aerosol form to the user's lungs.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the inhaler 100 according to an embodiment includes a holder 110, a piercing member 120, and a functional substance containing member 130.

[0031] In one embodiment, the holder 110 may be configured in a cylindrical shape having an internal space 113, and the internal space 114 may be formed in a size into which a functional material accommodating member 130 described later can be inserted. An opening into which the functional material accommodating member 130 is inserted is formed on one side of the holder 110, and the opening and the internal space 114 are connected to each other.

[0032] As an example, the holder 110 includes a first holder surface 111, a second holder surface 112, and a side holder surface 113. The opening is formed in the first holder surface 111, and the second holder surface 112 may be a surface formed on the opposite side of the first holder surface 111. A side holder surface 113 is formed between the first holder surface 111 and the second holder surface 112. The internal space 114 is configured by a recess formed in a concave shape from the opening of the first holder surface 111 toward the second holder surface 112, and may be formed in an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis of the holder 110 (for example, the ±Y direction shown in FIG. 2).

[0033] In one embodiment, an inlet (not shown) through which outside air of the holder 110 flows into the internal space 114 may be formed between the outside of the holder 110 and the internal space 114.

[0034] In one embodiment, the piercing member 120 can be formed to be disposed in the internal space 114 and protrude toward the opening of the first holder surface 111. For example, the piercing member 120 may protrude in the direction from the end of the internal space 114 toward the opening (for example, in the +Y direction shown in FIG. 2).

[0035] The inhaler 100 according to one embodiment may further include an elastic member 140. For example, the elastic member 140 is disposed at the end of the internal space 114, and may be composed of a coil spring that applies an elastic force to push out in the opening direction of the holder 110 (for example, the +Y direction shown in FIG. 2) when the functional material accommodating member 130 is inserted into the internal space 114 of the holder 110.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, the piercing member includes a base 121, a main body portion 122, a tip 123, an air flow passage 124, and air flow holes 125.

[0037] In one embodiment, the base 121 can be fixed to the end of the internal space 114 of the holder 110. The main body portion 112 may extend along the longitudinal direction (for example, the ±Y direction shown in FIG. 3) from the base 121 toward the opening of the holder 110. A tip 123 is disposed at the end of the main body portion 122.

[0038] In one embodiment, an air flow passage 124 is formed inside the main body portion 122. For example, the air flow passage 124 may be a cavity formed along the longitudinal direction from the base 121 through the main body portion 122 to just before the tip 123.

[0039] The air flow holes 125 are holes formed outside the main body portion 122 and capable of air communication with the air flow passage 124. The air flow holes 125 are configured in plurality, and the plurality of air flow holes 125 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction. For example, the plurality of air flow holes 125 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a zig-zag manner along the longitudinal direction.

[0040] Here, one end of the air flow passage 124 adjacent to the base 121 (for example, the -Y direction side shown in FIG. 3) or the other end of the air flow passage 124 adjacent to the tip 123 (for example, the +Y direction side shown in FIG. 3) is formed in a blocked structure, and the air flow that flows in through the air flow hole 125 adjacent to one end of the air flow passage 124 (for example, the -Y direction side shown in FIG. 3) can pass through the air flow passage 124 and escape to another air flow hole 125 adjacent to the other end of the air flow passage 124 adjacent to the tip 123 (for example, the +Y direction side shown in FIG. 3).

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the functional substance containing member 130 includes a stick 131 and a capsule 132. For example, the stick 131 may be configured in a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into the internal space 114 of the holder 110, and the capsule 132 may be disposed inside the stick 131.

[0042] As an example, the capsule 131 may contain a functional substance. For example, the functional substance may include at least one of nicotine, theanine, caffeine, taurine, a pharmacological substance, or a mixture thereof. The functional substance may have a shape of fine particles or dry powder.

[0043] As an example, the outer skin of the capsule 132 may be made of a material that can be penetrated or cut by the piercing member 120.

[0044] In particular, referring to FIG. 4, the stick 131 of the functional substance containing member 130 can include a plurality of compartments. For example, the compartment containing the capsule 132 may be composed of a cavity in which the capsule is accommodated. Here, the capsule 132 is fixed in the cavity to prevent the capsule 132 from rotating freely, and noise generation due to the rotation of the capsule 132 during inhalation of the functional substance can be prevented.

[0045] As an example, a shearing portion made of acetyl cellulose material is provided at the shearing (for example, the -Y direction side shown in FIG. 4) of the compartment containing the capsule 132 to prevent leakage of the functional substance powder. A mouthpiece that contacts the user's mouth is provided at the rear end (for example, the +Y direction side shown in FIG. 4) of the compartment containing the capsule 132. The cavity containing the capsule 132 and the mouthpiece are connected so that air can flow through.

[0046] The stick 131 of the functional substance containing member 130 is not provided with a vortex tunnel (for example, an air flow tunnel formed on one side of the stick 131 and in air communication with the cavity containing the capsule 132) for forming a vortex. This is because the air flow passing through the air flow passage 124 and the air flow holes 125 of the piercing member 120 according to an embodiment forms a vortex while flowing into the capsule 132.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, the main body 122 of the piercing member 120 according to an embodiment includes a first main body region 1221 and a second main body region 1222. The first main body region 1221 is defined as the region of the main body 122 between the base 121 of the piercing member 120 and the end of the elastic member 140 in a state where the elastic member 140 is not compressed. The second main body region 1222 is defined as the region of the main body 122 between the end of the elastic member 140 and the tip 123 of the piercing member 120 in a state where the elastic member 140 is not compressed.

[0048] The air flow holes 125 include a first air flow hole set 1251 and a second air flow hole set 1252. The air flow holes forming the first air flow hole set 1251 are formed in the first main body region 1221, and the air flow holes forming the second air flow hole set 1252 may be formed in the second main body region 1222.

[0049] For example, the air flow hole 125 may include a first air flow hole 12511, a second air flow hole 12512, a third air flow hole 12521, a fourth air flow hole 12522, and a fifth air flow hole 12523 in sequence from the base 121 to the tip 123 of the piercing member 120. The first air flow hole 12511 and the second air flow hole 12512 may be formed in the first main body region 1221, and the third air flow hole 12521, the fourth air flow hole 12522, and the fifth air flow hole 12523 may be formed in the second main body region 1222. The first air flow hole set 1251 may include the first air flow hole 12511 and the second air flow hole 12512, and the second air flow hole set 1252 may include the third air flow hole 12521, the fourth air flow hole 12522, and the fifth air flow hole 12523. Here, when the functional substance is transferred, the first air flow hole set 1251 serves as an inlet through which air flows into the air flow path 124, and the second air flow hole set 1252 serves as an outlet through which air flows out of the capsule 132.

[0050] In one embodiment, the length D from the base 121 to the tip 123 of the piercing member 120 may be configured to be longer than the length C in the longitudinal direction of the capsule 132 (for example, the ±Y direction shown in FIG. 5). By configuring the length D of the piercing member 120 to be sufficiently longer than the length C in the longitudinal direction of the capsule 132, the piercing member 120 can enter one side of the capsule 132 (for example, the -Y direction side shown in FIG. 5) and penetrate to the other side of the capsule 132 (for example, the +Y direction side shown in FIG. 5). By the piercing member 120 penetrating the capsule 132, a through hole through which air can pass is formed on the other side of the capsule 132, and the through hole is connected so that air can communicate to the mouthpiece of the functional substance containing member 130.

[0051] In one embodiment, the length D of the second main body region 1222 of the piercing member 120 in the longitudinal direction (for example, the ±Y direction shown in FIG. 5) may be configured to be shorter than the length C of the capsule 132 in the longitudinal direction. By configuring the length D of the second main body region 1222 in the longitudinal direction to be shorter than the length C of the capsule 132 in the longitudinal direction, when the capsule 132 retreats from the base 121 of the piercing member 120 due to the elastic force of the elastic member 140, at least a part of the second main body region 1222 may be disposed inside the capsule 132. Here, at least a part of the air flow holes 12521, 12522, 12523 of the second air flow hole set 1252 formed in the second main body region 1222 is located inside the capsule 132, and the air flow passage 124 and the inside of the capsule 132 are connected so as to allow air to flow through.

[0052] As a different example, when the inhaler 100 according to one embodiment is not provided with a separate elastic member, the user inserts the stick 131 of the functional substance accommodating member 130 into the internal space 114 of the holder 110 and appropriately presses it, and then can slightly lift the stick 131 while it is inserted into the internal space 114. Here, the user can lift the stick 131 until the second air flow hole set 1252 is positioned inside the capsule 132 at the inhalation position. A marker (for example, a guiding line) indicating the inhalation position may be displayed on the outer surface of the holder 110 or the stick 131.

[0053] Hereinafter, the operating state of the inhaler 100 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 6(a), when the functional substance accommodating member 130 is inserted into the holder 110, the capsule 132 is longitudinally penetrated by the piercing member 120. Here, when the inhaler 100 according to one embodiment includes the elastic member 140, the elastic member 140 may be in a compressed state by the functional substance accommodating member 130.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 6(b), the capsule 132 retreats from the base 121 of the piercing member 120, and the functional substance is placed at the inhalation position. Here, at one end of the capsule 132, a through hole is formed by the retreat of the piercing member 120, and the through hole is connected to the internal space 114 of the holder 110, the airflow hole 125, the air flow passage 124, and the internal space of the capsule 132 in a state where air communication is possible.

[0056] For example, when the inhaler 100 according to an embodiment includes the elastic member 140, the retreat of the capsule 132 may be performed by the restoring force (elastic force) of the elastic member 140. As a different example, when the elastic member 140 is not provided, the user may move the capsule 132 to the inhalation position by utilizing a marker indicating the inhalation position.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6(c), when the user bites the mouthpiece and applies an inhalation force at the inhalation position, an air flow path P leading to the internal space 114 of the holder 110, the first airflow hole set 1251, the air flow passage 124, the second airflow hole set 1252, the internal space of the capsule 132, and the mouthpiece is formed.

[0058] Here, the airflow (air) flowing into the air flow passage 124 through the first airflow hole 12511 or the second airflow hole 12512 flows into the internal space of the capsule 132 through the third airflow hole 12521, the fourth airflow hole 12522, or the fifth airflow hole 12523. By arranging the first airflow hole 12511, the second airflow hole 12512, the third airflow hole 12521, the fourth airflow hole 12522, or the fifth airflow hole 12523 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction in a zigzag manner, the airflow flowing into the internal space of the capsule 132 can form a vortex. Due to such a vortex, even if the capsule 132 does not rotate, the functional substance (for example, nicotine powder) can be smoothly transferred toward the mouthpiece.

[0059] According to the inhaler 100 according to one embodiment, even if a separate vortex tunnel is not formed in the stick 131, the airflow flowing into the internal space of the capsule 132 due to the configuration of the airflow hole 125 formed in the piercing member 120 can form a vortex, whereby the transfer of the functional substance (for example, nicotine powder) can be smoothly performed.

[0060] Also, according to the inhaler 100 according to one embodiment, even if the capsule 132 does not rotate, the functional substance can be smoothly transferred due to the configuration of the airflow hole 125 formed in the piercing member 120, so that unnecessary noise caused by the rotation of the capsule 132 can be prevented.

[0061] Since the inhalation of the functional substance is performed in a state where the piercing member 120 of the inhaler 100 according to one embodiment is inserted below the capsule 132, unnecessary leakage of the functional powder through the lower stage of the capsule 132 can be reduced.

[0062] Since the airflow path P of the inhaler 100 according to one embodiment includes a relatively narrow airflow hole 125, such an airflow hole 125 can provide an appropriate suction resistance. Thereby, a better smoking feeling can be provided to the user.

[0063] The above description of the embodiments is merely exemplary, and those having ordinary knowledge in the art will be able to understand that various modifications and equivalent different embodiments are possible from now on. Therefore, the true protection scope of the invention must be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included in the protection scope determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An inhaler for inhaling a functional substance, comprising: a holder including an opening and an internal space communicating with the opening; a piercing member disposed in the internal space and protruding toward the opening; a functional substance accommodating member inserted into the internal space of the holder along the longitudinal axis of the holder from the opening and accommodating the functional substance; and the piercing member includes a plurality of holes capable of air communication with each other. An inhaler.

2. The holder includes a first holder surface formed with an opening, a second holder surface facing the first holder surface, and side holder surfaces between the first holder surface and the second holder surface, the internal space is composed of a recess formed in a concave shape from the opening toward the second holder surface, and the piercing member protrudes from the end of the internal space toward the opening. The inhaler according to claim 1.

3. The piercing member includes: a base coupled to the end of the internal space; a main body portion extending from the base toward the opening; a tip disposed at the end of the main body portion; an air flow passage formed inside the main body portion; and a plurality of air flow holes formed outside the main body portion and communicating with the air flow passage. The inhaler according to claim 2.

4. The plurality of air flow holes are formed to be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion. The inhaler according to claim 3.

5. The functional substance accommodating member includes: a stick insertable into the internal space; and a capsule disposed inside the stick and accommodating the functional substance. The inhaler according to claim 4.

6. The length of the piercing member from the base to the tip is configured to be longer than the longitudinal length of the capsule. The inhaler according to claim 5.

7. The inhaler according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further including an elastic member disposed at the end of the internal space.

8. The air flow holes are composed of a first air flow hole set and a second air flow hole set. The first air flow hole set is formed in a first main body portion region of the piercing member, and the second air flow hole set is formed in a second main body portion region of the piercing member. The first main body portion region is a region between the base and the end of the elastic member in a state where the elastic member is not compressed. The inhaler according to claim 7, wherein the second body portion region is a region between the end of the elastic member and the tip in a state where the elastic member is not compressed.

9. The inhaler according to claim 8, wherein the longitudinal length of the second body portion region is configured to be shorter than the longitudinal length of the capsule.

10. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein an inlet through which an air flow flows in is formed between the outside of the holder and the internal space.

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