Inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler according to one embodiment includes a housing having a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, with a plurality of air inlets formed that penetrate vertically through the side surface; a mouthpiece protruding from the first surface; and a guide that forms a path for air flowing in from the air inlets to move within the housing, wherein when an inhalation force is applied to the mouthpiece, the guide can guide a functional substance contained within the housing to move to the mouthpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] An inhaler is disclosed.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional dry powder inhalers are for transferring a pharmacologically active substance filled in a single dose into the body, and have mainly been used for treating patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In order to efficiently absorb the substance into the body, a powder dried in a fine state of 5 μm to 10 μm or less is used. Also, for quantitative delivery, a certain amount of drug can be filled in a hard capsule.

[0003] Such a dry powder inhaler may be composed of a capsule filled with dry powder and a device for inhalation. At this time, technologies for manufacturing the dry powder and device design technologies for generating a vortex for delivering the dry powder may be required.

[0004] The above-mentioned background art is what the inventors have possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the present invention, and is not necessarily known technology publicly disclosed to the general public before the filing of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object according to one embodiment is to be able to transfer dry powder into the body by simple bonding or inhalation pressure after filling without crushing or piercing a capsule for inhalation filled with dry powder through a dedicated cartridge or a direct powder filling process, and to provide an inhaler that can utilize the internal structure of the inhaler to induce powder transfer by the upward airflow generated by inhalation.

[0006] The problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An inhaler according to one embodiment includes a housing having a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, with a plurality of air inlets formed that penetrate vertically through the side surface; a mouthpiece protruding from the first surface; and a guide that forms a path for air flowing in from the air inlets to move within the housing, wherein when an inhalation force is applied to the mouthpiece, the guide can guide a functional substance contained within the housing to move to the mouthpiece.

[0008] An inhaler according to one embodiment includes a housing that contains a functional substance and includes a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface; a mouthpiece protruding from the first surface; and an airflow path formed inside the housing and extending from a plurality of air inlets that penetrate vertically through the side surface to the mouthpiece, wherein when an inhalation force is applied to the mouthpiece, the functional substance may move to the mouthpiece along the airflow path together with the air that flows in through the air inlets. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, the dry powder can be transferred into the body by simple bonding or by inhalation pressure after filling, without the need to crush or puncture an inhalation capsule filled with dry powder through a dedicated cartridge or direct powder filling process. Furthermore, the internal structure of the inhaler can be utilized to induce the transfer of the powder through the upward airflow caused by inhalation.

[0010] The effects of the inhaler according to one embodiment are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned should be clearly understandable to an average technician from the description below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the internal structure of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates the airflow inside an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows a cartridge for an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the invention; therefore, the present invention shall not be construed as being limited solely to what is depicted in such drawings.

[0013] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to illustrative drawings. Note that when assigning reference numerals to components in each figure, the same reference numerals are used for identical components, even if they are shown in different drawings, whenever possible. Furthermore, when describing embodiments, detailed explanations of known configurations or functions related to the present invention will be omitted if it is deemed that such explanations would hinder understanding of the embodiments.

[0014] Furthermore, when describing the components of an embodiment, expressions such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., can be used. These expressions are merely used to distinguish a component from other components, and do not limit the essence, order, sequence, or number of the component. When a component is described as being "linked," "combined," or "connected" with another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly linked, combined, or connected to the other component, but it should also be understood that other components may be further linked, combined, or connected between each component.

[0015] Components included in one embodiment, and components with common functions, will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, descriptions in one embodiment are applicable to other embodiments, and specific descriptions to the extent of duplication will be omitted.

[0016] The present invention relates to an inhaler 10 for inhaling a functional substance provided as a dry powder, and to an inhaler 10 that allows the dry powder to be inhaled without a separate inhalation capsule filled with the dry powder.

[0017] Figure 1 shows an inhaler 10 according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 shows the internal structure of an inhaler 10 according to one embodiment.

[0019] Referring to Figure 1, the inhaler 10 according to one embodiment may include a housing 101, a mouthpiece 102, and a guide 103.

[0020] The housing 101 may include a first surface A1, a second surface A2 facing the first surface A1, and a side surface A3 connecting the first surface A1 and the second surface A2.

[0021] The housing 101 may have a plurality of air inlets 10111. The air inlets 10111 may be formed to penetrate the side surface A3 in the vertical direction.

[0022] A functional substance can be accommodated inside the housing 101. The functional substance can be accommodated at a position adjacent to the second surface A2. The functional substance can be provided in a powder form.

[0023] Specifically, the housing 101 may include a holder 1011 and a cartridge 1012.

[0024] The holder 1011 includes the first surface A1 and can be connected to the mouthpiece 102 on the first surface A1. The holder 1011 can extend from the first surface A1 toward the second surface A2. For example, the holder 1011 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0025] The holder 1011 may have a size and shape that is easy for the user to hold with one hand. For example, for this purpose, the diameter dimension of the holder 1011 may be 50 mm or less. Preferably, it may be around 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0026] The holder 1011 may have air inlets 10111 formed on the side surface A3. Air can flow in from the outside through the air inlets 10111. A plurality of air inlets 10111 may be provided. Each air inlet 10111 may be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the side surface A3. Each air inlet 10111 may be formed in a direction facing the center of the holder 1011 in order to generate a laminar flow or a vortex flow inside the inhaler 10. In addition, the air inlet 10111 may be formed to be positioned in the tangential direction so as to cause a rotational force in the air flow. With the air inlets 10111 arranged in this way, for example, a cyclone effect can be induced.

[0027] Each air inlet 10111 may be provided with an opening / closing member. The opening / closing member can be operated to close the air inlet 10111 when the user is not using the inhaler 10 and to open the air inlet 10111 when the user is using the inhaler 10.

[0028] Furthermore, the holder 1011 may have a space formed inside through which airflow can move. The incoming air can move through the inside of the housing 101 via this space.

[0029] The cartridge 1012 includes the second surface A2 and may be detachably coupled to the lower end of the holder 1011. The cartridge 1012 may contain the functional substance inside. When all of the contained functional substance has been consumed, the user can replace it with a new cartridge 1012, or remove the cartridge 1012 from the holder 1011, fill the inside of the cartridge 1012 with the functional substance, and then reattach it to the holder 1011.

[0030] Cartridge 1012 will be explained in more detail below, based on Figure 4.

[0031] The mouthpiece 102 may be formed on the first surface A1 of the housing 101. The mouthpiece 102 may protrude from the second surface A2 toward the first surface A1.

[0032] When suction force is applied to the mouthpiece 102, air may flow in through the air inlet 10111. The mouthpiece 102 may be provided with a valve. The valve can be operated to close the opening of the mouthpiece 102 when the user is not using the inhaler 10 and to open the opening of the mouthpiece 102 when the user is using the inhaler 10. The valve may be provided as, for example, a one-way valve. This prevents residue or external contaminants from being reintroduced into the inhaler 10.

[0033] The guide 103 can form a path for the air flowing in from the air inlet 10111 to move within the housing 101.

[0034] When suction force is applied to the mouthpiece 102, the guide 103 can guide the air flowing in from the air inlet 10111 to move toward the second surface A2 and reach the functional material, and guide the functional material toward the mouthpiece 102 along with the air.

[0035] Below, we will explain Guide 103 in more detail, based on Figure 2.

[0036] Referring to Figure 2, the guide 103 may include a first guide 1031, a second guide 1032, and a third guide 1033. Such a guide 103 can form an airflow path 104 through which incoming air and functional material travel.

[0037] The first guide 1031 may extend from a height adjacent to the air inlet 10111 in a direction toward the second surface A2 from the first surface A1. The first guide 1031 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the air inlet 10111. Such a first guide 1031 can guide the air flowing in from the air inlet 10111 toward the second surface A2. Such a first guide 1031 can form the first path 1041.

[0038] The second guide 1032 may extend from the first guide 1031 toward the second surface A2. In this case, the second guide 1032 may extend from the first guide 1031 in a flange-like manner. The end of the second guide 1032 may be separated from the bottom surface A4. This allows the air to increase in velocity as it passes through the second guide 1032. Such a second guide 1032 can form a second path 1042.

[0039] Holes may be formed inside the first guide 1031 and the second guide 1032, extending coaxially with the mouthpiece 102. Such hollow spaces can form a fourth path 1044.

[0040] The third guide 1033 may be positioned at a distance from the second guide 1032. For example, the third guide 1033 may be formed on the bottom surface A4 of the cartridge 1012. The third guide 1033 may protrude from the bottom surface A4 toward the first surface A1. The third guide 1033 may extend toward the axis of the mouthpiece 102.

[0041] For example, the third guide 1033 may be formed in a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases in the direction from the second surface A2 toward the first surface A1. For example, the third guide 1033 may be formed in a conical shape in which the diameter decreases in the direction from the second surface A2 toward the first surface A1. Such a third guide 1033 can form the third path 1043.

[0042] Below, we will describe in more detail the airflow path 104 formed by the structure of the guide 103, based on Figure 3.

[0043] Figure 3 illustrates the airflow inside the inhaler 10 according to one embodiment.

[0044] The structure of the guide 103 described above makes it possible to form an airflow path 104 with the shape shown in Figure 3 inside the housing 101.

[0045] Referring to Figure 3, the airflow path 104 may extend from the air inlet 10111 to the mouthpiece 102. When an suction force is applied to the mouthpiece 102, the functional material can be transferred to the mouthpiece 102 along the airflow path 104 along with the air flowing in through the air inlet 10111.

[0046] Specifically, the airflow path 104 may include a first path 1041, a second path 1042, a third path 1043, and a fourth path 1044.

[0047] The first path 1041 is formed perpendicular to the air inlet 10111 and may extend from the air inlet 10111 toward the second surface A2. The first path 1041 is the airflow path formed by the first guide 1031. Air flowing in from the air inlet 10111 can move along the first path 1041 toward the second surface A2.

[0048] The second path 1042 may extend from the first path 1041 to the bottom surface A4 containing the functional material. The second path 1042 is a path formed by the second guide 1032. Air that has traveled along the first path 1041 can travel along the second path 1042 to the bottom surface A4, come into contact with the functional material, and transport the functional material toward the third path 1043.

[0049] The third path 1043 may extend obliquely from the second path 1042 toward the axis of the mouthpiece 102. The third path 1043 may be formed by the conical structure of the third guide 1033. Air transporting the functional material can rise toward the fourth path 1044 while moving along the third path 1043 so as to coincide with the axis of the mouthpiece 102.

[0050] The fourth path 1044 may extend from the third path 1043 toward the first surface A1. The fourth path 1044 may extend coaxially with the mouthpiece 102. The fourth path 1044 may be formed by the first guide 1031 and the second guide 1032. Functional material that has reached the fourth path 1044 along the third path 1043 can ascend vertically toward the mouthpiece 102 along the fourth path 1044.

[0051] In addition to these, a fifth pass may be further formed between the mouthpiece 102 and the fourth pass 1044.

[0052] The fifth pass may be formed in a shape that expands in diameter from the fourth pass 1044 toward the mouthpiece 102, and then contracts again. The fifth pass may be formed in a diamond structure, for example. Such a fifth pass can prevent the functional substance from clumping together as the space expands from the fourth pass 1044. The functional substance is evenly distributed within the fifth pass before passing through the mouthpiece 102, allowing the user to smoothly inhale the functional substance when passing through the mouthpiece 102.

[0053] As mentioned above, the functional substance can be transferred towards the mouthpiece 102 by the air flowing in from the air inlet 10111, and then passed through the mouthpiece 102 to be inhaled by the user.

[0054] Referring to the enlarged view of Figure 3, the airflow, after entering from the air inlet 10111, can diffuse in the first pass 1041 and descend toward the second surface A2. Subsequently, as the cross-sectional area of ​​the second pass 1042 gradually decreases, the flow velocity increases, and the path can be changed in a curved manner while in contact with the bottom surface A4 where the functional material is located. Due to the shape of the third pass 1043, the airflow moving from the side surface A3 toward the center can move upward coaxially with the mouthpiece 102 while transporting the functional material. The airflow can rise perpendicularly coaxially with the mouthpiece 102 as it passes through the fourth pass 1044. Upon reaching the fifth pass, the airflow diffuses and its flow velocity decreases again, allowing it to transport the functional material to the user as it passes through the mouthpiece 102.

[0055] Below, we will describe cartridge 1012 in more detail, based on Figure 4.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a cartridge 1012 of an inhaler 10 according to one embodiment. For example, the cartridge 1012 may be formed in a cup shape.

[0057] Referring to Figure 4, the cartridge 1012 may include a housing portion 10121 and a connecting portion 10122.

[0058] The housing portion 10121 may be open on one side and formed as a concave space. The functional material can be housed in such a space. The third guide 1033 may be positioned at the center of the housing portion 10121. The third guide 1033 may protrude from the bottom surface A4 toward the first surface A1. The functional material can move upward toward the axis of the mouthpiece 102 along the shape of the third guide 1033.

[0059] The connecting portion 10122 may be positioned radially outward from the housing portion 10121. The connecting portion 10122 may be formed in the shape of a groove. The depth of the groove may be formed to be further adjacent to the second surface A2 than to the bottom surface A4. The lower end of the holder 1011 may be inserted into such a connecting portion 10122. A fastening member may also be provided in the connecting portion 10122. The fastening member can be fastened to the lower end of the holder 1011 inserted into the connecting portion 10122 to fix the connected state with the connecting portion 10122.

[0060] The inserted holder 1011 may be engaged with or disengaged from the coupling 10122 for replacement of the cartridge 1012 or filling with a functional substance.

[0061] For smooth transfer along the airflow generated by inhalation, the particle size of the functional substance may be 5 μm or less. Furthermore, if other particles for fragrance or flavor delivery are included, the particle size of the functional substance may be around 20 μm to 50 μm.

[0062] The functional substance applicable to the inhaler 10 according to one embodiment may be, for example, a stimulant such as nicotine or nicotine salt, or other functional substances that produce a positive effect in the human body when inhaled, such as glutathione or caffeine.

[0063] A functional substance applicable to the inhaler 10 according to one embodiment may include a substance that provides fragrance or flavor. In this case, the functional substance may include, for example, alcohols such as mannitol and xylitol. In addition, the functional substance may include substances such as menthol and saccharin that are expected to have a cough suppressant effect in addition to flavor. Other flavoring oils and the like can also be applied as functional substances.

[0064] In one embodiment, the functional substance of the inhaler 10 may include small amounts of sweeteners such as menthol, saccharin, sucralose, and stevia as particles for fragrance or flavor. In this case, the sweetener may be added to the nicotine dry powder in an amount of 1% to less than 5% by weight. In addition, small amounts of other substances that have a positive effect on the physical properties of the dry powder, such as other amino acids and magnesium stearate, may be included.

[0065] Excipients can be applied to the production of each dry, powdered functional substance. In this case, flavor particles of a certain particle size or larger can act as carriers.

[0066] An inhaler 10 according to one embodiment includes a housing 101 having a first surface A1, a second surface A2 facing the first surface A1, and a side surface A3 connecting the first surface A1 and the second surface A2, with a plurality of air inlets 10111 formed therein that penetrate vertically through the side surface A3; a mouthpiece 102 protruding from the first surface A1; and a guide 103 that forms a path for air flowing in from the air inlets 10111 to move inside the housing 101. When an inhalation force is applied to the mouthpiece 102, the guide 103 can guide a functional substance contained inside the housing 101 to move to the mouthpiece 102.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the guide 103 includes a first guide 1031 extending from a position adjacent to the air inlet 10111 in the direction from the first surface A1 toward the second surface A2, a second guide 1032 extending flange-like from the first guide 1031 toward the second surface A2, and a third guide 1033 positioned apart from the second guide 1032 and projecting in the direction from the second surface A2 toward the first surface A1, wherein the third guide 1033 may extend coaxially with the mouthpiece 102.

[0068] In one embodiment, the third guide 1033 may be formed in a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases in the direction from the second surface A2 toward the first surface A1.

[0069] In one embodiment, the third guide 1033 may be formed in a conical shape in which the diameter decreases in the direction from the second surface A2 toward the first surface A1.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the housing 101 includes a holder 1011 connected to the mouthpiece 102 on the first surface A1 and forming an internal space extending toward the second surface A2, and a cartridge 1012 including the second surface A2 and detachably coupled to the holder 1011, wherein the cartridge 1012 may contain the functional material inside.

[0071] A cartridge 1012 according to one embodiment includes a housing portion 10121 in which the functional substance is housed, and a coupling portion 10122 that is spaced radially outward from the housing portion 10121 and formed in the shape of a groove into which the lower end of the holder 1011 is inserted, wherein the functional substance can be moved upward coaxially with the mouthpiece 102 by the guide 103.

[0072] In one embodiment, multiple air inlets 10111 may be arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the side surface A3.

[0073] The functional substance according to one embodiment may be manufactured in powder form.

[0074] An inhaler 10 according to one embodiment includes a housing 101 containing a functional substance, which has a first surface A1, a second surface A2 facing the first surface A1, and a side surface A3 connecting the first surface A1 and the second surface A2; a mouthpiece 102 protruding from the first surface A1; and an airflow path 104 formed inside the housing 101 and extending from a plurality of air inlets 10111 that penetrate vertically through the side surface A3 to the mouthpiece 102. When an inhalation force is applied to the mouthpiece 102, the functional substance can be transferred to the mouthpiece 102 along the airflow path 104 together with the air that flows in through the air inlets 10111.

[0075] An airflow path 104 according to one embodiment includes a first path 1041 extending toward the second surface A2 in a direction perpendicular to the air inlet 10111, a second path 1042 extending from the first path 1041 to the bottom surface A4 containing the functional material, a third path 1043 extending diagonally from the second path 1042 toward the axis of the mouthpiece 102, and a fourth path 1044 extending coaxially with the mouthpiece 102 toward the first surface A1 from the third path 1043, wherein at least a portion of the second path 1042 may include a curved path.

[0076] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained with specific details such as concrete components, limited embodiments, and drawings. These are provided only to deepen the overall understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiments. A person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can make a wide variety of modifications and variations from such descriptions. For example, even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or the described structures, apparatus, and other components are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents, suitable results can still be achieved. Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and it can be said that not only the appended claims, but also all variations equivalent to or equivalent to these claims, fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A housing comprising a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein a plurality of air inlets are formed that penetrate vertically through the side surface, The mouthpiece protruding from the first surface, A guide that forms a path for the air flowing in from the air inlet to move inside the housing, Includes, An inhaler wherein, when suction force is applied to the mouthpiece, the guide directs a functional substance contained inside the housing to move to the mouthpiece.

2. The aforementioned guide, A first guide extending from a position adjacent to the air inlet in the direction from the first surface toward the second surface, A second guide that extends flange-like from the first guide toward the second surface, A third guide is positioned at a distance from the second guide and protrudes in the direction from the second surface toward the first surface, Includes, The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the third guide extends coaxially with the mouthpiece.

3. The inhaler according to claim 2, wherein the third guide is formed in a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases in the direction from the second surface toward the first surface.

4. The inhaler according to claim 3, wherein the third guide is formed in a conical shape with a diameter decreasing in the direction from the second surface toward the first surface.

5. The aforementioned housing is A holder connected to the mouthpiece on the first surface and forming an internal space extending toward the second surface, A cartridge including the second surface and detachably coupled to the holder, Includes, The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge contains the functional substance inside.

6. The aforementioned cartridge is A housing section in which the functional material is contained, A coupling portion is formed as a groove into which the lower end of the holder is inserted, and is spaced radially outward from the housing portion. Includes, The inhaler according to claim 5, wherein the functional substance moves upward in the same axial direction as the mouthpiece by the guide.

7. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of air inlets are each spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the side surface.

8. The inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the functional substance is manufactured in powder form.

9. A housing comprising a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and side surfaces connecting the first and second surfaces, with a functional material contained inside, The mouthpiece protruding from the first surface, An airflow path is formed inside the housing and extends from a plurality of air inlets that penetrate vertically through the side surface to the mouthpiece, Includes, An inhaler wherein, when suction force is applied to the mouthpiece, the functional substance moves to the mouthpiece along the airflow path together with the air that flows in through the air inlet.

10. The aforementioned airflow path is A first path extending toward the second surface in a direction perpendicular to the air inlet, A second path extending from the first path to the bottom surface containing the functional material, A third path extending diagonally from the second path toward the axis of the mouthpiece, A fourth path extending coaxially with the mouthpiece toward the first surface from the third path, Includes, The inhaler according to claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the second path includes a curved path.

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