Inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler according to one embodiment includes a stick including a chamber for storing powder, a holder including an insertion groove into which the stick is inserted, a fixed member fixed to the insertion groove, an impact member connected to the fixed member, a rotating member including a rotating shaft provided in the insertion groove, and at least one rotating blade provided on the outer circumferential surface, and the rotating member rotates around the rotating shaft, causing the rotating blade and the impact member to mesh with each other and temporarily pressurize the impact member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various embodiments of this document relate to inhalers. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes that overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes. For example, an inhaler is a device that allows a user to inhale a liquid or gas containing a composition such as a drug through the oral or nasal cavity.

[0003] Such devices comprise a chamber containing an inhalable composition, which travels from the chamber through a channel and ultimately to the oral or nasal cavity, where it can be inhaled by the user.

[0004] The above-mentioned background art was held or acquired by the inventors in the process of deriving the contents of the disclosure of this specification, and cannot necessarily be said to be publicly known art that was disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional non-electronic inhalers that use powder compositions require the user to inhale the powder by breathing in. In this case, the amount of powder released from the inhaler varies depending on the breathing volume of the user's lungs, which limits the use of inhalers for users who cannot maintain a certain level of lung capacity.

[0006] To solve this problem, there has been a demand for an inhaler that allows users with weak lung capacity to inhale smoothly and also allows general users to individually control the release state of powder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An inhaler according to one embodiment includes a stick including a chamber for containing powder, a holder including an insertion groove into which the stick is inserted, a fixed member fixed to the insertion groove, an impact member connected to the fixed member, and a rotating member including a rotating shaft provided in the insertion groove and at least one rotating blade provided on its outer circumferential surface, and the rotating member rotates around the rotating shaft, causing the rotating blade and the impact member to mesh with each other and temporarily pressurizing the impact member.

[0008] In one embodiment, one end of the impact member may be a fixed end connected to the fixed member, and the other end of the impact member opposite to the one end may be a free end.

[0009] In one embodiment, when the impact member is pressurized by the rotor, the other end of the impact member tilts away from the chamber, and when the impact member is separated from the rotor, the other end of the impact member moves toward the chamber, thereby impacting the chamber.

[0010] In one embodiment, when the impact member is pressurized by the rotor, the other end of the impact member may bounce toward the chamber and apply an impact to the chamber.

[0011] In one embodiment, the impact member may be disposed in the insertion groove so as to face one side of the stick facing the direction in which the stick is inserted.

[0012] In one embodiment, the impact member may be disposed in the insertion groove so as to face a side surface adjacent to one surface of the stick facing the direction in which the stick is inserted.

[0013] In one embodiment, the impact member and the rotating member comprise one impact module, and the inhaler may include a plurality of such impact modules.

[0014] In one embodiment, the impact modules may be arranged in opposite directions relative to the chamber.

[0015] In one embodiment, the impact members of any one of the plurality of impact modules and the impact members of another one of the plurality of impact modules can alternately impact the chamber.

[0016] In one embodiment, the impact modules can be arranged facing the same plane relative to one another with respect to the chamber.

[0017] In one embodiment, the impact member of any one of the plurality of impact modules and the impact member of any other one of the plurality of impact modules can impact the chamber substantially simultaneously.

[0018] In one embodiment, the length of the rotor blades of any one of the rotary members of the plurality of impact modules may be different from the length of the rotor blades of any other rotary member.

[0019] In one embodiment, the rotor may be made of an elastic material, and one end of the rotor may be a fixed end connected to the rotating member, and the other end of the rotor opposite to the one end may be a free end.

[0020] In one embodiment, when the rotor is pressurized by the impact member, the other end of the rotor tilts away from the chamber, and when the rotor is separated from the impact member, the other end of the rotor moves toward the chamber, impacting the chamber.

[0021] In one embodiment, the device may further include a puff sensor that detects airflow inside the stick, and a processor that receives the detection result from the puff sensor and controls the rotation of the rotating member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] In one embodiment, the inhaler can control the amount and / or rate of the released powder by impacting the chamber via the impact member, thereby helping the user to inhale the powder smoothly.

[0023] The effects of the inhaler according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 3a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 3b] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a region of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 5a] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a region of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 5b] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a region of an inhaler according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a region of an inhaler according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The terms used in the various embodiments are generally used as widely as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply as names of terms, but based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when any part "includes" any component, this does not exclude other components, but means that it further includes other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be embodied in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an element in a sequence, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the sequence. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0028] In various embodiments, "puff" refers to a user's inhalation, where inhalation refers to drawing in through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0029] In one embodiment, the inhaler may include a body (or holder) that supports a cartridge (or stick) that houses capsules that hold the composition. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited to this. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body and fixed so that it cannot be removed by the user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with a capsule housed therein. However, without being limited thereto, powder or capsules holding the powder may be injected into the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0030]

[0033] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be embodied in a form that can be realized in the inhaler of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler 100 according to one embodiment.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, an inhaler 100 according to one embodiment may include at least some of a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, a communication unit 180, and a driving unit 190.

[0033] However, the internal structure of inhaler 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, a person skilled in the art will understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of inhaler 100.

[0034] In one embodiment, the detector 120 can detect the state of the inhaler 100 or the state around the inhaler 100 and transmit the detected information to the controller 110 (or processor). The controller 110 can control the operation of other components of the inhaler 100 based on the detected information.

[0035] For example, the control unit 110 can perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 150 based on the detection result of the detection unit 120, determining whether a stick (e.g., stick 230 in FIG. 2), a capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in FIG. 3a), a cartridge, a cigarette, etc. can be inserted and controlling the driving unit 190, or displaying a notification on the output unit 130.

[0036] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 detects the temperature of the heater 150. The inhaler 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself may function as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed near the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0038] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 124 detects the insertion and / or removal of a stick (e.g., stick 230 in FIG. 2) or a capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in FIGS. 3a and 3b). For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the stick or capsule.

[0039] In one embodiment, the puff sensor 126 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 can detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0040] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the aforementioned sensors. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person of ordinary skill in the art from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] In one embodiment, the output unit 130 outputs and provides information to a user regarding the status of the inhaler 100. The output unit 130 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an audio output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 may be used as an input device as well as an output device.

[0042] In one embodiment, the display unit 132 visually provides information about the inhaler 100 to the user. For example, the information about the inhaler 100 may include at least some of various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 140 of the inhaler 100, the preheating status of the heater 150, the insertion / removal status of a stick or capsule, or a status that restricts the use of the inhaler 100 (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the vibration status of the driver 190, and the display unit 132 outputs such information to the outside. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Alternatively, the display unit 132 may display the status of an LED light emitting element.

[0043] In one embodiment, the haptic portion 134 converts electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to tactilely provide information to the user regarding the inhaler 100. For example, the haptic portion 134 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0044] In one embodiment, the acoustic output unit 136 audibly provides the user with information regarding the inhaler 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0045] In one embodiment, the battery 140 can provide the power used to operate the inhaler 100. The battery 140 provides power to the heater 150 to heat.

[0046] In one embodiment, battery 140 provides the power necessary to operate other components included within inhaler 100 (e.g., detection unit 120, output unit 130, user input unit 160, memory 170, and communication unit 180, or drive unit 190). Battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 140 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0047] In one embodiment, heater 150 receives power from battery 140 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , inhaler 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of battery 140 and supplies it to heater 150. Furthermore, if inhaler 100 generates aerosol using an induction method, inhaler 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of battery 140 into AC power.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control unit 110, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, the communication unit 180, and the drive unit 190 may function by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , they may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component.

[0049] In one embodiment, heater 150 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 150 may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0050] In one embodiment, heater 150 may be an induction heater. For example, heater 150 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0051] In one embodiment, heater 150 may include multiple heaters. For example, heater 150 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

[0052] In one embodiment, the user input unit 160 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 160 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared detection type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the inhaler 100 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, through which the inhaler 100 may be connected to another external device to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0053] In one embodiment, memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within inhaler 100, and stores data that has been processed by control unit 110 and data to be processed by control unit 110. Memory 170 includes at least one type of storage medium from the following: a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or xD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0054] In one embodiment, memory 170 stores data such as the operating time of inhaler 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data relating to the user's smoking patterns.

[0055] In one embodiment, the communication unit 180 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 includes a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0056] In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 182 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0057] In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 184 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 184 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the inhaler 100 within the communication network.

[0058] In one embodiment, the drive unit 190 may include various drive devices to assist the user in inhaling the inhaler 100. For example, the drive unit 190 may include a rotating member 191, and the rotational movement of the rotating member 191 may assist in the delivery of powder from the inhaler 100. Without being limited thereto, the drive unit 190 may further include elements such as a motor, a shaft, multiple pinions, or a hydraulic device.

[0059] In one embodiment, the rotating member 191 may be embodied as a wheel that rotates about a fixed axis and can rotate when a voltage is applied to a power source (eg, a motor) that rotates the rotating member 191 .

[0060] In one embodiment, the controller 110 controls the overall operation of the inhaler 100. In one embodiment, the controller 110 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. The controller 110 may also be implemented as other types of hardware, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0061] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. As another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 150 in response to a control command from the control unit 110.

[0062] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may analyze the result detected by the detection unit 120 and control the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 150 so as to start or stop the operation of the heater 150 or the driving unit 190 based on the result detected by the detection unit 120.

[0063] For example, based on the results detected by the detection unit 120, the control unit 110 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the time for which power is supplied so that the heater 150 can heat up to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0064] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 controls the output unit 130 based on the result detected by the detection unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 may notify the user that the inhaler 100 will soon be shut down via at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the audio output unit 136. Alternatively, for example, the puff sensor 126 may detect the user's inhalation state, and the control unit 110 may control the driving of the rotating member 191 of the driving unit 190 based on the detected state.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the time and / or amount of power supply to the heater 150 depending on the state of the stick or capsule detected by the detection unit 120 .

[0066] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media may also include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

[0067] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 2, an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment includes at least one of a holder 210 and a stick 230.

[0069] In one embodiment, the holder 210 may be configured in the shape of a cylinder or a polygonal pillar. An insertion groove 215 for inserting the stick 230 is formed in the holder 210, and the stick 230 may be inserted into the insertion groove 215 in an insertion direction (e.g., the -Y direction).

[0070] In one embodiment, the holder 210 includes a first surface 211, a second surface 212, and a side surface 213. An insertion groove 215 may be formed in the first surface 211, and the second surface 212 may be the surface opposite to the first surface 211. A side surface 213 may be formed between the first surface 211 and the second surface 212.

[0071] In one embodiment, the insertion groove 215 may be configured as a recess formed in a concave shape in the first surface 211 in a direction toward the second surface 212, or may be formed to be open in at least a portion of the first surface 211.

[0072] For example, the insertion groove 215 may have a shape that extends along the longitudinal axis (e.g., ±Y direction) of the holder 210. The stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210 in a direction that the insertion groove 215 passes through (e.g., −Y direction).

[0073] In one embodiment, an inlet (not shown) may be formed between the outside of the holder 210 and the insertion groove 215 to allow air outside the holder 210 to flow into the insertion groove 215 .

[0074] Although not shown in the drawings, holder 210 houses various components of inhaler 200 therein, for example, holder 210 may house at least a portion of a control unit (e.g., control unit 110 in FIG. 1), at least one sensor (e.g., detection unit 120 in FIG. 1), and a battery (e.g., battery 140 in FIG. 1).

[0075] In one embodiment, the holder 210 is configured in the shape of a cylindrical or polygonal pillar, and the stick 230 has a size and shape that allows it to be inserted into the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210. The stick 230 contains the powder P inside.

[0076] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 231 may be provided on one side of the stick 230. For example, the mouthpiece 231 may be provided in a direction opposite to the region of the stick 230 that is inserted into the insertion groove 215 (e.g., the chamber 233 in FIG. 3a). A user can inhale air by applying negative pressure to the stick 230. For example, the user may inhale the powder P or air or aerosol containing the powder P while biting the mouthpiece 231.

[0077] FIG. 3a is a schematic view of the interior of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3b is a schematic view of the interior of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0078] Specifically, Figures 3a and 3b are views of the interior of region A shown in Figure 2, with Figure 3a showing the state in which stick 230 is partially inserted or in the process of being inserted into insertion groove 215 of holder 210, and Figure 3b showing the state in which stick 230 is substantially fully inserted into insertion groove 215 of holder 210.

[0079] 3a and 3b, an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment may include at least a portion of a piercing member 220, a resilient member 225, a chamber 233, and a piercing hole 234.

[0080] In one embodiment, the stick 230 includes a chamber 233 for accommodating the capsule 232. The chamber 233 may be a portion of the stick 230 that is inserted into the insertion groove 215. The chamber 233 may be a space for accommodating or storing the capsule 232, or may be a space for restricting the movement of the capsule 232.

[0081] In one embodiment, capsule 232 contains powder P therein. Powder P may be tobacco extract in small particle form, or powder P may be a composition or functional substance including a pharmacological substance such as caffeine, taurine, aspirin, a sedative, a hypnotic, a bronchodilator, a vaccine, or a substance such as free nicotine or nicotine salt. However, this is merely an example, and capsule 232 may contain powder P therein that may be replaced with a liquid, a gas, or some combination thereof.

[0082] In one embodiment, the pierce hole 234 is an opening that opens from the outside of the stick 30 toward the chamber 233. The pierce hole 234 may be formed on the surface of the stick 230 facing the insertion groove 215, preferably in the area facing the piercing member 220. The pierce hole 234 may have a diameter larger than or the same as the circumference of the piercing member 220.

[0083] In one embodiment, the stick 230 includes an airflow channel 235 that communicates from the chamber 233 to a mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 231 in FIG. 2). The airflow channel 235 is a flow path through which air containing the powder P flows, and the airflow channel 235 and the chamber 233 can be separated by a mesh 236.

[0084] In one embodiment, mesh 236 allows powder P and air to pass through while restricting the passage of capsules 232 or other foreign objects, or mesh 236 may filter out a portion of powder P or prevent powder P from clumping. For example, the diameter of a single hole in mesh 236 may be 5 micrometers.

[0085] In one embodiment, when capsule 232 is crushed, at least a portion of the powder P inside capsule 232 is released into chamber 233. When the user inhales air from stick 230 through mouthpiece 231, powder P passes through mesh 236 and travels through airflow channel 235 to mouthpiece 231, where it is inhaled by the user.

[0086] In one embodiment, the stick 230 may be disposable and replaced with another stick 230 after the powder P is depleted, or the stick 230 may be reusable and, once the powder P is depleted, the stick 230 may be refilled with the capsule 232 or powder P and used again.

[0087] In one embodiment, the piercing member 220 is disposed in the insertion groove 215 and may protrude from the insertion groove 215 in a direction (e.g., the +Y direction) toward the stick 230. The piercing member 220 may crush the capsule 232. For example, when the stick 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215 in a first direction (e.g., the -Y direction), at least a portion of the piercing member 220 penetrates the piercing hole 234 and is inserted into the chamber 233 of the stick 230, causing the piercing member 220 to partially crush the capsule 232.

[0088] In one embodiment, the distal end of the piercing member 220 has a sharp or pointed shape, for example, the piercing member 220 may be a needle or a sting. The distal end of the piercing member 220 fractures a region of the capsule 232, forming a perforation in the capsule 232. The capsule 232 may release the powder P into the chamber 233 through the perforation fractured by the piercing member 220.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the elastic member 225 may be provided in the insertion groove 215. When the stick 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215, the elastic member 225 is pressed by the stick 230 and deformed (e.g., compressed). When the elastic member 225 is deformed, the elastic member 225 presses the stick 230 in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the +Y direction) due to its elastic force. The elastic member 225 may be formed of a coil spring that applies an elastic force to another structure.

[0090] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a region of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4, an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment may include at least one of a rotating member 240 (eg, rotating member 191 of FIG. 1) and an impact member 250.

[0092] In one embodiment, the rotating member 240 may be provided inside the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210. The rotating member 240 may be a rotating plate or a wheel that rotates around a rotation axis R.

[0093] In one embodiment, the rotating member 240 is powered by a drive unit such as an electric motor (e.g., drive unit 190 of FIG. 1), and the direction of rotation and RPM of the rotating member 240 can be controlled by a processor (e.g., control unit 110 of FIG. 1).

[0094] In one embodiment, the rotating member 240 includes at least one rotor 245 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 240. A plurality of rotors 245 may be formed, and the plurality of rotors 245 may be preferably spaced apart from each other at substantially equal intervals.

[0095] In one embodiment, the impact member 250 is connected to a fixed member 255 that is fixed in a fixed position in the insertion groove 215, and at least a portion of the impact member 250 may be fixed in the insertion groove 215. The fixed member 255, the impact member 250, and the rotating member 240 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 233 and disposed adjacent to the chamber 233.

[0096] In one embodiment, the impact member 250 may have a structure in which one end is connected to the fixed member 255, and the other end may have a structure extending from the one end toward the rotating member 240, for example, a substantially bar or cylindrical shape. For example, the other end of the impact member 250 may extend into the range of movement of the rotor 245 of the rotating member 240 so that the impact member 250 is engaged with the rotor 245 as the rotating member 240 rotates.

[0097] In one embodiment, as the rotating member 240 rotates about the rotation axis R, the rotor 245 of the rotating member 240 temporarily contacts the impact member 250. As the rotating member 240 continues to rotate while the rotor 245 and the impact member 250 are in contact, the rotor 245 and the impact member 250 mesh with each other, allowing the rotating member 240 to temporarily pressurize the impact member 250.

[0098] In one embodiment, the impact member 250 is tilted in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member 240, and can apply an impact to the chamber 233. The chamber 233 vibrates when it is repeatedly impacted by the rotation of the rotating member 240.

[0099] The following will specifically describe the operation of the impact member 250 made of an elastic material applying an impact to the chamber 233 as a result of the rotation member 240 rotating in one direction (for example, clockwise in FIG. 4).

[0100] In one embodiment, impact member 250 is made of an elastic material. One end of impact member 250 is a fixed end connected to fixed member 255 to limit movement, and the other end opposite the one end is a free end that can move under external pressure. Impact member 250 is engaged with rotor 245 and temporarily deformed, and can apply impact to chamber 233 during the process of being restored.

[0101] For example, if the other end of impact member 250, which is a free end, is pressed by rotor 245, impact member 250 falls in the direction of the pressure. Then, if rotating member 240 continues to rotate and rotor 245 separates from the other end of impact member 250, impact member 250 bounces back due to its restoring force (or elastic force) beyond the position where it was pressed by rotor 245 to a position where it contacts chamber 233. The other end of impact member 250 impacts chamber 233, and vibrations may occur in chamber 233 due to the impact.

[0102] However, the above process is merely an exemplary description of some of the inhalers 200 according to various embodiments of this document, and is not limited thereto, and the inhaler 200 may vibrate the chamber 233 using different structures and operations.

[0103] For example, the rotating member 240 can rotate in a direction different from the example described above (e.g., counterclockwise), and the rotating blades 245 can pressurize the impact member 250 toward the chamber 233. The impact member 250 is pressed by the rotating blades 245 and rebounds toward the chamber 233, impacting the chamber 233. The impact member 250 may be made of a rigid material, and can be arranged in the insertion groove 215 relatively freely rotatable with one end of the impact member 250 fixed to the fixing member 255.

[0104] In one embodiment, the impact member 250 is disposed in the insertion groove 215 in a direction facing the chamber 233, and can apply an impact to the side surface of the chamber 233. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the impact member 250 may be disposed to face one side surface (e.g., the surface in the +X direction) of the chamber 233 adjacent to the space into which the stick 230 is inserted.

[0105] In one embodiment, when the impact member 250 impacts the side surface of the chamber 233, the chamber 233 vibrates left and right (e.g., in the XZ plane). The vibration of the chamber 233 provides vibration to a capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in FIGS. 3a and 3b) inside the chamber 233, and the vibration of the capsule 232 can promote the release of powder (e.g., powder P in FIGS. 3a and 3b). Alternatively, the vibration of the chamber 233 can provide kinetic energy to the powder P remaining inside the chamber 233, helping the powder P move into the airflow channel 235.

[0106] Without being limited thereto, the impact member 250 may be disposed in the insertion groove 215 in a direction facing the chamber 233, and may apply an impact to the bottom surface of the chamber 233. For example, although not shown in the drawings, the impact member 250 may be disposed to face one side of the stick 230 facing the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted (e.g., the -Y direction).

[0107] In one embodiment, when the impact member 250 impacts the bottom surface of the chamber 233, kinetic energy is transferred to the powder P remaining on the bottom surface of the chamber 233, causing it to rise along with the airflow. Alternatively, when the impact member 250 periodically impacts the bottom surface of the chamber 233, the chamber 233 can vibrate repeatedly, providing vibrations to the capsule 232 inside the chamber 233 and promoting the release of the powder P.

[0108] In one embodiment, the rotor 245 may have a shape that protrudes in a direction away from the rotation axis R. For example, one surface of the rotor 245 may extend linearly in a direction away from the rotation axis R, and the other surface of the rotor 245 may extend curvedly so that the one surface and the end of the rotor 245 are in contact with each other. However, this is merely an example, and the rotor 245 may have various shapes, such as a triangle, a square, a hemisphere, or a polygonal shape.

[0109] In one embodiment, the rotor 245 has a first length L1 which is the width of the end of the rotor 245 in a direction away from the rotation axis R. As the first length L1 of the rotor 245 increases within a certain range, the compressive force that the rotor 245 applies to the impact member 250 increases, and the strength of the impact received by the chamber 233 increases.

[0110] For example, if the first length L1 of the rotor 245 is relatively long, the impact member 250 is tilted at a larger angle, and when the rotor 245 and the impact member 250 separate, the impact member 250 can strike the chamber 233 with a larger restoring force.

[0111] In one embodiment, the impact member 250 has a second length L2, which is the width in the tilting direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). As the second length L2 of the impact member 250 increases within a certain range, the compressive force stored in the impact member 250 increases, and the strength of the impact received by the chamber 233 increases.

[0112] For example, if the second length L2 of the impact member 250 is relatively long, the rotor 245 must apply a large pressure to the impact member 250 in order to tilt the impact member 250, and when the rotor 245 and the impact member 250 are separated, the impact member 250 can strike the chamber 233 with an even greater restoring force.

[0113] In one embodiment, the inhaler 200 may need to slow or increase the amount or rate of release of powder P released from the capsule 232 depending on various factors such as the user's breathing rate or user preference.

[0114] In various embodiments herein, the impact member 250 can impact the chamber 233 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member 240. The chamber 233 vibrates due to the impact, which can be controlled to efficiently release the powder P from the capsule 232 and assist in efficiently moving the powder P into the airflow channel 235.

[0115] For example, processor 110 can receive detection results from a puff sensor (e.g., puff sensor 126 in FIG. 1) that detects airflow inside stick 230 and, based on the detection results, control rotational parameters such as the rotation direction and RPM of rotating member 240. For example, if it is determined that the user's lung capacity is relatively low, processor 110 can increase the rotational RPM of rotating member 240 and increase the intensity and / or frequency of vibrations applied to chamber 233.

[0116] As discussed above, the rotating member 240 and impact member 250 according to various embodiments herein may be positioned in various locations and have various shapes and sizes, thereby controlling factors such as the strength, direction, and frequency of the impact that the impact member 250 imparts to the chamber 233.

[0117] In one embodiment, the fixed member 255, the impact member 250, and the rotating member 240 may constitute one impact module. The impact module refers to a set including one impact member 250 that can deliver an impact to a predetermined impact point in the chamber 233, and a rotating member 240 that realizes the impact of the impact member 250. Hereinafter, an inhaler 200 including multiple impact modules will be described with reference to the above content.

[0118] FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of a region of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 5a, the inhaler 200 may include multiple impaction modules.

[0120] The following describes an inhaler 200 that includes multiple rotating members 240a, 240b and multiple impact members 250a, 250b and applies impact to multiple regions of the chamber 233, and any overlapping content with that described above will be omitted.

[0121] In one embodiment, the plurality of impact modules includes a first impact module and a second impact module, the first impact module including a first impact member 250a and a first rotating member 240a, and the second impact module including a second impact member 250b and a second rotating member 240b.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first impact module and the second impact module may be arranged in opposite directions (eg, in the + / -X direction) relative to the chamber 233.

[0123] For example, the first rotating member 240a and the second rotating member 240b may rotate in opposite directions relative to the first rotation axis Ra and the second rotation axis Rb, respectively. The first impact member 250a may be pressed by the first rotating wing 245a of the first rotating member 240a, and the first impact member 250a may be tilted in a direction away from the chamber 233 while one end is fixed to the first fixed member 255a. The second impact member 250b may be pressed by the second rotating wing 245b of the second rotating member 240b, and the second impact member 250b may be tilted in a direction away from the chamber 233 while one end is fixed to the second fixed member 255b. The first impact member 250a and the second impact member 250b may then apply impacts to different regions (e.g., opposing regions) of the chamber 233 due to their restoring forces. For example, the first impact member 250a may apply an impact to one side (e.g., the +X side) of the side surface of the chamber 233, and the second impact member 250b may apply an impact to the other side (e.g., the -X side) of the side surface of the chamber 233.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first impact member 250a and the second impact member 250b repeatedly impact the chamber 233 in both directions, respectively, to transmit stronger vibrations to the chamber 233, and thus to the capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in FIGS. 3a and 3b) and the powder (e.g., powder P in FIGS. 3a and 3b). Alternatively, the first impact member 250a and the second impact member 250b can supply kinetic energy to the powder P in multiple directions, guiding the powder P to spread evenly.

[0125] In one embodiment, in the first impact module and the second impact module, the first impact member 250a and the second impact member 250b can alternately impact the chamber 233. By having the first impact member 250a and the second impact member 250b alternately impact the chamber 233, the strength of the individual vibration transmitted to the inhaler 200 can be reduced and the magnitude of the overall vibration transmitted to the chamber 233 can be increased, thereby improving the effect of the vibration.

[0126] FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram illustrating a region of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 5b, the inhaler 200 may include multiple impaction modules.

[0128] The following describes an inhaler 200 that includes multiple rotating members 240c, 240d and multiple impact members 250c, 250d and applies impact to multiple regions of the chamber 233, and any overlapping content with that described above will be omitted.

[0129] In one embodiment, the plurality of impact modules includes a third impact module and a fourth impact module.

[0130] In one embodiment, the third impact module includes a third impact member 250c and a third rotating member 240c, and the fourth impact module includes a fourth impact member 250d and a fourth rotating member 240d.

[0131] In one embodiment, the third impact module and the fourth impact module may be arranged to face the same side as each other with respect to the chamber 233 .

[0132] In one embodiment, one end of the third impact member 250c of the third impact module and one end of the fourth impact member 250d of the fourth impact module may be connected to the same third fixed member 255c. One end of the third impact member 250c extends in one direction (e.g., the +Y direction) from the other end of the third impact member 250c connected to the third fixed member 255c, and one end of the fourth impact member 250d extends in the other direction (e.g., the -Y direction) from the other end of the fourth impact member 250d connected to the third fixed member 255c.

[0133] For example, the third rotating member 240c and the fourth rotating member 240d may rotate in opposite directions relative to the third rotation axis Rc and the fourth rotation axis Rd, respectively. The third impact member 250c is pressed by the third rotating wing 245c of the third rotating member 240c, and one end of the third impact member 250c is tilted away from the chamber 233 with the other end of the third impact member 250c fixed to the third fixing member 255c. The fourth impact member 250d is pressed by the fourth rotating wing 245d of the fourth rotating member 240d, and one end of the fourth impact member 250d is tilted away from the chamber 233 with the other end of the fourth impact member 250d fixed to the third fixing member 255c. The third impact member 250c and the fourth impact member 250d can each deliver impacts to different regions on one side of the chamber 233 by their restoring forces. For example, the third impact member 250c may impact an area on one side (e.g., the -Y side or the lower side) of the side surface of the chamber 233, and the second impact member 250b may impact an area on the other side (e.g., the +Y side or the upper side) of the side surface of the chamber 233.

[0134] In one embodiment, the third impact member 250c and the fourth impact member 250d impact the chamber 233 at positions spaced apart from each other on the same face of the chamber 233, thereby transmitting stronger vibrations to the chamber 233 as a whole and to the capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in Figures 3a and 3b) and powder (e.g., powder P in Figures 3a and 3b).

[0135] Without being limited thereto, the third impact module and the fourth impact module may be connected to respective fixing members 255 and disposed separately and independently from each other, and each may impact a different region of the chamber 233 .

[0136] In one embodiment, the length of the third rotor 245c (e.g., the first length L1 in FIG. 4) and the length of the fourth rotor 245d may be different from each other. Depending on the need for stronger or weaker impact, the lengths of the rotors 245c and 245d may be different from each other.

[0137] For example, if the length of the fourth rotor 245d is greater than the length of the third rotor 245c, the fourth impact member 250d can apply a higher impact force to a position where stronger vibration is required, thereby efficiently generating vibration in the chamber 233.

[0138] Without being limited thereto, the width of the third impact member 250c (e.g., the second length L2 in FIG. 5) and the width of the fourth impact member 250d may also be different from each other, and the lengths of the multiple impact members 250c, 250d may be set to be different from each other in response to the need for stronger or weaker impacts. The fact that the lengths L1 of the multiple rotors 245c, 245d and / or the lengths L2 of the multiple impact members 250c, 250d are different from each other may be equally applied to the embodiment of FIG. 5a or other embodiments.

[0139] In one embodiment, the third impact member 250c and the fourth impact member 250d each impact the chamber 233 in the same direction of the chamber 233, thereby transmitting stronger vibrations to the chamber 233 and thus transmitting stronger vibrations to the capsule 232 and the powder P.

[0140] In one embodiment, in the third impact module and the fourth impact module, the third impact member 250c and the fourth impact member 250d can substantially simultaneously impact the chamber 233. By having the third impact member 250c and the fourth impact member 250d simultaneously impact the chamber 233, the intensity of a single vibration transmitted to the inhaler 200 can be reduced and the magnitude of the overall vibration transmitted to the chamber 233 can be increased, thereby improving the effect of the vibration.

[0141] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a region of an inhaler 200 according to one embodiment.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the rotor 246 of the rotating member 240 can impact the chamber 233 .

[0143] The following describes the inhaler 200 in which the rotor 246 impacts the chamber 233. For the sake of convenience, the same content as above will be omitted and differences will be mainly described.

[0144] In one embodiment, the rotor 246 is made of an elastic material. One end of the rotor 246 may be configured as a fixed end connected to the rotating member 240, and the other end opposite the one end may be configured as a free end. As the rotating member 240 rotates, the rotor 246 may impact the side wall of the chamber 233.

[0145] In one embodiment, the impact member 251 may have both a fixed end and a fixed end connected to the fixed member 255. The rotor 246 may be engaged with the impact member 251, temporarily deformed, and may impact the chamber 233 during the restoration process.

[0146] For example, when the other end of the rotor 246, which is a free end, is pressed by the impact member 251, the rotor 246 falls in the direction of the pressure. Then, when the rotating member 240 continues to rotate and the other end of the rotor 246 separates from the impact member 251, the rotor 246 bounces back to a position where it contacts the chamber 233 due to a restoring force (or elastic force). The other end of the rotor 246 impacts the chamber 233, and vibrations may occur in the chamber 233 due to the impact. The impact member 251 compresses the rotor 246 and then separates from the rotor 246, thereby increasing the strength of the impact that the rotor 246 applies to the chamber 233.

[0147] In one embodiment, the rotation of the impeller 246 repeatedly impacts the chamber 233, which transmits vibrations to the capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in FIGS. 3a and 3b) and the powder (e.g., powder P in FIGS. 3a and 3b). The impeller 246 supplies kinetic energy to the powder P, which can induce the powder P to spread evenly.

[0148] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different from that described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a form different from that described, or may be replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents, and still achieve appropriate results. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is defined by the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. an inhaler, a stick including a chamber containing a powder; a holder including an insertion groove into which the stick is inserted; a fixing member fixed to the insertion groove; an impact member connected to the fixed member; a rotating member including a rotating shaft provided in the insertion groove and at least one rotating blade provided on an outer circumferential surface; Including, The rotating member is The inhaler rotates about the rotation axis, causing the rotor and the impact member to mesh with each other and temporarily pressurize the impact member.

2. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein one end of the impact member is a fixed end connected to the fixing member, and the other end of the impact member opposite to the one end is a free end.

3. When the impact member is pressurized by the rotor, the other end of the impact member is tilted in a direction away from the chamber, The inhaler of claim 2 , wherein when the impact member is separated from the rotor, the other end of the impact member moves toward the chamber and impacts the chamber.

4. 3. The inhaler of claim 2, wherein when the impact member is pressurized by the rotor, the other end of the impact member bounces toward the chamber and impacts the chamber.

5. The inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the impact member is positioned in the insertion groove so as to face one side of the stick that faces in the direction in which the stick is inserted.

6. The inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the impact member is positioned in the insertion groove so as to face a side surface adjacent to one side of the stick facing the direction in which the stick is inserted.

7. the impact member and the rotating member constitute one impact module; The inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the inhaler comprises a plurality of the impaction modules.

8. 8. The inhaler of claim 7, wherein the impact modules are disposed in opposite directions relative to the chamber.

9. 8. The inhaler of claim 7, wherein the impact members of any one of the plurality of impact modules alternately impact the chamber.

10. 8. The inhaler of claim 7, wherein the impact modules are arranged facing the same direction relative to the chamber.

11. 8. The inhaler of claim 7, wherein the impact member of any one of the plurality of impact modules and the impact member of any other one of the plurality of impact modules impact the chamber substantially simultaneously.

12. 8. The inhaler of claim 7, wherein the length of the rotor blades of one of the rotary members of the plurality of impact modules is different from the length of the rotor blades of another of the rotary members.

13. 2. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein the rotor is made of an elastic material, one end of the rotor is a fixed end connected to the rotating member, and the other end of the rotor opposite to the one end is a free end.

14. When the impeller is pressed by the impact member, the other end of the impeller is tilted in a direction away from the chamber, The inhaler of claim 13, wherein when the rotor is separated from the impact member, the other end of the rotor moves toward the chamber and impacts the chamber.

15. a puff sensor that detects the airflow inside the stick; a processor that receives the detection result from the puff sensor and controls the rotation of the rotating member; 10. The inhaler of claim 1, further comprising:

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