Inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler, according to one embodiment, comprises: a housing which is capable of accommodating a capsule containing a functional material, and includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface; a mouthpiece, at least a portion of which protrudes from the first surface of the housing along a longitudinal direction extending between the first surface and the second surface; a holder which is accommodated in the housing and includes a capsule accommodation space; and a needle which is coupled to the mouthpiece and protrudes toward the capsule accommodation space, wherein a tip of the needle is insertable into the capsule accommodation space.

Description

inspirator

[0001] The various embodiments below relate to inhalers.

[0002] The inhaler can deliver a target substance directly into the user's lungs. The aforementioned background technology was acquired or acquired by the inventor during the process of developing the present invention, and cannot necessarily be considered publicly known technology prior to the filing of the present invention.

[0003] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler with replaceable capsules.

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

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

[0006] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of ensuring a sufficiently long airflow path without making the device too large.

[0007] The purpose of one embodiment is to improve aesthetics by preventing the lower inlet hole that enters the capsule from being exposed outside the housing.

[0008] The goal is to provide an inhaler that can enhance aesthetics.

[0009] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of reducing needle contamination.

[0010] The problems to be solved in the embodiments are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0011] According to one embodiment, an inhaler can accommodate a capsule comprising a functional substance, the inhaler comprising a housing including a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface, a mouthpiece at least partially protruding from the first surface of the housing along a longitudinal direction extending between the first surface and the second surface, a holder accommodated within the housing and including a capsule receiving space, and a needle coupled to the mouthpiece and protruding toward the capsule receiving space, the tip of the needle being insertable into the capsule receiving space.

[0012] An inhaler according to one embodiment can accommodate a capsule comprising a functional substance, the inhaler comprising a mouthpiece, a holder disposed longitudinally from the mouthpiece and including a capsule receiving space, and an airflow path extending from the holder to the mouthpiece, wherein the airflow path can include a first airflow path extending longitudinally to the holder, a second airflow path extending from the first airflow path to the capsule receiving space in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a third airflow path extending from the second airflow path to the mouthpiece in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, the capsules may be replaceable.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, sufficient suction resistance can be achieved.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, the functional material powder can be prevented from unintentionally leaking.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the inhaler, a sufficiently long airflow path can be secured without increasing the size of the device.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the inhaler, the lower inlet hole that leads to the capsule is not exposed to the outside of the housing, thereby improving the aesthetics.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, contamination of the needle can be reduced.

[0019] 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 description below.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an inhaler according to one embodiment from a different angle.

[0022] Figure 3 is a front view of an inhaler according to one embodiment with the housing removed.

[0023] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the internal structure of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates a holder of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates an airflow path of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0026] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected from widely used, common terms, taking into account their functions. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0027] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an inhaler (2) according to one embodiment viewed from a different angle. Fig. 3 is a front view of an inhaler (3) according to one embodiment with the housing removed, Fig. 4 schematically shows the internal structure of an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment, and Fig. 5 shows a holder of an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 shows an airflow path of an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment can deliver a functional substance to a user, for example, the inhaler (10) according to one embodiment can be configured as an inhaler that delivers nicotine to the user's lungs in the form of an aerosol.

[0031] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) can accommodate a capsule (e.g., capsule (C) of FIG. 4), and the capsule (C) can accommodate a functional material. For example, the functional material can include at least one of nicotine, theanine, caffeine, taurine, a pharmacological agent, or a mixture thereof. The functional material can have a form of fine granules or dry powder. In one example, the outer shell of the capsule (C) can be composed of a material that can be penetrated or cut by a needle (300). In one example, the capsule (C) can be filled with a functional material in an amount of 10 to 14 puffs.

[0032] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) may include a housing (100), a mouthpiece (200), a needle (300), and a holder (400).

[0033] The housing (100) may include a first surface (101), a second surface (102) opposite the first surface (101), and a side surface (103) between the first surface (101) and the second surface (102). For example, the housing (100) may have an internal space defined by the first surface (101), the second surface (102), and the side surface (103). The housing (100) may be configured in a cylindrical shape, and at least a portion of the side surface (103) adjacent to the first surface (101) of the housing (100) may have regularly arranged elongated protrusions or grooves. The protrusions or grooves may provide a gripping feeling that makes it easy for a user to hold the side surface (103) of the housing (100).

[0034] The housing (100) may further include a housing cover (104) covering the second surface (102). The internal space of the housing (100) may be opened by the housing cover (104), and when the housing cover (104) is opened, the capsule (C) may enter or exit the capsule receiving space. The housing cover (104) may have a circular or cylindrical shape and may include elongated protrusions or grooves regularly formed along the outer circumference. The protrusions or grooves may provide a gripping feeling that facilitates opening and closing of the housing cover (104).

[0035] In one embodiment, the housing cover (104) may include a filter (105). The filter (105) may be arranged to penetrate the housing cover (104) along a longitudinal direction extending from the first side (101) to the second side (e.g., the ±Y direction in FIG. 1 or 2). One end of the filter (105) may be exposed to the capsule receiving space, and the other end of the filter (105) may be exposed to external air. During the suction operation, external air may be introduced through the filter (105), and the external air may raise the capsule (C) to facilitate the discharge of the functional material powder.

[0036] For example, the filter (105) may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter (105) may be a consumable. Alternatively, the filter (105) may be used semi-permanently.

[0037] In one embodiment, the housing (100) may include a housing inlet hole (103H) through which external air is introduced into the internal space of the housing (100). The housing inlet hole (103H) may be formed in the side surface (103). The housing inlet hole (103H) may be a hole formed by penetrating the side surface (103). For example, the housing inlet hole (103H) may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of housing inlet holes (103H) may be arranged at equal intervals or at equal angles along the side surface (103) of the housing (100).

[0038] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the mouthpiece (200) may protrude from the first surface (101) of the housing (100). The mouthpiece (200) may have a cylindrical mouthpiece body (210). In particular, referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, a mouthpiece flange may be provided on an outer surface of the mouthpiece body (210). The mouthpiece flange may protrude from the mouthpiece body (210) in a width direction (e.g., in the ±X direction in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4). Based on the above mouthpiece flange, the upper part of the mouthpiece body (210) (e.g., the +Y direction side in FIG. 3 or 4) may protrude outward from the first surface (101) of the housing (100), and the lower part of the mouthpiece body (210) based on the above mouthpiece flange (e.g., the -Y direction side in FIG. 3 or 4) may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing (100) and not be exposed to the outside. The above mouthpiece flange may function as a stopper of the mouthpiece body (210). For example, the mouthpiece body (210) may move forward and backward along the longitudinal direction, and the mouthpiece flange may limit movement of the mouthpiece body (210) in the upper direction (e.g., the +Y direction in FIG. 3 or 4).

[0039] The mouthpiece (200) may include a mouthpiece suction hole (210H). The mouthpiece suction hole (210H) may be formed at the upper end of the mouthpiece body (210) (e.g., the upper end in the +Y direction of FIG. 1) and may penetrate the mouthpiece body (210) along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the ±Y direction of FIG. 1). The mouthpiece suction hole (210H) may be arranged to extend in a straight line with the capsule receiving space. Through the mouthpiece suction hole (210H), the functional material may be suctioned to the user from the capsule receiving space.

[0040] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece suction hole (210H) may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of mouthpiece suction holes (210H) may be arranged along the circumferential direction at the top of the mouthpiece body (210). For example, referring to FIG. 1, the plurality of mouthpiece suction holes (210H) may be regularly arranged at equal intervals or equal angles along the circumferential direction along the edge of the top of the mouthpiece body (210). The plurality of mouthpiece suction holes (210H) may prevent wasted suction when a functional material is suctioned and may provide appropriate suction resistance.

[0041] In particular, referring to FIG. 4, a needle (300) may be provided at the lower end of the mouthpiece body (210) (e.g., the -Y direction side in FIG. 4). The needle (300) may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the mouthpiece suction hole (210H) at the lower end of the mouthpiece body (210). For example, the needle (300) may be coupled to the center of the lower end of the mouthpiece body (210).

[0042] For example, the needles (300) may be configured in plurality. The plurality of needles (300) may be arranged at equal intervals or equal angles from the lower center of the mouthpiece body (210). The plurality of needles (300) may have different longitudinal lengths. For example, the central needle (300) may be formed to be the longest, and the peripheral needles (300) may have shorter lengths. In this case, the central portion of the capsule (C) may be longitudinally penetrated, and only the upper portion of the outer portion may be cut / crushed, so that the vortex behavior of the airflow inside the capsule (C) may be facilitated.

[0043] The needle (300) can move together with the mouthpiece (200). For example, when the mouthpiece (200) moves longitudinally back and forth toward the holder (400) or the capsule receiving space within the holder (400), the needle (300) can also move longitudinally back and forth together with the mouthpiece (200). The length of the needle (300) can be set so that the tip of the needle (300) is not inserted into the capsule receiving space when in the retracted state (e.g., the position of the needle (300) in FIG. 4). When the needle (300) is advanced (e.g., when the user presses the mouthpiece (200), the tip of the needle (300) can be inserted into the capsule receiving space, and at least a portion of the capsule (C) can be penetrated, cut, or crushed by the needle (300).

[0044] The needle (300) may not be exposed to the outside by the holder (400). In addition, the needle (300) may not be exposed to the outside by the housing (100). Since the needle (300) may be doubly protected by the holder (400) and the housing (100), contamination of the needle (300) by the external environment may be reduced.

[0045] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) may include an elastic element (600) between the mouthpiece (200) and the holder (400). The elastic element (600) may exert an elastic force to push the mouthpiece (200) back to its original position when the mouthpiece (200) advances toward the holder (400). For example, the elastic element may be composed of a coil spring.

[0046] One end of the elastic element (600) can be mounted on the mouthpiece flange of the mouthpiece (200). The other end of the elastic element (600) can be mounted on the upper end of the holder (400) (e.g., the upper cover (430) of the holder (400) in FIG. 4).

[0047] The mouthpiece (200) and the needle (300) can be normally in a retracted position (e.g., the position in FIG. 4) by the elastic element (600). When the user presses the mouthpiece (200), the needle (300) can advance together with the mouthpiece (200) to penetrate, cut, or crush the capsule (C). For example, the maximum advance distance of the needle (300) can be set to the distance between the mouthpiece flange and the upper cover (430) of the holder (400). When the user's pressing action is released, the needle (300) together with the mouthpiece (200) can return to the original position by the elastic element (600). At this time, the retracted position of the mouthpiece (200) can be limited by the mouthpiece flange.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the holder (400) may be positioned below the mouthpiece (200) (e.g., on the -Y direction side of FIG. 4) and accommodated in the inner space of the housing (100). The holder (400) includes a first case (410) positioned on the inner side of the side surface (103) of the housing (100), a second case (420) positioned spaced apart from the inner side of the first case (420), and an upper cover (430) positioned close to the first surface (101) of the housing (100), and a capsule accommodation space may be provided in the second case (420). The first case (410) and the second case (420) may be spaced apart from each other so that a flow space through which airflow can move may be formed therebetween. The fluid space between the first case (410) and the second case (420) can be covered by an upper cover (430).

[0049] The first case (410) may have a cylindrical shape, and the upper part of the first case (410) may be covered by an upper cover (430), and the lower part of the first case (410) may be covered by a second surface (102) of the housing (100) or a housing cover (104).

[0050] The second case (420) may have a cylindrical shape, and the upper part of the second case (420) may be covered by the upper cover (430), and the lower part of the second case (420) may be covered by the second surface (102) of the housing (100) or the housing cover (104). The second case (420) may have a smaller diameter than the first case (410), so that it can be accommodated within the first case (410).

[0051] In one embodiment, the holder (400) may further include a rib (440). The rib (440) may protrude from either the first case (410) or the second case (420) toward the other of the first case (410) or the second case (420). The rib (440) may form a separation distance between the first case (410) and the second case (420), so that a flow space may be stably formed between the first case (410) and the second case (420).

[0052] The upper cover (430) may have a donut shape. The upper portion of the flow space between the first case (410) and the second case (420) may be covered by the upper cover (430). The upper portion of the second case (420) may further extend through the center of the upper cover (430).

[0053] The upper cover (430) may include an upper cover penetration hole (430H). The upper cover penetration hole (430H) may be formed to penetrate the upper cover (430) along the longitudinal direction from the upper surface of the upper cover (430). The upper cover penetration hole (430H) may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of upper cover penetration holes (430H) may be arranged at equal intervals or at equal angles along the outer periphery of the upper surface of the upper cover (430). The housing inlet hole (103H) and the flow space between the first case (410) and the second case (420) may be communicated by the upper cover penetration hole (430H), and air outside the housing (100) may be introduced into the flow space.

[0054] The second case (420) may include a second case inlet hole (420H). The second case inlet hole (420H) may be formed on the lower side of the second case (420) and may penetrate the second case (420) in the width direction. The inlet side of the second case inlet hole (420H) is arranged to be in contact with the flow space, and the outlet side of the second case inlet hole (420H) is arranged to be in contact with the capsule receiving space, so that the flow space and the capsule receiving space may be communicated by the second case inlet hole (420H). External air introduced into the flow space may be introduced into the capsule receiving space through the second case inlet hole (420H).

[0055] The second case inlet hole (420H) may not be exposed to the outside by the first case (410). As a result, the inhaler (10) may secure excellent aesthetics, and the functional material powder may not be exposed to the outside of the inhaler (10).

[0056] The housing inlet hole (103H) may be located closer to the first surface (101) of the housing (100) than the upper cover (430). Accordingly, the housing inlet hole (103H) may be located above the upper cover penetration hole (430H). The second case inlet hole (420H) may be located below the upper cover penetration hole (430).

[0057] Referring again to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the inhaler (10) according to one embodiment may further include an intermediate holder (500). The intermediate holder (500) may be a tubular (pipe-shaped) structure that may be positioned between at least a portion of the mouthpiece (200) and the holder (400). An elastic element (600) may be positioned on the outside of the intermediate holder (500), and a needle (300) may be positioned on the inside of the intermediate holder (500). The intermediate holder (500) may serve to guide the elastic element (600) and / or the needle (300). Depending on the design specifications of the inhaler (10), the intermediate holder (500) may be omitted.

[0058] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) may not include a housing (100). For example, the inhaler (10) may be configured without including a housing (100) as shown in FIG. 3, in which case the elastic element (600) may be placed to be accommodated within the intermediate holder (500) so as not to be exposed to the outside. When the inhaler (10) does not include a housing (100), external air may be introduced into the inhaler (10) through the upper cover penetration hole (430H). Since the inhaler (10) does not include a housing (100), the inhaler (10) may have a smaller volume and weight.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6, an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment may include an airflow path.

[0060] In one embodiment, when the inhaler (10) does not include a housing (100), the airflow path may include a first airflow path (P1) extending longitudinally into the holder (400), a second airflow path (P2) extending widthwise from the first airflow path (P1) to the capsule receiving space, and a third airflow path (P3) extending from the second airflow path (P2) to the mouthpiece (200).

[0061] The first airflow path (P1) may be an airflow path in which air introduced through the upper cover penetration hole (403H) moves longitudinally through the flow space formed between the first case (410) and the second case (420).

[0062] The second airflow pass (P2) may be an airflow passing through the second case (420). For example, the airflow passing through the first airflow pass (P1) may be introduced into the second case inlet hole (420H) and may move from the flow space to the capsule receiving space along the width direction.

[0063] The third airflow path (P3) may be a path through which airflow flows from the capsule receiving space to the mouthpiece suction hole (210H), and the third airflow path (P3) may be formed along the longitudinal direction. As air moves along the third airflow path (P3), the functional material powder flowing out of the capsule (C) may also move along and be inhaled by the user.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the airflow path of the inhaler (10) is formed to pass through the first airflow path (P1) and connect to the second airflow path (P2), so that the second case inlet hole (420H) communicating with the capsule receiving space is not exposed to the outside, thereby maintaining a neat appearance. As a result, the inhaler (10) can form an excellent aesthetic feel and can effectively prevent the functional material powder from flowing out of the inhaler (10).

[0065] By including a first airflow pass (P1) in addition to the airflow pass of the inhaler (10), the inhaler (10) can secure sufficient inhalation resistance compared to a case where the airflow pass of the inhaler (10) includes only a second airflow pass (P2) and a third airflow pass (P3). When the inhalation resistance is low, most of the functional material powder may be discharged during the initial transition, making it impossible to achieve uniform transition. Since the airflow pass of the inhaler (10) according to one embodiment includes the first airflow pass (P1), sufficient inhalation resistance can be secured, and thus, the functional material distribution can be uniformly implemented while the user performs 10 to 14 puffs.

[0066] In one embodiment, when the inhaler (10) includes a housing (100), the airflow path may further include a housing airflow path (PH). The housing airflow path (PH) may be an airflow path that passes through the side surface (103) of the housing (100) along the width direction.

[0067] The housing airflow path (PH) may be a path through which air introduced through the housing inlet hole (103H) formed on the side surface (103) of the housing (100) moves to the internal space of the housing (100). The airflow passing through the housing airflow path (PH) may lead to the first airflow path (P1).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the airflow path of the inhaler (10) includes a housing airflow path (PH), a first airflow path (P1), a second airflow path (P2), and a third airflow path (P3), so that the airflow can move in the width direction, the length direction, the width direction, and then move again along the length direction to be delivered to the user. According to one embodiment, the airflow path of the inhaler (10) includes a housing airflow path (PH), so that sufficient suction resistance can be secured even in a compact space.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the inhaler (10), the replacement of the capsule (C) can be easily implemented, and a sufficiently high suction resistance can be secured. In addition, according to an embodiment of the inhaler (10), the functional material powder can be prevented from unintentionally leaking, and a sufficiently long airflow path can be secured without increasing the size of the device. In addition, according to an embodiment of the inhaler (10), the lower inlet hole (e.g., the second case inlet hole (420H)) that leads to the capsule (C) is not exposed to the outside of the housing (100) or the holder (400), so that an excellent aesthetic feel can be secured, and the needle (300) is doubly protected by the holder (400) and the housing (100), so that contamination of the needle (300) by the external environment can be reduced.

[0070] According to one embodiment, an inhaler (10) can accommodate a capsule (C) including a functional material, and the inhaler (10) comprises a housing (100) including a first surface (101), a second surface (102) opposite the first surface (101), and a side surface (103) between the first surface (101) and the second surface (102), a mouthpiece (200) at least partially protruding from the first surface (101) of the housing (100) along a longitudinal direction extending between the first surface (101) and the second surface (102), a holder (400) accommodated within the housing (100) and including a capsule receiving space, and a needle (300) coupled to the mouthpiece (200) and protruding toward the capsule receiving space, wherein the tip of the needle (300) is insertable into the capsule receiving space.

[0071] In one embodiment, the housing (100) includes a housing inlet hole (103H) through which air is introduced into the housing (100), and the housing inlet hole (103H) may be formed on the side surface (103).

[0072] In one embodiment, the holder (400) includes an upper cover (430) disposed close to the first surface (101), a first case (410) inside the side surface (103), and a second case (420) spaced inside the first case (410), wherein the second case (420) is provided with the capsule receiving space, and a flow space is formed between the first case (410) and the second case (420), and the flow space can be covered by the upper cover (430).

[0073] The holder (400) further includes a rib (440) protruding from at least one of the first case (410) or the second case (420) toward the other of the first case (410) or the second case (420), and the flow space can be formed by the rib (440).

[0074] The upper cover (430) includes an upper cover penetration hole (430H) penetrating the upper cover (430) along the longitudinal direction, and the housing inlet hole (103H) and the flow space can be communicated through the upper cover penetration hole (430H).

[0075] The above housing inlet hole (103H) may be located closer to the first surface (101) than to the upper cover (430).

[0076] In one embodiment, the second case (420) includes a second case inlet hole (420H), and the flow space and the capsule receiving space can be communicated by the second case inlet hole (420H).

[0077] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (200) has a cylindrical mouthpiece body (210), the mouthpiece (200) includes a mouthpiece suction hole (210H) formed along a circumferential direction, the mouthpiece suction hole (210H) penetrates the mouthpiece body (210) along a longitudinal direction, and the needle (300) can be coupled to a central portion of the mouthpiece body (210).

[0078] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (200) and the needle (300) may be configured to move forward and backward toward the holder (400).

[0079] An elastic element (600) is provided between the mouthpiece (200) and the holder (400), so that the mouthpiece (200) can return to its original position by the elastic element (600).

[0080] In one embodiment, the housing (100) further includes a housing cover (104) covering the second side (102), the housing cover (104) including a filter (105), one side of the filter (105) being exposed to the capsule receiving space, and the other side of the filter (105) being exposed to the outside air.

[0081] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) may further include an intermediate holder (500) positioned between the holder (400) and the mouthpiece (200).

[0082] According to one embodiment, an inhaler (10) can accommodate a capsule including a functional material, and the inhaler (10) includes a mouthpiece (200), a holder (400) arranged along a longitudinal direction from the mouthpiece (200) and including a capsule receiving space, and an airflow path extending from the holder (400) to the mouthpiece (200), wherein the airflow path may include a first airflow path (P1) extending into the holder (400) along the longitudinal direction, a second airflow path (P2) extending from the first airflow path (P1) to the capsule receiving space along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a third airflow path (P3) extending from the second airflow path (P2) to the mouthpiece (200) along the longitudinal direction.

[0083] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) further comprises a housing (100) including a first surface (101), a second surface (102) located longitudinally opposite from the first surface (101), and a side surface (103) between the first surface (101) and the second surface (102), wherein at least a portion of the mouthpiece (200) protrudes from the first surface (101) of the housing (100), and the airflow path further comprises a housing airflow path (PH) formed on the side surface (103) of the housing (100) along the width direction, and the first airflow path (P1) can extend from the housing airflow path (PH).

[0084] In one embodiment, the holder (400) includes an upper cover (430) disposed close to the first surface (101), a first case (410) on the inside of the side surface (103), and a second case (420) spaced inwardly from the first case (410), wherein the first case (410) and the second case (420) are covered by the upper cover (430), the second case (420) has the capsule receiving space, and a flow space is formed between the first case (420) and the second case (420), and at least a part of the first airflow path (P1) is formed along the flow space, and at least a part of the second airflow path (P2) can be formed by passing through the second case (420).

[0085] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. In an inhaler accommodating a capsule containing a functional substance, A housing comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface; A mouthpiece, at least a portion of which protrudes from a first surface of the housing along a longitudinal direction extending from the first surface and the second surface; A holder accommodated within the housing and including a capsule accommodation space; and A needle coupled to the mouthpiece and protruding toward the capsule receiving space; Including, The tip of the above needle can be inserted into the capsule receiving space. inspirator.

2. In paragraph 1, The housing includes a housing inlet hole through which air flows into the housing, and the housing inlet hole is formed on the side surface. inspirator.

3. In paragraph 2, The above holder, An upper cover positioned close to the first surface; A first case on the inner side of the above side surface; and A second case spaced inside the first case; Including, The second case is provided with the capsule receiving space, a flow space is formed between the first case and the second case, and the flow space is covered by the upper cover. inspirator.

4. In paragraph 3, The holder further includes a rib protruding from at least one of the first case or the second case toward the other of the first case or the second case, and the flow space is formed by the rib. inspirator.

5. In paragraph 3, The upper cover includes an upper cover penetration hole penetrating the upper cover along the longitudinal direction, The housing inlet hole and the flow space are connected through the upper cover penetration hole. inspirator.

6. In paragraph 5, The above housing inlet hole is located closer to the first surface than the upper cover. inspirator.

7. In paragraph 3, The above second case includes a second case inlet hole, The flow space and the capsule receiving space are connected by the second case inlet hole. inspirator.

8. In paragraph 1, The above mouthpiece has a cylindrical mouthpiece body, the mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece suction hole formed along the circumference, the mouthpiece suction hole penetrates the mouthpiece body along the longitudinal direction, and the needle is coupled to the central portion of the mouthpiece body. inspirator.

9. In paragraph 1, The above mouthpiece and the above needle are capable of moving back and forth toward the holder. inspirator.

10. In paragraph 9, An elastic element is provided between the mouthpiece and the holder, so that the mouthpiece returns to its original position by the elastic element. inspirator.

11. In paragraph 1, The above housing further includes a housing cover covering the second surface, The housing cover includes a filter, one side of the filter is exposed to the capsule receiving space, and the other side of the filter is exposed to the outside air. inspirator.

12. In paragraph 1, Further comprising an intermediate holder disposed between the holder and the mouthpiece. inspirator.

13. In an inhaler accommodating a capsule containing a functional substance, Mouthpiece; A holder arranged along the longitudinal direction from the mouthpiece and including a capsule receiving space; and An airflow path extending from the holder to the mouthpiece; Including, The above airflow pass is, A first airflow path extending into the holder along the longitudinal direction; A second airflow pass extending from the first airflow pass to the capsule receiving space along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and A third airflow path extending from the second airflow path along the longitudinal direction to the mouthpiece; Including, inspirator.

14. In paragraph 13, Further comprising a housing including a first surface, a second surface located longitudinally opposite to the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface, At least a portion of said mouthpiece protrudes from a first surface of said housing, The airflow path further includes a housing airflow path formed on a side surface of the housing along the width direction, and the first airflow path extends from the housing airflow path. inspirator.

15. In paragraph 14, The above holder, An upper cover positioned close to the first surface; A first case on the inner side of the above side surface; and A second case spaced inside the first case; Including, The first case and the second case are covered by the upper cover, the second case has the capsule receiving space, a flow space is formed between the first case and the second case, at least a part of the first airflow path is formed along the flow space, and at least a part of the second airflow path is formed by passing through the second case. inspirator.

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