Inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing which comprises a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first and second surfaces, and which is provided with a plurality of air inlets penetrating the side surface in the vertical direction; a mouthpiece protruding from the first surface; and a guide forming a path through which the air flowing in from the air inlets moves inside the housing, wherein the guide can guide functional material accommodated inside the housing to the mouthpiece when suction force is applied thereto.

Description

inspirator

[0001] The inhaler is initiated.

[0002] Conventional dry powder inhalers deliver a single, measured dose of a pharmacological agent into the body. They have been primarily used to treat patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To ensure efficient absorption, they utilize finely dried powders measuring 5 to 10 μm or less. Furthermore, a fixed amount of the drug can be filled into a hard capsule for quantitative delivery.

[0003] Such a dry powder inhaler may be composed of a capsule filled with dry powder and a device for inhalation. In this case, technology for manufacturing the dry powder and technology for designing a device that generates a vortex for delivering the dry powder may be required.

[0004] The background technology described above is technology that the inventor possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be said to be a publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the application for the present invention.

[0005] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of performing the internal transport of dry powder by inhalation pressure after simple combining or filling without the process of crushing or perforating an inhalation capsule filled with dry powder through a dedicated cartridge or direct filling process of powder, and capable of inducing the transport of powder through an upward airflow due to inhalation by utilizing the internal structure of the inhaler.

[0006] 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.

[0007] An inhaler according to one embodiment comprises a housing having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and a plurality of air inlets formed vertically penetrating the side surface, a mouthpiece protruding from the first surface, and a guide forming a path along which air flowing in from the air inlets moves within the housing, wherein when a suction force is applied to the mouthpiece, the guide can guide a functional material accommodated within the housing to be transferred to the mouthpiece.

[0008] An inhaler according to one embodiment comprises a housing having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, the housing containing a functional material therein, a mouthpiece protruding from the first surface, and an airflow path extending from a plurality of air inlets formed inside the housing and vertically penetrating the side surface to the mouthpiece, wherein when a suction force is applied to the mouthpiece, the functional material can be transferred to the mouthpiece along the airflow path together with air introduced through the air inlets.

[0009] According to an inhaler according to one embodiment, the dry powder can be transferred into the body by inhalation pressure after simple combination or filling without a crushing or perforation process of an inhalation capsule filled with dry powder through a dedicated cartridge or a direct filling process of powder, and there is an effect of inducing the transfer of powder through an upward airflow due to inhalation by utilizing the internal structure of the inhaler.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates the internal structure of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates an example of an internal airflow of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a cartridge of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0015] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with illustrative drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components are given identical reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions are omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments.

[0017] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of the embodiments. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0018] Components included in one embodiment and components with common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions given in one embodiment may also apply to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent of overlap.

[0019]

[0020] The present invention relates to an inhaler (10) for inhaling a functional substance provided as a dry powder, and relates to an inhaler (10) capable of inhaling dry powder without a separate inhalation capsule filled with dry powder.

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates the internal structure of an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment may include a housing (101), a mouthpiece (102), and a guide (103).

[0024] The housing (101) may include a first surface (A1), a second surface (A2) opposite to the first surface (A1), and a side surface (A3) connecting the first surface (A1) and the second surface (A2).

[0025] A plurality of air inlets (10111) may be formed in the housing (101). The air inlets (10111) may be formed to penetrate the side surface (A3) in a vertical direction.

[0026] A functional material can be accommodated inside the housing (101). The functional material can be accommodated at a location adjacent to the second surface (A2). The functional material can be provided in powder form.

[0027] Specifically, the housing (101) may include a holder (1011) and a cartridge (1012).

[0028] The holder (1011) includes a first surface (A1) and can be connected to a mouthpiece (102) at the first surface (A1). The holder (1011) can extend from the first surface (A1) toward the second surface (A2). For example, the holder (1011) can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0029] The holder (1011) may be of a size suitable for a user to hold in one hand. For example, the holder (1011) may have a diameter of 50 mm or less for this purpose. Preferably, the diameter may be approximately 20 to 30 mm.

[0030] The holder (1011) may have an air inlet (10111) formed on the side surface (A3). Air may be introduced from the outside through the air inlet (10111). A plurality of air inlets (10111) may be provided. Each air inlet (10111) may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the side surface (A3). Each air inlet (10111) may be formed in a direction toward the center of the holder (1011) to generate laminar flow or vortex flow inside the inhaler (10). In addition, the air inlet (10111) may be formed to be positioned in a tangential direction to generate a rotational force in the air flow. For example, a cyclone effect may be induced by the air inlets (10111) arranged in this manner.

[0031] Each air inlet (10111) may be provided with an opening / closing member. The opening / closing member may be operable to close the air inlet (10111) when the user is not using the inhaler (10) and to open the air inlet (10111) when the user is using the inhaler (10).

[0032] Additionally, the holder (1011) may have a space formed inside it through which airflow moves. The introduced air may move inside the housing (101) through the space.

[0033] The cartridge (1012) includes the second surface (A2) and can be detachably connected to the lower portion of the holder (1011). The cartridge (1012) can accommodate the functional material therein. When the accommodated functional material is completely exhausted, the user can replace it with a new cartridge (1012), or separate the cartridge (1012) from the holder (1011), fill the inside of the cartridge (1012) with the functional material, and then re-attach the cartridge (1012) to the holder (1011).

[0034] The cartridge (1012) is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0035] The mouthpiece (102) may be formed on the first surface (A1) of the housing (101). The mouthpiece (102) may protrude from the second surface (A2) in a direction toward the first surface (A1).

[0036] When suction force is applied to the mouthpiece (102), air can be introduced through the air inlet (10111). The mouthpiece (102) may be provided with a valve. The valve may be operable to close the opening of the mouthpiece (102) when the user is not using the inhaler (10) and to open the opening of the mouthpiece (102) when the user is using the inhaler (10). The valve may be provided as a one-way valve, for example. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent residue or external contaminants from being reintroduced into the inhaler (10).

[0037] The guide (103) can form a path through which air flowing in from the air inlet (10111) moves inside the housing (101).

[0038] When a suction force is applied to the mouthpiece (102), the guide (103) can guide the air flowing in from the air inlet (10111) to move toward the second surface (A2) and reach the functional material, and guide the functional material to move toward the mouthpiece (102) together with the air.

[0039]

[0040] Below, the guide (103) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, the guide (103) may include a first guide (1031), a second guide (1032), and a third guide (1033). These guides (103) may form an airflow path (104) through which incoming air and functional materials move.

[0042] The first guide (1031) may extend from the first surface (A1) toward the second surface (A2) at a height adjacent to the air inlet (10111). The first guide (1031) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the air inlet (10111). This first guide (1031) may guide air introduced from the air inlet (10111) to move toward the second surface (A2). This first guide (1031) may form a first path (1041).

[0043] The second guide (1032) may extend from the first guide (1031) toward the second surface (A2). At this time, the second guide (1032) may extend from the first guide (1031) in a flange shape. An end of the second guide (1032) may be spaced apart from the bottom surface (A4). Accordingly, the air flow rate may increase as it passes through the second guide (1032). This second guide (1032) may form a second pass (1042).

[0044] A hollow space extending coaxially with the mouthpiece (102) may be formed inside the first guide (1031) and the second guide (1032). This hollow space may form a fourth pass (1044).

[0045] The third guide (1033) may be spaced apart from the second guide (1032). For example, the third guide (1033) may be formed on the bottom surface (A4) of the cartridge (1012). The third guide (1033) may protrude from the bottom surface (A4) in a direction toward the first surface (A1). The third guide (1033) may extend toward the axis of the mouthpiece (102).

[0046] For example, the third guide (1033) may be formed in a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases in the direction from the second surface (A2) toward the first surface (A1). For example, the third guide (1033) may be formed in a cone shape in which the diameter decreases in the direction from the second surface (A2) toward the first surface (A1). Such a third guide (1033) may form a third pass (1043).

[0047]

[0048] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the airflow path (104) formed by the guide (103) structure will be described in more detail.

[0049] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the internal airflow of an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment.

[0050] By means of the above-described guide (103) structure, an airflow path (104) having a shape as shown in FIG. 3 can be formed inside the housing (101).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, the airflow path (104) may be extended from the air inlet (10111) to the mouthpiece (102). When a suction force is applied to the mouthpiece (102), the functional material may be transferred to the mouthpiece (102) along the airflow path (104) together with the air introduced through the air inlet (10111).

[0052] Specifically, the airflow pass (104) may include a first pass (1041), a second pass (1042), a third pass (1043), and a fourth pass (1044).

[0053] The first pass (1041) is formed in a direction perpendicular to the air inlet (10111) and can extend from the air inlet (10111) toward the second surface (A2). The first pass (1041) is a path of air flow formed by the first guide (1031). Air flowing in from the air inlet (10111) can move from the first surface (A1) toward the second surface (A2) along the first pass (1041).

[0054] The second pass (1042) may extend from the first pass (1041) to the bottom surface (A4) where the functional material is received. The second pass (1042) is a path formed by the second guide (1032). Air moving along the first pass (1041) may move along the second pass (1042) to the bottom surface (A4), come into contact with the functional material, and transport the functional material toward the third pass (1043).

[0055] The third pass (1043) may extend diagonally from the second pass (1042) toward the axis of the mouthpiece (102). The third pass (1043) may be formed by the conical structure of the third guide (1033). Air carrying the functional material may move along the third pass (1043) in line with the axis of the mouthpiece (102) and rise toward the fourth pass (1044).

[0056] The fourth pass (1044) may extend from the third pass (1043) toward the first surface (A1). The fourth pass (1044) may extend coaxially with the mouthpiece (102). The fourth pass (1044) may be formed by the first guide (1031) and the second guide (1032). The functional material that reaches the fourth pass (1044) along the third pass (1043) may vertically rise toward the mouthpiece (102) along the fourth pass (1044).

[0057] Additionally, a fifth pass may be formed between the mouthpiece (102) and the fourth pass (1044).

[0058] The fifth pass may be formed in a shape in which the diameter increases from the fourth pass (1044) toward the mouthpiece (102) and then decreases again. The fifth pass may be formed in a diamond shape, for example. This fifth pass may prevent the functional material from clumping together as the space spreads from the fourth pass (1044). Since the functional material is evenly distributed within the fifth pass before passing through the mouthpiece (102), the user can smoothly inhale the functional material when passing through the mouthpiece (102).

[0059] As described above, the functional material can be carried toward the mouthpiece (102) by air drawn in from the air inlet (10111) and inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece (102).

[0060] Referring to the enlarged view of Fig. 3, the airflow may be introduced from the air inlet (10111), diffused in the first pass (1041), and descend in a direction toward the second surface (A2). Thereafter, as the cross-sectional area of ​​the second pass (1042) gradually decreases, the flow velocity may increase, and the path may change into a curved shape as it comes into contact with the bottom surface (A4) where the functional material is located. Due to the shape of the third pass (1043), the airflow moving from the side surface (A3) to the center may move upward in the coaxial direction with the mouthpiece (102) while carrying the functional material. The airflow may vertically rise coaxially with the mouthpiece (102) as it passes through the fourth pass (1044). The airflow reaching the fifth pass may be diffused, have its flow velocity reduced again, and may carry the functional material to the user as it passes through the mouthpiece (102).

[0061]

[0062] Below, the cartridge (1012) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0063] Figure 4 illustrates a cartridge (1012) of an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment. For example, the cartridge (1012) may be formed in a cup shape.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge (1012) may include a receiving portion (10121) and a coupling portion (10122).

[0065] The receiving portion (10121) may be formed as a concave space with one side open. The functional material may be accommodated in this space. When the cartridge (1012) is coupled to the holder (1011), the concave space formed in the receiving portion (10121) may be communicated with the space in which airflow formed in the holder (1011) may move. Accordingly, the concave space of the receiving portion (10121) and the airflow movement space of the holder (1011) may together form the internal space of the housing (101). In addition, when the holder (1011) and the cartridge (1012) are integrally formed, the housing (101) may be formed integrally with an internal space in which the functional material is accommodated and the airflow may move. In this case, the bottom surface (A4) may be defined as the bottom surface of the internal space of the housing (101). The third guide (1033) may be positioned at the center of the receiving portion (10121). The third guide (1033) may protrude from the bottom surface (A4) toward the first surface (A1). The functional material may be moved upward toward the axis of the mouthpiece (102) along the shape of the third guide (1033).

[0066] The coupling portion (10122) may be spaced apart from the receiving portion (10121) in the outer radial direction. The coupling portion (10122) may be formed as a groove. The depth of the groove may be formed so that it is closer to the second surface (A2) than to the bottom surface (A4). The lower end of the holder (1011) may be inserted into the coupling portion (10122). In addition, a fastening member may be provided in the coupling portion (10122). The fastening member may be fastened to the lower end of the holder (1011) inserted into the coupling portion (10122) to fix the coupling state of the holder (1011) and the coupling portion (10122).

[0067] The inserted holder (1011) can be disengaged from the coupling portion (10122) for replacement of the cartridge (1012) or filling with a functional material.

[0068] To ensure smooth transport along the airflow generated by inhalation, the particle size of the functional material may be 5 μm or less. Furthermore, if the functional material includes particles for conveying other fragrances or flavors, the particle size of the functional material may be approximately 20 to 50 μm.

[0069] The functional material applicable to the inhaler (10) according to one embodiment may be prepared as, for example, a taste substance such as nicotine or a nicotine salt, or other functional material that can bring about a positive effect in the human body when inhaled, such as glutathione or caffeine.

[0070] The functional material applicable to the inhaler (10) according to one embodiment may include a material responsible for flavor or taste. In this case, the functional material may include, for example, sugar alcohols such as mannitol and xylitol. Furthermore, the functional material may include substances such as menthol and saccharin, which are expected to have a cough suppressant effect in addition to flavor. Furthermore, other flavoring oils may be applied as the functional material.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the functional material of the inhaler (10) may include a small amount of a sweetener, such as menthol, saccharin, sucralose, or stevia, added as particles for flavoring or taste. In this case, the sweetener may be added in an amount of less than 1 to 5 wt% in the nicotine dry powder. In addition, a small amount of other substances that have a positive effect on the properties of the dry powder, such as other amino acids and magnesium stearate, may be included.

[0072] Excipients may be used to manufacture each functional material in dry powder form. In this case, flavor particles larger than a certain size may serve as carriers.

[0073]

[0074] An inhaler (10) according to one embodiment includes a housing (101) having a first surface (A1), a second surface (A2) opposite to the first surface (A1), and a side surface (A3) connecting the first surface (A1) and the second surface (A2), and a plurality of air inlets (10111) formed vertically penetrating the side surface (A3), a mouthpiece (102) protruding from the first surface (A1), and a guide (103) forming a path along which air flowing in from the air inlet (10111) moves within the housing (101), and when a suction force is applied to the mouthpiece (102), the guide (103) can guide a functional material accommodated within the housing (101) to be transferred to the mouthpiece (102).

[0075] According to one embodiment, a guide (103) includes a first guide (1031) extending from a position adjacent to the air inlet (10111) in a direction from the first surface (A1) toward the second surface (A2), a second guide (1032) extending in a flange shape from the first guide (1031) toward the second surface (A2), and a third guide (1033) spaced apart from the second guide (1032) and protruding in a direction from the second surface (A2) toward the first surface (A1), wherein the third guide (1033) can extend in a coaxial direction with the mouthpiece (102).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the third guide (1033) may be formed in a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases in the direction from the second surface (A2) toward the first surface (A1).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the third guide (1033) may be formed in a cone shape with a diameter that decreases in the direction from the second surface (A2) toward the first surface (A1).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the housing (101) includes a holder (1011) that is connected to the mouthpiece (102) on the first surface (A1) and forms an internal space extending toward the second surface (A2), and a cartridge (1012) that includes the second surface (A2) and is detachably coupled to the holder (1011), and the functional material can be accommodated inside the cartridge (1012).

[0079] A cartridge (1012) according to one embodiment includes a receiving portion (10121) in which the functional material is received, and a connecting portion (10122) formed as a groove spaced apart in an outer radial direction from the receiving portion (10121) and into which a lower end of the holder (1011) is inserted, and the functional material can be moved upward in the same direction as the mouthpiece (102) by the guide (103).

[0080] According to one embodiment, a plurality of air inlets (10111) may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the side surface (A3).

[0081] The functional material according to one embodiment can be manufactured in powder form.

[0082] An inhaler (10) according to one embodiment includes a housing (101) having a first surface (A1), a second surface (A2) opposite to the first surface (A1), and a side surface (A3) connecting the first surface (A1) and the second surface (A2), and a functional material accommodated therein, a mouthpiece (102) protruding from the first surface (A1), and an airflow path (104) extending from a plurality of air inlets (10111) formed inside the housing (101) and vertically penetrating the side surface (A3) to the mouthpiece (102), and when a suction force is applied to the mouthpiece (102), the functional material can be transferred to the mouthpiece (102) along the airflow path (104) together with air introduced through the air inlets (10111).

[0083] An airflow path (104) according to one embodiment includes a first path (1041) extending toward the second surface (A2) in a direction perpendicular to the air inlet (10111), a second path (1042) extending from the first path (1041) to a bottom surface (A4) where the functional material is received, a third path (1043) extending diagonally from the second path (1042) toward the axis of the mouthpiece (102), and a fourth path (1044) extending coaxially with the mouthpiece (102) from the third path (1043) toward the first surface (A1), and at least a portion of the second path (1042) may include a curved path.

[0084]

[0085] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with specific details such as specific components and limited examples and drawings, but these are provided only to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations based on this description. For example, appropriate results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order from the described method, and / or the described structures, devices, etc. components are combined or combined in a different form from the described method, or are replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents. Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and all things that are equivalent or equivalent to the claims below as well as the claims are considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A housing including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and in which a plurality of air inlets are formed that penetrate the side surface in a vertical direction; a mouthpiece protruding from the first surface; and A guide that forms a path through which air flowing in from the air inlet moves inside the housing; Including, An inhaler in which, when suction is applied to the mouthpiece, the guide guides the functional material contained inside the housing to be transferred to the mouthpiece.

2. In paragraph 1, The above guide, A first guide extending from a position adjacent to the air inlet in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface; A second guide extending in a flange shape from the first guide toward the second surface; and A third guide spaced apart from the second guide and protruding in a direction from the second surface toward the first surface; Including, The third guide is an inhaler that extends coaxially with the mouthpiece.

3. In paragraph 2, An inhaler in which the third guide is formed in a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases in the direction from the second surface to the first surface.

4. In paragraph 3, An inhaler in which the third guide is formed into a cone shape whose diameter decreases in the direction from the second surface to the first surface.

5. In paragraph 1, The above housing, A holder connected to the mouthpiece on the first surface and forming an internal space extending toward the second surface; and A cartridge comprising the second surface and detachably coupled to the holder; Including, The above cartridge is an inhaler, which contains the above functional material inside.

6. In paragraph 5, The above cartridge, A receiving portion in which the functional material is received; and A joining portion formed as a groove spaced radially outward from the receiving portion and into which the lower end of the holder is inserted; Including, An inhaler in which the functional material is moved upward in the same direction as the mouthpiece by the guide.

7. In paragraph 1, An inhaler, wherein the plurality of air inlets are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the side surface.

8. In paragraph 1, An inhaler wherein the functional material is manufactured in powder form.

9. A housing including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and having a functional material accommodated therein; a mouthpiece protruding from the first surface; and An airflow path extending from a plurality of air inlets formed inside the housing and penetrating vertically through the side surface to the mouthpiece; Including, An inhaler in which, when suction is applied to the mouthpiece, the functional material is transferred to the mouthpiece along the airflow path together with the air drawn in through the air inlet.

10. In paragraph 9, The above airflow pass is, A first pass extending toward the second surface in a direction perpendicular to the air inlet; A second pass extending from the first pass to the bottom surface of the housing in which the functional material is received; a third pass extending diagonally from the second pass toward the axis of the mouthpiece; and A fourth pass extending coaxially with the mouthpiece from the third pass toward the first surface; Including, An inhaler, wherein at least a portion of said second pass comprises a curved path.

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