Inhaler

Abstract

An inhaler according to one embodiment comprises: a housing which is capable of accommodating a capsule containing a functional material and includes an open first end; a mouthpiece of which at least a portion can protrude from the first end; a needle which is coupled to the mouthpiece and extends toward the capsule accommodated in the housing; and an insertion mechanism for inserting the mouthpiece into the housing, wherein the insertion mechanism can change the position of the mouthpiece between a first state in which the at least a portion of the mouthpiece protrudes from the first end and a second state in which the mouthpiece is inserted into the housing.

Description

inspirator

[0001] The various embodiments below relate to inhalers.

[0002] Inhalers can deliver targeted substances directly into the user's lungs. For example, Patent Application No. 2000-7010085 discloses a nicotine inhaler.

[0003] 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.

[0004] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler in which the capsules are easily replaced.

[0005] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler having a retractable mouthpiece for storage when not in use.

[0006] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler that can ensure hygiene when not in use.

[0007] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of implementing sufficient suction resistance.

[0008] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of preventing unintentional leakage of a functional material powder.

[0009] The goal is to provide an inhaler that can enhance aesthetics.

[0010] An object of one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of reducing needle contamination.

[0011] 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.

[0012] An inhaler according to one embodiment can accommodate a capsule comprising a functional substance, the inhaler comprising a housing having an open first end, a mouthpiece at least partially protruding from the first end, a needle coupled to the mouthpiece and extending toward a capsule accommodated in the housing, and a retraction mechanism for retracting the mouthpiece into the housing, the retraction mechanism being capable of changing a position of the mouthpiece between a first state in which at least a portion of the mouthpiece protrudes from the first end and a second state in which the mouthpiece is inserted into the housing.

[0013] According to one embodiment, an inhaler can accommodate a capsule including a functional material, the inhaler comprising a housing having an open first end and a second end, a mouthpiece at least partially protruding from the first end, a holder accommodated in the housing and accommodating a capsule, a needle coupled to the mouthpiece and protruding toward the capsule, and a cap coupled to the second end and opening and closing the second end, wherein the cap comprises a cap body, a coupling part formed on the outside of the cap body and capable of being coupled to the housing, and a capsule seating part on which the capsule is seated at one end of the cap body, the capsule seating part protruding from the cap body and including a recess in the center.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, the replacement of the capsule is easy.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, the mouthpiece can be retracted and stored when not in use.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, the mouthpiece can be protected from external contamination when not in use, thereby ensuring hygiene.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, sufficient suction resistance can be achieved.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, the functional material powder can be prevented from unintentionally leaking.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, aesthetics can be improved.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the inhaler, contamination of the needle can be reduced.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figure 1a is a perspective view of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 1b is a perspective view of an inhaler according to one embodiment from a different angle.

[0024] FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional view of an inhaler according to one embodiment along line AA of FIG. 1b.

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an inhaler according to one embodiment with a mouthpiece inserted.

[0026] Figure 3a shows an inhaler according to one embodiment with the mouthpiece removed.

[0027] Figure 3b is a front view of an inhaler according to one embodiment with the housing removed.

[0028] Figure 3c is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 3b.

[0029] Figure 3d illustrates a housing of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cap of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0031] The terms used in the embodiments are 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an inhaler according to one embodiment. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the inhaler according to one embodiment from another angle. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the inhaler according to one embodiment taken along line AA of FIG. 1B.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C, 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.

[0036] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) can accommodate a capsule (C), 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). For example, the capsule (C) can be filled with the functional material in an amount corresponding to 10 to 14 puffs of a user.

[0037] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) may include a housing (100), a mouthpiece (200), a needle (300), a holder (400), an inlet mechanism (500), an elastomer (600), and a cap (700).

[0038] The housing (100) may have an internal space with both ends open. For example, the housing (100) may be configured in a cylindrical shape with both ends open.

[0039] For example, at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing (100) may have regularly arranged elongated protrusions or grooves. The protrusions or grooves may provide a gripping sensation that makes it easy for a user to hold the outer surface of the housing (100).

[0040] A first end of the housing (e.g., the end facing the +Y direction in FIG. 1a) may be provided with a mouthpiece (200). At least a portion of the mouthpiece (200) may be selectively protruded from the housing (100) or inserted into the housing (100).

[0041] The inhaler (10) may be provided with a cap (700) at a second end of the housing (e.g., the end facing the -Y direction in FIG. 1A). The internal space of the housing (100) may be opened by the cap (700), and when the cap (700) is opened, the capsule (C) may enter or exit the internal space of the housing (100). The cap (700) 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 cap (700).

[0042] In one embodiment, the cap (700) may include a filter. The filter may be positioned to penetrate the cap (700) along a longitudinal direction extending from the cap (700) to the mouthpiece (200) (e.g., the ±Y direction in FIG. 1A). One end of the filter may be exposed to the capsule (C), and the other end of the filter may be exposed to external air. During an inhalation operation, external air may be introduced through the filter, and the external air may raise the capsule (C) to facilitate the discharge of the functional material powder. For example, the filter may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter may be a consumable. Alternatively, the filter may be used semi-permanently.

[0043] In one embodiment, the housing (100) may include a housing airflow inlet hole (100H). External air may be introduced into the internal space of the housing (100) through the housing airflow inlet hole (100H). The housing airflow inlet hole (100H) may be formed on a side surface of the housing (100) (e.g., a surface perpendicular to the XZ plane in FIG. 1A). The housing airflow inlet hole (100H) may be a hole formed by penetrating the side surface of the housing (100). For example, the housing airflow inlet hole (100H) may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of housing airflow inlet holes (100H) may be arranged at equal intervals or at equal angles along the side surface of the housing (100).

[0044] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (200) may have a cylindrical mouthpiece body (210). The mouthpiece body (210) may move forward and backward along the longitudinal direction. The mouthpiece (200) may move between a first state in which it protrudes from a first end of the housing (100) and a second state in which it is inserted into the housing (100). In the first state, a portion of the mouthpiece (200) may be exposed to the outside of the housing (100), and a user may bite the exposed portion of the mouthpiece (200) and inhale the functional material.

[0045] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece body (210) may have a portion protruding in the width direction (e.g., in the direction parallel to the XY plane in FIG. 1A). The portion protruding in the width direction of the mouthpiece body (210) may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing (100) to prevent the mouthpiece body (210) from escaping outside the housing (100). For example, movement of the mouthpiece body (210) may be restricted by the portion protruding in the width direction of the mouthpiece body (210).

[0046] 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 side facing the +Y direction in FIG. 1A). The mouthpiece suction hole (210H) may penetrate the mouthpiece body (210) along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the ±Y direction in FIG. 1A). The mouthpiece suction hole (210H) may be arranged to extend in a straight line with the capsule (C). A functional material may be suctioned from the capsule (C) to the user through the mouthpiece suction hole (210H).

[0047] 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. 1A, the plurality of mouthpiece suction holes (210H) may be arranged regularly 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.

[0048] In particular, referring to FIG. 3c, a needle (300) may be provided at the lower end of the mouthpiece body (210) (e.g., the side facing the -Y direction in FIG. 3c). 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).

[0049] For example, the needles (300) may be configured in multiples. 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 lengths. For example, the middle 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 by the middle needle (300), and only the upper portion of the outer portion of the capsule (C) may be cut / crushed by the peripheral needles (300). Accordingly, the vortex behavior of the airflow inside the capsule (C) may be facilitated.

[0050] The needle (300) can move together with the mouthpiece (200). For example, when the mouthpiece (200) moves forward and backward along the longitudinal direction toward the capsule (C), the needle (300) can also move forward and backward along the longitudinal direction 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 (C) in the retracted state (e.g., the first state in which the mouthpiece (200) is protruded). When the needle (300) is in the advanced state (e.g., the second state in which the user presses the mouthpiece (200), the tip of the needle (300) can be inserted into the capsule (C), and at least a portion of the capsule (C) can be penetrated, cut, or crushed by the needle (300).

[0051] 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 prevented.

[0052] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) may include an elastic member (600) between the mouthpiece (200) and the cap (700). More specifically, the elastic member (600) may be disposed between the sliding rotor (510) and the cap (700), which will be described later. Alternatively, the elastic member (600) may be disposed between the sliding rotor (510) and a portion of the holder (400). The elastic member (600) may exert an elastic force to push the mouthpiece (200) or the sliding rotor (510) back to its original position when the mouthpiece (200) advances toward the holder (400).

[0053] The elastic body (600) may be arranged to surround the holder (400). For example, the elastic body (600) may be composed of a coil spring surrounding the holder (400).

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a state in which a mouthpiece (200) is inserted into a housing (100). Fig. 3a shows an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment with the mouthpiece (200) removed. Fig. 3b is a front view of an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment with the housing (100) removed. Fig. 3c is an enlarged view of part B of Fig. 3b. Fig. 3d shows the inside of the housing (100) of the inhaler (10) according to one embodiment.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, the mouthpiece (200) can be maintained in a state (second state) in which it is inserted into the housing (100) when the inhaler (10) is not in use. Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, when the inhaler (10) is in use, the mouthpiece (200) can be switched to a state (first state) in which it is protruded from the housing (100). An insertion mechanism (e.g., an insertion mechanism (500) of FIG. 1C) can implement the second state in which the mouthpiece (200) is inserted and the first state in which the mouthpiece (200) is protruded.

[0056] FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate a first state of the inhaler (10), and referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D, the inlet mechanism (500) may include a sliding rotor (510) and a stopper (520).

[0057] In one embodiment, the sliding rotor (510) may be in contact with the mouthpiece (200) and is accommodated within the housing (100). In particular, referring to FIGS. 3b and 3c, the sliding rotor (510) may include a sliding rotation body (511), a catch member (512), and a sliding rotation cam (513).

[0058] The sliding rotation body (511) is slidable along the longitudinal direction within the housing (100) and rotatable along the circumferential direction of the housing (100). The sliding rotation body (511) may have a cylindrical shape with open upper and lower portions. The sliding rotation body (511) may be arranged concentrically with the housing (100) and / or the holder (400).

[0059] The catch member (512) may protrude outwardly from the sliding rotation body (511). For example, the catch member (512) may be formed to protrude lengthwise from the outer surface of the sliding rotation body (511).

[0060] The catch member (512) may be configured in plurality. For example, a plurality of catch members (512) may be arranged at equal intervals and / or at equal angles along the outer surface of the sliding rotary body (511).

[0061] The sliding rotation cam (513) may be formed at an end of the sliding rotation body (511). The sliding rotation cam (513) may face the mouthpiece (200) and may be provided at an end of the sliding rotation body (511) facing the first end (101) of the housing (100).

[0062] The sliding rotation cam (513) may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of sliding rotation cams (513) may be regularly arranged at the end of the sliding rotation body (511). The sliding rotation cam (513) may have a triangular shape, and may be arranged so that the corners of the triangle face the first end (101) of the housing (100).

[0063] In one embodiment, the stopper (520) may be formed on the inner surface of the housing (100). The stopper (520) may optionally come into contact with a portion of the sliding rotor (510).

[0064] In particular, referring to FIG. 3d, the stopper (520) may include a catch member (522) protruding from the inner surface of the housing (100) toward the center of the housing (100). The catch members (522) may be configured in plurality, and a slit may be formed between the plurality of catch members (522).

[0065] A pair of locking elements (5221, 5222) may be provided at an end of the locking member (522) located on the opposite side of the mouthpiece (200). More specifically, a first locking element (5221) and a second locking element (5222) may be provided at an end of the locking member (522) facing the second end (102) of the housing (100). The first locking element (5221) and the second locking element (5222) may have a triangular shape. For example, the first locking element (5221) and the second locking element (5222) may have a right-angled triangle shape. Due to the shapes of the first engagement element (5221) and the second engagement element (5222), a concave portion can be formed between them, facing the first end (101) of the housing (100). A sliding rotating body (510) is installed in the concave portion, so that the inhaler (10) can be maintained in the second state.

[0066] The distance from the longitudinal center line of the housing (100) to the engaging member (522) may be greater than the distance from the longitudinal center line of the housing (100) to the outer surface of the sliding rotation body (511). The slit (524) may have a circumferential width (524W), and the width (524W) of the slit (524) may be greater than the circumferential width (512W) of the engaging member (512). By this relationship, particularly with reference to FIG. 3A, when the inhaler (10) is in the first state, the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotation body (510) may be positioned within the slit (524), and the sliding rotation body (511) may be positioned spaced apart from the engaging member (522) toward the inside of the housing (100). At this time, the longitudinal movement of the sliding rotor (510) is not limited by the stopper (520).

[0067] In the first state, the longitudinal movement of the sliding rotary body (510) may be limited by the mouthpiece (200). In particular, referring to FIG. 3c, the mouthpiece body (210) may include a first mouthpiece body (211) and a second mouthpiece body (212) along the longitudinal direction. A diameter of the first mouthpiece body (211) in the width direction (e.g., in the direction parallel to the XZ plane in FIG. 3c) may be smaller than a diameter of a portion opened at the first end (101) side of the housing (100). The first mouthpiece body (211) may be a portion exposed through the first end (101) of the housing (100). The second mouthpiece body (212) may be a portion extended in the width direction more than the first mouthpiece body (211). The longitudinal movement of the second mouthpiece body (212) can be restricted by being caught in the inwardly recessed portion of the first end (101) of the housing (100). By the second mouthpiece body (212), the longitudinal movement of the mouthpiece (200) can be restricted, and the mouthpiece (200) can not be separated from the housing (100). Since the longitudinal movement of the mouthpiece (200) is restricted, the longitudinal movement of the sliding rotation body (510) in contact with the mouthpiece (200) can also be restricted.

[0068] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (200) may further include a mouthpiece cam (220) and a guide protrusion (230).

[0069] The mouthpiece cam (220) may be provided at an end of the mouthpiece (200) facing the sliding rotation cam (513). Specifically, the mouthpiece cam (220) may be provided at an end of the second mouthpiece body (212). The mouthpiece cam (220) may be configured in an inverted triangle shape.

[0070] In particular, referring to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the inverted triangular hypotenuse of the mouthpiece cam (220) and the triangular hypotenuse of the sliding rotation cam (513) can be arranged to be in contact with each other. As the mouthpiece body (210) moves in the longitudinal direction, the sliding rotation body (511) can be pressed in the opposite direction by the elastic body (600), and at this time, the sliding rotation body (511) can be rotated by the mouthpiece cam (220) and the sliding rotation cam (513).

[0071] In the first state, the triangular vertices of the sliding rotation cam (513) corresponding to the inverted triangle vertices of the mouthpiece cam (220) can be arranged in non-aligned positions along the longitudinal direction. Due to this positional relationship, the rotational force by the sliding rotation cam (513) is applied to the sliding rotation body (511). At this time, the rotation of the sliding rotation body (511) is restricted by the engaging member (512) located within the slit (524) of the stopper (520). In addition, since the elastic body (600) presses the sliding rotation body (510), the mouthpiece (200) can be maintained in an exposed state.

[0072] The guide protrusion (230) may be formed to protrude outward from the second mouthpiece body (212). The guide protrusion (230) may be inserted into the slit (524) of the stopper (520). The guide protrusion (230) may move longitudinally along the slit (524). By virtue of the guide protrusion (230), the mouthpiece body (210) may move longitudinally without rotating.

[0073] When the user presses the mouthpiece (200) in the first state, the inhaler (10) can be switched to the second state.

[0074] With the user's pressing motion, the mouthpiece (200) in the first state moves down toward the housing (100), and the sliding rotary body (510) also moves down together with the mouthpiece (200). At this time, the guide protrusion (230) of the mouthpiece (200) and the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotary body (510) are accommodated in the slit (524) of the stopper (520), so that the sliding movement of the sliding rotary body (510) can be performed while the rotation of the sliding rotary body (510) is restricted.

[0075] When the user continues to press the mouthpiece (200), the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotary body (510) comes out of the slit (524) of the stopper (520). At this time, the sliding rotary body (510) is freed from the engaging member (522), so that the sliding rotary body (510) rotates. More specifically, the first rotation of the sliding rotary body (511) begins to occur by the sliding rotary cam (513) of the sliding rotary body (510) and the mouthpiece cam (220) of the mouthpiece (200), and this first rotation can continue until the vertex of the inverted triangle of the sliding rotary cam (513) is located in the concave portion between the neighboring sliding rotary cams (513). By the first rotation of the sliding rotation cam (513), the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotation body (510) can be placed in a position that is not aligned longitudinally with the slit (524) of the stopper (520).

[0076] When the user's pressing motion is completed and the pressing force disappears, the sliding rotary body (510) and the mouthpiece (200) move upward by the elastic body (600). At this time, the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotary body (510) can be restricted from moving in the longitudinal direction by the engaging member (522) of the stopper (520). The inclined surface of the upper surface of the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotary body is engaged with the second engaging element (5222) of the stopper (520). Due to the corresponding inclined surface shapes of the engaging member (512) and the second engaging element (5222), the engaging member (512) slides in the longitudinal direction and rotates in the circumferential direction, and a secondary rotation of the sliding rotary body (511) can occur. This secondary rotation can continue until the vertex of the inverted triangle of the sliding rotation cam (513) is located in the concave portion between the first engaging element (5221) and the second engaging element (5222). After the secondary rotation of the sliding rotation cam (513), the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotation body (510) can be maintained in a state of being engaged with the engaging member (522) of the stopper (520), and thus the mouthpiece (200) can no longer be retracted in the longitudinal direction and can maintain the second state inserted into the housing (100).

[0077] When the user presses the mouthpiece (200) again in the second state, the mouthpiece (200) and the sliding rotary body (510) move slightly downward, and the engagement between the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotary body (510) and the engaging member (522) of the stopper (520) is released. At this time, the mouthpiece cam (220) of the mouthpiece (200) and the sliding rotary cam (513) of the sliding rotary body (510) come into contact again, causing a third rotation of the sliding rotary body (511).

[0078] When the user releases the force pressing the mouthpiece (200), the mouthpiece (200) and the sliding rotary body (510) are moved upward by the elastic body (600), and the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotary body (510) comes into contact with the first engaging element (5221) of the stopper (520), and the sliding rotary body (511) rotates a fourth time along the inclined surface of the first engaging element (5221). This fourth rotation occurs until the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotary body (510) is inserted into the slit (524) of the stopper (520). When the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotary body (510) is inserted into the slit (524) of the stopper (520), the sliding rotary body (511) stops rotating and moves backward in the longitudinal direction. The retreat of the sliding rotary body (511) causes the mouthpiece body (210) to retreat, and the mouthpiece (200) can be placed in a first state. In the first state, the guide protrusion (230) of the mouthpiece (200) and the engaging member (512) of the sliding rotary body (510) can be inserted into the slit (524) of the stopper (520) and maintained in an aligned state.

[0079] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cap (700) of an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, a cap (700) can be coupled to the housing (100) at a second end of the housing (100) (e.g., the second end (102) of FIG. 3A). The cap (700) can open and close the open second end (102) of the housing (100).

[0081] In one embodiment, the cap (700) may include a cap body (710), a coupling part (720), and a capsule mounting part (730). For example, the cap body (710) may have a cylindrical shape.

[0082] The coupling part (720) may be formed on the outer side of the cap body (710) and may be configured as a part that can be coupled with the housing (100). For example, the coupling part (720) may be a screw thread formed on the outer surface of the cap body (710). A corresponding screw thread that is coupled with the screw thread may be formed on the inner surface of the housing (100).

[0083] The capsule mounting part (730) may protrude upward from the cap body (710) (e.g., toward the +Y direction in FIG. 4) and may include a recess in the center for accommodating a capsule (C).

[0084] The cap (700) can be separated from the housing (100), and the cap (700) can be coupled to the housing (100) while the capsule (C) is seated in the capsule seating part (730) of the cap (700). The replacement of the capsule (C) is facilitated by the cap (700), and the capsule (C) can be maintained in the correct position within the housing (100).

[0085] A cap airflow inlet (710H) ​​may be formed on a side of the cap (700). The cap airflow inlet (710H) ​​may communicate with the housing airflow inlet hole (100H). The cap airflow inlet (710H) ​​may be formed on a side of the cap body (710) (e.g., a plane perpendicular to the XZ plane in FIG. 4). The cap airflow inlet (710H) ​​may extend through the cap body (710) to the capsule mounting part (730). For example, the cap airflow inlet (710H) ​​may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of cap airflow inlets (710H) ​​may be arranged at equal intervals or equal angles along the cap body (710).

[0086] According to an embodiment of the inhaler (10), the capsule (C) can be easily replaced through the cap (700), and the powder inside the capsule (C) can be effectively prevented from unintentionally leaking.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the inhaler (10), when not in use, the mouthpiece (200) can be stored by inserting it into the housing (100), thereby protecting the mouthpiece (200) from external impacts, etc., and ensuring hygiene by preventing the mouthpiece (200) from being exposed to external contamination.

[0088] According to one embodiment, an inhaler (10) can accommodate a capsule (C) containing a functional material, and the inhaler (10) comprises a housing (100) including an open first end (101), a mouthpiece (200) at least a portion of which can protrude from the first end (101), a needle (300) coupled to the mouthpiece (200) and extending toward the capsule (C) accommodated in the housing (100), and a drawing mechanism (500) for drawing the mouthpiece (200) into the housing (100), wherein the drawing mechanism (500) can change the position of the mouthpiece (200) between a first state in which at least a portion of the mouthpiece (200) protrudes from the first end (101) and a second state in which the mouthpiece (200) is inserted into the housing (100).

[0089] In one embodiment, the introduction mechanism (500) may include a sliding rotor (510) that is in contact with the mouthpiece (200) and is accommodated within the housing (100), and a stopper (520) formed on the inner surface of the housing (100) and selectively in contact with a portion of the sliding rotor (510).

[0090] In one embodiment, the sliding rotation body (510) may include a sliding rotation body (511) that is slidable in the longitudinal direction within the housing (100) and rotatable in the circumferential direction of the housing (100), a catch member (512) protruding outward from the sliding rotation body (511), and a sliding rotation cam (513) formed at an end of the sliding rotation body (511) facing the mouthpiece (200).

[0091] The above sliding rotation body (511) may have a cylindrical shape.

[0092] The above-mentioned catch member (512) may be composed of multiple catch members, and the multiple catch members (512) may be arranged at equal intervals.

[0093] The above sliding rotation cam (513) may have a triangular shape, the sliding rotation cam (513) may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of sliding rotation cams (513) may be arranged regularly.

[0094] In one embodiment, the stopper (520) may include a catch member (522) protruding from the inner surface of the housing (100), and the sliding rotation cam (513) may be selectively caught by the catch member (522).

[0095] The above-mentioned catch member (522) may be composed of a plurality of members, and a slit (524) is formed between the plurality of catch members (522), and the circumferential width (524W) of the slit (524) may be larger than the circumferential width (512W) of the catch member (512).

[0096] The end of the catch member (522) located on the opposite side of the mouthpiece (200) includes a pair of catch elements (5221, 5222), and the catch elements (5221, 5222) may have a triangular shape.

[0097] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (200) may include an inverted triangle-shaped mouthpiece cam (220) at an end of the mouthpiece (200) facing the sliding rotation cam (513), and the mouthpiece cam (220) may come into contact with the sliding rotation cam (513).

[0098] The above mouthpiece (200) may include a guide protrusion (230) protruding outward from the mouthpiece (200), and the guide protrusion (230) may be aligned with the engaging member (512) along the longitudinal direction in the first state.

[0099] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) further includes an elastic body (600) positioned on the opposite side of the mouthpiece (200) with the sliding rotor (510) interposed therebetween and in contact with the sliding rotor (510), and the elastic body (600) can apply an elastic force to press the sliding rotor (510) toward the mouthpiece (200).

[0100] In one embodiment, the inhaler (10) further comprises a cap (700) coupled to the housing (100) on the opposite side of the mouthpiece (200), the housing (100) further comprising a second end (102) open on the opposite side of the first end (101), and the cap (700) can open and close the second end (102).

[0101] A housing airflow inlet hole (100H) may be formed on the outer surface of the housing (100).

[0102] An inhaler (10) according to one embodiment can accommodate a capsule (C) including a functional material, and the inhaler (10) includes a housing (100) including an open first end (101) and a second end (102), a mouthpiece (200) at least a portion of which can protrude from the first end (101), a holder (400) accommodated in the housing (100) and accommodating the capsule (C), a needle (300) coupled to the mouthpiece (200) and protruding toward the capsule (C), and a cap (700) coupled to the second end (102) and opening and closing the second end (102), wherein the cap (700) includes a cap body (710), a coupling part (720) formed on the outside of the cap body (710) and capable of being coupled to the housing (100), and a coupling part (720) at one end of the cap body (710) It includes a capsule mounting part (730) on which a capsule (C) is mounted, and the capsule mounting part (730) may protrude from the cap body (710) and include a recess in the center.

[0103] 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 an open first end; A mouthpiece, at least a portion of which can protrude from the first end; a needle coupled to the mouthpiece and extending toward a capsule housed in the housing; and An introduction mechanism for introducing the mouthpiece into the housing; Including, An inhaler wherein the introduction mechanism changes the position of the mouthpiece between a first state in which at least a portion of the mouthpiece protrudes from the first end and a second state in which the mouthpiece is inserted into the housing.

2. In paragraph 1, The above introduction mechanism is, a sliding rotary body in contact with the mouthpiece and housed within the housing; and A stopper formed on the inner surface of the housing and selectively contacting a part of the sliding rotary body; An inhaler, including:

3. In paragraph 2, The above sliding rotary body is, A sliding rotary body that is slidable along the longitudinal direction within the housing and rotatable along the circumferential direction of the housing; A catch member protruding outward from the above sliding rotary body; and A sliding rotation cam formed at the end of the sliding rotation body facing the mouthpiece; An inhaler, including:

4. In paragraph 3, The above sliding rotary body has a cylindrical shape, and is an inhaler.

5. In paragraph 3, The above-mentioned hanging member is composed of multiple parts, An inhaler in which a plurality of catch members are arranged at equal intervals.

6. In paragraph 5, The above sliding rotation cam has a triangular shape, An inhaler wherein the above sliding rotation cam is composed of a plurality of sliding rotation cams, and the plurality of sliding rotation cams are regularly arranged.

7. In paragraph 3, The above stopper includes a catch member protruding from the inner surface of the housing, The above sliding rotation cam is selectively caught on the above catch member, the suction device.

8. In paragraph 7, The above-mentioned blocking member is composed of multiple parts, A slit is formed between the above-mentioned retaining members, An inhaler in which the circumferential width of the above slit is larger than the circumferential width of the above-mentioned retaining member.

9. In paragraph 8, An inhaler, wherein the end of the catching member located on the opposite side of the mouthpiece includes a pair of catching elements, and the catching elements have a triangular shape.

10. In paragraph 6, The above mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece cam having an inverted triangle shape at an end of the mouthpiece facing the sliding rotation cam, The above mouthpiece cam is in contact with the above sliding rotation cam, the inhaler.

11. In paragraph 10, The above mouthpiece includes a guide protrusion protruding outward from the mouthpiece, The above guide protrusion is an inhaler, which is aligned with the engaging member along the longitudinal direction in the first state.

12. In paragraph 2, Further comprising an elastic body positioned on the opposite side of the mouthpiece with the sliding rotary body interposed therebetween and in contact with the sliding rotary body, An inhaler wherein the elastic body exerts an elastic force that presses the sliding rotary body toward the mouthpiece.

13. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a cap coupled to the housing on the opposite side of the mouthpiece; The housing further comprises a second end which is open on the opposite side of the first end, The above cap is an inhaler that opens and closes the second end.

14. In paragraph 1, An inhaler having a housing airflow inlet hole formed on the outer surface of the housing.

15. In an inhaler accommodating a capsule containing a functional substance, A housing comprising an open first end and a second end; A mouthpiece, at least a portion of which can protrude from the first end; A holder accommodated within the housing and accommodating a capsule; a needle coupled to the mouthpiece and protruding toward the capsule; and A cap coupled to the second end to open and close the second end; Including, The above cap is, cap body; A joining part formed on the outer side of the cap body and capable of being joined to the housing; and A capsule mounting part in which the capsule is mounted at one end of the cap body; Including, An inhaler wherein the capsule mounting part protrudes from the cap body and includes a recess in the center.

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