Inhaler

Abstract

This inhaler may comprise: a housing having an opening; a cartridge having an internal cartridge space accommodating a functional material and communicating with the opening; a mouthpiece protruding from the housing on the side opposite to the opening; and a cyclone-generating structure disposed within the housing.

Description

inspirator

[0001] The following various embodiments relate to an inhaler.

[0002] An inhaler can deliver a target substance directly to the user's lungs. For example, Patent Application No. 2000-7010085 discloses a nicotine inhaler.

[0003] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and it cannot be considered as publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present invention.

[0004] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of inducing smooth discharge of a functional substance.

[0005] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of inducing vortex behavior of a functional material.

[0006] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an inhaler that can be used multiple times.

[0007] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an inhaler capable of achieving appropriate suction resistance.

[0008] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an inhaler that can enhance aesthetic appeal.

[0009] The problems to be solved in the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0010] An inhaler according to one embodiment may include a housing having an opening, a cartridge having an internal space that communicates with the opening and accommodates a functional material, a mouthpiece protruding from the housing on the opposite side of the opening, and a cyclone generating structure disposed within the housing.

[0011] According to an inhaler according to one embodiment, smooth discharge of a functional substance can be induced.

[0012] According to an inhaler according to one embodiment, the vortex behavior of the air carrying the functional substance can be smoothly induced.

[0013] According to an inhaler of one embodiment, multiple uses are possible, and leakage of the functional substance can be effectively prevented even during multiple uses.

[0014] According to one embodiment, an inhaler can achieve appropriate suction resistance.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the inhaler can enhance aesthetic appeal.

[0016] The effects of the inhaler according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

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

[0019] FIG. 3 shows the front view of the housing of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the housing of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of a cyclone generating structure of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows a cartridge of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows the airflow of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 8a shows the structure of an inhaler according to one embodiment, FIG. 8b shows the front view of the housing of an inhaler according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8c shows the side view of the housing of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 9a shows the structure of an inhaler according to one embodiment, FIG. 9b shows the front view of the housing of an inhaler according to one embodiment, and FIG. 9c shows the side view of the housing of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 10a shows an inhaler according to one embodiment, FIG. 10b shows the internal structure of an inhaler according to one embodiment, and FIG. 10c and FIG. 10d show the cartridge of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 11 shows the operating state of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0029] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. "Module" or "unit" may be a component formed as a whole, or the smallest unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0030] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0031] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0032] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0033] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory) readable by a machine (e.g., inhaler). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit) of the machine (e.g., inhaler) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0035] In the present disclosure, the direction of the inhaler may be defined with respect to an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-right direction of the inhaler. The y-axis direction may be defined as the front-back direction of the inhaler. The z-axis direction may be defined as the up-down direction of the inhaler.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inhaler according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 shows the structure of an inhaler according to one embodiment, FIG. 3 shows the front view of the housing of an inhaler according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4 shows the side view of the housing of an inhaler according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the schematic configuration of a cyclone generating structure of an inhaler according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 shows the cartridge of an inhaler according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 shows the airflow of an inhaler according to one embodiment.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment can deliver a functional substance to a user. The functional substance may have the form of fine granules or dry powder. For example, an inhaler (10) according to one embodiment may be configured as a dry powder inhaler that delivers dry powder to the user's lungs.

[0038] For example, the size of the dry powder that can be inhaled through the inhaler (10) may be configured in a mixed form of inhalation powder of approximately 1 µm to 5 µm and a carrier of 10 µm to 50 µm or less. Alternatively, the dry powder that can be inhaled through the inhaler (10) may be used as a dry powder for inhalation of approximately 1 µm to 5 µm alone.

[0039] For example, types of powders that can be applied as functional substances for inhalation may include nicotine salts such as nicotine, nicotine tartrate, nicotine lactate, and nicotine citrate, or other functional substances such as caffeine. Alternatively, they may be substances capable of producing other pharmacological effects.

[0040] For example, types of powders that can be applied as carrier materials may include powders containing lactose, menthol, peppermint, or other powders in which essential fragrance oils are powdered.

[0041] Substances that can be used as carriers may include alpha-lactose monohydrated, beta-cyclodextrin, maltodextrin, mannitol, etc., or may be in a form in which the above excipients are appropriately mixed. In addition, the above excipients and other small amounts of excipients such as saccharin and xylitol may be included.

[0042] An inhaler (10) according to one embodiment may include a housing (110), a cartridge (120), a cyclone generating structure (130), an air guide plate (140), and a mouthpiece (150).

[0043] The housing (110) may include a first housing (1110) and a second housing (1120). A mouthpiece (150) may be formed protruding from the first housing (1110). The second housing (1120) may be connected to the first housing (1110) on the opposite side of the mouthpiece (150). For example, the first housing (1110) and the second housing (1120) may be formed integrally.

[0044] The width of the second housing (1120) may be greater than the width of the first housing (1110). The width of the housing (110) may be defined in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., Z direction in FIG. 1) in which the first housing (1110) and the second housing (1120) are arranged (e.g., X direction or Y direction in FIG. 1). For example, in the direction viewed from the first housing (1110) toward the second housing (1120), the second housing (1120) may have an upper portion (1120A) having a width greater than that of the first housing (1110).

[0045] In one embodiment, the housing (110) may include an opening (1101), a cartridge receiving space (1102), an air passage (1103), an air inlet (1104), and an air outlet (1105).

[0046] An opening (1101) may be formed on the side of the second housing (1120) opposite to the first housing (1110). At least a portion of the cartridge (120) may be inserted into the second housing (1120) through the opening (1101).

[0047] For example, the opening (1101) may have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of at least a part of the cartridge (120) (e.g., the first body (1210) of the cartridge in FIG. 6). The cartridge (120) inserted into the opening (1101) may be coupled to the second housing (1120).

[0048] The cartridge receiving space (1102) may be defined as a space formed by being recessed from the opening (1101). The cartridge receiving space (1102) may be formed inside the second housing (1120). At least a portion of the cartridge receiving space (1102) may be a space having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of at least a portion of the cartridge (120) (e.g., the first body of the cartridge (1210) in FIG. 6).

[0049] For example, the cartridge (120) can be fitted into the cartridge receiving space (1102) in a tight fit manner.

[0050] As another example, if the inner wall of the cartridge receiving space (1102) and at least a part of the cartridge (120) (e.g., the first body of the cartridge in FIG. 6 (1210)) are configured in a cylindrical shape, a threaded structure may be formed on one of them and a threaded structure corresponding to the threaded structure may be formed on the other, and the cartridge (120) may be coupled to the cartridge receiving space (1102) by a screw connection.

[0051] In one embodiment, the air passage (1103) may include a first air passage (1103A) and a second air passage (1103B).

[0052] The first air passage (1103A) may be located between the cartridge receiving space (1102) and the cyclone generating structure (130), and the second air passage (1103B) may be located between the cyclone generating structure (130) and the mouthpiece (150). The first air passage (1103A) and / or the second air passage (1103B) may be configured as through holes and may communicate with the cyclone generating structure (103), respectively. Air from the cartridge receiving space (1102) may be delivered to the mouthpiece (150) through the air passage (1103).

[0053] An air inlet (1104) may be formed on the outside of the housing (110). For example, the air inlet (1104) may be formed on the upper part (1120A) of the second housing (1120). By positioning the air inlet (1104) on the upper part (1120A) of the second housing (1120), the air inlet (1104) may not be blocked even when the user grasps the side of the first housing (1110) or the side of the second housing (1120). Meanwhile, by orienting the air inlet (1104) toward the top, leakage of the functional material contained within the cartridge (120) may be prevented. Meanwhile, the air inlet (1104) may not be easily visible from the outside of the housing (110), thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the inhaler (10).

[0054] The air inlets (1104) may be configured in multiple numbers. Multiple air inlets (1104) may be arranged with the first housing (1110) in between.

[0055] The air outlet (1105) may be formed to be exposed to the cartridge receiving space (1102). The air outlet (1105) may be formed on the inner wall of the second housing (1120) surrounding the cartridge receiving space (1102). The air outlet (1105) may be in communication with the air inlet (1104).

[0056] In particular, with reference to FIG. 3, the air inlet passage extending from the air inlet (1104) to the air outlet (1105) may include at least one bent portion. Since at least a portion of the air inlet passage is bent, the functional material in the cartridge (120) cannot easily escape through the air inlet (1104) even if it is introduced into the air outlet (1105). Meanwhile, the functional material may accumulate in the bent portion of the air inlet passage, and the accumulated functional material may be discharged back into the air outlet (1105) by the air introduced through the air inlet (1104).

[0057] In one embodiment, the air inlet (1104) or the air outlet (1105) may be formed with a size to achieve appropriate suction resistance. For example, the cross-section of the air inlet (1104) or the air outlet (1105) may be set to a horizontal length of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm, or to a vertical length of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm. Alternatively, the area of ​​the air inlet (1104) or the air outlet (1105) may be 0.25 mm 2 , 0.5mm 2 , 1mm 2 , 2mm 2 , 4mm 2 It can be set to any one of the following.

[0058] In one embodiment, the suction device (10) may further include an air inlet cap that opens and closes the air inlet (1104). The air inlet cap can block the air inlet (1104) when the suction device (10) is not in use to prevent the inflow of external substances.

[0059] Meanwhile, the air inlet cap can open and close at least a portion of the air inlet (1104) so ​​that the degree of opening of the air inlet (1104) is variable. By controlling the degree of opening of the air inlet (1104) with the air inlet cap, the suction resistance can be controlled. Meanwhile, if the air inlet (1104) is composed of multiple air inlets, the air inlet cap may be composed of a number corresponding to the number of multiple air inlets (1104). In this case, the suction resistance can be easily controlled by closing only a portion of the multiple air inlets (1104).

[0060] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (150) may have a circular or square cross-sectional shape. For example, the mouthpiece (150) may be implemented in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter similar to the diameter of a conventional cigarette. For example, the outer diameter of the mouthpiece (150) may be 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0061] The inner diameter of the mouthpiece (150) may be sufficiently small compared to the outer diameter. For example, the inner diameter of the mouthpiece (150) may be any one of 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, or 7 mm.

[0062] A mouthpiece cap can cover the mouthpiece (150). The mouthpiece cap can block external substances from entering the mouthpiece (150) when the inhaler (10) is not in use.

[0063] In one embodiment, a mesh screen may be provided at the front end of the mouthpiece (150). The mesh screen may provide additional suction resistance. Additionally, the mesh screen may cause separation through physical collision between the suction powder and the carrier.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 6, the cartridge (120) can accommodate an inhalable functional material. In one example, the cartridge (120) can be attached to the housing (110). In another example, the cartridge (120) can be fixed to the housing (110).

[0065] In one embodiment, the cartridge (120) may include a cartridge first body (1210), a cartridge second body (1220), a cartridge internal space (1202), a cartridge base (1206), and a cartridge inner wall (1207).

[0066] The width of the first cartridge body (1210) may be smaller than the width of the second cartridge body (1220). The width of the cartridge (120) may be defined in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., Z direction in FIG. 6) in which the first cartridge body (1210) and the second cartridge body (1220) are arranged (e.g., X direction in FIG. 6). For example, in the direction viewed from the first cartridge body (1210) toward the second cartridge body (1220), the second cartridge body (1220) may have an upper portion having a width greater than that of the first cartridge body (1210).

[0067] The first cartridge body (1210) may have a cross-section corresponding to the opening (1101) of the housing (110). The first cartridge body (1210) may have an external shape corresponding to the cartridge receiving space (1102) of the housing (110). The first cartridge body (1210) may be inserted into the cartridge receiving space (1102).

[0068] The upper part of the cartridge second body (1220) may have a larger area than the opening (1101) of the housing (110), so that the cartridge second body (1220) is not inserted into the opening (1101) and may be exposed from the lower part of the housing (110) (e.g., the -Z direction side of FIG. 3).

[0069] The cartridge internal space (1202) may be defined as a space formed inside the cartridge first body (1210) and the cartridge second body (1220). A functional substance may be accommodated in the cartridge internal space (1202). For example, the cartridge internal space (1202) may be configured to be a space for storing approximately 30 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg, or 1000 mg of a functional substance.

[0070] The upper part of the cartridge internal space (1202) may be open, and the cartridge internal space (1202) may be sealed by a cartridge cover. For example, the cartridge cover may be a thin film that can be removed by a user or easily torn when combined with the housing (110).

[0071] The cartridge base (1206) is located at the bottom of the cartridge internal space (1202), and the cartridge inner wall (1207) may be in contact with the edge of the cartridge base (1206). At least a portion of the cartridge inner wall (1207) may be configured to be inclined toward the center of the cartridge base (1206). At least a portion of the cartridge inner wall (1207) may be configured to have an angle corresponding to the inclined angle of the air guide plate (140). By having the cartridge inner wall (1207) have a shape inclined toward the inside of the cartridge internal space (1202), the functional material can be easily guided toward the center of the cartridge internal space (1202), and the amount of functional material remaining in the cartridge internal space (1202) can be minimized.

[0072] Again, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, an air guide plate (140) can be placed between an air outlet (1105) and an air passage (1103).

[0073] In one embodiment, the air guide plate (140) may be a plate extending from the inner wall of the second housing (1120) toward the opening (1101). The air guide plate (140) may be configured to have a length that does not come into contact with the cartridge (120) (e.g., cartridge base (1206)).

[0074] The air guide plate (140) can guide air coming out of the air outlet (1105) into the center of the cartridge internal space (1202). The air can be guided into the functional material contained in the cartridge internal space (1202).

[0075] The air guide plate (140) may be configured to be inclined toward the center of the opening (1101). As previously described, the angle at which the cartridge inner wall (1207) is inclined and the angle at which the air guide plate (140) is inclined may correspond to each other. For example, the angle at which the cartridge inner wall (1207) is inclined and the angle at which the air guide plate (140) is inclined may be substantially the same.

[0076] In one embodiment, the air guide plate (140) may include a first air guide plate (1410) and a second air guide plate (1420). The first air guide plate (1410) and the second air guide plate (1420) may each be positioned facing each other in a tilted state toward the center of the opening (1101).

[0077] The first air guide plate (1410) and the second air guide plate (1420) may be spaced apart and may not come into contact with each other. Air introduced into the cartridge internal space (1202) through the space between the first air guide plate (1410) and the second air guide plate (1420) can move toward the air passage (1103).

[0078] In one embodiment, the air guide plates (140) may be configured in a number corresponding to the number of air outlets (1105). The air guide plates (140) are arranged in pairs adjacent to the air outlets (1105), so that air to be introduced into the cartridge internal space (1202) through the air outlets (1105) is guided to the cartridge base (1206) and can move to the air passage (1103) together with the functional material.

[0079] By the structure in which the air guide plate (140) divides the outer and central parts of the cartridge internal space (1202) and is inclined toward the center of the cartridge internal space (1202), the functional material contained in the cartridge internal space (1202) can be completely consumed without leaving any residue.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, the cyclone generating structure (130) may include a cyclone chamber (1301) and a cyclone air inlet (1302).

[0081] The cyclone chamber (1301) may include a first surface (1301A), a second surface (1301B) opposite to the first surface (1301A), and a side surface (1301C) between the first surface (1301A) and the second surface (1301B). The side surface (1301C) may include a tapered portion extending from the first surface (1301A) to the second surface (1301B).

[0082] At least a portion of the second air passage (1103B) may be introduced into the cyclone chamber (1301). Preferably, the end of the second air passage (1103B) may be introduced into the cyclone chamber (1301) from the first side (1031A) of the cyclone chamber (1301).

[0083] A cyclone air inlet (1302) may be formed on a side surface (1301C) of a cyclone chamber (1301). The cyclone air inlet (1302) may be connected to a first air passage (1103A). The first air passage (1103A) may be connected to the cyclone chamber (1301) along the tangential direction of the cyclone chamber (1301). The cyclone air inlet (1302) may be positioned closer to the first surface (1301A) than to the end of the second air passage (1103B).

[0084] The fourth air flow (P4) from the first air passage (1103A) can enter the cyclone generating structure (130). At this time, the fourth air flow (P4) may be in a state accompanied by a functional material while passing through the cartridge internal space (1202). The fourth air flow (P4) can enter the cyclone chamber (1301) along the tangential direction of the cyclone chamber (1301), and after forming a cyclone airflow by rotating along the inside of the cyclone chamber (1301) and advancing toward the second surface (1301B), it can be converted into a fifth air flow (P5) from the second surface (1301B) toward the second air passage (1103B). The fifth air flow (P5) entering the second air passage (1103) may have vortex behavior, and the functional material may be uniformly mixed by the vortex behavior.

[0085] Referring again to FIGS. 2 to 4, the cyclone generating structure (130) may be positioned in a vertically upright state. Here, the vertically upright state may be defined as a state in which the cyclone chamber (1301) is oriented such that the first surface (1301A) of the cyclone chamber (1301) is adjacent to the mouthpiece (150) and the second surface (1301B) is adjacent to the cartridge (120).

[0086] The first air passage (1103A) may include a first air passage first section (1103A-1) extending along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Z direction in FIG. 2) from the cartridge (120) toward the mouthpiece (150) and a first air passage second section (1103A-2) extending along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., direction parallel to the XY plane in FIG. 2).

[0087] The first air passage section 1 (1103A-1) can be connected to the cartridge receiving space (1102) and the first air passage section 2 (1103A-2). The first air passage section 2 (1103A-2) can be connected to the cyclone air inlet (1302).

[0088] The second air passage (1103B) can be extended along the longitudinal direction.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 7, we will describe the airflow that flows into the suction device (10) according to one embodiment and is delivered to the user.

[0090] When a user bites the mouthpiece (150) and inhales air, negative pressure may be generated inside the inhaler (10) due to the inhalation pressure. Due to the negative pressure, air outside the housing (110) may be drawn into the air inlet (1104), and a first air flow (P1) may be formed. The first air flow (P1) may advance in a first direction (e.g., the -Z direction in FIG. 7).

[0091] The first air flow (P1) can be converted into a second air flow (P2) by a bent portion formed on an air inlet passage extending from the air inlet (1104) to the air outlet (1105). The second air flow (P2) can advance in a second direction (e.g., the + / -X direction in FIG. 7).

[0092] The second airflow (P2) exiting the air outlet (1105) can be converted into a third airflow (P3) by the air guide plate (140). The third airflow (P3) can advance in a third direction (e.g., the direction tilted obliquely in FIG. 7).

[0093] The third airflow (P3) can move along with the functional material while passing through the internal space (1202) of the cartridge. The third airflow (P3) can switch to the fourth airflow (P4) after striking the cartridge base (1206). The fourth airflow (P4) can advance in the fourth direction (e.g., the +Z direction in FIG. 7).

[0094] The fourth airflow (P4) can enter the cyclone chamber (1301) after passing through the first section (1103A-1) of the first air passage along the fourth direction and then switching to the fifth direction (e.g., the -Y direction in FIG. 2) along the second section (1103A-2) of the first air passage.

[0095] After passing through the cyclone generating structure (130), it can be switched to the fifth air flow (P5), and the fifth air flow (P5) can advance again in the fourth direction and have vortex behavior. The vortex behavior of the fifth air flow (P5) allows the functional material to be uniformly mixed.

[0096] The fifth airflow (P5) can pass through the mouthpiece (150) accompanied by a uniformly mixed functional material and move to the user's oral cavity or lungs.

[0097] FIG. 8a is a perspective view showing the interior of an inhaler (20) according to one embodiment, FIG. 8b is a front cross-sectional view of the housing (210) of the inhaler (20) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8c is a side cross-sectional view of the housing (210) of the inhaler (20) according to one embodiment.

[0098] The suction device (20) illustrated in FIGS. 8a to 8c has similar components to the suction device (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, except for the cyclone generating structure (230) and the air passage (2103). Therefore, for the sake of simplification, a detailed description of identical or similar components is omitted.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 8a to 8c, an inhaler (20) according to one embodiment may include a housing (210), a cartridge, a cyclone generating structure (230), an air guide plate (240), and a mouthpiece (250).

[0100] In one embodiment, the housing (210) may include a first housing (2110) and a second housing (2120), and the air guide plate (240) may include a first air guide plate (2410) and a second air guide plate (2420).

[0101] In one embodiment, the cyclone generating structure (230) may be positioned in a horizontally oriented state. Here, the horizontally oriented state may be defined as the first surface (1301A) and the second surface (1301B) of the cyclone chamber (1301) being positioned on a plane substantially parallel to the width direction (e.g., the XY plane in FIG. 8a).

[0102] The first air passage (2103A) may extend along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Z direction in FIG. 8a) from the cartridge toward the mouthpiece (250).

[0103] The second air passage (2103B) may include a second air passage first section (2103B-1) extending along a width direction perpendicular to the length direction (e.g., X direction in FIG. 8a) and a second air passage second section (2103B-2) connected to the second air passage first section (2103B-1) and extending along the length direction to the mouthpiece (250).

[0104] The second air passage (2103B) may further include a second air passage third section (2103B-3) that extends along the width direction and is connected to the second air passage second section (2103B-2), and a second air passage fourth section (2103B-4) that is connected to the second air passage third section (2103B-3) and extends along the length direction to the mouthpiece (250).

[0105] In one embodiment, the cyclone generating structure (230) of the suction device (20) is positioned in a horizontally oriented state, so that the airflow entering the cyclone generating structure (230) can flow naturally without changing direction, and the internal space of the first housing (2110) can be efficiently configured.

[0106] FIG. 9a is a perspective view showing the interior of an inhaler (30) according to one embodiment, FIG. 9b is a front cross-sectional view of the housing (310) of the inhaler (30) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 9c is a side cross-sectional view of the housing (310) of the inhaler (30) according to one embodiment.

[0107] The suction device (30) illustrated in FIGS. 9a to 9c has similar components to the suction device (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, except for the cyclone generating structure (330) and the air passage (3103). Therefore, for the sake of simplification, a detailed description of identical or similar components is omitted.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 9a to 9c, an inhaler (30) according to one embodiment may include a housing (310), a cartridge, a cyclone generating structure (330), an air guide plate (340), and a mouthpiece (350).

[0109] In one embodiment, the housing (310) may include a first housing (3110) and a second housing (3120), and the air guide plate (340) may include a first air guide plate (3410) and a second air guide plate (3420).

[0110] In one embodiment, the cyclone generating structure (330) may include a first cyclone generating structure (330A) and a second cyclone generating structure (330B) adjacent to each other. The first cyclone generating structure (330A) and / or the second cyclone generating structure (330B) may be arranged in a horizontally oriented state.

[0111] The first air passage (3103A) can be connected to the first cyclone generating structure (330A) and the second cyclone generating structure (330B), respectively. The first air passage (3103A) can extend along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Z direction in FIG. 9a) from the cartridge toward the mouthpiece (350).

[0112] In one embodiment, the end of the first air passage (3103A) may be connected to the cyclone air inlet of the first cyclone generating structure (330A) and the cyclone air inlet of the second cyclone generating structure (330B), respectively.

[0113] The second air passage (3103B) may include a first part (3103B1) of the second air passage extending from the first cyclone generating structure (330A) to the mouthpiece (350) and a second part (3103B2) of the second air passage extending from the second cyclone generating structure (330B) to the mouthpiece (350).

[0114] Meanwhile, the second air passage first part (3103B1) and / or the second air passage second part (3103B2) may include a first section extending along the width direction, a second section connected to the first section and extending along the length direction, a third section extending along the width direction and connected to the second section, and a fourth section connected to the third section and extending along the length direction to the mouthpiece (550).

[0115] In one embodiment, the first cyclone generating structure (330A) and / or the second cyclone generating structure (330B) of the suction device (30) are positioned in a horizontally oriented state, so that the airflow entering the first cyclone generating structure (330A) and / or the second cyclone generating structure (330B) can flow naturally without changing direction, and the internal space of the first housing (3110) can be efficiently configured. Meanwhile, when the first cyclone generating structure (330A) and the second cyclone generating structure (330B) are provided together, sufficient vortex behavior can be ensured.

[0116] FIG. 10a shows an inhaler (40) according to one embodiment, FIG. 10b shows the internal structure of the inhaler (40) with the cartridge (420) detached, and FIG. 10c and FIG. 10d show the cartridge (420) of the inhaler (40) according to one embodiment.

[0117] The inhaler (40) of FIGS. 10a to 10d has identical or similar components except for the inhaler (10) and cartridge (420) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, so for the sake of simplification, a detailed description of identical or similar components is omitted.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 10a through 10d, an inhaler (40) according to one embodiment may include a housing (410), a cartridge (420), a cyclone generating structure (430), and a mouthpiece (450). The inhaler (40) does not include an air guide plate.

[0119] In one embodiment, the housing (410) may include a first housing (4110) and a second housing (4120). The housing (410) may include an opening (4101), a cartridge receiving space (4102), an air passage (4103), an air inlet (4104), and an air outlet (4105).

[0120] In one embodiment, the cartridge (420) may include a cartridge first body (4210), a cartridge second body (4220), a cartridge internal space (4202), and a cartridge base (4206).

[0121] The first cartridge body (4210) and the second cartridge body (4220) may be formed to a size that can be accommodated in the cartridge receiving space (4102) of the second housing (4120). For example, the first cartridge body (4210) and the second cartridge body (4220) may be configured with a shape corresponding to the cartridge receiving space (4102) and may be coupled to the cartridge receiving space (4102) in an interference fit manner.

[0122] The cartridge (420) may further include a cartridge air inlet (4204) and a cartridge air outlet (4205).

[0123] With the cartridge (420) coupled to the housing (410), the cartridge air inlet (4204) may be formed in a position facing the air outlet (4105). For example, the cartridge air inlet (4204) may be formed on the outer side of the cartridge first body (4210) and positioned to face the air outlet (4105), so that air coming out of the air outlet (4105) can easily flow into the cartridge air inlet (4204).

[0124] The cartridge air outlet (4205) may be formed to communicate with the cartridge air inlet (4204) and to face the cartridge internal space (4202).

[0125] The cartridge base (4206) may surround a portion of the cartridge internal space (4202). In particular, referring to FIG. 10d, the cartridge base (4206) may have an inverted triangular cross-sectional shape. The cartridge air outlet (4205) may be positioned to meet the vertex of the cartridge base (4206).

[0126] Since the cartridge base (4206) has an inverted triangular structure, the functional material contained in the cartridge internal space (4202) can be gathered at the central lower part of the cartridge internal space (4202). Air introduced into the housing (410) can be introduced into the cartridge air outlet (4205). The functional material gathered at the apex of the cartridge base (4206) can be easily transferred by the air flow, and no residue of the functional material can remain in the cartridge internal space (4202).

[0127] In one embodiment, the suction device (40) does not include an air guide plate, so the manufacturing of the suction device (40) is simplified, the possibility of breakage is reduced, and durability can be increased.

[0128] FIG. 11 shows the operating state of an inhaler (50) according to one embodiment.

[0129] Since the inhaler (50) of FIG. 11 has the same or similar components as the inhaler (10) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 7, a detailed description of the same or similar components is omitted for the sake of simplification.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 11, an inhaler (50) according to one embodiment may include a housing (510), a cartridge, a cyclone generating structure (530), an air guide plate (540), and a mouthpiece (550).

[0131] The air guide plate (540) may include a first air guide plate (5410) and a second air guide plate (5420).

[0132] The first air guide plate (5410) and / or the second air guide plate (5420) may be configured to be rotatable. The first air guide plate (5410) and / or the second air guide plate (5420) may be rotatable between a closed state in which the end of the first air guide plate (5410) and the end of the second air guide plate (5420) are in contact with each other and an open state in which the respective ends are separated.

[0133] When the suction device (50) is not in use, the first air guide plate (5410) and the second air guide plate (5420) can be rotated to a closed state. When the suction device (50) is in use, the first air guide plate (5410) and the second air guide plate (5420) can be rotated to an open state.

[0134] For example, the first air guide plate (5410) and / or the second air guide plate (5420) may be rotatably hinged to the inner wall of the housing (510). The first air guide plate (5410) and / or the second air guide plate (5420) may be kept in a closed state by an elastic element (e.g., a torsion spring) and may be switched to an open state when a cartridge is coupled.

[0135] Even when the cartridge is separated from the housing (510) when the inhaler (50) is not in use, the first air guide plate (5410) and the second air guide plate (5420) remain in a closed state, so the functional material remaining inside the housing (510) does not leak out of the housing (510), and thus the cleanliness of the inhaler (50) can be maintained.

[0136] According to the suction device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to one embodiment, the functional substance can be discharged smoothly and uniformly, and the vortex behavior of the air carrying the functional substance can be smoothly induced. According to the suction device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to one embodiment, it can be used multiple times, and leakage of the functional substance can be effectively prevented even during multiple uses. According to the suction device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) according to one embodiment, appropriate suction resistance can be achieved, and aesthetic appeal can be enhanced.

[0137] An inhaler according to one embodiment may include a housing having an opening, a cartridge having an internal space that communicates with the opening and accommodates a functional material, a mouthpiece protruding from the housing on the opposite side of the opening, and a cyclone generating structure disposed within the housing.

[0138] In one embodiment, the housing includes a cartridge receiving space formed to be recessed from the opening, an air passage extending from the cartridge receiving space to the mouthpiece, an air inlet formed on the outer side of the housing, and an air outlet formed to communicate with the air inlet and exposed to the cartridge receiving space, and the cyclone generating structure may be disposed on the air passage.

[0139] In one embodiment, the air passage includes a first air passage between the cartridge receiving space and the cyclone generating structure and a second air passage between the cyclone generating structure and the mouthpiece, and the first air passage and the second air passage may communicate with the cyclone generating structure.

[0140] In one embodiment, the cyclone generating structure comprises a cyclone chamber including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface, and a cyclone air inlet formed on the side surface of the cyclone chamber and connected to the first air passage, and the end of the second air passage can be drawn into the cyclone chamber from the first surface.

[0141] The first air passage is connected to the cyclone chamber along the tangential direction of the cyclone chamber, and the cyclone air inlet may be positioned closer to the first surface than to the end of the second air passage.

[0142] In one embodiment, the second air passage extends along the longitudinal direction from the cartridge toward the mouthpiece, and the first air passage includes a first air passage first section extending along the longitudinal direction and a first air passage second section connected to the first air passage first section and extending along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the first air passage second section may be connected to the cyclone air inlet.

[0143] In one embodiment, the first air passage extends along the longitudinal direction from the cartridge toward the mouthpiece, and the second air passage may include a second air passage first section extending along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a second air passage second section connected to the second air passage first section and extending toward the mouthpiece along the longitudinal direction.

[0144] In one embodiment, the cyclone generating structure includes a first cyclone generating structure and a second cyclone generating structure adjacent to each other, and the first air passage is connected to the first cyclone generating structure and the second cyclone generating structure, respectively, and the second air passage may include a second air passage first part extending from the first cyclone generating structure to the mouthpiece and a second air passage second part extending from the second cyclone generating structure to the mouthpiece.

[0145] In one embodiment, the air guide plate is further included between the air outlet and the air passage, and the air guide plate is implemented as a plate extending from the inner wall of the housing toward the opening, and the air guide plate has a length that does not contact the cartridge and can guide air from the air outlet to the center of the internal space of the cartridge.

[0146] The air guide plate is inclined toward the center of the opening, and at least a portion of the inner wall of the cartridge defining the internal space of the cartridge may be configured to have an angle corresponding to the inclined angle of the air guide plate.

[0147] In one embodiment, the air guide plate includes a first air guide plate and a second air guide plate, and the first air guide plate and the second air guide plate may be arranged facing each other in a tilted state toward the center of the opening.

[0148] In one embodiment, the first air guide plate and the second air guide plate are configured to be rotatable, and the first air guide plate and the second air guide plate are rotatable between a closed state in which the end of the first air guide plate and the end of the second air guide plate are in contact with each other and an open state in which the respective ends are separated.

[0149] In one embodiment, the cartridge may include a cartridge air inlet formed on the outer side of the cartridge facing the air outlet, and a cartridge air outlet formed toward the internal space of the cartridge communicating with the cartridge air inlet.

[0150] The above cartridge further includes an inverted triangular cartridge base, and the cartridge air outlet may be configured to meet the vertex of the cartridge base.

[0151] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a first housing having an air passage formed inside and a second housing connected to the first housing and having a cartridge receiving space formed inside, and in a direction viewed from the first housing toward the second housing, the second housing has an upper portion having a greater width than the first housing, and the air inlet may be formed on the upper portion of the second housing.

[0152] The description of the embodiments described above is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to that described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. Housing having an opening; A cartridge having an internal space that communicates with the above-mentioned opening and accommodates a functional material; A mouthpiece protruding from the housing on the opposite side of the opening; and A cyclone generating structure disposed within the above housing; including, inspirator.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is, A cartridge receiving space formed by being recessed from the above-mentioned opening; An air passage extending from the cartridge receiving space to the mouthpiece; An air inlet formed on the outer side of the above housing; and An air outlet formed to be in communication with the air inlet and exposed to the cartridge receiving space; Includes, The above cyclone generating structure is disposed on the air passage, inspirator.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above air passage is, A first air passage between the cartridge receiving space and the cyclone generating structure; and A second air passage between the cyclone generating structure and the mouthpiece; Includes, The first air passage and the second air passage are in communication with the cyclone generating structure, inspirator.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned cyclone generating structure is, A cyclone chamber comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface; and A cyclone air inlet formed on the side surface of the cyclone chamber and connected to the first air passage; Includes, The end of the second air passage is introduced into the cyclone chamber from the first surface, inspirator.

5. In Paragraph 4, The first air passage is connected to the cyclone chamber along the tangential direction of the cyclone chamber, and The cyclone air inlet is positioned closer to the first surface than to the end of the second air passage, inspirator.

6. In Paragraph 4, The second air passage extends along the longitudinal direction from the cartridge toward the mouthpiece, and The above-mentioned first air passage is, A first air passage, a first section extending along the above longitudinal direction; and A first air passage second section connected to the first section of the first air passage and extending along the width direction perpendicular to the length direction; Includes, The second section of the first air passage above is connected to the cyclone air inlet, inspirator.

7. In Paragraph 4, The first air passage extends along the longitudinal direction from the cartridge toward the mouthpiece, and The above second air passage is, A second air passage first section extending along the width direction perpendicular to the length direction; and A second air passage second section connected to the first section of the second air passage and extending to the mouthpiece along the longitudinal direction; including, inspirator.

8. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned cyclone generating structure includes a first cyclone generating structure and a second cyclone generating structure adjacent to each other, and The first air passage is connected to the first cyclone generating structure and the second cyclone generating structure, respectively, and The above second air passage is, A second air passage first part extending from the first cyclone generating structure to the mouthpiece; and A second air passage second part extending from the second cyclone generating structure to the mouthpiece; including, inspirator.

9. In Paragraph 2, It further includes an air guide plate disposed between the air outlet and the air passage, The above air guide plate is implemented as a plate extending from the inner wall of the housing toward the opening, and The above air guide plate has a length that does not contact the cartridge and guides air from the air outlet to the center of the internal space of the cartridge. inspirator.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above air guide plate is tilted toward the center of the above opening, and At least a portion of the inner wall of the cartridge defining the internal space of the cartridge is configured to have an angle corresponding to the inclined angle of the air guide plate, inspirator.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above air guide plate includes a first air guide plate and a second air guide plate, and The first air guide plate and the second air guide plate are arranged facing each other in a tilted state toward the center of the opening, inspirator.

12. In Paragraph 11, The first air guide plate and the second air guide plate are configured to be rotatable, and The first air guide plate and the second air guide plate are rotatable between a closed state in which the end of the first air guide plate and the end of the second air guide plate are in contact with each other and an open state in which the respective ends are spaced apart. inspirator.

13. In Paragraph 2, The above cartridge is, A cartridge air inlet formed on the outer side of the cartridge facing the air outlet; and A cartridge air outlet formed toward the internal space of the cartridge and communicating with the cartridge air inlet; including, inspirator.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above cartridge further includes an inverted triangular cartridge base, and The above cartridge air outlet is configured to meet the apex of the above cartridge base, inspirator.

15. In Paragraph 2, The above housing is, A first housing having the above-mentioned air passage formed inside; and A second housing connected to the first housing and having a cartridge receiving space formed inside; Includes, In the direction viewed from the first housing to the second housing, the second housing has an upper portion having a greater width than the first housing, and the air inlet is formed on the upper portion of the second housing. inspirator.

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