KR20240034612A - Inhaler - Google Patents

Abstract

The inhaler according to one embodiment includes a chamber accommodating a capsule containing powder, a stick provided with a piercing hole open toward the chamber, a holder including an insertion groove into which the stick is inserted in a first direction, and a holder provided in the insertion groove. It may include a piercing member that penetrates the piercing hole and breaks the capsule when the stick is inserted, and a vibration member that provides vibration to the piercing member.

Description

INHALER

Various embodiments of this document relate to inhalers.

Recently, demand for alternative products that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes is increasing. For example, an inhaler is a device for inhaling a liquid or gas containing a composition such as a drug to a user through the oral cavity or nasal cavity.

These devices have a chamber containing an inhalable composition, and the composition moves from the chamber through a channel and ultimately into the oral cavity or nasal cavity, where it can be inhaled by a user.

The above-mentioned background technology is possessed or acquired by the inventor in the process of deriving the disclosure of the present application, and cannot necessarily be said to be known technology disclosed to the general public before the present application.

In the case of inhalers using a composition in powder form, conventional non-electronic inhalers had to inhale the powder depending on the user's breathing. In this case, the amount of powder emitted from the inhaler may vary depending on the user's respiratory volume, and users whose lung respiratory volume does not meet a certain level are restricted from using the inhaler.

In order to solve this problem, there was a need for an inhaler that could enable smooth inhalation even for users with weak respiratory capacity and, furthermore, could individually control the release state of the powder for general users.

An inhaler according to an embodiment includes a chamber for accommodating a capsule containing powder, a stick provided with a piercing hole open toward the chamber, a holder including an insertion groove into which the stick is inserted in a first direction, and the insertion device. It may be provided in a groove and include a piercing member that penetrates the piercing hole to crush the capsule when the stick is inserted, and a vibration member that provides vibration to the piercing member.

In one embodiment, the vibration member may vibrate the piercing member in a direction substantially horizontal to the first direction.

In one embodiment, the vibration member may vibrate the piercing member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

In one embodiment, the vibration member may vibrate the piercing member in a direction substantially horizontal and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

In one embodiment, a puff sensor that detects airflow inside the stick; and

It may further include a processor that receives a detection result from the puff sensor and controls vibration of the vibrating member.

In one embodiment, it may further include a sub-vibration member that provides vibration to the chamber.

In one embodiment, the inhaler further includes an elastic member provided in the insertion groove and pressed by the stick when the stick is inserted, and the sub-vibration member moves into the chamber of the stick through the elastic member. Vibration can be provided to.

In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member may vibrate the chamber in a direction substantially horizontal to the first direction.

In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member may vibrate the chamber in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

In one embodiment, the sub-vibration member may vibrate the chamber in a direction substantially horizontal and a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

In one embodiment, it may further include a puff sensor that detects airflow inside the stick, and a processor that receives a detection result from the puff sensor and controls vibration of the vibration member and the sub-vibration member.

In one embodiment, the stick may include a mouthpiece provided in an opposite direction of the chamber, an airflow channel communicating from the chamber to the mouthpiece, and a mesh partitioning the airflow channel and the chamber.

In one embodiment, the stick may further include a sealing member that seals the piercing hole and is broken by the piercing member when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove.

In one embodiment, the stick may include a door that selectively opens and closes the piercing hole.

In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor for detecting whether the stick is inserted into the insertion groove, a door hinge for moving the door, and a detection result received from the insertion detection sensor, and controlling the door hinge to open and close the door. It may further include a processor.

An inhaler including at least one of a vibration member and/or a sub-vibration member according to an embodiment can control the amount and/or release speed of the powder released from the capsule and allow the user to smoothly inhale the powder. We can assist you.

The effects of the inhaler according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an inhaler according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3A is a diagram schematically showing the interior of an inhaler according to an embodiment.
Figure 3b is a diagram schematically showing the interior of an inhaler according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4A is a diagram schematically showing the interior of an inhaler according to an embodiment.
Figure 4b is a diagram schematically showing the interior of an inhaler according to an embodiment.
Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of a stick according to one embodiment.
Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view of a stick according to one embodiment.

The terms used in the various embodiments are selected from general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the name of the term.

When it is said that a part "includes" a certain element throughout the specification, this means that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements. Additionally, 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 as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

As used herein, when an expression such as “at least any one” precedes arranged elements, it modifies all of the arranged elements rather than each arranged element. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. do.

In various embodiments, “puff” refers to inhalation by a user, whereby inhalation refers to drawing something into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

In one embodiment, the inhaler may include a body (or holder) that supports a cartridge (or stick) that houses a capsule holding the composition. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the main body, and may be fixed so as not to be detached or detached by the user. The cartridge can be mounted on the main body with the capsule accommodated therein. However, it is not limited to this, and powder or a capsule containing it may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the inhaler of the various embodiments described above or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an inhaler 100 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the inhaler 100 according to one embodiment includes a control unit 110, a sensing unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, It may include at least a portion of the memory 170, the communication unit 180, and the driver 190.

However, the internal structure of the inhaler 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. That is, those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the inhaler 100, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. .

In one embodiment, the sensing unit 120 may detect the state of the inhaler 100 or the state around the inhaler 100, and transmit the detected information to the control unit 110 (or processor). there is. The control unit 110 may control the operation of other components of the inhaler 100 based on the sensed information.

For example, the control unit 110 controls the operation of the heater 150 based on the detection result of the sensing unit 120, or operates a stick (e.g., stick 210 in FIG. 2) or capsule (e.g., in FIG. 3A). Various functions can be performed, such as controlling the driving unit 190 by determining whether a capsule 232, cartridge, cigarette, etc. is inserted, or displaying a notification through the output unit 130.

In one embodiment, the sensing unit 120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 may detect the temperature at which the heater 150 is heated. The inhaler 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

In one embodiment, insertion detection sensor 124 may detect insertion and/or removal of a stick (e.g., stick 230 in Figure 2) or capsule (e.g., capsule 232 in Figures 3A and 3B). there is. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, where the stick or capsule is inserted and/or Signal changes can be detected as it is removed.

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

In one embodiment, in addition to the sensors described above, the sensing unit 120 includes a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), It may further include at least one of a proximity sensor and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively deduced by a person skilled in the art from its name, detailed descriptions may be omitted.

In one embodiment, the output unit 130 may output information about the status of the inhaler 100 and provide it to the user. The output unit 130 may include at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an audio output unit 136, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 132 and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

In one embodiment, the display unit 132 may visually provide information about the inhaler 100 to the user. For example, information about the inhaler 100 may include the charging/discharging state of the battery 140 of the inhaler 100, the preheating state of the heater 150, the insertion/removal state of the stick or capsule, or the inhaler 100 ) may include at least some of various information, such as a state in which the use of the device is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection) and a vibration state of the driving unit 190, and the display unit 132 may output such information to the outside. . The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Additionally, the display unit 132 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting device.

In one embodiment, the haptic unit 134 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus and tactilely provide information about the inhaler 100 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 134 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

In one embodiment, the sound output unit 136 may provide information about the inhaler 100 audibly to the user. For example, the audio output unit 136 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

In one embodiment, the battery 140 may supply power used to operate the inhaler 100. The battery 140 may supply power so that the heater 150 can be heated.

In one embodiment, the battery 140 is connected to other components provided in the inhaler 100 (e.g., sensing unit 120, output unit 130, user input unit 160, memory 170, communication unit 180). ) or the power required for the operation of the driving unit 190) can be supplied. Battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the heater 150 may heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the inhaler 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (eg, DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150. Additionally, when the inhaler 100 generates aerosol by induction heating, the inhaler 100 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts the direct current power of the battery 140 into alternating current power.

In one embodiment, the control unit 110, the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, the communication unit 180, and the driver 190 receive power from the battery 140. It can be supplied and perform its function. Although not shown in FIG. 1, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

In one embodiment, heater 150 may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy containing, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heater 150 may be implemented as a metal hot wire, a metal plate with electrically conductive tracks, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the heater 150 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 150 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

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

In one embodiment, the user input unit 160 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 includes a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistance type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, and integral type). Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the inhaler 100 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and connects to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface. Information can be transmitted and received, or the battery 140 can be charged.

In one embodiment, the memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the inhaler 100, and may store data processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed. The memory 170 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or xD memory, etc.), or RAM. (RAM, random access memory) SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk , and may include at least one type of storage medium among optical disks.

In one embodiment, the memory 170 may store the operation time of the inhaler 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

In one embodiment, the communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 182 includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, and a Zigbee communication unit. It may include, but is not limited to, a communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 184 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 184 may identify and authenticate the inhaler 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

In one embodiment, the driving unit 190 may include various driving devices to assist the user's suction operation of the inhaler 100. For example, the driving unit 190 may include a vibration member 191 to assist in transferring the powder of the inhaler 100.

In one embodiment, the vibration member 191 may be implemented as an electronic vibrator, and may generate vibration in response when a voltage (eg, alternating voltage) is applied. Without being limited thereto, the driving unit 190 may further include elements such as a motor, a shaft, a plurality of pinions, or a hydraulic device.

In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the overall operation of the inhaler 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that this embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

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

In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 120 and control subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 110 controls the power supplied to the heater 150 to start or end the operation of the heater 150 or the driver 190 based on the results detected by the sensing unit 120. You can.

For example, based on the results detected by the sensing unit 120, the control unit 110 determines the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 so that the heater 150 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. and the time at which power is supplied can be controlled.

In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the output unit 130 based on a result detected by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 operates at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the sound output unit 136. Through this, it is possible to notify the user that the inhaler 100 will soon end. Or, for example, the puff sensor 126 may detect the user's suction state, and the control unit 110 may control the driving of the vibration member 191 of the driving unit 190 based on this.

In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the power supply time and/or power supply amount to the heater 150 according to the state of the stick or capsule detected by the sensing unit 120.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Additionally, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, other data such as program modules, modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery medium.

Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an inhaler 200 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the inhaler 200 according to one embodiment may include at least a portion of a holder 210 and a stick 230.

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

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

In one embodiment, the insertion groove 215 may be composed of a recess that is concavely formed in a direction from the first surface 211 to the second surface 212, and may be formed at least in the first surface 211. It may be formed to be open to some areas.

For example, the insertion groove 215 may have a shape extending along the longitudinal axis (eg, +/-Y direction) of the holder 210. The stick 230 may be inserted into the holder 210 in a direction through which the insertion groove 215 passes (eg, -Y direction or 'first direction').

In one embodiment, an inlet (not shown) through which air outside the holder 210 can flow into the insertion groove 215 may be formed between the outside of the holder 210 and the insertion groove 215.

Although not shown in the drawing, the holder 210 may accommodate various components of the inhaler 200 inside. For example, the holder 210 may include a control unit (e.g., the control unit 110 of FIG. 1), at least At least a portion of one sensor (e.g., sensing unit 120 in FIG. 1) and a battery (e.g., battery 140 in FIG. 1) can be accommodated.

In one embodiment, the stick 230 and the holder 210 may be configured in the shape of a cylindrical or polygonal pillar, and may be of a size and shape that can be inserted into the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210. Stick 230 can accommodate powder (P) therein.

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

FIG. 3A is a diagram schematically showing the inside of the inhaler 200 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a diagram schematically showing the inside of the inhaler 200 according to an embodiment.

Specifically, FIGS. 3A and 3B are views of the interior of area A shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3A shows a stick 230 partially inserted or being inserted into the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210. 3B shows a state in which the stick 230 is substantially completely inserted into the insertion groove 215 of the holder 210.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the inhaler 200 according to an embodiment may include at least a portion of a piercing member 220, an elastic member 225, a chamber 233, and a piercing hole 234. .

In one embodiment, the stick 230 may include a chamber 233 to accommodate the capsule 232. The chamber 233 may be a partial area of the stick 230 inserted into the insertion groove 215. The chamber 233 may be a space for receiving or storing the capsule 232, or may be a space for restricting the movement of the capsule 232.

In one embodiment, the capsule 232 may contain powder (P) therein. The powder (P) may be a tobacco extract in the form of small particles, or the powder (P) may be a pharmacological substance such as caffeine, taurine, aspirin, sedative, sleeping pill, bronchodilator, vaccine, or free-nicotine, nicotine salt (nicotine). It may be a composition containing a substance such as salt or a functional substance. However, this is only an example, and the powder P inside the capsule 232 may be replaced with liquid, gas, or a combination of some of these.

In one embodiment, the piercing hole 234 may be an opening that opens from the outside of the stick 230 toward the chamber 233. The piercing hole 234 may be formed on a side of the stick 230 facing the insertion groove 215, preferably in an area facing the piercing member 220. The piercing hole 234 may have a diameter greater than or equal to the circumference of the piercing member 220.

In one embodiment, stick 230 may include an airflow channel 235 communicating from chamber 233 to a mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 231 in FIG. 2). The airflow channel 235 may be a flow path through which air containing the powder P flows, and the airflow channel 235 and the chamber 233 may be partitioned through a mesh 236.

In one embodiment, the mesh 236 may allow the powder P and air to pass through, and may restrict the passage of the capsule 232 or other foreign substances. Alternatively, the mesh 236 may filter out part of the powder (P) or help prevent the powder (P) from clumping. For example, a single hole in mesh 236 may have a diameter of 5 micrometers.

In one embodiment, when the capsule 232 is crushed, at least a portion of the powder P inside the capsule 232 may be released into the chamber 233. When the user inhales the air of the stick 230 through the mouthpiece 231, the powder (P) passes through the mesh 236, moves through the airflow channel 235 to the mouthpiece 231, and is inhaled by the user. It can be.

In one embodiment, the stick 230 may be disposable, and may be replaced with another stick 230 after the powder P is used up. Alternatively, the stick 230 may be reusable, and when the powder P is used up, the stick 230 can be refilled with the capsule 232 or the powder P and used again.

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

In one embodiment, the distal end of the piercing member 220 may have a sharp or pointed shape, for example, the piercing member 220 may be a needle or a sting. The distal end of the piercing member 220 may crush a portion of the capsule 232 to form a perforation in the capsule 232. The capsule 232 may release the powder P into the chamber 233 through a hole broken by the piercing member 220.

The elastic member 225 according to one embodiment may be provided in the insertion groove 215. When the stick 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215, the elastic member 225 may be deformed (eg, compressed) by being pressed by the stick 230. When the elastic member 225 is deformed, the elastic member 225 may press the stick 230 in a direction opposite to the first direction (eg, +Y direction) by the elastic force. The elastic member 225 may be composed of a coil spring capable of applying elastic force.

FIG. 4A is a diagram schematically showing the interior of the inhaler 200 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the inhaler 200 according to one embodiment may include a vibration member 250 (eg, the vibration member 191 of FIG. 1).

In one embodiment, when the capsule 232 is crushed by the piercing member 220, a hole in communication with the chamber 233 is formed in the capsule 232, and the powder (P) inside the capsule 232 is formed through the hole. At least a portion of may be released into the chamber 233. The powder (P) released into the chamber 233 passes through the mesh 236 and is transferred to the airflow channel 235, and passes through the airflow channel 235 to a mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 231 in FIG. 2). It can pass through and be inhaled by the user.

In one embodiment, various parameters associated with the powder P released from the capsule 232, such as the amount of powder P released per unit time, the amount of powder P in the air passing through the airflow channel 235 Factors such as the amount of powder (P) that can be inhaled by the user may also vary based on factors (such as density, or the degree of diffusion of the released powder (P)).

In one embodiment, by controlling the amount of powder (P) emitted from the capsule 232 per unit time (hereinafter referred to as 'the amount of powder (P) emitted') through the vibrating member 250, the inhaler 200 Powder (P) can be provided to the user in accordance with the user's conditions, usage environment, or user's preference.

In one embodiment, vibrating member 250 may provide vibration to piercing member 220. Alternatively, the vibration member 250 may directly or indirectly vibrate at least one of the capsule 232, the powder P, or the chamber 233. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an embodiment of the inhaler 200 will be described based on the vibration member 250 that vibrates the piercing member 220 with reference to the drawings.

In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 may be implemented as an electronic vibrator that generates vibration when a voltage (eg, alternating voltage) is applied. However, when actually implemented, it is not limited to this and may be implemented with various structures and configurations that can provide vibration to the piercing member 220.

In one embodiment, the vibration member 250 may assist in releasing the powder P of the capsule 232 by applying vibration to the piercing member 220. When the vibration member 250 vibrates the piercing member 220, the perforation formed in the capsule 232 may become larger, or the vibration may be transmitted to the capsule 232 or the powder P, and the vibration may be transmitted to the capsule 232 or the powder P. Emissions may increase.

The vibration member 250 of one embodiment is substantially horizontal to the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210, that is, the first direction (e.g., -Y direction) (e.g., +/-Y direction). The piercing member 220 can be vibrated.

In one embodiment, when the vibration member 250 vibrates in a direction substantially horizontal to the first direction, the powder P located or stagnant between the capsule 232 and the piercing member 220 is released. It can be effective. Alternatively, there is an advantage that the diameter of the piercing hole 234 does not need to be increased in order to secure the vibration radius of the piercing member 220, and the powder P is discharged to the outside of the stick 230 through the piercing hole 234. It can be prevented. Alternatively, the vibration of the vibration member 250 may be mainly transmitted to the piercing member 220 and the capsule 232, and vibration of the stick 230 or the holder 210 may be reduced or prevented.

The vibration member 250 of one embodiment is pierced in a direction (e.g., X-Z plane direction) substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210, that is, the first direction (e.g., -Y direction). The member 220 may be vibrated. Vibration of the piercing member 220 may be transmitted to the capsule 232, and the capsule 232 may vibrate to promote release of the powder P.

In one embodiment, when the vibrating member 250 vibrates in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the piercing member 220 may increase the size of the perforation, or the piercing member 220 may enlarge the capsule ( By securing the space between 232) and the piercing member 220, the powder (P) can be released more effectively. Alternatively, the capsule 232 may repeatedly collide with the chamber 233 due to vibration, and through this, the amount of powder P released may further increase.

The vibration member 250 of one embodiment may vibrate the piercing member 220 in a direction substantially horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The vibration member 250 three-dimensionally vibrates the capsule 232 through the piercing member 220, thereby relatively increasing the amount of powder P released compared to a simple one-way reciprocating motion.

In various embodiments, the inhaler 200 may need to reduce or increase the amount or release rate of the powder P released from the capsule 232 according to various factors such as the user's breathing volume or according to the user's preference. You can. If you only rely on a single size of hole, it may be difficult to meet the needs of various environments and users.

For example, if the perforation is large, a lot of powder P is released in a short period of time, so the density of the powder P inhaled by the user may be irregular or greatly increase. Alternatively, if the perforation is small, it becomes difficult to release the powder (P), and a user with a low respiratory volume may have difficulty inhaling the powder (P). The vibration member 250 provides vibration to the capsule 232, thereby controlling the efficient release of the powder P from the capsule 232.

The inhaler 200 according to various embodiments of the present document forms a relatively small-sized hole in the capsule 232 through the piercing member 220, and forms a relatively small hole in the capsule 232 per unit time through the vibration member 250. By controlling the amount of powder (P) emitted from , the user's inhalation density of powder (P) can be controlled.

FIG. 4B is a diagram schematically showing the interior of the inhaler 200 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the inhaler 200 according to one embodiment may include a sub-vibration member 255 (eg, the vibration member 191 of FIG. 1).

In describing FIG. 4B, the inhaler 200 will be described by omitting any content that overlaps with the above-described content.

In one embodiment, the sub-vibrating member 255 may provide vibration to the chamber 233. The sub-vibration member 255 may assist the powder P discharged into the chamber 233 to move into the airflow channel 235 by directly or indirectly vibrating the chamber 233. Alternatively, the sub-vibrating member 255 may assist the vibrating member 250 to promote release of the powder P from the capsule 232.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the sub-vibrating member 255 may be connected to the elastic member 225 and provide vibration to the chamber 233 through the elastic member 225. Alternatively, the sub-vibration member 255 may be implemented in various structures for transmitting vibration to the chamber 233, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sub-vibration member 255 may be directly connected to the stick 230. Alternatively, it may be placed on the holder 210 and have a structure to apply impact with the stick 230.

In one embodiment, the chamber 233 may provide kinetic energy to the powder P inside the chamber 233 through vibration. Alternatively, the powder P may be evenly spread by the vibration of the chamber 233 and move along the air current. Alternatively, the vibration of the chamber 233 may be transmitted to the capsule 232, and the sub-vibration member 255 may promote the release of the powder P by vibrating the capsule 232.

The sub-vibration member 255 of one embodiment is substantially horizontal to the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210, that is, the first direction (e.g., -Y direction) (e.g., +/-Y direction). ) can vibrate the chamber 233. In this case, the elastic member 255 can assist and strengthen the vibration of the sub-vibrating member 255. Alternatively, as the chamber 233 vibrates in a direction substantially horizontal to the first direction, it may be advantageous to move the powder P remaining on the bottom surface of the chamber 233, and separately, the vibration of the chamber 233 There may be no need to increase the opening of the insertion groove 215 for this purpose.

The sub-vibration member 255 of one embodiment may vibrate the chamber 233 in the direction in which the stick 230 is inserted into the holder 210, that is, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., X-Z plane direction). You can. In this case, the chamber 233 can repeatedly hit the capsule 232 and induce the release of the powder P more effectively. Alternatively, as the chamber 233 vibrates in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the powder P may be evenly spread in a substantially horizontal direction of the chamber 233.

The sub-vibration member 255 of one embodiment may vibrate the chamber 233 in a direction substantially horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The sub-vibration member 255 vibrates the chamber 233 three-dimensionally, thereby relatively increasing the amount of powder P released compared to a simple one-way reciprocating motion.

In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 110 in FIG. 1) acquires information about the operation of the inhaler 200 from various types of sensors (e.g., sensing unit 120 in FIG. 1), and Based on this, various factors such as the vibration frequency, vibration intensity, and vibration time of the vibration member 250 and/or the sub-vibration member 255 are changed. Each of these vibrations can be controlled.

For example, the processor 110 may receive information about the airflow inside the stick 230 through a puff sensor (e.g., the puff sensor 126 in FIG. 1), and if it is determined that the airflow is insufficient, the processor ( 110) may increase the amount of powder P released by increasing the vibration intensity or frequency of the vibration member 250 and/or the sub-vibration member 255.

Alternatively, the processor 110 receives a separate input signal from a user input unit (e.g., the user input unit 160 in FIG. 1) or a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit 180 in FIG. 1), and based on this, the vibration member 250 ) and/or the vibration of the sub-vibration member 255 can be controlled.

For example, the processor 110 may control the vibration of the vibration member 250 and/or the sub-vibration member 255 according to various factors such as the user's lung breathing volume, the user's preference, and the usage environment. The inhaler 200 of various embodiments of this document can help the user smoothly inhale the powder (P) and provide an inhaler 200 customized to the user.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the stick 230 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the stick 230 according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a portion of the stick 230 in a separated state from the holder 210, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B , the stick 230 may include at least one of a sealing member 237 or a door 238.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the sealing member 237 may seal the piercing hole 234. The sealing member 237 may be broken by the piercing member 220 during the process of inserting the stick 230 into the insertion groove 215. For example, the stick 230 may be disposable. Alternatively, the stick 230 may be reusable and may be reused by replacing the sealing member 237 and the capsule 232 after they are crushed.

In one embodiment, the sealing member 237 may protect the chamber 233 to prevent water or foreign substances from entering the chamber 233 during the manufacturing and transportation of the stick 230. Alternatively, the sealing member 237 limits the area of the piercing hole 234 that is broken by the piercing member 220, preventing the powder P from being released to the outside of the stick 230 through the piercing hole 234. can do.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the door 238 can selectively open and close the piercing hole 234. The door 238 may be opened before or while the stick 230 is inserted into the insertion groove 215. The door 238 can be moved by the door hinge 239.

For example, the door hinge 239 can move the door 238 by pushing it in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g., in the X-Z plane direction), or in a substantially vertical direction (e.g., in the +/-Y direction). It can be tilted.

In one embodiment, the door 238 may be open when the inhaler 200 is in use or ready for use, and may be closed when it is not in use. The door 238 may protect the chamber 233 to prevent water or foreign substances from entering the chamber 233 during the manufacturing and transportation process of the stick 230. Alternatively, the used or crushed capsule 232 of the chamber 233 can be replaced through the door 238.

In one embodiment, the processor (e.g., processor 110 in FIG. 1) acquires information about the combination of the stick 230 from various types of sensors (e.g., the sensing unit in FIG. 1), and operates the door hinge based on this. The operation of (239) can be controlled.

For example, the processor 110 may detect whether the stick 230 has been inserted or is being inserted into the insertion groove 215 through an insertion detection sensor (e.g., the insertion detection sensor 124 of FIG. 1), and thus Based on this, the door 238 can be opened by controlling the door hinge 239 so that the piercing member 220 can pass through the piercing hole 234. Alternatively, the door 238 may be opened and closed manually by the user, without being limited thereto. For example, the user opens or closes the door 238 directly, or the inhaler 200 is provided with a separate switch (not shown) connected to the door 238, and the user operates the switch (not shown). The door 238 can be opened and closed.

Although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings as described above, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims also fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

In the inhaler,
A stick provided with a chamber for accommodating a capsule containing powder and a piercing hole open toward the chamber;
a holder including an insertion groove into which the stick is inserted in a first direction;
a piercing member provided in the insertion groove and penetrating the piercing hole to crush the capsule when the stick is inserted; and
An inhaler comprising a vibrating member that provides vibration to the piercing member. According to paragraph 1,
The vibration member is,
An inhaler that vibrates the piercing member in a direction parallel to the first direction. According to paragraph 1,
The vibration member is,
The inhaler vibrates the piercing member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. According to paragraph 1,
The vibration member is,
The inhaler vibrates the piercing member in a direction substantially horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the first direction. According to paragraph 1,
A puff sensor that detects airflow inside the stick; and
The inhaler further includes a processor that receives a detection result from the puff sensor and controls vibration of the vibration member. According to paragraph 1,
The inhaler further includes a sub-vibration member that provides vibration to the chamber. According to clause 6,
The inhaler further includes an elastic member provided in the insertion groove and pressed by the stick when the stick is inserted,
The sub-vibration member is,
An inhaler that provides vibration to the chamber of the stick through the elastic member. According to clause 6,
The sub-vibration member is,
An inhaler that vibrates the chamber in a direction parallel to the first direction. According to clause 6,
The sub-vibration member is,
An inhaler that vibrates the chamber in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. According to clause 6,
The sub-vibration member is,
The inhaler vibrates the chamber in a direction substantially horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the first direction. According to clause 6,
A puff sensor that detects airflow inside the stick; and
The inhaler further includes a processor that receives a detection result from the puff sensor and controls vibration of the vibration member and the sub-vibration member. According to paragraph 1,
The stick is,
a mouthpiece provided in the opposite direction of the chamber;
an airflow channel communicating from the chamber to the mouthpiece; and
An inhaler comprising a mesh partitioning the airflow channel and the chamber. According to paragraph 1,
The stick is,
The inhaler further includes a sealing member that seals the piercing hole and is broken by the piercing member when the stick is inserted into the insertion groove. According to paragraph 1,
The stick is,
An inhaler including a door that selectively opens and closes the piercing hole. According to clause 14,
an insertion detection sensor that detects whether the stick is inserted into the insertion groove;
a door hinge that moves the door; and
The inhaler further includes a processor that receives a detection result from the insertion detection sensor and controls the door hinge to open and close the door.

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