JP2023541412A - Aerosol generator - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generation device is disclosed. The aerosol generation device of the present disclosure includes a body, a cartridge coupled to the body, and a first container portion comprising an inner wall defining an elongated insertion space and a chamber storing a liquid between the outer wall and the inner wall. , a second container part adjacent to the first container part, a wick provided in the second container part so as to communicate with the chamber, and a cartridge including a heater for heating the wick, and arranged adjacent to the cartridge. and includes a sensor that senses the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings and a shielding unit that shields the sensor from external interference. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device.

Aerosol generating devices are for extracting predetermined components from a medium or substance via aerosol. The medium can include substances of various compositions. The substances contained in the medium can be flavoring substances of various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium can include nicotine components, herbal components, coffee components, and the like. In recent years, much research has been carried out on such aerosol generating devices.

The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generation device in which the efficiency of the space for storing liquid is improved, the flow distance of the aerosol is reduced, and the heat transfer efficiency of the aerosol is improved.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sensor that senses at least one of information about the cartridge, information about the liquid stored in the cartridge, and information about the stick.

Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to prevent the accuracy of the sensor from being influenced by the user's body or external objects.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to block electromagnetic waves directed toward the sensor from outside the device.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure to achieve the above-mentioned object, there is provided a body, a cartridge coupled to the body, the cartridge comprising: an inner wall defining an elongated insertion space; and a liquid between the outer wall and the inner wall. A cartridge including a first container section including a storage chamber, a second container section adjacent to the first container section, a wick provided in the second container section so as to communicate with the chamber, and a heater for heating the wick. an aerosol generating device comprising: a sensor disposed adjacent to the cartridge to sense electromagnetic properties of the surroundings; and a shielding unit shielding the sensor from external interference.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an aerosol generation device in which the efficiency of the space for storing liquid is improved, the flow distance of the aerosol is reduced, and the heat transfer efficiency of the aerosol is improved. can.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, providing a sensor that senses at least one of information about the cartridge, information about the liquid stored in the cartridge, and information about the stick. can,

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the accuracy of the sensor from being influenced by the user's body or external objects.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, electromagnetic waves directed toward the sensor from outside the device can be blocked.

Additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only. must be understood as having been given.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.

The above and other objects, features and other features of the present disclosure will be clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brevity in the description with reference to the drawings, identical or similar components are given the same reference numerals and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes ``module'' and ``unit'' used in the following description for constituent elements are used only to facilitate explanation of the specification, and do not have any special meaning or role.

In this disclosure, things that are well known to those skilled in the art are omitted for the sake of brevity. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of various technical features, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, this disclosure is to be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives in addition to those specifically disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

Although ordinal terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

When a component is referred to as being "coupled" to another component, it will be understood that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly coupled" to another component, it can be understood that there are no intervening components.

References to the singular include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a body 110 and a cartridge 40 coupled to one side of the body 110. Cartridge 40 can store liquid. The cartridge 40 may include a first container part 41 that stores a liquid, and a second container part 42 disposed below the first container part 41. The first container part 41 may have an elongated insertion space 414. The insertion space 414 can be opened upward. A stick 80 (see FIG. 2) can be inserted into the insertion space 414.

The body 110 may have a vertically extending shape. The body 110 may have a space in which various components can be disposed. The body 110 may include a lower body 110a and an upper body 110b disposed above the lower body 110a.

The lower body 110a may have a vertically extending shape. The lower body 110a can face the lower part of the cartridge 40. The upper body 110b may have a shape extending upward from the lower body 110a. The upper body 110b may be arranged alongside the cartridge 40. The upper body 110b can face the side of the cartridge 40. The upper body 110b can face the side walls 411 and 421 of the cartridge 40.

The attachment/detachment space 115 may be located between the lower body 110a and the upper body 110b. The cartridge 40 can be removably connected to the body 110 in the removable space 115. The attachment/detachment space 115 may be divided into a first attachment/detachment space 115a and a second attachment/detachment space 115b located below the first attachment/detachment space 115a. The first container part 41 may be located in the first attachment/detachment space 115a. The second container part 42 may be located in the second attachment/detachment space 115b.

Aerosol generation device 100 can include a cap 120. Cap 120 can cover at least a portion of body 110 and cartridge 40 . The cap 120 can be attached to and detached from the body 110. The cap 120 is disposed above the lower body 110a and can cover the upper body 110b.

The side wall 121 of the cap 120 can cover the side of the upper body 110b and the side of the cartridge 40. The top wall 122 of the cap 120 may cover the top of the top body 110b and the top of the cartridge 40.

The opening 124 may be formed by opening the top wall 122 of the cap 120. The opening 124 of the cap 120 is formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space 414 and can communicate with the insertion space 414. The stick 80 (see FIG. 2) can be inserted into the insertion space 414 through the opening 124.

Sensor 62 may be positioned adjacent cartridge 40 . Sensor 62 can be directed to cartridge 40 . The sensor 62 can be directed to the removable space 115. Sensor 62 may be located outside of cartridge 40. The sensor 62 may be installed on the upper body 110b.

The sensor 62 receives information about whether the cartridge 40 is coupled, information about whether the stick 80 is inserted into the insertion space 414, information about the stick 80 inserted into the insertion space 414, or information about the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge 40. At least one of the information about the quantity can be sensed. The sensor 62 can be directed towards the first container part 41 . Sensor 62 can be directed into insertion space 414 .

Referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge 40 may include a first container part 41 and a second container part 42 disposed below the first container part 41. The first container part 41 can be elongated. The first container part 41 may have a hollow shape.

The first container part 41 may include an outer wall 411 and an inner wall 412. The outer wall 411 can extend up and down. The outer wall 411 may extend along the outer periphery of the first container part 41 .

The inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 may extend vertically. The inner wall 412 may extend along the inner circumference of the first container part 41. Inner wall 412 may be spaced inwardly from outer wall 411 . The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be connected to each other at their upper portions. Inner wall 412 may extend circumferentially to form a cylindrical shape. Inner wall 412 may surround and define insertion space 414 (see FIG. 3).

The outer wall 411 of the first container part 41 can be referred to as the outer wall 411 of the first container part 41 or the side wall 411 of the first container part 41. The inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 can be called an inner wall 412.

The outer wall 411 of the first container part 41 may include a first outer wall 411a and a second outer wall 411b. The first outer wall 411a of the first container part 41 may face the first side wall 111a of the upper body 110b. The second outer wall 411b of the first container part 41 may face the first outer wall 411a. The second outer wall 411b can face the outside. The first outer wall 411a and the second outer wall 411b can constitute a side outer periphery of the first container part 41. The second outer wall 411b may be disposed on the outer side of the aerosol generating device 100 than the first outer wall 411a.

The first outer wall 411a of the first container part 41 can be said to be the first outer wall 411a of the first container part 41. The second outer wall 411b of the first container part 41 can be said to be the second outer wall 411b of the first container part 41.

The first container part 41 may have a first chamber C1 that stores a liquid therein. The first chamber C1 may be formed between an outer wall 411 and an inner wall 412 of the first container part 41. The first chamber C1 can be said to be a storage space.

The flow path part 20 may be formed at the inner lower part of the inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 . Inhaled air can pass through the flow path section 20. The flow path section 20 can communicate with the first chamber C1.

The second container part 42 may have a second chamber C2 therein. The second chamber C2 may be located below the flow path section 20. The second chamber C2 can communicate with the flow path section.

The core 31 may be provided in a second chamber C2 inside the second container part 42. The core 31 may be connected to the interior of the first chamber C1. The wick 31 can receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The wick 31 may be disposed adjacent to the lower end of the first chamber C1. The wick 31 can be placed below the channel section 20.

The heater 32 can heat the wick 31. The heater 32 may be installed in the second chamber C2. Heater 32 can be wound onto core 31 . Heater 32 can heat wick 31 containing liquid to generate an aerosol.

The air flowing into the second chamber C2 can pass through the flow path section 20 and the insertion space 414 in sequence. The air flowing into the second chamber C2 can entrain the aerosol generated from the wick 31. The aerosol generated from the wick 31 can be transmitted to the stick 80 inserted into the insertion space 414 through the flow path section 20 .

Therefore, since the first chamber C1 of the first container part 41 having a storage space is arranged to surround the stick 80, the efficiency of the space for storing liquid can be improved. Furthermore, since the distance from the core 31 and heater 32 to the insertion space 414 into which the stick 80 is inserted can be reduced, the heat transfer efficiency of the aerosol can be improved.

The control unit 51 may be disposed inside the body 110. The control unit 51 can control on/off of the device. The controller 51 is electrically connected to the heater 32 and can control supply of power to the heater 32 so that the heater 32 heats the wick. The control unit 51 may be placed in contact with the heater 32.

The battery 52 may be disposed inside the body 110. Battery 52 can supply power to various components of aerosol generation device 100. The battery 52 may be electrically connected to the controller 51 . The battery 52 may be disposed inside the lower body 110a.

The cartridge 40 and the upper body 110b may be arranged above the lower body 110a. The lower body 110a can face the lower part of the cartridge 40. The upper body 110b can face the side of the cartridge 40. The cartridge 40 may surround the upper end surface of the lower body 110a and a portion of one surface of the upper body 110b.

Sensor 62 may be located outside of cartridge 40. Sensor 62 may be positioned toward cartridge 40 . The sensor 62 may be placed toward the first container part 41 . The sensor 62 may be installed on the upper body 110b.

Sensor 62 can measure changes in electromagnetic properties due to adjacent objects. Sensor 62 can measure changes in the state of adjacent objects. Sensor 62 may be a proximity sensor.

The controller 51 is electrically connected to the sensor 62 and can control the operation of the sensor 62. The control unit 51 can receive information acquired by the sensor 62. The control unit 51 can determine information about the cartridge, information about the stick, information about the liquid stored in the cartridge, etc. based on the information acquired by the sensor 62.

The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 may be made of a material through which light can pass. At least a portion of the outer wall 411 may include a light-transmissive window. The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be made of a material that has low reflectance and refractive index and high transmittance for light. The outer wall 411 may be transparent. The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 can be manufactured from plastic. The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 can be made of polyethylene, polystyrene, Teflon, or the like. The materials forming the outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 are not limited to these.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 may extend in the circumferential direction along the vertical direction to form an insertion space 414 therein. The insertion space 414 may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall 412 vertically. A stick 80 (see FIG. 2) can be inserted into the insertion space 414. The inner wall 412 may be disposed between the first chamber C1 and the insertion space 414. Inner wall 412 can define an insertion space. The insertion space 414 can communicate with the outside.

The insertion space 414 may have a shape corresponding to a portion into which the stick 80 is inserted. The insertion space 414 can extend vertically. The insertion space 414 may have a cylindrical shape. When the stick 80 is inserted into the insertion space 414, the stick 80 is surrounded by the inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 and can be tightly attached to the inner wall 412.

The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 may be connected to each other through the upper wall 413 of the first container part 41 . The first chamber C1 may be defined by an outer wall 411, an inner wall 412, and an upper wall 413 of the first container part 41, and a side wall 421 and a lower wall 422 of the second container part 42.

The core 31 may be placed below the insertion space 414. The wick 31 can be placed below the channel section 20. The wick 31 is connected to the first chamber C1 and can receive and absorb liquid from the first chamber C1. The core 31 can be inserted between the inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 and the lower wall 422 of the second container part 42 . The core 31 can extend in one direction. The core 31 can be arranged long in the left-right direction.

The heater 32 can be placed around the wick 31. The heater 32 may be wound around the core 31 in the direction in which the core 31 extends. The heater 32 can heat the wick. The heater 32 can generate an aerosol from the liquid absorbed by the wick 31 by electrical resistance heating. The heater 32 is connected to the control unit 51, so that the operation of the heater can be controlled.

The flow path portion 20 may be formed between the insertion space 414 and the core 31. The aerosol generated from the wick 31 can pass through the flow path section 20 and flow toward the insertion space 414. The flow path section 20 can have a shape in which the width becomes narrower and then becomes larger in the flow direction of the aerosol. The flow direction of the aerosol can be in an upward direction.

The channel part 20 may be surrounded by an upper channel wall 220 that protrudes inward from the inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 . An upper part of the channel part 20 may be surrounded by an upper channel wall 220, and a lower part of the channel part 20 may be surrounded by a lower channel wall 210. The lower channel wall 210 may be coupled to a lower portion of the upper channel wall 220. The wick 31 can be inserted between the lower channel wall 210 and the lower wall 422 of the second container part 42 .

Referring to FIG. 4, the flow path section 20 can be divided into a first flow path 21, a second flow path 22, and a third flow path 23.

The first channel 21 may be located adjacent to the wick 31 . The first channel 21 may be arranged above the wick 31 . The second flow path 22 may be located adjacent to the insertion space 414. The second flow path 22 may be connected to the insertion space 414.

The third flow path 23 may be located between the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22. The third flow path 23 may be located above the first flow path 21 . The second flow path 22 may be located above the third flow path 23 . The third flow path 23 can connect the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22.

The width W3 of the third flow path 23 may be smaller than the width W1 of the first flow path 21. The width W3 of the third flow path 23 may be smaller than the width W2 of the second flow path 22. The maximum width W1 of the first flow path 21 and the maximum width W2 of the second flow path 22 may be substantially the same or approximately the same. The maximum width W1 of the first flow path 21 may be larger than the maximum width W2 of the second flow path 22. The width W2 of the second flow path 22 may be smaller than the width W0 of the insertion space 414.

The width of the flow path portion 20 may become smaller from the first flow path 21 to the third flow path 23 . The width of the flow path portion 20 may increase from the third flow path 23 to the second flow path. The width W2 of the second flow path 22 may gradually increase as it approaches the insertion space 414.

Therefore, the aerosol collects from the first flow path 21 into the third flow path 23 having a smaller width and then diffuses through the second flow path 22, so that even if the aerosol is not uniformly generated from the wick 31, the stick 80 (see FIG. (see FIG. 7).

The width W1 of the first flow path 21 may become smaller toward the third flow path 23. The width W2 of the second flow path 22 may become smaller toward the third flow path 23.

The extent to which the width W1 of the first flow path 21 decreases toward the third flow path 23 may be more steep than the extent to which the width W2 of the second flow path 22 decreases toward the third flow path 23. Even if the distance L1 from the maximum width W1 of the first flow path 21 to the width W3 of the third flow path 23 is shorter than the distance L2 from the maximum width W2 of the second flow path 22 to the width W3 of the third flow path 23, good. That is, the amount of change in width with respect to length may gradually increase from the first flow path 21 to the third flow path 23.

The width formed in the left-right direction of the first flow path 21 is W1, the width formed in the left-right direction of the second flow path 22 is W2, the width formed in the left-right direction of the third flow path 23 is W3, and the width formed in the left-right direction of the third flow path 23 is W3. Assuming that the vertical length of the flow path 21 is L1 and the vertical length of the second flow path 22 is L2, (W1-W3)/(L1)>(W2-W3)/(L2). It is possible to have such a relationship.

The vertical length L1 of the first flow path 21 may be shorter than the vertical length L2 of the second flow path 22 (L1<L2).

Therefore, while reducing the length of the flow path in the first flow path 21, it is possible to secure a space for guiding the liquid to atomize and collect in the third flow path 23. The aerosol may flow through the second flow path 22 into the insertion space 414 while being uniformly diffused (see FIG. 7).

The length of the third flow path 23 in the vertical direction may be shorter than the length L1 of the first flow path 21 in the vertical direction. The length of the third flow path 23 in the vertical direction may be shorter than the length L2 of the second flow path 22 in the vertical direction.

The second flow path 22 gradually expands in width W2 in the radial outward direction from the third flow path 23 toward the insertion space 414, and then maintains a substantially constant width W2 from the section forming the maximum width W2 into the insertion space. It can extend up to 414.

The first channel surface 211 can surround the first channel 21 . The second flow path surface 221 can surround the second flow path 22 . The third flow path surface 231 can surround the third flow path 23 .

The first channel surface 211 may constitute an inner surface of the lower channel wall 210 . The second flow path surface 221 and the third flow path surface 231 may constitute an inner surface of the upper flow path wall 220.

The first flow path surface 211 and the third flow path surface 231 do not form a continuous surface and can be separated from each other. The first flow path surface 211 can extend vertically. The first flow path surface 211 can extend circumferentially. The first flow path surface 211 may be formed in a ring shape.

The first flow path 21 can extend toward the third flow path 23 with substantially the same width W1, and then suddenly become smaller near the third flow path 23 to reach the width W3 of the third flow path 23.

Therefore, by securing a space for the first flow path 21 between the first flow path surface 211 and the core 31, the generation and flow of aerosol can be made smooth up to the portion between the first flow path surface 211 and the core 31. be able to.

The third flow path surface 231 can form a continuous surface with the second flow path surface 221. The third flow path surface 231 can extend up and down. The third flow path surface 231 can extend in the circumferential direction. The third flow path surface 231 may be formed in a ring shape.

The second flow path surface 221 may include a portion extending gradually outward toward the insertion space 414 . The second flow path surface 221 may include a portion inclined outward toward the insertion space 414 . The second flow path surface 221 may include a portion that extends gradually in a radially outward direction toward the insertion space 414 . The second flow path surface 221 may have a substantially funnel shape or a Venturi shape.

The second flow path surface 221 extends from the third flow path surface 231 toward the insertion space 414 so as to gradually expand outward, and then forms a substantially constant width W2 from the section forming the maximum width W2 to form the insertion space. 414.

The second flow path surface 221 may include a curved portion extending outward toward the insertion space 414 . The second flow path surface 221 may extend upward from the third flow path surface 231 in a curved manner in a radially outward direction.

Therefore, when the aerosol diffuses from the third flow path 23 to the second flow path 22, flow resistance can be reduced.

The width W2 of the second flow path 22 may be maximum at the upper end of the second flow path 22 that contacts the lower end of the insertion space 414. The width W2 of the upper end of the second flow path 22 may be smaller than the width W0 of the insertion space 414.

The protruding surface 417 may be located between the lower end of the insertion space 414 and the upper end of the second flow path 22 . The protruding surface 417 may protrude inward from the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 . The protruding surface 417 can support the lower edge of the stick 80 (see FIG. 2). The protruding surface 417 can protrude inward to determine the maximum width W2 of the second flow path 22.

The protruding surface 417 may constitute an upper surface of the upper channel wall 220 that protrudes inward from the inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 . Projecting surface 417 can extend substantially perpendicularly from the inner surface of inner wall 412 . The protruding surface 417 and the inner surface of the inner wall 412 can face the insertion space 414 . The second flow path surface 221 may extend downward from the protruding surface 417.

For example, the protruding length L3 of the protruding surface 417 may be formed to support the lower edge of the stick 80 and to minimize the flow loss of the aerosol.

The core 31 is arranged to extend in the width direction of the first channel 21, and the heater 32 can be wound around the core 31 in the direction in which the core 31 extends.

The width W1 of the first flow path 21 may be larger than the width W4 of the heater 32. The width W3 of the third flow path 23 may be smaller than the width W4 of the heater 32. The width direction of the flow path portion 20 may be the left-right direction.

Therefore, when the heater 32 heats the liquid absorbed by the wick 31 to generate an aerosol, even if there is a deviation in the aerosol generation part of the wick 31, the aerosol collects in the third flow path 23 and then flows through the second flow path. It can be uniformly diffused from the channel 22 into the insertion space 414.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a first bending section 222 and a second bending section 223 formed on the second flow path surface 221 may be bent in opposite directions.

The first bent section 222 may be formed under the second flow path surface 221 . The first bent section 222 may be formed adjacent to the third flow path 23 . The first bent section 222 can be bent so as to expand from the third flow path surface 231 toward the inside of the first container part 41 .

The second bent section 223 may be formed on the second flow path surface 221 . The second bending section 223 may be formed adjacent to the insertion space 414. The second bending section 223 can be bent so as to expand from the first bending section 222 toward the outside of the first container part 41 . The second bending section 223 may include a portion that is bent to bulge outward of the first container portion 41 and then extends toward the insertion space 414 with a substantially constant width in the vicinity adjacent to the insertion space 414. Can be done.

Therefore, the aerosol can diffuse outward along the first bent section 222 of the second flow path surface 221 and go straight into the insertion space 414 along the second bent section 223 of the second flow path surface 221. Yes (see Figure 7). Moreover, the flow energy loss of the aerosol diffusing from the third flow path 23 to the second flow path 22 can be reduced.

The upper channel wall 220 may extend downward from the inner wall 412 of the first container part 41 . The upper channel wall 220 may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner wall 412. The second flow path surface 221 and the third flow path surface 231 may constitute an inner surface of the upper flow path wall 220.

The lower channel wall 210 may be coupled to a lower portion of the upper channel wall 220. The first channel surface 211 may constitute an inner surface of the lower channel wall 210 .

The groove portion 226 may be formed at the bottom of the upper channel wall 220 . The groove portion 226 may be formed by recessing upward from the bottom of the upper channel wall 220 .

The insertion part 216 may be formed on the upper part of the lower channel wall 210. The insertion part 216 may be formed above the first flow path surface 211 .

The insertion part 216 may be provided to protrude upward from the upper part of the lower channel wall 210. The insertion parts 216 can be inserted into the groove parts 226 and can be brought into close contact with each other. When the insertion part 216 is inserted into the groove part 226, the upper channel wall 220 and the lower channel wall 210 can be coupled to each other. The lower channel wall 210 may be alternately coupled to a lower portion of the upper channel wall 220.

The lower channel wall 210 can define the width W1 (see FIG. 3) of the first channel 21. The width W1 of the first flow path 21 can be changed depending on the extent to which the first flow path surface 211 forming the inner surface of the lower flow path wall 210 is recessed in the left-right direction.

As the first flow path surface 211 of the lower flow path wall 210 is formed closer to the inside, the width W1 of the first flow path 21 may become smaller. As the first flow path surface 211 of the lower flow path wall 210 is formed closer to the outside, the width W1 of the first flow path 21 may gradually increase.

Therefore, the width W1 of the first flow path 21 can be defined or changed depending on the standard of the lower flow path wall 210 coupled to the upper flow path wall 220.

Therefore, by changing the length W1 in which the wick 31 is exposed to the first channel 21 and the width W4 in which the heater 32 is wound around the wick 31, it is possible to define the area in which the liquid is atomized in the wick 31. can.

The first flow path surface 211 can extend in the vertical direction. The first channel surface 211 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the core 31 . The first flow path surface 211 can define the length L1 of the first flow path 21 .

The extension surface 212 may constitute a portion of the inner surface of the upper channel wall 220 and the inner surface of the lower channel wall 210. The extension surface 212 may be formed between the first flow path surface 211 and the third flow path surface 231 .

The extension surface 212 may be connected to the upper end of the first flow path surface 211 . The extension surface 212 may be connected to the lower end of the third flow path surface 231 . The extension surface 212 can be referred to as the connection surface 212. The extension surface 212 may extend from the upper end of the first flow path surface 211 in the left-right direction. The extension surface 212 may extend from the lower end of the third flow path surface 231 in the left-right direction.

The extension surface 212 may be spaced upwardly from the core 31 . The extension surface 212 may be arranged in the width direction of the first flow path 21 . The extension surface 212 can extend from the upper end of the first channel surface 211 toward the third channel 23 . The extension surface 212 can connect the first flow path surface 211 and the third flow path surface 231. The extension surface 212 can be spaced apart from and facing the core 31 .

The separation distance between the extension surface 212 and the core 31 may be substantially the same as the height L1 of the first channel 21. The extension surface 212 may be arranged to face the core 31 with the first flow path 21 as a reference. The extension surface 212 can be arranged substantially parallel to the core 31 . The extension surface 212 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the first flow path surface 211 . The extension surface 212 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the third flow path surface 231 .

An end of the first channel 21 may be surrounded by a first channel surface 211, a core 31, and an extension surface 212. The aerosol atomized at the end of the wick 31 can stay at the end of the first channel 21 .

Therefore, a space can be formed in which the atomized aerosol flows and gathers at the end of the wick 31, and the suction force can be easily applied to the end of the wick 31.

In addition, the aerosol atomized at the end of the wick 31 forms a turbulent flow at the end of the first flow path 21, so even if there is a deviation in the aerosol generation site in the wick 31, the aerosol can be mixed uniformly. (See Figure 6).

The first edge portion 213 may be formed between the first flow path surface 211 and the extension surface 212. The first edge portion 213 may be in contact with the upper edge portion of the first flow path 21 . The first edge portion 213 may be bent and extend from the first flow path surface 211 toward the extension surface 212 .

The second edge portion 214 may be formed between the extension surface 212 and the third flow path surface 231 . The second edge part 214 may be formed adjacent to the first flow path 21 and the third flow path 23 . The second edge portion 214 may be bent and extend from the extension surface 212 toward the third flow path surface.

Therefore, the flow energy loss of the aerosol diffusing from the first flow path 21 to the third flow path 23 can be reduced.

The wick insertion surface 215 may constitute the lower end of the lower channel wall 210. The core insertion surface 215 can extend in the width direction of the first channel 21 . The core insertion surface 215 can have an opening corresponding to the shape of the end of the core 31 so that the core 31 is inserted therein. The core insertion surface 215 may be connected to the first flow path surface 211 .

The wick 31 can be inserted between the wick insertion surface 215 and the lower wall 422 of the second container part 42 . When the core 31 is inserted, the core insertion surface 215 can directly contact the upper end of the core 31 . By closely contacting the wick 31, the wick insertion surface 215 can prevent liquid from leaking to the outside.

Referring to FIG. 6, the upper channel wall 220 (see FIG. 5) and the lower channel wall 210 (see FIG. 5) described above may not be combined but may be integrally formed to constitute the channel wall 220a. . The channel wall 220a may have substantially the same shape as the upper channel wall 220 and the lower channel wall 210 combined.

Therefore, the step of joining the components can be omitted, and liquid can be prevented from leaking through the joining site between the components.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first extension surface 212a may constitute a part of the inner surface of the lower channel wall 210b. The first extension surface 212a may be in contact with the first flow path 21. The first extension surface 212a may be connected to the upper end of the first flow path surface 211. The first extension surface 212a can extend from the upper end of the first flow path surface 211 in the left-right direction. The first edge portion 213 may be formed between the first flow path surface 211 and the first extension surface 212a.

The second extension surface 212b may constitute a part of the inner surface of the upper channel wall 220b. The second extension surface 212b can be in contact with the first flow path 21. The second extension surface 212b may be connected to the lower end of the third flow path surface 231. The second extension surface 212b can extend from the lower end of the third flow path surface 231 in the left-right direction. The second edge portion 214 may be formed between the second extension surface 212b and the third flow path surface 231.

The recessed part 212c may be formed by recessing upward by a predetermined depth between the first extension surface 212a and the second extension surface 212b. The depressed portion 212c may be formed at a portion where the lower channel wall 210b and the upper channel wall 220b are combined. The depressed portion 212c may face the upper portion of the first flow path 21.

Therefore, the aerosol atomized at the end of the wick 31 creates more turbulence at the position adjacent to the depressed portion 212c, so that even if there is a deviation in the aerosol generation site in the wick 31, the aerosol can be mixed uniformly. I can do it.

Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit 51 may be electrically connected to various components. The control unit 51 can control the connected components.

Aerosol generation device 100 can include an output section 55 . The control unit 51 may be electrically connected to the output unit 55 . The output unit 55 can transmit various information to the user, such as power on/off, whether the heater 32 is in operation, information about the stick, information about the liquid, information about the cartridge, and information about the battery. . The control unit 51 can control the output unit 55 to transmit information to the user based on various types of information received from the components.

The output unit 55 may include a display 551. The display 551 can display information externally and transmit it to the user.

The output unit 55 may include a haptic output unit 552. The haptic output unit 552 can transmit information to the user through vibration. The haptic output unit 552 may include a vibration motor.

The output unit 55 may include an audio output unit 553. The sound output unit 553 may output sound corresponding to information to transmit information to the user. The sound output unit 553 may include a speaker.

Aerosol generation device 100 can include an input section 54 . The control unit 51 may be electrically connected to the input unit 54 . The user can input various commands such as turning on/off the power and operating the heater 32 into the input unit 54 . The control unit 51 can receive commands from the input unit 54 and control the operations of the components.

Aerosol generation device 100 may include memory 56 . The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the memory 56 . Memory 56 can store data for information. The memory 56 may receive and store data regarding various information from the control unit 51 or may transmit the stored data to the control unit 51. The control unit 51 can control the operation of the components based on data received from the memory 56.

The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the sensor 62 . Sensor 62 can measure changes in electromagnetic properties due to adjacent objects. Sensor 62 can measure changes in the state of adjacent objects. Sensor 62 may be a proximity sensor. Sensor 62 is capable of sensing changes in capacitance. For example, sensor 62 may be a capacitive sensor or a capacitance sensor. For example, sensor 62 may be a magnetic proximity sensor. The type of sensor 62 is not limited to this.

The control unit 51 can receive information about changes in electromagnetic characteristics from the sensor 62. The control unit 51 may analyze the output value based on the information acquired by the sensor 62 to determine information about the cartridge, information about the liquid stored in the cartridge, information about the stick, etc.

Referring to FIG. 10, the lower body 110a can face the lower part of the cartridge 40. The upper body 110b is disposed above the lower body 110a and can face the side of the cartridge 40.

The sensor 62 may be installed on the upper body 110b. The sensor 62 can face one side of the first container part 41 . The sensor 62 may extend vertically along the first container portion 41 .

The shielding unit 63 can block electromagnetic waves from passing through. The shielding unit 63 can limit the influence of the sensor 62 by electromagnetic fields external to the aerosol generating device 100. The shielding unit 63 may be made of a material through which electromagnetic fields do not pass. For example, the shielding unit 63 may be made of a conductor or a ferromagnetic material, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the upper body 110b may include a first side wall 111a facing a side surface of the cartridge 40. Referring to FIGS. The first side wall 111a can contact one side of the cartridge 40. The first side wall 111a may face the first outer wall 411a of the first container part 41. The sensor 62 may be placed adjacent to the first sidewall 111a. The sensor 62 can be directed toward the first sidewall 111a.

The upper body 110b may include a second sidewall 111b opposite to the first sidewall 111a. The second side wall 111b can face the outside. The first side wall 111a and the second side wall 111b may form a side outer periphery of the upper body 110b. The second side wall 111b may be disposed on the outer side of the aerosol generating device 100 than the first side wall 111a. The second side wall 111b can cover the sensor 62.

The attachment/detachment space 115 may be formed between the first side wall 111a and the lower body 110a. The cartridge 40 may be coupled to the body 110 through the detachable space 115. The sensor 62 is installed on the upper body 110b and can face the attachment/detachment space 115. Sensor 62 may be directed to cartridge 40 coupled to body 110.

The body 110 may include an insertion wall 113 disposed above the lower body 110a. The insertion wall 113 can define at least a portion of the attachment/detachment space 115 between the upper body 110b and the lower body 110a. The insertion wall 113 can surround at least a portion of the second container part 42 (see FIG. 1).

The attachment/detachment space 115 may be divided into a first attachment/detachment space 115a and a second attachment/detachment space 115b located below the first attachment/detachment space 115a. The first container part 41 may be located in the first attachment/detachment space 115a. The second container part 42 may be located in the second attachment/detachment space 115b. The insertion wall 113 can surround the second attachment/detachment space 115b (see FIG. 1).

The body 110 may define a sensing area and a non-sensing area, which is an area other than the sensing area. A sensing region can be formed between cartridge 40 and sensor 62.

Sensor 62 may be coupled to body 110 adjacent to the sensing region. Sensor 62 may be placed inside body 110. Sensor 62 is capable of sensing changes in the electromagnetic properties of the sensing region. For example, when the cartridge 40 is coupled to or detached from the body 110, electromagnetic characteristics may change in the sensing region. For example, when the stick 80 is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 414, a change in electromagnetic characteristics may occur in the sensing region. For example, when using the stick 80, changes in electromagnetic properties can occur in the sensing area depending on the extent to which it is used. For example, a change in the amount of liquid stored in the first container part 41 may cause a change in electromagnetic characteristics in the sensing region.

The shielding unit 63 can cover at least a portion of the non-sensing area, which is an area other than the sensing area. The shielding unit 63 can surround a portion of the sensor 62 except between the cartridge 40 and the sensor 62. The shielding unit 63 can block external electromagnetic fields directed toward the sensor 62 from passing through. The shielding unit 63 can prevent electromagnetic fields from affecting the sensor 62 from outside the aerosol generating device 100 .

The shielding unit 63 may include a first part 631 surrounding a portion of the sides of the sensor 62 . The first part 631 of the shielding unit 63 may be disposed along the periphery of the second side wall 111b. The first part 631 may be combined with the second side wall 111b. The first part 631 surrounds a portion of the sensor 62, but does not need to surround the space between the cartridge 40 and the sensor 62. The first part 631 may not be arranged on the first side wall 111b.

The shielding unit 63 may include a second part 632 disposed above the sensor 62 . The second part 632 of the shielding unit 63 can cover the top of the sensor 62. The second part 632 may be disposed on the upper wall 112 of the upper body 110b. The second part 632 may be combined with the upper wall 112 of the upper body 110b.

The shielding unit 63 may include a third part 633 disposed along the periphery of the insertion wall 113. The third part 633 of the shielding unit 63 may surround the second attachment/detachment space 115b. The third part 633 can surround a part of the side of the second container part 42 .

The shielding unit 63 may include a fourth part 634 disposed between the lower body 110a and the upper body 110b. A fourth part 634 of the shielding unit 63 can cover the lower part of the sensor 62. The fourth part 634 may be disposed at the bottom of the upper body 110b.

The fourth part 634 of the shielding unit 63 may be disposed on the upper part of the lower body 110a. The fourth part 634 may cover the lower part of the second attachment/detachment space 115b. The fourth part 634 can cover the lower part of the cartridge 40 or the lower part of the second container part 42 .

Referring to FIG. 13, the third area A3 can be defined as an area surrounding the second outer wall 411b of the first container part 41 outside the aerosol generating device 100. The third region A3 may surround a portion of the side wall 121 of the cap 120. The first area A1 and the second area A2 can be defined as areas surrounding the sides of the aerosol generating device 100 other than the third area A3. The second area A2 may be located below the third area A3. The first area A1 and the second area A2 may surround the shielding unit 63.

When using the aerosol generating device 100, a user can come into contact with the aerosol generating device 100 in a first area A1 and a second area A2. The shielding unit 63 may block electromagnetic waves from flowing into the sensor 62 in the first area A1 and the second area A2.

Therefore, even if a body or an external object comes into contact with the aerosol generating device 100, the accuracy of the sensor 62 can be maintained.

When using the aerosol generation device 100, the user does not need to come into contact with the aerosol generation device 100 in the third area A3. The side wall 121 of the cap 120 may include a window that is formed in at least a portion of the portion that covers the first container part 41 and that transmits light.

Therefore, the user can visually check the liquid stored in the first container part 41 through the window of the cap 120 in the third area A3.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the cap 120 may cover at least a portion of the body 110 and the cartridge 40. The side wall 121 of the cap 120 may cover the side walls 411 and 421 of the cartridge 40 and the side wall 111 of the upper body 110b. The top wall 122 of the cap 120 may cover the top wall 413 of the cartridge 40 and the top wall 112 of the upper body 110b. The cap 120 may be removably coupled to the body 110. The fourth part 634 of the shielding unit 63 may be disposed at the bottom of the cap 120.

The shielding unit 63 may be provided on at least a portion of the outer walls 121 and 122 of the cap 120. The shielding unit 63 can move together with the cap 120. When the cap 120 is coupled to the body 110, the shielding unit 63 can surround the sensor 62. When the cap 120 is removed from the body 110, the shielding unit 63 can also be removed from the body 110 together with the cap 120.

The shielding unit 63 may include a fifth part 635 disposed along the periphery of the side wall 121 of the cap 120. A fifth part 635 of the shielding unit 63 can surround the sides of the sensor 62. The fifth part 635 may cover the side walls 411 and 421 of the cartridge 40 and the side wall 111 of the upper body 110b.

The side wall 121 of the cap 120 may include a window 121a that is formed in at least a portion of the portion that covers the first container part 41 and allows light to pass therethrough. The fifth part 635 of the shielding unit 63 may not cover the portion where the window 121a is formed.

The shielding unit 63 may include a sixth part 636 disposed on the top wall 122 of the cap 120 . The sixth part 636 can cover the top of the sensor 62. The sixth part 636 may cover the top wall 413 of the cartridge 40 and the top wall 112 of the upper body 110b.

Therefore, even if a body or an external object comes into contact with the aerosol generating device 100, the accuracy of the sensor 62 can be maintained. Further, the user can visually check the liquid stored in the first container part 41 through the window 121a of the cap 120.

1 to 15, an aerosol generation device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a body 110, a cartridge 40 coupled to the body 110, and an inner wall 412 defining an elongated insertion space 414. A first container part 41 including a chamber C1 for storing liquid between an outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412, a second container part 42 coupled to the first container part 41, and a second container part 42 that is connected to the first container part 41 to communicate with the chamber C1. 2. A cartridge 40 including a wick 31 provided in a container portion 42 and a heater 32 that heats the wick 31, a sensor 62 disposed adjacent to the cartridge 40 to detect surrounding electromagnetic characteristics, and an external interference and a shielding unit 63 that shields the sensor 62 from light.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 110 includes a lower body 110a and an upper body 110b disposed on the lower body 110a and adjacent to the cartridge 40, and the body 110 includes a lower body 110a and an upper body 110b disposed on the lower body 110a and adjacent to the cartridge 40. 62 may be disposed on the upper body 110b.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper body 110b includes a first side wall 111a facing an outer side wall of the cartridge 40, and a second side wall 111b facing the first side wall 111a. The shielding unit 63 may include a first part 631 disposed on the second side wall 111b and covering a side of the sensor 62.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may include a second part 632 that is disposed on the upper wall of the upper body 110a and covers an upper part of the sensor 62.

Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 110 includes an insertion wall 113 disposed on the lower body 110a and surrounding at least a portion of the second container part 42, and the sensor 62 1 container part 41 , the shielding unit 63 may include a third part 633 disposed on the insertion wall 113 .

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may include a fourth part 634 disposed between the lower body 110a and the upper body 110b.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fourth part 634 may cover a lower portion of the cartridge 40 and a lower portion of the sensor 62.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cap 120 may further include a cap 120 that covers at least a portion of the body 110 and the cartridge 40 and has an opening 124 corresponding to the insertion space 414. The shielding unit 63 may be disposed on at least a portion of the cap 120.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may include a fifth part 635 that is disposed on the side wall 121 of the cap 120 and covers a side of the sensor 62.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may include a sixth part 636 that is disposed on the top wall 122 of the cap 120 and covers the sensor 62 .

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may be made of a material through which electromagnetic waves do not pass.

The particular or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Certain or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined in structure or function with other elements or with each other.

For example, the A configuration described in one embodiment of the present disclosure and the drawings and the B configuration described in other embodiments of the present disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination of configurations is not directly explained, the combination is possible unless it is explained that the combination is impossible.

Although embodiments have been described above in terms of a number of illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art within the principles of this disclosure will appreciate that many other variations and embodiments are possible. Must. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and/or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. In addition to modifications and variations of the components and/or arrangements, other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (11)

body and
a first container part coupled to the body, comprising an inner wall defining an elongated insertion space and a chamber for storing a liquid between the outer wall and the inner wall; a second container part adjacent to the first container part; a cartridge including a container part, a wick provided in the second container part so as to communicate with the chamber, and a heater that heats the wick;
a sensor positioned adjacent to the cartridge to sense surrounding electromagnetic characteristics;
a shielding unit that shields the sensor from external interference. The body is
a lower body,
an upper body disposed on the lower body and adjacent to the cartridge;
The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is located on the upper body. The upper body is
a first side wall facing a side outer wall of the cartridge;
a second side wall facing the first side wall;
The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the shielding unit includes a first part disposed on the second side wall and covering a side of the sensor. The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the shielding unit includes a second part disposed on an upper wall of the upper body to cover an upper part of the sensor. The body includes an insertion wall disposed above the lower body and surrounding at least a portion of the second container part;
the sensor faces the first container part;
The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the shielding unit includes a third part arranged on the insertion wall. The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the shielding unit includes a fourth part disposed between the lower body and the upper body. The aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the fourth part covers a lower part of the cartridge and a lower part of the sensor. further comprising a cap covering at least a portion of the body and the cartridge and having an opening corresponding to the insertion space;
The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the shielding unit is arranged on at least a portion of the cap. The aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the shielding unit includes a fifth part disposed on a side wall of the cap and covering a side of the sensor. The aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the shielding unit includes a sixth part disposed on the upper wall of the cap and covering an upper part of the sensor. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the shielding unit is made of a material through which electromagnetic waves do not pass.

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