JP2024519353A - Aerosol Generator - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes a cartridge having a chamber for storing liquid, a body coupled to the cartridge, an ambient temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device, and a controller. The cartridge includes a wick coupled to the chamber, and a heater for heating the wick. The controller updates a formula for calculating the temperature of the heater based on the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor, determines the temperature of the heater based on the updated formula, and adjusts the power supplied to the heater based on the determined heater temperature. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a substance of various components. The substance contained in the medium may be a flavoring substance of various components. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. In recent years, much research has been conducted into such aerosol generating devices.

This disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can improve the efficiency of gas flow and improve the efficiency of heat transfer of the aerosol to the stick.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can optimize the power supplied to a heater using data about the heater provided in the cartridge.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can accurately determine the heater temperature using the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can determine the temperature of the heater in real time while the wick is being heated by the heater.

To achieve the above-mentioned objective, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a cartridge having a chamber for storing a liquid, a body coupled to the cartridge, an ambient temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device, and a control unit. The cartridge includes a wick connected to the chamber, and a heater for heating the wick. The control unit can update a calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater based on the ambient temperature sensed by the ambient temperature sensor, determine the temperature of the heater based on the updated calculation formula, and adjust the power supplied to the heater based on the determined heater temperature.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the efficiency of the gas flow can be improved, thereby improving the efficiency of heat transfer of the aerosol to the stick.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, data about the heater provided in the cartridge can be used to optimize the power supplied to the heater.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature of the heater can be accurately determined using the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature of the heater can be determined in real time while the heater heats the wick.

Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

The above and other objects, features and other characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of simplicity of 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 "section" used in the following description for components are intended solely for ease of explanation of the specification and do not have any special meaning or role.

In this disclosure, those aspects 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 an understanding of various technical features, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives in addition to those specifically disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

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

When referring to an element as being "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there may be other elements in between. On the other hand, when referring to an element as being "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device may include at least one of a body 100, a cartridge 200, and a cap 300.

The body 100 may include at least one of a lower body 110 and an upper body 120. The lower body 110 may house various components necessary for power supply and control, such as a battery and a control unit, inside. The lower body 110 may form the outer shape of the aerosol generating device. The upper body 120 may be disposed above the lower body 110. The cartridge 200 may be coupled to the upper body 120. The body 100 may be referred to as a main body 100.

The upper body 120 may include at least one of a mount 130 and a column 140. The mount 130 may be disposed on the upper side of the lower body 110. The mount 130 may provide a space 134 into which the lower part of the cartridge 200 is inserted. The mount 130 may be open at the top and have a shape that surrounds the space 134 on the inside. The mount 130 may surround the lower part of the cartridge 200 inserted into the space 134. The mount 130 may be fastened to the cartridge 200. The mount 130 may support the lower part of the cartridge 200.

The column 140 may be disposed on the upper side of the lower body 110. The column 140 may have an elongated shape. The column 140 may extend upward from one side of the mount 130. The column 140 may face one side wall of the cartridge 200. The column 140 may be disposed parallel to the cartridge 200. The column 140 may have a shape that surrounds one side wall of the cartridge 200. The column 140 may support one side wall of the cartridge 200.

The first chamber C1 may be provided on one side of the interior of the first container 210, and the insertion space 214 may be provided on the other side of the interior of the first container 210. The insertion space 214 may be disposed adjacent to the column 140. The column 140 may be disposed adjacent to the other side of the interior of the first container 210 in which the insertion space 214 is formed.

The cartridge 200 may be detachably coupled to the body 100. The cartridge 200 may provide a space in which liquid can be stored. The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 214. One end of the insertion space 214 may be open to form an opening. The insertion space 214 may be exposed to the outside through the opening. The opening may be defined as one end of the insertion space 214.

The cartridge 200 may include at least one of a first container 210 and a second container 220. The second container 220 may be coupled to the first container 210.

The first container 210 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 220. The first container 210 may provide a space for storing liquid therein. The first container 210 may have an open upper side and may provide an insertion space 214 that extends vertically. The stick 400 (see FIG. 3) may be inserted into the insertion space 214. One side wall of the first container 210 may face the column 140. The column 140 may surround one side wall of the first container 210. The first container 210 may be disposed above the mount 130.

The second container 220 may be coupled to the underside of the first container 210. The second container 220 may provide a space in which the wick 261 (see FIG. 2) and the heater 262 (see FIG. 2) are provided. The second container 220 may be inserted into the space 134 provided by the mount 130. The space 134 of the mount 130 may be referred to as the container accommodating space 134. The mount 130 may surround the second container 220. The second container 220 may be coupled to the mount 130.

The cap 300 can be detachably connected to the body 100. The cap 300 can cover the cartridge 200. The cap 300 can cover at least a portion of the body 100. The cap 300 can protect at least a portion of the cartridge 200 and/or the body 100 from the outside. A user can separate the cap 300 from the body 100 and replace the cartridge 200.

The cap 300 may be coupled to the top of the body 100. The cap 300 may be coupled to the top of the lower body 110. The cap 300 may cover the upper body 120. The cap 300 may cover the cartridge 200. The side wall 301 of the cap 300 may surround the side of the cartridge 200. The side wall 301 of the cap 300 may surround the side of the upper body 120. The top wall 303 of the cap 300 may cover the top of the cartridge 200. The top wall 303 of the cap 300 may cover the top of the column 140.

The cap 300 may have an insertion hole 304. The insertion hole 304 may be formed in the upper wall 303 of the cap 300. The insertion hole 304 may be formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space 214. The insertion hole 304 may be connected to one end or the upper end of the insertion space 214.

The cap 300 may have a cap inlet 304a. The cap inlet 304a may be formed on one side of the cap 300. For example, the cap inlet 304a may be formed on the upper wall 303 of the cap 300. For example, the cap inlet 304a may be formed on the side wall 301 of the cap 300. The cap inlet 304a may be connected to the outside. Air may flow into the inside of the aerosol generating device through the cap inlet 304a.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the cartridge 200 may be coupled to the body 100. The cartridge 200 may provide a first chamber C1 for storing liquid. The cartridge 200 may provide an insertion space 214 that is partitioned from the first chamber C1. The insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200 may include an opening formed by opening one end. The opening may expose the insertion space 214 to the outside.

The first container 210 may have an outer wall 211 surrounding an internal space. The first container 210 may have an inner wall 212 that divides the space surrounded by the outer wall 211 to define a first chamber C1 on one side and a long insertion space 214 on the other side. The insertion space 214 may have a shape that extends long in the vertical direction. The inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may be formed inside the first container 210. The stick 400 (see FIG. 3) may be inserted into the insertion space 214.

The second container 220 may be connected to the first container 210. The second container 220 may have a second chamber C2 that communicates with the insertion space 214. The second chamber C2 may be formed inside the second container 220. The second chamber C2 may be connected to the other end or the lower end of the insertion space 214.

The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed on one side of the cartridge 200. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed on the outer wall of the second container 220. The cartridge inlet 224 may be connected to the insertion space 214. The cartridge inlet 224 may be connected to the second chamber C2. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed on the side wall 221 of the second container 210.

The wick 261 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The wick 261 may be coupled to the first chamber C1. The wick 261 may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The heater 262 may heat the wick 261. The heater 262 may be disposed in the second chamber C2. The heater 262 may wrap the wick 261 around itself multiple times. The heater 262 may be electrically coupled to the battery 190 and/or the control device. The heater 262 may be a resistive coil. When the heater 262 generates heat and heats the wick 261, the liquid provided to the wick 261 may be atomized to generate an aerosol in the second chamber C2.

Therefore, the first chamber C1 of the first container 210 in which the liquid is stored is arranged to surround the stick 400 (see FIG. 3) and/or the insertion space 214 in which the stick 400 is inserted, thereby improving the efficiency of the space in which the liquid is stored.

In addition, the distance from the stick 400 to the wick 261 and heater 262 connected to the first chamber C1 is reduced, improving the efficiency of heat transfer of the aerosol.

The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) assembly 150 may be provided inside the column 140. At least one of the light source 153 and the sensor 154 may be attached to the PCB 151 of the PCB assembly 150 (see FIG. 16). The PCB assembly 150 may be provided facing the side of the cartridge 200. The light source 153 of the PCB assembly 150 may provide light to the cartridge 200. The sensor 154 of the PCB assembly 150 may sense information about the inside and outside of the cartridge 200. The sensor 154 attached to the PCB assembly 150 may be referred to as the first sensor 154.

The sensor 180 may be provided on one side of the upper portion of the lower body 110. The sensor 180 may be disposed above the separation wall 112 of the lower body 110. The sensor 180 may detect the flow of air flowing into the cartridge 200. The sensor 180 may be an airflow sensor or a pressure sensor. The sensor 180 may be referred to as a second sensor 180.

The sensor 180 can be inserted inside the mount 130. The sensor 180 can be positioned toward the side. The sensor 180 can be positioned adjacent to the cartridge inlet 224. The sensor 180 can be positioned toward the cartridge inlet 224.

The lower body 110 may house a battery 190 therein. The lower body 110 may house various control devices therein. The battery 190 may supply power to various components of the aerosol generating device. The battery 190 may be charged through a charging port 119 formed on one side or the bottom of the lower body 110.

The separation wall 112 of the lower body 110 can cover the top of the battery 190. The separation wall 112 of the lower body 110 can be disposed below the mount 130 and/or the column 140. The body frame 114 of the lower body 110 can support the sides of the battery 190. The body frame 114 can separate the space housing the battery 190 from the space housing the control device.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the stick 400 may have an elongated shape. The stick 400 may include a medium therein. The stick 400 may be inserted into the insertion space 214.

The cover 310 can open and close the insertion space 214. The cover 310 can open and close an opening that exposes the insertion space 214 to the outside. The cover 310 can be provided adjacent to the opening of the insertion space 214. The cover 310 can be provided adjacent to one end or an upper end of the insertion space 214. For example, the cover 310 can be provided at the upper end of the first container 210 at a position adjacent to the insertion space 214. For example, the cover 310 can be provided on the cap 300 at a position adjacent to the insertion space 214.

The cover 310 may be provided to be pivotable. The cover 310 may pivot to open and close the insertion space 214. The cover 310 may pivot toward the inside of the insertion space 214 to open the insertion space 214. The direction in which the cover 310 pivots to open the insertion space 214 may be referred to as a first direction. The cover 310 may pivot toward the outside of the insertion space 214 to close the insertion space 214. The direction in which the cover 310 pivots to close the insertion space 214 may be referred to as a second direction.

When the end of the stick 400 contacts the cover 310 and pushes the cover 310 out, the cover 310 can pivot in a first direction to open the insertion space 214. The stick 400 can push the cover 310 out and be inserted into the insertion space 214. When the stick 400 is removed from the insertion space 214, the cover 310 can pivot in a second direction to close the insertion space 214.

The spring 312 (see FIG. 9) can provide a resilient force to the cover 310 in the second direction. One end of the spring 312 can support the cover 310, and the other end of the spring 312 can support the top end of the first container 210 or the cap 300. The spring 312 can be wound around a pivot axis of the cover 310.

The cover 310 may be provided around the insertion opening 304 of the cap 300. The cover 310 may be pivotally provided on the cap 300. The cover 310 may pivot to open and close the insertion opening 304. The cover 310 may pivot in a first direction to open the insertion opening 304. The cover 310 may pivot in a second direction to close the insertion opening 304.

The stick 400 can be inserted into the insertion space 214 by passing through the insertion opening 304 of the cap 300. When one end of the stick 400 contacts the cover 310 and pushes out the cover 310, the cover 310 can pivot in a first direction to open the insertion space 214 and the insertion opening 304. The stick 400 can be inserted into the insertion space 214 by pushing out the cover 310 and passing through the insertion opening 304. When the stick 400 is removed from the insertion space 214, the cover 310 can pivot in a second direction to close the insertion space 214 and the insertion opening 304.

When the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214, one end of the stick 400 is exposed to the outside of the cap 300, and the other end of the stick 400 may be disposed adjacent to the second chamber C2 and above the second chamber C2. A user may inhale air by holding the exposed end of the stick 400 in their mouth.

Air can flow into the inside of the aerosol generating device through the cap inlet 304a. The air flowing in from the cap inlet 304a can flow into the cartridge inlet 224. The air can flow through the cartridge inlet 224 and into the inside of the cartridge 200. The air that has passed through the cartridge inlet 224 can flow into the second chamber C2 and flow toward the insertion space 214. The air can pass through the stick 400 along with the aerosol generated in the second chamber C2.

Therefore, by inserting the stick 400 into the insertion space 214, the cover 310 can be pivoted, causing the cover 310 to open the insertion space 214.

In addition, the cover 310 pivots simultaneously with the action of removing the stick 400 from the insertion space 214, so that the insertion space 214 can be automatically closed.

In addition, the inside of the insertion space 214 can be protected from external foreign objects.

Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the cartridge 200 can be releasably coupled to the upper body 120. The upper body 120 can be disposed above the lower body 110. The upper body 120 can include at least one of a mount 130 and a column 140.

The mount 130 may provide a space 134 that is open at the top. The inner surface 131 and the bottom 133 of the mount 130 may surround at least a portion of the space 134. The inner surface 141 of the column 140 may surround one side of the space 134. The second container 220 may be inserted into the space 134 provided by the mount 130. The mount 130 may surround the second container 220 inserted into the space 134.

The cartridge 200 may be connected to the mount 130 by a snap-fit method. The second container 220 may be connected to the mount 130 by a snap-fit method. The second container 220 may be detachably fastened to the mount 130. When the second container 220 is inserted into the space 134 of the mount 130, the recess 221a formed in the second container 220 and the protrusion 131a formed in the mount 130 may be fastened to each other.

The recess 221a may be formed to be recessed inward from the side wall 221 of the second container 220. The recess 221a may have a plurality of recesses and may be formed on one side and the other side of the side wall 221 of the second container 220, respectively. The protrusion 131a may protrude from the inner surface 131 of the mount 130. The protrusion 131a may have a plurality of protrusions and may be formed on one side and the other side of the inner surface 131 of the mount 130, respectively. The protrusion 131a may be formed at a position corresponding to the recess 221a.

When the second container 220 is coupled to the mount 130, the first container 210 may be positioned above the mount 130. The first container 210 may have a shape that protrudes laterally more than the second container 220. The second container 220 is inserted into the space 134 surrounded by the mount 130, and the first container 210 may cover the top of the mount 130.

The mount 130 can support the bottom of the cartridge 200. The mount 130 can support the sides and bottom of the second container 220. The mount 130 can support the lower edge of the first container 210.

The column 140 may extend upward from one side of the mount 130. The column 140 may surround one side of the space 134 of the mount 130. The inner surface 141 of the column 140 may be integrally formed and extend from the inner surface 131 of the mount 130. The outer surface 142 of the column 140 may be integrally formed and extend from the outer surface 132 of the mount 130.

The column 140 can extend to a height corresponding to the cartridge 200. The upper wall 143 of the column 140 can be formed to a height corresponding to the upper end of the cartridge 200. The column 140 can be formed parallel to the cartridge 200.

The insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200 may be formed adjacent to one side wall of the cartridge 200. The insertion space 214 may be formed adjacent to the column 140. The column 140 may surround one side wall of the cartridge 200 in which the insertion space 214 is formed. One side wall of the cartridge 200 may slide onto the inner surface 141 of the column 140 and be inserted into the mount 130. The column 140 may support one side wall of the cartridge 200.

The window 170 that protects the PCB assembly 150 (see FIG. 3) may be arranged to cover the inner surface 141 of the column 140. The window 170 may be arranged between the cartridge 200 and the column 140. The window 170 may extend in the vertical direction along the column 140. The window 170 may surround one side wall of the cartridge 200 in which the insertion space 214 is formed. The window 170 may support one side wall of the cartridge 200.

Therefore, the cartridge 200 can be releasably connected to the body 100.

In addition, the cartridge 200 can be stably supported by being connected to the body 100.

The upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may protrude outward beyond the upper body 120. The upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may extend along the periphery of the upper body 120. The upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may be disposed below the upper body 120. When the cap 300 is coupled to the body 100, the lower end of the side wall 301 of the cap 300 may contact the upper edge 113 of the lower body 110. The upper edge 113 of the lower body 110 may limit the cap 300 from moving below the upper body 120.

7 and 8, the cartridge 200 may include a cover groove 215. The cover groove 215 may be located adjacent to the opening of the insertion space 214. The cover groove 215 may be recessed from the insertion space 214 in a direction in which the periphery of the insertion space 214 expands. The cover groove 215 may be recessed outward from the insertion space 214. The cover groove 215 may be recessed in a radially outward direction from the insertion space 214. The cover groove 215 may be recessed from the insertion space 214 toward the first chamber C1. The cover groove 215 may provide a space in which the cover 310 may be positioned.

The cover groove 215 may be formed around one end or the upper end of the insertion space 214 in the first container 210. The cover groove 215 may be formed such that the periphery of one end of the insertion space 214 is recessed outward. The cover 310 may be accommodated in the cover groove 215 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The cover 310 may be accommodated in the cover groove 215 while opening the opening of the insertion space 214. The cover 310 may be accommodated in the cover groove 215 while pivoting in the first direction to open the opening of the insertion space 214.

The cover groove 215 may be formed such that one end or an upper end of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 is recessed from the insertion space 214 in an outward direction. The cover groove 215 may be formed such that the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 is recessed from the insertion space 214 toward the first chamber C1. The inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may define the cover groove 215. The inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may surround at least a portion of the cover groove 215. The inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may contact the bottom of the cover groove 215. The inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may surround a portion of the side of the cover groove 215.

The cartridge 200 may include a first guide 216 formed adjacent to the upper portion of the insertion space 214 and inclined downward from the insertion space 214. The first guide 216 may be formed at the upper end of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. The first guide 216 may be referred to as a first stick guide 216.

The first guide 216 may contact the bottom of the cover groove 215. The first guide 216 may be formed on the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 at a position in contact with the bottom of the cover groove 215. The first guide 216 may be formed between the bottom of the cover groove 215 and the insertion space 214. The first guide 216 may be disposed below the cover groove 215. The first guide 216 may be formed inclined from the bottom of the cover groove 215 toward the underside of the insertion space 214.

The first guide 216 can extend circumferentially along at least a portion of the insertion space 214. The first guide 216 can extend circumferentially along the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. The first guide 216 can contact an end of the stick 400 (see FIG. 3) and guide the stick 400 to be inserted into the insertion space 214.

Referring to FIG. 8, the cartridge 200 may include at least one of a first container 210, a second container 220, a sealing member 250, a wick 261, and a heater 262. The second container 220 may include at least one of a lower case 230 and a frame 240.

The first container 210 may provide a first chamber C1 and an insertion space 214. The inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may separate the space surrounded by the outer wall 211 of the first container 210, thereby partitioning the first chamber C1 on one side and the insertion space 214 on the other side.

The outer wall 211 and the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may surround the sides of the first chamber C1. The outer wall 211 and the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may be connected to each other to have an extended shape surrounding the periphery of the first chamber C1. The upper wall 213 of the first container 210 may cover the upper part of the first chamber C1. The upper wall 213 of the first container 210 may be connected to the outer wall 211 and the inner wall 212 of the first container 210.

The outer wall 211 and the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may surround the sides of the insertion space 214. The insertion space 214 may have a shape that extends elongated in the vertical direction. The insertion space 214 may have a shape that corresponds to the circumference of the stick 400 (FIG. 3). The insertion space 214 may have an approximately cylindrical shape. The outer wall 211 and the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may be connected to each other to have a shape that extends in the circumferential direction so as to surround the circumference of the insertion space 214. The insertion space 214 may be open to the top and bottom.

The second container 220 may provide a second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be disposed below the insertion space 214. The second chamber C2 may be in communication with the insertion space 214.

The second container 220 may include at least one of a lower case 230 and a frame 240. The lower case 230 may form the outer shape of the second container 220. The lower case 230 may be coupled to the outer wall 211 or periphery of the first container 210. The lower case 230 may provide an internal storage space. The lower case 230 may support the frame 240. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed in a side wall of the lower case 230. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom of the lower case 230.

This prevents liquid from leaking from the second chamber C2 to the outside of the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 224.

The lower case 230 may include at least one of a receiving portion 231 and an extension portion 232. The receiving portion 231 may provide a receiving space therein. The receiving portion 231 may surround the receiving space. The receiving portion 231 may receive at least a portion of the frame 240 therein. The side wall of the receiving portion 231 may be the side wall 221 (see FIG. 4) of the second container 220. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed in the side wall of the receiving portion 231. The extension portion 232 may extend outward from an upper end of one side of the receiving portion 231. The extension portion 232 may support a portion of the frame 240. The receiving portion 231 may be referred to as a case portion 231.

The frame 240 may be disposed inside the lower case 230. The frame 240 may define a second chamber C2. The frame 240 may surround at least a portion of the second chamber C2. The lower case 230 may surround the remainder of the second chamber C2. The frame 240 may form the bottom of the first chamber C1.

The frame 240 may include at least one of a first frame portion 241 and a second frame portion 242. The first frame portion 241 may form the bottom of the first chamber C1. The first chamber C1 may be surrounded by the outer wall 211, the inner wall 212, the upper wall 213, and the first frame portion 241 of the first container 210.

The second frame portion 242 may surround at least a portion of the second chamber C2. The second frame portion 242 may partition the second chamber C2. The sidewall of the second frame portion 242 may surround at least a portion of the side of the second chamber C2. The bottom of the second frame portion 242 may form the bottom of the second chamber C2. The chamber inlet 2424 may be formed in the sidewall of the second frame portion 242. The chamber inlet 2424 may be connected to the second chamber C2. The second frame portion 242 may be disposed adjacent to the lower side of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. The chamber inlet 2424 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom of the second chamber C2.

The first frame part 241 and the second frame part 242 may be connected to each other. The first frame part 241 may extend from the second frame part 242 to cover the bottom of the first chamber C1.

The accommodating portion 231 can accommodate the second frame portion 242 therein. The accommodating portion 231 can support the bottom of the second frame portion 242. The accommodating portion 231 can define a second chamber C2 together with the second frame portion 242. The extension portion 232 can support the first frame portion 241. The second frame portion 242 can be disposed inside the accommodating portion 231, and the first frame portion 241 can be disposed above the extension portion 232.

The connection channel 2314 may be formed inside the receiving portion 231. The frame 240 may partition the connection channel 2314 inside the lower case 230. The connection channel 2314 may be formed between the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424, and may connect the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424. The first frame portion 241 may cover an upper portion of the connection channel 2314. The second frame portion 242 may cover a side portion of the connection channel 2314.

The blocking wall 2317 may be formed in the connecting flow passage 2314. The blocking wall 2317 may be formed between the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424. The blocking wall 2317 may have a long, elongated shape. The blocking wall 2317 may extend upward from the bottom of the lower case 230 or the bottom of the frame 240. The blocking wall 2317 may extend higher than the cartridge inlet 224. The blocking wall 2317 may extend higher than the chamber inlet 2424.

This prevents the liquid in the second chamber C2 from passing through the cartridge inlet 224 and leaking outside the cartridge 200.

The sealing member 250 may be disposed between the first chamber C1 and the second container 220. The sealing member 250 may surround and adhere to the edge of the first chamber C1. The sealing member 250 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the sealing member 250 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone. The sealing member 250 may prevent the liquid stored in the first chamber C1 from leaking from the first chamber C1 through gaps between components.

The sealing member 250 may include at least one of a first sealing portion 251 and a second sealing portion 252. The first sealing portion 251 may extend along the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The first sealing portion 251 may surround an edge of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The first sealing portion 251 may be tightly attached between the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the frame 240. The first sealing portion 251 may be tightly attached between the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the first frame portion 241.

This prevents the liquid stored in the first chamber C1 from leaking between the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the frame 240.

The second sealing part 252 may extend from the first sealing part 251 along the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. The second sealing part 252 may surround and adhere to the edge of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. The second sealing part 252 may be adhered between the inner wall of the first container 210 and the frame 240. The second sealing part 252 may be adhered between the inner wall of the first container 210 and the second frame part 242. The second sealing part 252 may be inserted into the frame 240. The second sealing part 252 may be inserted into the second frame part 242. The lower end of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may press the second sealing part 252 toward the frame 240.

This prevents the liquid stored in the first chamber C1 from leaking between the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 and the frame 240.

The mount 130 may include a sensor accommodating portion 137. The sensor accommodating portion 137 may provide a space formed at the bottom of one side wall of the mount 130. The second sensor 180 may be accommodated inside the sensor accommodating portion 137. The lower case 230 may cover the sensor accommodating portion 137. The lower case 230 may surround one side of the sensor accommodating portion 137. One side wall of the accommodating portion 231 of the lower case 230 may face the side of the sensor accommodating portion 137. The extension portion 232 of the lower case 230 may cover the upper portion of the sensor accommodating portion 137.

A gap through which air can flow may be formed between the sensor housing 137 and the lower case 230. Air may pass between the sensor housing 137 and the lower case 230 and flow into the cartridge inlet 224. The second sensor 180 may detect the flow of air passing between the sensor housing 137 and the lower case 230 and flowing into the cartridge inlet 224.

8 and 9, the cartridge 200 may include a stick stopper 217 protruding inward from the periphery of the insertion space 214 at a position adjacent to the other end or the lower end of the insertion space 214. The stick stopper 217 may protrude radially inward. The stick stopper 217 may be formed on the outer wall 211 and/or the inner wall 212 of the first container 210.

The stick stopper 217 may include a plurality of stick stoppers. The stick stopper 217 may include three stick stoppers. A plurality of stick stoppers 217 may be arranged along the periphery of the insertion space 214. The stick stoppers 217 may be arranged in the circumferential direction. The stick stoppers 217 may be arranged spaced apart from each other. The stick stopper 217 may have a rib shape or a ring shape extending in the circumferential direction along the periphery of the insertion space 214. The stick 400 may be hung around the periphery of the stick stopper 217. The stick stopper 217 may have a shape that gradually widens toward the upper side.

Thus, when the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214, the stick stopper 217 contacts the end of the stick 400, thereby restricting the stick 400 from moving beyond the insertion space 214 into the second chamber C2.

In addition, the reduction in the amount of air flowing from the second chamber C2 into the insertion space 214 can be minimized.

Furthermore, the stick stopper 217 does not prevent the aerosol generated in the second chamber C2 from extracting certain components from the medium of the stick 400.

Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the pivot axis or shaft 311 of the cover 310 may be disposed above the insertion space 214. The pivot axis or shaft 311 of the cover 310 may be disposed between the insertion space 214 and the insertion opening 304. The cover 310 may pivot toward the inside of the insertion space 214 to open the insertion space 214 and/or the insertion opening 304. The direction in which the cover 310 pivots toward the inside of the insertion space 214 may be defined as a first direction.

When the cover 310 pivots in the first direction to open the insertion space 214, the cover 310 can be accommodated in the cover groove 215. When the cover 310 opens the insertion space 214, the cover 310 can be accommodated in the cover groove 215 and overlap the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 located below the cover groove 215. When the cover 310 opens the insertion space 214, the cover 310 can be arranged parallel to the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 located below the cover groove 215.

The first guide 216 may be formed with an incline from the bottom of the cover groove 215 toward the lower side of the insertion space 214. The first guide 216 may be formed with an incline so that the insertion space 214 becomes gradually narrower as it goes downward. When the cover 310 opens the insertion space 214, the first guide 216 may be disposed adjacent to one end of the cover 310 on the lower side of the cover 310. When the cover 310 opens the insertion space 214, the first guide 216 may protrude into the insertion space 214 beyond the end of the cover 310.

The cover 310 may pivot toward the outside of the insertion space 214 to close the insertion space 214 and/or the insertion opening 304. The direction in which the cover 310 pivots toward the outside of the insertion space 214 may be defined as a second direction. One end of the spring 312 may support the cover 310, and the other end of the spring 312 may support the cap 300. The spring 312 may provide an elastic force to the cover 310 in a direction in which the cover 310 closes the insertion space 214. The cover 310 may pivot in the second direction via the spring 312.

The second guide 306 may be formed at an angle so that the inner space gradually narrows toward the bottom. The second guide 306 may be disposed adjacent to the pivot radius of the cover 310. The second guide 306 may be disposed outside the pivot radius of the cover 310. The second guide 306 may extend at an angle along the pivot radius of the cover 310.

One end of the second guide 306 may be located adjacent to the insertion opening 304. One end of the second guide 306 may be located outside the insertion opening 304. One end of the second guide 306 may be located below the insertion opening wall 305. The insertion opening wall 305 may protrude inward beyond the one end of the second guide 306. When the cover 310 pivots in the second direction to close the insertion space 214, the cover 310 can contact the insertion opening wall 305 to limit the movement of the cover 310.

The other end of the second guide 306 may be located adjacent to the insertion space 214. The other end of the second guide 306 may be located adjacent to the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 that defines the periphery of the insertion space 214. The other end of the second guide 306 may be disposed on the upper side of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 that defines the insertion space 214. The second guide 306 may have a shape that extends at an angle from one end of the second guide 306 to the other end.

Referring to Figures 12 to 15, the stick 400 can push the cover 310 inward or in the first direction of the insertion space 214. When the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 while pushing out the cover 310, the cover 310 can open the insertion space 214 and/or the insertion opening 304.

Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, when the end of the stick 400 passes through the insertion opening 304, the end of the stick 400 can contact the insertion opening wall 305. When the end of the stick 400 contacts the insertion opening wall 305, the insertion opening wall 305 can guide the stick 400 to a fixed position within the insertion opening 304. When the stick 400 passes through the insertion opening 304, the end of the stick 400 can push the cover 310 to pivot the cover 310 in a first direction.

Referring to Figures 13 and 14, when the stick 400 passes through the insertion opening 304, the cover 310 can be inserted into the cover groove 215. The cover 310 can overlap the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 and form one side wall of the insertion space 214 together with the inner wall 212 of the first container 210.

Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the stick 400 can be inserted into the insertion space 214 by sliding along the surface of the cover 310. The second guide 306 can be disposed at a position facing the pivot axis of the cover 310, centered on the insertion opening 304. The second guide 306 can be disposed at a position facing the cover groove 215. When the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214, the end of the stick 400 can contact the second guide 306. When the end of the stick 400 contacts the second guide 306, the second guide 306 can guide the stick 400 to a fixed position in the insertion space 214.

The first guide 216 may be disposed in a position opposite to the second guide 306. The first guide 216 may be disposed below the second guide 216. The first guide 216 may be disposed below the cover groove 215. The first guide 216 may be disposed below the cover 310. The first guide 216 may extend in a circumferential direction along the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. When the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214, the end of the stick 400 may contact the first guide 216. The end of the stick 400 may first contact the second guide 306 to be guided to a position, and then contact the first guide 216. When the end of the stick 400 contacts the first guide 216, the first guide 216 may guide the stick 400 to a fixed position in the insertion space 214.

When inserted into the insertion space 214, the end of the stick 400 can come into contact with the stick stopper 217. By coming into contact with the end of the stick 400, the stick stopper 217 can restrict the stick 400 from moving downward in the insertion space 214 or into the second chamber C2.

Therefore, when the user pushes out the cover 310 using the stick 400, the stick 400 can smoothly pass through the insertion opening 304 and be guided to the correct position to push out the cover 310.

In addition, even if the stick 400 pushes out the cover 310 and the cover 310 is positioned inside the insertion space 214, the cover 310 is accommodated in the cover groove 215, so that the stick 400 can be in close contact with the wall that defines the insertion space 214.

In addition, by fitting the stick 400 closely to the wall that divides the insertion space 214, unnecessary air flow between the insertion space 214 and the stick 400 is prevented when the user inhales air through the stick 400, reducing wasted suction force and preventing a decrease in the efficiency of air flow.

In addition, when the user pushes out the cover 310 through the stick 400, the cover 310 can guide the stick 400 so that it is accurately inserted into the insertion space 214 even if an external force is applied to the end of the stick 400 in the second direction.

In addition, the stick 400 can be restricted from moving inside the second chamber C2.

Referring to FIG. 16, the upper body 120 may be coupled to the upper part of the lower body 110. The mount 130 may cover the upper part of the lower body 110. The lower part of the mount 130 may be surrounded by the upper part of the side wall 111 of the lower body 110. The mount 130 may be coupled to the upper part of the lower body 110. The mount 130 may be coupled to the lower body 110 in a snap-fit manner. The mount 130 may be inseparably fastened to the lower body 110.

The second sensor 180 may be disposed on one side of the upper portion of the lower body 110. The sensor support portion 185 may have a shape extending upward from the upper portion of the lower body 110. The sensor support portion 185 may support the second sensor 180. The second sensor 180 may be coupled to the sensor support portion 185. The second sensor 180 may be coupled to the sensor support portion 185 and disposed to face in a lateral direction. The sensor accommodating portion 137 of the mount 130 may accommodate and cover the second sensor 180 and the sensor support portion 185.

Referring to Figures 17 to 19, the fastening hole 135 may be formed in the lower part of the mount 130. The fastening hole 135 may be formed in the side of the lower part of the mount 130. The fastening hole 135 may include a plurality of fastening holes and may be arranged along the periphery of the lower part of the mount 130. The body latch 115 disposed in the upper part of the lower body 110 may be inserted into the fastening hole 135 to fasten the mount 130 and the lower body 110 together (see Figures 21 and 22).

The rib groove 136 may be formed on the outer surface 132 of the mount 130. The rib groove 136 may have a shape recessed inward from the outer surface 132 of the mount 130. The rib groove 136 may have a shape extending along the periphery of the outer surface 132 of the mount 130. The body rib 116 extending along the inner circumference of the upper part of the lower body 110 may be inserted into the rib groove 136 to fasten the mount 130 and the lower body 110. The body rib 116 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the body rib 116 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone. The body rib 116 is in close contact with the rib groove 136 to stably fix the position of the mount 130 to the lower body 110 and prevent the upper body 120 from shaking relative to the lower body 110 (see FIGS. 21 and 22).

The first fixing portion 138 may be formed on the lower portion of the mount 130. The first fixing portion 138 may be recessed upward from the lower portion of the mount 130 or may be protruded downward. The first fixing portion 138 may be formed around the lower portion of the mount 130. The first fixing portion 138 may include a plurality of first fixing portions arranged along the periphery of the lower portion of the mount 130. The second fixing portion 118 disposed on the upper portion of the lower body 110 is coupled to the first fixing portion 138 to stably fix the position of the mount 130 to the lower body 110 and prevent the upper body 120 from shaking relative to the lower body 110 (see FIGS. 21 and 22).

The upper body 120 may include a column 140 extending upward. The column 140 may extend upward from one side of the mount 130. Side walls 141, 142 of the column 140 may be connected to the side walls 131, 132 of the mount 130. The column 140 may surround a portion of the space 134 provided by the mount 130. The inner surface 141 of the column 140 may have a recessed shape that is recessed outward. The column 140 may face a side of the cartridge 200 (see FIG. 6). The column 140 may surround one side of the cartridge 200. The column 140 may be open toward one side of the cartridge 200.

The column 140 may accommodate the PCB assembly 150. The PCB assembly 150 may provide light to the cartridge 200 or sense information about the cartridge 200. For example, the information about the cartridge 200 may be at least one of information about a change in the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first chamber C1 of the cartridge 200, information about the type of liquid stored in the first chamber C1 of the cartridge 200, information about whether the stick 400 has been inserted into the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200, information about the type of the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200, information about the extent to which the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200 has been used or is usable, information about whether the cartridge 200 inserted into the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200 has been coupled to the body 100, and information about the type of the coupled cartridge 200. The information about the cartridge 200 is not limited to those described above. The column 140 may accommodate a light source 153 that provides light. The column 140 can house a first sensor 154 that senses information about the cartridge 200.

The column 140 may provide an installation space 144 therein. The installation space 144 may have a shape that extends vertically along the column 140. The inner surface 141 of the column 140 may surround the installation space 144. The installation space 144 may be open toward the space 134 of the mount 130. The installation space 144 may be open toward one side of the cartridge 200.

The PCB assembly 150 may be provided in the installation space 144. The plate 160 may cover the PCB assembly 150 and be disposed in the installation space 144. The window 170 may cover the PCB assembly 150 and the installation space 144. The PCB assembly 150, the plate 160 and the window 170 may be stacked in sequence. The installation space 144 may be referred to as an assembly accommodating space 144.

The PCB assembly 150 may include at least one of a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 151, a light source 153, and a first sensor 154. The light source 153 may be mounted on the PCB 151. The light source 153 may include at least one light source. The first sensor 154 may be mounted on the PCB. The light source 153 and the first sensor 154 may be mounted at different positions on a single PCB. The first sensor 154 may be mounted in an area that avoids the at least one light source 153.

The PCB assembly 150 may be disposed inside the column 140 facing the cartridge 200. The PCB assembly 150 may face a first container 210 having a first chamber C1 and an insertion space 214. The PCB assembly 150 may extend vertically along the column 140. A connector 152 for electrical connection may be formed at one end of the PCB assembly 150.

The PCB 151 may extend vertically along the column 140. The PCB 151 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The connector 152 may be formed at one end of the PCB 151. A plurality of light sources 153 may be arranged on the PCB 151. The first sensor 154 may be located at the center of the PCB 151. At least one light source 153 may be arranged on each side of the first sensor 154. The plurality of light sources 153 may be arranged vertically along the PCB 151. The plurality of light sources 153 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the column 140. The first sensor 154 may be arranged facing the insertion space 214. The light source 153 may be arranged facing the outside of the insertion space 214. The light source 153 may emit light outside the insertion space 214 to provide light to the first chamber C1. The light source 153 may be a light emitting diode (LED).

Therefore, the light source 153 can provide light uniformly to the first chamber C1.

In addition, the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 can be prevented from blocking the path of light provided by the light source 153.

The first sensor 154 may extend vertically along the PCB 151. The first sensor 154 may extend vertically along the first container 210 or the insertion space 214. The first sensor 154 may face the insertion space 214. The first sensor 154 may sense information about the cartridge 200. For example, the first sensor 154 may sense at least one of information about a change in the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first chamber C1 of the cartridge 200, information about the type of liquid stored in the first chamber C1 of the cartridge 200, information about whether the stick 400 has been inserted into the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200, information about the type of the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200, information about the extent to which the stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200 has been used or is usable, information about whether the cartridge 200 inserted into the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200 has been coupled to the body 100, and information about the type of the coupled cartridge 200. The information about the cartridge 200 is not limited thereto.

The first sensor 154 can sense information about the cartridge 200 by sensing a change in the electromagnetic characteristics of the cartridge 200. The first sensor 154 can sense a change in the electromagnetic characteristics caused by an adjacent object. For example, the first sensor 154 can be a capacitance sensor. For example, the first sensor 154 can be a magnetic proximity sensor. The type of the first sensor 154 is not limited thereto. For example, when the stick 400 is inserted into the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200 or the volume of the liquid stored in the first chamber C1 changes, a change occurs in the electromagnetic characteristics sensed by the first sensor 154, and the first sensor 154 can sense information about the cartridge 200 by measuring this.

The first sensor 154 may include a conductor. The conductor may be formed to have a length corresponding to the insertion space 214 in the direction in which the insertion space 214 of the cartridge 200 extends. For example, the conductor may be formed to have a maximum length adjacent to the upper and lower sides of the PCB 151 in the longitudinal direction of the column 140.

The first sensor 154 can generate and output a signal. The first sensor 154 can generate a signal while a current flows through the conductor. The first sensor 154 can generate a signal corresponding to an electromagnetic characteristic of the surroundings, for example, the capacitance around the conductor.

The window 170 may be coupled to the column 140. The window 170 may be made of a transparent material. The window 170 may transmit light. The window 170 may be coupled to the column 140 to cover the PCB assembly 150 (see FIG. 26). The window 170 may have a shape that extends up and down along the column 140. The window 170 may be disposed between the column 140 and the cartridge 200. The window 170 may be disposed adjacent to the inner surface 141 of the column 140. The window 170 may surround one side of the cartridge 200. The window 170 may face the side of the cartridge 200. The window 170 may be formed thin so that the PCB assembly 150 is adjacent to the cartridge 200.

One side 171a of the window 170 can contact the side of the cartridge 200 to support the cartridge 200 (see Figures 4 to 6). The other side 171b of the window 170 can be closely attached to the PCB assembly 150 (see Figure 27). The one side 171a of the window 170 can be said to be the front side of the window 170. The other side 171b of the window 170 can be said to be the rear side of the window 170.

One surface 171a of the window 170 may have a shape corresponding to the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 that constitutes the periphery of the insertion space 214. The insertion space 214 may be located adjacent to the column 140 and the PCB assembly 150 (see FIG. 15). The insertion space 214 may be located between the first chamber C1 and the column 140. The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 that surrounds the periphery of the insertion space 214 may have a round shape that extends along the periphery of the insertion space 214. One surface 171a of the window 170 may have a round shape so as to surround the outside of the insertion space 214. One surface 171a of the window 170 may have a round shape so as to surround the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 that constitutes the periphery of the insertion space 214. One surface 171a of the window 170 may have a shape that is concave toward the direction facing the cartridge 200. One surface 171a of the window 170 may support one side wall of the cartridge 200.

At least one groove 174 for accommodating the light source 153 may be formed on the other surface 171b of the window 170. The groove 174 may be referred to as a light source groove 174 or a window groove 174. The light source groove 174 may be formed to be recessed from the other surface 171b of the window 170 toward one surface. Each of the light source grooves 174 may accommodate and cover each of the light sources 153. Each of the light source grooves 174 may be formed at a position corresponding to the position of each of the light sources 153. The light source grooves 174 may be arranged vertically. At least one of the light source grooves 174 may be formed on each side of the first sensor 154.

The other surface 171b of the window 170 may include a flat planar portion 172. The planar portion 172 may be in close contact with the PCB assembly 150. The planar portion 172 may be inserted into the installation space 144 (see FIG. 17) of the column 140. The light source groove 174 may be formed so that the planar portion 172 is recessed.

The PCB assembly 150 may include a plurality of through holes 151a. The through holes 151a may be formed on one side of the PCB 151. The through holes 151a may be formed on the upper side of the PCB 151. The through holes 151a may be formed above the light source 153 and/or the first sensor 154. The through holes 151a may be formed on both sides of the PCB 151.

The window 170 may include a plurality of through protrusions 172a. The through protrusions 172a may be protruded from the other surface 171b of the window 170. The through protrusions 172a may be formed at positions corresponding to the through holes 151a. The through protrusions 172a may protrude toward the through holes 151a. The through protrusions 172a may penetrate the through holes 151a. The through protrusions 172a may include a plurality of through protrusions. Each of the plurality of through protrusions 172a may penetrate each of the plurality of through holes 151a. The through protrusions 172a may penetrate the through holes 151a, so that the PCB assembly 150 and the window 170 can be positioned in a fixed position.

The window 170 may include a locking protrusion 173. The locking protrusion 173 may be formed on the other surface 171b of the window 170. The locking protrusion 173 may protrude from both sides of the flat portion 172. The locking protrusion 173 may include a plurality of locking protrusions arranged in the vertical direction. Each of the plurality of locking protrusions 173 may have a vertically elongated shape corresponding to the flange side portion 1451.

The column 140 may include a flange 145. The flange 145 may be disposed on the inside of the inner surface 141 of the column 140. The flange 145 may protrude inward from the inner surface 141 of the column 140. The flange 145 may be formed integrally with the column 140. The flange 145 may protrude inward from the column 140 to form an edge. The flange 145 may extend along the periphery of the assembly accommodating space 144. The flange 145 may be open in the center, through which the assembly accommodating space 144 and the container accommodating space 134 may be connected to each other.

The flange 145 may include at least one of a flange side portion 1451, a flange lower portion 1452, and a flange upper portion 1453. The flange 145 may be formed by connecting the flange side portion 1451, the flange lower portion 1452, and the flange upper portion 1453. The flange side portion 1451 may have a shape that extends elongated along the longitudinal direction of the column 140. The flange side portion 1451 may be formed spaced apart from each other on both sides of the column 140. The flange lower portion 1452 and the flange upper portion 1453 may be connected between a pair of the flange side portions 1451. The flange side portion 1451, the flange lower portion 1452, and the flange upper portion 1453 may be connected to each other to form the periphery of the flange 145. The area surrounded by the flange side portion 1451, the flange lower portion 1452, and the flange upper portion 1453 may be opened, so that the assembly accommodation space 144 and the container accommodation space 134 can be communicated with each other.

The other surface 171b of the window 170 may be attached to the flange 145. The edge of the other surface of the window 170 may be attached to the flange 145. The other surface 171b of the window 170 may be attached to the flange 145 via an adhesive member. For example, the adhesive member may be a tape or a bond. The adhesive member is not limited to the above. The locking protrusion 173 may be engaged with the flange 145 to fasten the window 170 and the flange 145. The locking protrusion 173 may be engaged with the flange side portion 1451. The flange 145 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the other surface 171b of the window 170 adjacent to the edge of the window 170. The flange lower portion 1452 and the flange upper portion 1453 may have a concave shape.

This protects the PCB assembly 150 from the outside and prevents the PCB assembly 150 from coming loose.

In addition, light emitted from the PCB assembly 150 can be provided to the cartridge 200.

In addition, the window 170, the cartridge 200 and the PCB assembly 150 can be stably coupled or fixed.

The plate 160 may cover an area of the PCB assembly 150 that avoids the at least one light source 153. The plate 160 may be attached to the PCB assembly 150 and cover the first sensor 154. The plate 160 may be transparent to electromagnetic waves. The plate 160 may be transparent to electromagnetic waves but may not be transparent to visible light or may be semi-transparent.

A printed circuit connected to the light source 153 may be printed on the PCB 151 around the light source 153. The plate 160 may cover the printed circuit printed on the PCB 151 around the light source 153. The plate 160 may have a shape that extends vertically along the first sensor 154 and may have a shape that extends from the first sensor 154 in the direction in which the printed circuit is printed.

The plate 160 may expose the light source 153 without covering it. The light source 153 may be arranged vertically on both sides with the first sensor 154 in between. The plate 160 may be open at a position corresponding to the position of the light source 153. When the plate 160 is attached to the PCB assembly 150, the light source 153 may be exposed through the area formed by the opening of the plate 160.

Therefore, the light emitted by the light source 153 is not blocked, and the first sensor 154 and/or the printed circuit printed on the PCB 151 are not exposed to the outside and can be protected from the outside.

In addition, the first sensor 154 can sense changes in the surrounding electromagnetic properties when covered by the plate 160.

Referring to FIG. 20, the PCB assembly 150 may extend along the column 140 inside the column 140. The PCB 151 may extend along the column 140. A connector 152 formed at one end of the PCB assembly 150 may be exposed to the lower side of the upper body 120. The connector 152 may be exposed to the lower side of the column 140. The connector 152 may be exposed to the lower side of the mount 130. The lower end of the column 140 may be open to form a gap 146. The connector 152 may be exposed to the lower side through the gap 146. The gap 146 may be connected to the installation space 144 (see FIG. 17).

The mount 130 may include a sensor receiving portion 137. The sensor receiving portion 137 may be formed on one side wall of the mount 130. The sensor receiving portion 137 may be formed on one side wall of the mount 130 so as to open downward, thereby providing a space 137b into which the second sensor 180 is inserted. The space 137b provided by the sensor receiving portion 137 may be referred to as a sensor receiving space 137b. An inner surface of the sensor receiving portion 137 may constitute a part of the inner surface 131 of the mount 130. An outer surface of the sensor receiving portion 137 may constitute a part of the outer surface 132 of the mount 130. The sensor receiving portion 137 may be formed at a position facing the column 140 with the container receiving space 134 at the center. The column 140 may extend upward from one side of the mount 130, and the sensor receiving portion 137 may be formed on the other side of the mount 130.

The sensing hole 137a may be formed on the inner surface 131 of the sensor accommodating portion 137. The sensing hole 137a may be formed between the sensor accommodating space 137b and the container accommodating space 134, thereby connecting the sensor accommodating space 137b and the container accommodating space 134. The sensing hole 137a may be located adjacent to the cartridge inlet 224 (see FIG. 8). The sensing hole 137a may face the cartridge inlet 224.

The sensing hole 137a can face the side. The cartridge inlet 224 is formed by opening the side of the second container 220, and the sensing hole 137a with the open side can face the cartridge inlet 224 (see FIG. 8).

21 and 22, the separation wall 112 of the lower body 110 may cover the upper side of the battery 190. The separation wall 112 may be disposed in a direction intersecting with the side wall 111 of the lower body 110 at the upper part of the lower body 110. The separation wall 112 may cover the upper side of the internal components of the lower body 110. The separation wall 112 may separate a space in which the internal components of the lower body 110 are provided from a space to which the upper body 120 is coupled. The separation wall 112 may be disposed at the lower part of the upper body 120. The side wall 111 of the lower body 110 may extend upwardly beyond the separation wall 112 and surround the periphery of the separation wall 112. The inner peripheral surface of the side wall 111 of the lower body 110 extending above the separation wall 112 may surround the periphery of the lower part of the mount 130.

The second sensor 180 may be provided on the upper part of one side of the lower body 110. The second sensor 180 may be disposed on the upper side of the separation wall 112. The second sensor 180 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the sensor receiving portion 137 of the mount 130. The sensor support portion 185 may extend upward from one side of the separation wall 112 to support the second sensor 180. The second sensor 180 may be disposed to face in a lateral direction.

The upper body 120 may be coupled to the upper side of the lower body 110. The body latch 115 may be formed on the upper part of the lower body 110. The body latch 115 may be formed on one end of the separation wall 112. The body latch 115 may have a protruding shape. The body latch 115 may be inserted into the fastening hole 135 of the mount 130 to fasten the mount 130 and the lower body 110.

The body rib 116 may have a shape that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 111 of the lower body 110. The body rib 116 may have a shape that extends along the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 111 of the lower body 110. The body rib 116 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the body rib 116 may be manufactured from a material such as rubber or silicone. The body rib 116 may be positioned above the separation wall 112. The body rib 116 may be inserted into the rib groove 136 of the mount 130 to be in close contact.

The second fixing portion 118 may be disposed on the upper portion of the lower body 110. The second fixing portion 118 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first fixing portion 138. The second fixing portion 118 may be formed around the separation wall 112. The second fixing portion 118 may have a shape that protrudes upward or is recessed downward. The second fixing portion 118 may include a plurality of second fixing portions. The second fixing portion 118 may be coupled to the first fixing portion 138 of the mount 130.

Thus, the upper body 120 can be connected to the lower body 110.

In addition, the position of the mount 130 can be stably fixed to the lower body 110, preventing the upper body 120 from shaking relative to the lower body 110.

The connection terminal hole 133a may be formed in the bottom 133 of the mount 130. The connection terminal hole 133a may have a slit shape. The connection terminal hole 133a may have a pair of connection terminal holes (see FIG. 20). The first connection terminal 191 may be formed to protrude above the separation wall 112. The first connection terminal 191 may have a pair of first connection terminals. The first connection terminal 191 and the connection terminal hole 133a may be formed at positions corresponding to each other. When the upper body 120 is coupled to the lower body 110, the first connection terminal 191 may be exposed to the container receiving space 134 through the connection terminal hole 133a. When the second cartridge 200 is coupled to the upper body 120, the heater 262 (see FIG. 8) may contact the first connection terminal 191 and be electrically connected to at least one of the devices such as the battery 190 and the control device 193. The devices to be electrically connected are not limited thereto.

The PCB assembly 150 may be electrically connected to devices inside the lower body 110 through a connector 152 exposed on the lower side of the upper body 120. One side of the separation wall 112 may be opened to form a connector insertion hole 117. The connector insertion hole 117 may be formed at a position corresponding to the column 140. The connector insertion hole 117 may be open upward. The connection terminal 192 may be located below the connector insertion hole 117 inside the lower body 110. When the upper body 120 is coupled to the lower body 110, the connector 152 may be inserted into the connector insertion hole 117 and contact the second connection terminal 192. When the connector 152 contacts the second connection terminal 192, the PCB assembly 150 may be electrically connected to at least one of devices such as a battery 190 and a control device 193 through the connector 152. The devices to be electrically connected are not limited thereto.

When the upper body 120 is coupled to the lower body 110, the second sensor 180 may be inserted into the space 137b provided by the sensor accommodating portion 137. The sensor accommodating portion 137 may surround the second sensor 180. When the mount 130 is coupled to the lower body 110, the second sensor 180 may be inserted upward from the lower side of the sensor accommodating space 137b. The sensing hole 137a formed by opening the sensor accommodating portion 137 may open toward the cartridge 200. The second sensor 180 may face the sensing hole 137a inside the sensor accommodating portion 137. The second sensor 180 may be disposed inside the sensor accommodating portion 137 so as to face the cartridge inlet 224 (see FIG. 15). The second sensor 180 may sense the flow of air flowing around the sensing hole 137a.

Referring to Figures 23 to 25, the cartridge 200 may include at least one of a first container 210, a second container 220, a wick 261, and a heater 262. The cartridge 200 may include a sealing member 250.

The first container 210 may be formed in a hollow shape. The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may surround an internal space. The first container 210 may provide a first chamber C1 for storing liquid therein. The first chamber C1 may be open on one side or on the bottom. The first container 210 may have an insertion space 214 into which the stick 400 can be inserted. The first chamber C1 and the stick 400 may be partitioned from each other inside the first container 210. The insertion space 214 may have an elongated shape with both ends open. The insertion space 214 may be elongated vertically and open at the top and bottom. The periphery of the insertion space 214 may extend in a circumferential direction. The insertion space 214 may have a cylindrical shape.

The inner wall 212 of the first container 210 is located inside the first container 210 and can separate the internal space of the first container 210. The inner wall 212 of the first container 210 can partition a first chamber C1 on one side of the space surrounded by the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and an insertion space 214 on the other side. The inner wall 212 of the first container 210 can extend in a circumferential direction and surround at least a portion of the periphery of the insertion space 214.

This improves the efficiency of the space used to store the liquid and improves the convenience of the user's inhalation action.

The second container 220 may be connected to the first container 210. The second container 220 may be connected to one side or the bottom of the first container 210. The second container 220 may close the open side of the first chamber C1. The second container 220 may provide a second chamber C2 therein that communicates with the insertion space 214. The wick 261 may be provided inside the second container 220.

The cartridge inlet 224 can connect the second chamber C2 to the outside of the cartridge 200. The cartridge inlet 224 can be formed in the outer wall of the second container 220. The cartridge inlet 224 can be formed in the side wall 221 of the second container 220. The cartridge inlet 224 can be open toward the side. The cartridge inlet 224 can be formed at a position higher than the bottom 222 of the second container 220.

This prevents droplets present in the connecting flow path 2314 from leaking outside the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 224.

The second container 220 may include at least one of a lower case 230 and a frame 240. The lower case 230 may form the outer shape of the second container 220. The lower case 230 may be disposed below the first container 210. The lower case 230 may be coupled to the first container 210. The lower case 230 may be coupled to the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The periphery of the lower case 230 may be coupled to the periphery of the first container 210. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed in the outer wall of the lower case 230. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed in a side wall 2311 of the lower case 230. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom 2312 of the lower case 230. The lower case 230 may provide an accommodating space 2310 therein. The lower case 230 may accommodate at least a portion of the frame 240 in the accommodating space 2310. The lower case 230 may support the frame 240.

The lower case 230 may include a receiving portion 231. The receiving portion 231 may provide a receiving space 2310 therein. The receiving space 2310 may be formed above the receiving portion 231. The receiving portion 231 may surround the sides and the bottom of the receiving space 2310. The sidewalls 2311 of the receiving portion 231 may surround the sides of the receiving space 2310. The bottom 2312 of the receiving portion 231 may cover the bottom of the receiving space 2310. The second chamber C2 may be formed at a position where the receiving space 2310 is formed. The receiving portion 231 may surround a portion of the second chamber C2.

The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed on one side of the accommodating portion 231. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed on an outer wall of the accommodating portion 231. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed on one side wall 2311 of the accommodating portion 231. The cartridge inlet 224 may be located adjacent to the lower side of the extension portion 232. The cartridge inlet 224 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom 2312 of the accommodating portion 231.

The receiving portion 231 may provide a connection channel 2314 therein. The connection channel 2314 may be connected to the cartridge inlet 224. The connection channel 2314 may be formed between the receiving portion 231 and the frame 240. The connection channel 2314 may be surrounded by the receiving portion 231 and the frame 240. The connection channel 2314 may be located between the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424. The connection channel 2314 may connect the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424.

The blocking wall 2317 may be formed on the connecting passage 2314. The blocking wall 2317 may be protruded upward from the bottom of the connecting passage 2314. The blocking wall 2317 may be protruded upward from the bottom 2312 of the accommodating part 231 or the bottom of the frame 240. The connecting passage 2314 may surround the blocking wall 2317. The blocking wall 2317 may be disposed between the cartridge inlet 224 and the chamber inlet 2424. The blocking wall 2317 may be disposed between one side wall 2311 of the accommodating part 231 and one side wall 2421 of the second frame part 242. The blocking wall 2317 may be formed parallel to one side wall 2311 of the accommodating part 231. The blocking wall 2317 may face one side wall 2311 of the accommodating part 231. The blocking wall 2317 may be formed parallel to one side wall 2421 of the second frame part 242. The blocking wall 2317 may face one side wall 2421 of the second frame part 242. The blocking wall 2317 may extend higher than the height of the cartridge inlet 224 and/or the chamber inlet 2424. The blocking wall 2317 may extend lower than the height of the extension part 232 and/or the bottom part 2411. The blocking wall 2317 may extend long in a direction intersecting the direction in which the cartridge inlet 224 and/or the chamber inlet 2424 open. The cartridge inlet 224 may face the blocking wall 2317. The chamber inlet 2424 may face the blocking wall 2317.

This prevents droplets generated in the second chamber C2 from leaking outside the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 224.

The lower case 230 may include an extension 232 extending outward from the receiving portion 231. The extension 232 may extend outward from an upper end of one side of the receiving portion 231. The extension 232 may extend outward from a side wall 2311 of the receiving portion 231 in which the cartridge inlet 224 is formed. The extension 232 may be located below the first chamber C1. The extension 232 may support the first frame portion 241.

The lower case 230 may include a peripheral portion 2322 that is coupled to the periphery of the first container 210. The peripheral portion 2322 may extend along the periphery of the lower case 230 from the upper end of the lower case 230. The peripheral portion 2322 may extend along the periphery of the receiving portion 231 and the extension portion 232. The peripheral portion 2322 may have a continuous band shape. The peripheral portion 2322 may have a shape that protrudes upward from the periphery of the lower case 230. The peripheral portion 2322 may be coupled to the lower end of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The lower end of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be recessed upward so that the peripheral portion 2322 can be inserted therein. The peripheral portion 2322 and the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be attached to each other via an adhesive member. For example, the adhesive member may be a tape, a bond, or the like. The adhesive member is not limited to those described above.

The frame 240 may be disposed between the lower case 230 and the first container 210. At least a portion of the frame 240 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 2310. The frame 240 may be coupled to the lower case 230 within the accommodation space 2310. The frame 240 may close the open side or the lower side of the first chamber C1. The frame 240 may form the bottom of the first chamber C1. The frame 240 may partition the interior of the lower case 230 to provide the second chamber C2. The frame 240 may surround at least a portion of the second chamber C2. The second chamber C2 may be surrounded by the frame 240 and the outer wall of the accommodation portion 231. The second chamber C2 may be formed below the insertion space 214. The second chamber C2 may be connected to the lower end of the insertion space 214. The chamber inlet 2424 may be formed on one side of the frame 240. The chamber inlet 2424 may be connected to the second chamber C2.

The frame 240 may include a first frame part 241 forming the bottom of the first chamber C1. The first frame part 241 may close the open side of the first chamber C1. The frame 240 may include a second frame part 242 dividing the interior of the lower case 230 to provide the second chamber C2. The second frame part 242 may be accommodated inside the lower case 230. The second frame part 242 may be connected to the first frame part 241. The second frame part 242 may surround at least a portion of the second chamber C2.

The second frame part 242 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 2310. The sidewall 2421 of the second frame part 242 may surround at least a portion of the side of the second chamber C2. The bottom 2422 of the second frame part 242 may form the bottom of the second chamber C2. The accommodation part 231 may support the second frame part 242. The bottom 2312 of the accommodation part 231 may support the bottom 2422 of the second frame part 242. The chamber inlet 2424 may be formed in the sidewall 2421 of the second frame part 242. The chamber inlet 2424 may be open in the lateral direction. The chamber inlet 2424 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom of the second chamber C2 or the bottom 2422 of the second frame part 242.

This prevents droplets generated in the second chamber C2 from leaking outside the second chamber C2 through the chamber inlet 2424.

The first frame part 241 may have a shape extending outward from one side of the second frame part 242. The first frame part 241 may extend from the upper part of the accommodation space 2310 in the direction in which the extension part 232 extends. The first frame part 241 may cover a portion of the upper side of the lower case 230. The lower case 230 may support one side of the first frame part 241.

The bottom 2411 of the first frame part 241 may form the bottom of the first chamber C1. The bottom 2411 of the first frame part 241 may extend outward from the upper end of one side wall 2421 of the second frame part 242. The bottom 2411 of the first frame part 241 may extend in a direction in which the extension part 232 is formed. The bottom 2411 of the first frame part 241 may cover the upper side of the extension part 232 and the connecting passage 2314. The bottom 2411 of the first frame part 241 may be supported by the extension part 232.

The sidewall 2412 of the first frame part 241 may extend from one side of the periphery of the bottom 2422 of the second frame part 242 along the periphery of the bottom 2411 of the first frame part 241. The sidewall 2412 of the first frame part 241 may have a band shape extending along the edge of the bottom 2411 of the first frame part 241. The sidewall 2412 of the first frame part 241 may protrude upward from the periphery of the bottom 2411. A portion of the sidewall 2412 of the first frame part 241 adjacent to the second frame part 242 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 2310. The sidewall 2311 of the accommodation part 231 may support a portion of the sidewall 2412 of the first frame part 241 adjacent to the second frame part 242.

The sidewall 2311 and the bottom 2312 of the receiving part 231 may surround one side of the connecting passage 2314. The bottom 2411 of the first frame part 241 and the sidewall 2421 of the second frame part 242 may surround the other side of the connecting passage 2314. The rounded surface 2418 may extend round between the first frame part 241 and the second frame part 242. The rounded surface 2418 may face one side of the connecting passage 2314. The rounded surface 2418 may extend round from the first frame part 241 toward the chamber inlet 2424. The rounded surface 2418 may extend round from the bottom 2411 of the first frame part 241 toward the sidewall 2421 of the second frame part 242. The rounded surface 2418 may be located on the upper side of the connecting passage 2314. The rounded surface 2418 may be spaced upward from the blocking wall 2317. A portion of the connecting flow channel 2314 may be located between the rounded surface 2418 and the blocking wall 2317.

The hook 2415 may be formed on the first frame part 241. The hook 2415 may be formed adjacent to the periphery of the first frame part 241. The hook 2415 may protrude upward from the bottom 2411 of the first frame part 241 and have an outwardly curved shape. The hook 2415 may be located adjacent to or in contact with the side wall 2412 of the first frame part 241. An end of the hook 2415 may be curved outward and disposed on the upper side of the side wall 2412 of the first frame part 241. The hook 2415 may be made up of a plurality of hooks. The plurality of hooks 2415 may be arranged along the periphery of the first frame part 241. The hook 2415 may be made up of three hooks. The sealing member 250 may be fastened to the hooks 2415.

The wick 261 may be provided in the second chamber C2. The wick 261 may be connected to the first chamber C1. The wick 261 may receive the liquid stored in the first chamber C1 from the first chamber C1. The heater 262 may be provided in the second chamber C2. The heater 262 may heat the wick 261. The heater 262 may wind up the wick 261. The heater 262 may heat the wick 261 that has received the liquid to generate an aerosol in the second chamber C2. The wick 261 may be fixed to the second frame part 242. The wick insertion groove 2426 may be formed such that the side wall 2421 of the second frame part 242 is recessed downward. A pair of wick insertion grooves 2426 may be formed on both sides. Both ends of the wick 261 may be inserted and fixed into the wick insertion grooves 2426 on both sides, respectively.

Air can flow into the cartridge 200 through the cartridge inlet 224. The air flowing in through the cartridge inlet 224 can sequentially pass through the connecting flow path 2314, the chamber inlet 2424, the second chamber C2, and the insertion space 214. The air passing through the connecting flow path 2314 can flow along the rounded surface 2418 between the blocking wall 2317 and the rounded surface 2418 and flow into the chamber inlet 2424. The air passing through the second chamber C2 can flow with the aerosol generated in the second chamber C2.

This reduces the loss of air flow within the connecting flow path 2314.

The aerosol can also be provided to the insertion space 214 and/or to a stick 400 inserted into the insertion space 214.

The sealing member 250 may be disposed between the first container 210 and the second container 220. The sealing member 250 may be disposed between the first chamber C1, which has one side open, and the second container 220, which closes the open side of the first chamber C1. The sealing member 250 may be disposed or inserted between the first chamber C1 and the frame 240. The sealing member 250 may surround the lower end of the first chamber C1. The sealing member 250 may be in close contact with the first container 210 and the frame 240. A portion of the sealing member 250 may be in close contact with the second container 220. The sealing member 250 may have a continuous strip shape.

This prevents the liquid stored in the first chamber C1 from leaking through the gap formed at the joint between the members that divide the first chamber C1.

The sealing member 250 may include at least one of a first sealing portion 251 and a second sealing portion 252. The first sealing portion 251 may be disposed or inserted between the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the first frame portion 241. The first sealing portion 251 may extend along the outer wall 211 of the first container 210. The first sealing portion 251 may be in close contact with the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 and the side wall 2411 of the first frame portion 241. The first sealing portion 251 may be fastened to a hook 2415 formed on the first frame portion 241. A plurality of hooks 2415 may be arranged along the periphery of the first sealing portion 251. At least a portion of the first sealing portion 251 may be inserted between an end of the hook 2415 and the side wall 2412 of the first frame portion 241 to be in close contact.

The second sealing part 252 may be connected to the first sealing part 251. The second sealing part 252 may be disposed between the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 and the second frame part 242. The second sealing part 252 may be disposed between the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2. The second sealing part 252 may extend from the first sealing part 251 along the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. The second sealing part 252 may be in close contact with the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 and the upper end of the second frame part 242. The inner wall 212 of the first container 210 may press the upper part of the second sealing part 252 toward the second frame part 242. A portion of the second sealing part 252 may be inserted into the second frame part 242.

Referring to FIG. 25, the side wall 2421 of the second frame portion 242 may surround the side of the second chamber C2. The side wall 2421 of the second frame portion 242 may be located adjacent to the lower end of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210.

The lower support surface 2522 and the side support surface 2523 may surround and be in close contact with the lower edge of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. The lower support surface 2522 may support the lower surface of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. The lower support surface 2522 may extend along the periphery of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210.

The side support surface 2523 may extend along the periphery of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. The side support surface 2523 may support a side surface adjacent to the lower end surface of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210.

The support portion 2428 may be disposed below the inner wall 212 of the first container 210. The support portion 2428 may be located on an extension of the inner wall 212 of the first container 210.

The first container 210 may be coupled to the second container 220. The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be coupled to the periphery of the lower case 230. The lower end of the outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be recessed upward so that the periphery 2322 may be inserted therein. The outer wall 211 of the first container 210 may be attached to the periphery 2322.

When the first container 210 is coupled to the lower case 230, the first sealing part 251 can be tightly attached to the first frame part 241 and the outer wall 211 of the first container 210.

When the first container 210 is coupled to the lower case 230, the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 can press the second sealing part 252 toward the second frame part 242. When the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 presses the second sealing part 252, the second sealing part 252 can be in close contact with the inner wall 212 and the second frame part 242 of the first container 210. The second sealing part 252 can transmit the force received from the inner wall 212 of the first container 210 to the first sealing part 251 and the second frame part 242.

As a result, the number of parts that need to be bonded via adhesive materials can be reduced, the number of parts required for bonding between components can be reduced, and the internal bonding structure of the cartridge 200 can be simplified, improving manufacturability.

In addition, the sealing member 250 can be stably attached or fixed without a separate adhesive member, and can seal closely around the periphery.

Referring to FIG. 26, the stick 400 may include a medium portion 410. The stick 400 may include a cooling portion 420. The stick 400 may include a filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430. The stick 400 may include a wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 may encase the medium portion 410. The wrapper 440 may encase the cooling portion 420. The wrapper 440 may encase the filter portion 430. The stick 400 may have a cylindrical shape.

The medium portion 410 may include a medium 411. The medium portion 410 may include a first medium cover 413. The medium portion 410 may include a second medium cover 415. The medium 411 may be disposed between the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415. The first medium cover 413 may be disposed at one end of the stick 400. The length of the medium portion 410 may be 24 mm.

The medium 411 may contain various substances. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances of various ingredients. The medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The medium 411 may be filled with granules to about 70%. The length L2 of the medium 411 may be 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 may be composed of an acetate material. The second medium cover 415 may be composed of an acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be composed of a paper material. The second medium cover 415 may be composed of a paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 may be composed of a paper material and may have a wrinkled shape, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between them for air to flow. The gaps may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L3 of the second medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 413 may be 7 mm.

Therefore, each granule of the medium 411 cannot detach from the medium portion 410 and the stick 400.

The cooling part 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling part 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling part 420 may be disposed between the medium part 410 and the filter part 430. The cooling part 420 may be disposed between the second medium part 415 and the filter part 430. The cooling part 420 may be formed in a tubular shape surrounding the cooling passage 424 therein. The cooling part 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440. The cooling part 420 may be made of a paper material that is thicker than the wrapper 440. The length L4 of the cooling part 420 may be the same as or approximately the same as the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L4 of the cooling part 420 and the cooling passage 424 may be 10 mm. When the stick 400 is inserted into the aerosol generating device (see FIG. 3), at least a portion of the cooling part 420 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

Therefore, the cooling unit 420 can support the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, and ensure the rigidity of the stick 400. The cooling unit 420 can also support the wrapper 440 between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, and ensure the area where the wrapper 440 is attached. The heated air and aerosol can also be cooled as they pass through the cooling passage 424 inside the cooling unit 420.

The filter part 430 may be composed of an acetate filter. The filter part 430 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 400. When the stick 400 is inserted into the aerosol generating device (see FIG. 3), the filter part 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device. A user may inhale air by holding the filter part 430 in their mouth. The length L5 of the filter part 430 may be 14 mm.

The wrapper 440 may wrap or surround the medium part 410, the cooling part 420 and the filter part 430. The wrapper 440 may form the outer shape of the stick 400. The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. The adhesive part 441 may be formed on one side end of the wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 wraps the medium part 410, the cooling part 420 and the filter part 430, and the adhesive part 441 formed on one side edge and the other side edge may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 wrapping the medium part 410, the cooling part 420 and the filter part 430 may not cover one end and the other end of the stick 400.

The wrapper 440 therefore fixes the medium section 410, the cooling section 420 and the filter section 430 and prevents them from coming off the stick 400.

The first thin film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The first thin film 443 may surround the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first thin film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 may be adhered to or coated on the wrapper 440.

The second thin film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415. The second thin film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second medium cover 415, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The second thin film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 445 may be made of an aluminum material. The second thin film 445 may be adhered to or coated on the wrapper 440.

Therefore, when a capacitance sensor that recognizes a stick is inserted inside the aerosol generating device, the capacitance sensor can detect whether the stick 400 is inserted inside the aerosol generating device.

Figure 27 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 27, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a communication interface 1100, an input/output interface 1200, an aerosol generating module 1300, a memory 1400, a sensor module 1500, a battery 1600, and/or a control unit 1700.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be composed of only the body 100. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 may be located in the body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be composed of the body 100 and a cartridge 200 that holds the aerosol generating material. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 may be located in at least one of the body 100 and the cartridge 200.

The communication interface 1100 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or a network. For example, the communication interface 1100 may include a communication module for wired communication such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 1100 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, and near field communication (NFC).

The input/output interface 1200 may include an input device that receives commands from a user and/or an output device that outputs information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include a display device that outputs visual information such as a display or an LED, an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor that outputs tactile information such as a haptic effect, etc.

The input/output interface 1200 can transmit data corresponding to commands input by a user via an input device to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 1000, and can output information corresponding to data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 1000 via an output device.

The aerosol generating module 1300 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol generating material can be any one of a variety of materials, such as a liquid, solid, or gel, capable of generating an aerosol, or a combination of two or more materials.

The liquid aerosol generating material may in one embodiment be a liquid containing tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor components, and in other embodiments may be a liquid containing non-tobacco materials. For example, the liquid aerosol generating material may include water, solvent, nicotine, botanical extracts, flavors, flavorings, vitamin mixtures, etc.

The solid-state aerosol generating material may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, and granules. The solid-state aerosol generating material may also include solid materials containing taste modifiers, flavoring substances, and the like. For example, taste modifiers may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, flavoring substances may include natural substances such as herb granules, or silica, zeolite, dextrin, and the like that contain fragrance ingredients.

The aerosol generating material may also include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The aerosol generation module 1300 may include at least one heater.

The aerosol generating module 1300 may include an electrically resistive heater (e.g., heater 262, see FIG. 2). For example, the electrically resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track and may be heated by an electric current passing through the electrically conductive track. Here, the aerosol generating material may be heated by the heated electrically resistive heater.

The electrically conductive track may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

The electrical resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track formed in a variety of shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tube, a plate, a needle, a rod, and a coil.

The aerosol generating module 1300 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil, and an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically may be generated by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. Here, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy to heat the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be called a susceptor.

On the other hand, the aerosol generating module 1300 can also generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

The aerosol generating module 1300 may be referred to as a cartomizer, atomizer, vaporizer, etc.

The memory 1400 can store programs for each signal processing and control within the control unit 1700, and can store processed data and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 1400 may store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by the control unit 1700, and may selectively provide a portion of the stored application programs upon request of the control unit 1700.

For example, the memory 1400 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's inhalation pattern, etc. Here, a puff may refer to the user's inhalation, and inhalation may be the act of the user drawing air into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

The memory 1400 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) and non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

The memory 1400 may be disposed in at least one of the body 100, the cartridge 200, and the cap 300. The memory 1400 may be disposed in each of the body 100 and the cartridge 200. For example, the memory of the body 100 may store information about a configuration disposed inside the body 100, such as information about the total capacity of the battery 190, and the memory of the cartridge 200 may store information about a configuration disposed inside the cartridge 200, such as information about the resistance value of the heater 262.

The sensor module 1500 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 1500 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor), for example, the second sensor 180 (see FIG. 2). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented using a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

For example, the sensor module 1500 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater 262 included in the aerosol generation module 1300, the temperature of the aerosol generation material, etc.

Here, the heater 262 included in the aerosol generating module 1300 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater 262 is a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance, and the sensor module 1500 may sense the temperature of the heater 262 by measuring the resistance of the heater 262, which changes depending on the temperature.

For example, the sensor module 1500 may include a sensor (hereinafter, referred to as an ambient temperature sensor) that detects the temperature around the aerosol generation module 1300. Here, the ambient temperature sensor may be disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance or more from the heater 262. For example, when the body 100 and the cartridge 200 are combined, the ambient temperature sensor may be disposed at a lower side of the lower body 110, taking into consideration that the heater 262 is located at an upper side of the lower body 110.

For example, if a stick can be inserted into the body 100 and/or cartridge 200 of the aerosol generating device 1000, the sensor module 1500 can include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a stick sensor) that detects the insertion of the stick.

For example, if the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a cartridge 200, the sensor module 1500 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment/detachment and position of the cartridge 200 relative to the body 100.

Here, the stick sensor and/or cartridge detection sensor may be implemented using an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor using the Hall effect, etc. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first sensor 154 (see FIG. 17) may be configured as a stick detection sensor. Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge detection sensor may include a first connection terminal 191 (see FIG. 28).

For example, the sensor module 1500 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., the battery 1600) provided in the aerosol generating device 1000 and/or a current sensor that detects the current.

The battery 1600 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 under the control of the control unit 1700. The battery 1600 may supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 1000, such as a communication module included in the communication interface 1100, an output device included in the input/output interface 1200, and a heater 262 included in the aerosol generating module 1300. For example, the battery 1600 may be a battery 190 housed inside the lower body 110.

The battery 1600 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1600 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-polymer battery, a lithium-ion phosphate battery, etc. For example, the battery 1600 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO ₂ ) battery, a lithium titanate battery, etc.

The aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 1600. The battery protection module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 1600. For example, the battery protection module (PCM) may cut off an electrical path to the battery 1600 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 1600, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 1600, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 1600, etc., in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 1600.

The aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, a charging terminal (e.g., a charging port 119 (see FIG. 2)) may be formed on one side of the body 100 of the aerosol generating device 1000, and the aerosol generating device 1000 may charge the battery 1600 using the power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

The aerosol generating device 1000 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 1100. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 can wirelessly receive power via an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication, and can charge the battery 1600 using the wirelessly supplied power.

The control unit 1700 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the control unit 1700 can include a control device 193 housed inside the lower body 110.

The control unit 1700 is connected to each component provided in the aerosol generating device 1000 and can transmit and/or receive signals between each component to control the overall operation of each component.

The control unit 1700 may include at least one processor, and may use the processor included therein to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC, or a processor based on other hardware.

The control unit 1700 can perform any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the control unit 1700 can perform any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 1000 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, a cleaning function, etc.) depending on the state of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 1000, a user's command received via the input/output interface 1200, etc.

The control unit 1700 can control the operation of each component of the aerosol generating device 1000 based on the data stored in the memory 1400. For example, the control unit 1700 can control the battery 1600 to supply a predetermined amount of power to the aerosol generating module 1300 for a predetermined period of time based on data about a temperature profile, a user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 1400.

The control unit 1700 can determine the occurrence of a puff through the puff sensor included in the sensor module 1500. For example, the control unit 1700 can check the temperature change, flow rate change, pressure change, voltage change, etc. in the aerosol generating device 1000 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor, and can determine the occurrence of a puff based on the checked results.

The control unit 1700 can control the operation of each component of the aerosol generating device 1000 based on the occurrence of puffs and/or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 1700 can control the heater 262 to change or maintain its temperature based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 1400.

The control unit 1700 may control the power supply to the heater 262 to be cut off according to a predetermined condition. For example, the control unit 1700 may control the power supply to the heater 262 to be cut off when the stick 400 is removed from the insertion space 214, when the cartridge 200 is separated from the body 100, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or more, when the remaining capacity of the battery 1600 is less than a predetermined value, etc.

The control unit 1700 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the battery 1600. For example, the control unit 1700 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 1600 based on the sensing values of the voltage sensor and/or the current sensor included in the sensor module 1500.

The control unit 1700 can control the supply of power to the heater 262 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

For example, the control unit 1700 can use a PWM method to control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater 262. Here, the control unit 1700 can control the power supplied to the heater 262 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit 1700 can determine a target temperature to be controlled based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 1700 can control the power supplied to the heater 262 using a PID method, which is a feedback control method based on the difference between the temperature of the heater 262 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

Meanwhile, the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater 262, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various control methods such as the PI (Proportional-Integral) method and the PD (Proportional-Differential) method can be used.

The control unit 1700 can determine the temperature of the heater 262 and can adjust the power supplied to the heater 262 according to the temperature of the heater 262. For example, the control unit 1700 can determine the current flowing through the heater 262 and can determine the temperature of the heater using the determined current and the temperature coefficient of the resistance of the heater 262.

Referring to FIG. 28, when the body 100 and the cartridge 200 are combined, the current sensor 197 of the body 100 can be connected in series to the heater 262 of the cartridge 200.

The power supply circuit 195 disposed inside the body 100 can supply the power stored in the battery 190 to the heater 262. Here, the power supplied from the power supply circuit 195 to the heater 262 can be adjusted under the control of the control unit 1700.

When the heater 262 and the current sensor 197 are connected in series, the same level of current can flow through the heater 262 and the current sensor 197. Here, the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor provided in the current sensor 197 can be a value that does not change depending on the temperature.

The control unit 1700 can determine the voltage V1 applied to the heater 262 and the current sensor 197 based on the power supplied from the power supply circuit 195 to the heater 262, the current flowing through the heater 262 and the current sensor 197, and the like. The control unit 1700 can calculate the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor based on the current flowing through the shunt resistor of the current sensor 197 and the resistance value Rs of the shunt resistor. Here, the control unit 1700 can calculate the voltage applied to the heater 262 as the difference (V1-V2) between the voltage V1 applied to the heater 262 and the current sensor 197 and the voltage V2 applied to the shunt resistor. The control unit 1700 can also calculate the resistance value Rh of the heater 262 based on the voltage applied to the heater 262 and the current flowing through the heater 262.

Therefore, even while the wick 261 is being heated by the heater 262, the control unit 1700 can determine the temperature of the heater 262 in real time using the current flowing through the heater 262 calculated via the current sensor 197.

Meanwhile, the resistor of the heater 262 may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), and the resistance value Rh of the heater 262 may vary depending on the temperature of the resistor. The controller 1700 may calculate the temperature of the heater 262 based on the temperature coefficient of the resistor of the heater 262, the resistance value Rh of the heater 262, and the resistance value of the heater 262 at a reference temperature, using a formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 262. Here, the formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 262 may be expressed as the following Equation 1.

In the above mathematical formula 1, TCR may be the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 262, T1 may be the temperature of the heater 262, R1 may be the resistance value of the heater 262, T0 may be the reference temperature, and R0 may be the resistance value of the heater 262 at the reference temperature. Here, T0 may be 25°C, and R0 may be the resistance value of the heater 262 at 25°C.

However, the resistance value of the heater 262 at the reference temperature may differ for each cartridge 200 due to manufacturing errors of the cartridge 200, etc. Taking this into consideration, the cartridge 200 can store data on the reference temperatures corresponding to a plurality of ambient temperatures, data on the resistance value of the heater 262, etc. in a memory provided in the cartridge 200. The control unit 1700 can determine the reference temperature T0 and/or the resistance value R0 of the heater 262 at the reference temperature T0 used in the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 262 based on the data stored in the memory of the cartridge 200.

Figure 29 is a flowchart showing a method of operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 29, the aerosol generating device 1000 can determine the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000 through an ambient temperature sensor included in the sensor module 1500 in operation S2910. Here, the ambient temperature may be the temperature of the indoor or outdoor environment in which the aerosol generating device 1000 is located.

In operation S2920, the aerosol generating device 1000 can update the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 262 based on the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 can determine a reference temperature used in the calculation formula and a resistance value of the heater 262 at the reference temperature corresponding to the ambient temperature determined by the ambient temperature sensor, and can update the calculation formula with the determined value.

The aerosol generating device 1000 can determine the temperature of the heater 262 using the updated calculation formula in operation S2930. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 can calculate the current flowing through the heater 262 and the voltage applied to the heater 262 via a current sensor 197 connected in series to the heater 262. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 can calculate the resistance value of the heater 262 based on the current flowing through the heater 262 and the voltage applied to the heater 262, and can determine the temperature of the heater 262 by substituting the resistance value of the heater 262 into the updated calculation formula.

The aerosol generating device 1000 can adjust the power supplied to the heater 262 based on the determined temperature of the heater 262 in operation S2940. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 can determine a target temperature to be controlled using a temperature profile stored in the memory 1400. Here, the aerosol generating device 1000 can increase, decrease, or maintain the power supplied to the heater 262 taking into account the target temperature and the temperature of the heater 262.

Figure 30 is a flowchart showing a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed explanations of the contents that overlap with those described in Figure 29 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 30, the aerosol generating device 1000 can detect the connection of the cartridge 200 to the body 100 through the cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 1500 in operation S3010. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 can detect the connection of the cartridge 200 to the body 100 based on whether the first connection terminal 191 protruding to the outside of the body 100 contacts the heater 262 of the cartridge 200.

When the aerosol generating device 1000 detects the connection between the body 100 and the cartridge 200 in operation S3020, it can determine whether predetermined data is stored in the memory of the cartridge 200. Here, the predetermined data can be data regarding a formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 262. For example, the predetermined data can include data regarding reference temperatures and/or data regarding the resistance value of the heater 262, each corresponding to a plurality of ambient temperatures.

When predetermined data is stored in the memory of the cartridge 200 in operation S3030, the aerosol generating device 1000 can determine the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000 via the ambient temperature sensor included in the sensor module 1500.

In operation S3040, the aerosol generating device 1000 can determine data corresponding to the ambient temperature in the memory of the cartridge 200. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 can determine a reference temperature T0 corresponding to the ambient temperature and/or a resistance value R0 of the heater 262 at the reference temperature T0 from the data stored in the memory of the cartridge 200.

In operation S3050, the aerosol generating device 1000 can update the calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 262 based on data corresponding to the ambient temperature.

In operation S3060, the aerosol generating device 1000 can determine the temperature of the heater 262 using the updated calculation formula.

In operation S3070, the aerosol generating device 1000 can adjust the power supplied to the heater 262 based on the determined temperature of the heater 262.

The aerosol generating device 1000 may determine whether use of the heater 262 has ended in operation S3080. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may monitor the number of puffs from the time when a puff is first detected through the puff sensor of the sensor module 1500, and may determine that use of the heater 262 has ended when the number of puffs reaches the maximum number of puffs. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine that use of the heater 262 has ended when the remaining capacity of the battery 190 is less than a predetermined value.

If the use of the heater 262 is not terminated, the aerosol generating device 1000 can continue to perform the operation of determining the temperature of the heater 262 and the operation of adjusting the power supplied to the heater 262 using the updated calculation formula.

Meanwhile, in operation S3090, if the predetermined data is not stored in the memory of the cartridge 200, the aerosol generating device 1000 can output a message via the output device of the input/output interface 1200 indicating that the cartridge 200 cannot be used. For example, if data regarding a formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 262 is not stored in the memory of the cartridge 200, the aerosol generating device 1000 can determine that the cartridge 200 is an unauthenticated unauthorized cartridge and can output a message regarding the unauthorized cartridge.

In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 can cut off the supply of power to the heater 262 if the specified data is not stored in the memory of the cartridge 200.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the efficiency of gas flow can be improved, thereby improving the efficiency of heat transfer of the aerosol to the stick 400.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, data about the heater 262 provided in the cartridge 200 can be used to optimize the power supplied to the heater 262.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature of the heater 262 can be accurately determined using the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature of the heater 262 can be determined in real time while the wick 261 is being heated by the heater 262.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 30, an aerosol generating device 1000 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a cartridge 200 having a chamber C1 for storing liquid, a body 100 coupled to the cartridge 200, an ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000, and a control unit 1700. The cartridge 200 includes a wick 261 connected to the chamber C1, and a heater 262 for heating the wick 261. The control unit 1700 updates a formula for calculating the temperature of the heater 262 based on the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor, determines the temperature of the heater 262 based on the updated formula, and adjusts the power supplied to the heater 262 based on the determined temperature of the heater 262.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge 200 may include a first container 210 having the chamber C1, and a second container 220 coupled to the first container 210. The first container 210 may include an inner wall 212 defining an elongated insertion space 214, and an outer wall 211 surrounding the inner wall 212. The chamber C1 may be formed between the inner wall 212 and the outer wall 211, and the wick 261 may be provided in the second container 220.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge 200 further includes a memory 1400. The control unit 1700 can check the ambient temperature via the ambient temperature sensor, determine data for the calculation formula stored in the memory 1400 that corresponds to the checked ambient temperature, and update the calculation formula based on the determined data.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the calculation formula may be a formula that uses a temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater 262. The data for the calculation formula may include a plurality of resistance values corresponding to a plurality of ambient temperatures, and the determined data may be data for the resistance value corresponding to the identified ambient temperature.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the body 100 and the cartridge 200 are coupled, the control unit 1700 can check whether data regarding the calculation formula is stored in the memory 1400. If data regarding the calculation formula is not stored in the memory 1400, the control unit 1700 can control the supply of power to the heater 262 to be cut off.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include an output device. If data regarding the calculation formula is not stored in the memory 1400, the control unit 1700 may output a message indicating that the cartridge 200 cannot be used.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a current sensor 197 having a shunt resistor disposed inside the body 100. The shunt resistor may be connected in series to the heater 262 when the body 100 and the cartridge 200 are combined. The control unit 1700 may determine the temperature of the heater 262 based on a signal corresponding to the current flowing through the shunt resistor received from the current sensor 197.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 1700 can determine the current flowing through the shunt resistor via the current sensor 197 while the heater 262 heats the wick 261.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 100 may include a lower body 110 facing the lower portion of the cartridge 200, and an upper body 120 disposed above the lower body 110 and facing the side of the cartridge 200. The ambient temperature sensor may be disposed below the lower body 110.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 100 includes a connection terminal 191 arranged to protrude outward, and the heater 262 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 191 when the cartridge 200 and the body 100 are coupled, and the control unit 1700 determines whether the cartridge 200 and the body 100 are coupled via the connection terminal 191, and when the cartridge 200 and the body 100 are coupled, can control the device to check the ambient temperature using an ambient temperature sensor.

The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. The configuration or function of any or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible, except in cases where it is described that the combination is not possible.

Although the embodiments have been described above in accordance with a number of illustrative examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that many other variations and embodiments are possible within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. 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 the modifications and variations of the components and/or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (10)

Body and
a cartridge coupled to the body and having a chamber for storing a liquid;
An ambient temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the aerosol generating device;
A control unit,
The cartridge comprises:
a wick coupled to the chamber;
a heater for heating the wick;
The control unit is
determining a temperature of the heater using a temperature formula based on the sensed ambient temperature;
An aerosol generating device, characterized in that the amount of power supplied to the heater is adjusted based on the determined heater temperature. The cartridge comprises:
a first container comprising the chamber;
a second container coupled to the first container,
The first container includes an inner wall defining an elongated insertion space and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall;
The chamber is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the wick is disposed within the second container. the cartridge further includes a memory;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further obtains one or more variables for a temperature calculation equation based on reference data in the memory corresponding to the sensed ambient temperature. The temperature calculation formula takes into account the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heater,
the reference data stored in the memory includes a plurality of resistance values corresponding to respective ambient temperatures;
The aerosol generating device of claim 3 , wherein the one or more variables include a resistance value corresponding to the sensed ambient temperature. The control unit further
determining whether the reference data is stored in the memory when the body and the cartridge are coupled to each other;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein when it is determined that the reference data is not stored in the memory, power is not supplied to the heater. further comprising an output device;
The aerosol generating device of claim 3, characterized in that when the control unit determines that the reference data is not stored in the memory, it outputs a message via the output device indicating that the cartridge cannot be used. a current sensor including a shunt resistor and disposed within the body;
When the body and the cartridge are coupled to each other, the shunt resistor is connected in series to the heater,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further determines the temperature of the heater based on a signal received from the current sensor corresponding to the current flowing through the shunt resistor. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit further determines the current flowing through the shunt resistor while the heater heats the wick. The body includes:
a lower body supporting a lower portion of the cartridge;
an upper body disposed on the lower body adjacent a side of the cartridge;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the ambient temperature sensor is disposed in the lower body. the body includes a protruding connection terminal electrically connected to the heater when the cartridge is coupled to the body;
The control unit is
determining whether the cartridge and the body are coupled to each other when the protruding connection terminal is electrically connected to the heater;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein when it is determined that the cartridge and the body are coupled together, the ambient temperature is determined using the ambient temperature sensor.

Images