KR102326001B1 - Cartridge and Aerosol generating device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge having an aerosol-generating material according to an embodiment is disposed inside the cartridge to heat the aerosol-generating material, and an inlet through which the aerosol generated in the heater is introduced and an outlet for discharging the aerosol introduced through the inlet and an airflow path with

Description

Cartridge and aerosol generating device including the same

The embodiments relate to a cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same, and more particularly, to a cartridge in which the size of the cross-sectional area of an airflow path is changed from an inlet to an outlet, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for an alternative method that overcomes the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing need for a method of generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material in a cigarette or cartridge rather than a method of generating the aerosol by burning a cigarette. Accordingly, studies on a heated cigarette or a heated cartridge are being actively conducted.

In particular, the airflow path in the cartridge used in the conventional aerosol generating device generally has a cylindrical cannula structure, but the airflow path in the cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to the present embodiments has a cross-sectional area that is changed along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. have

That is, the airflow path in the cartridge according to the present embodiments may have various shapes, thereby further improving the flavor of the aerosol generated in the cartridge, and increasing the user's ease of inhalation through the airflow path of various shapes. can do it

In addition, a plurality of guides for guiding the flow of air may be disposed on the inclined surface of the inlet or outlet of the airflow path of the cartridge according to the present embodiments. By controlling the flow of the aerosol generated in the cartridge through a plurality of guides formed on the inclined surface, it is possible to increase the mixing effect of the aerosol.

One embodiment provides a cartridge in which the size of the cross-sectional area of the airflow path is varied from the inlet to the outlet.

Another embodiment provides an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge and a body according to an embodiment.

The technical problems to be achieved by the present embodiments are not limited to the technical problems as described above, and other technical problems may be inferred from the following embodiments.

A cartridge having an aerosol-generating material according to an embodiment includes a heater unit disposed inside the cartridge to heat the aerosol-generating material; and an airflow path having an inlet through which the aerosol generated by the heater is introduced and an outlet for discharging the aerosol introduced through the inlet, wherein the airflow path is formed in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, and the airflow path The size of the cross-sectional area varies from the inlet to the outlet.

The inlet of the airflow path may have an inlet inclined surface inclined upward in a direction toward a central axis of the airflow path.

The inflow slope may be a gently curved surface.

A plurality of guides for guiding the flow of air to form a spiral airflow may be disposed on the inlet inclined surface.

In the cartridge according to another embodiment, the outlet of the airflow path may have an outlet inclined surface inclined upward in a direction away from the central axis of the airflow path.

The outflow slope may be a gently curved surface.

A plurality of guides for guiding the flow of air to form a spiral airflow may be disposed on the outflow slope.

In the cartridge according to another embodiment, the size of the cross-sectional area of the airflow path may decrease linearly from the inlet to the outlet.

In the cartridge according to another embodiment, the inlet may have a branched first inlet and a second inlet, and the outlet may have a branched first outlet and a second outlet.

The cartridge according to another embodiment is inserted into the inlet and includes a sealing part sealing the inlet, and may further include a cover part surrounding one side of the cartridge.

An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment includes a cartridge according to the embodiments; and a body accommodating the cartridge.

The airflow path in the cartridge according to the present embodiments is directed from the inlet to the outlet, and the size of the cross-sectional area can be changed. That is, the airflow path in the cartridge according to the present embodiments may have various shapes, and the airflow path of various shapes may further improve the flavor of the aerosol generated in the cartridge, and may increase the user's ease of inhalation. .

In addition, a plurality of guides for guiding the flow of air may be disposed on the inclined surface of the inlet or outlet of the airflow path of the cartridge according to the present embodiments. The plurality of guides may be disposed on the inclined surface of the inlet or outlet of the airflow path to control the flow of the aerosol generated in the cartridge, thereby increasing the mixing effect of the generated aerosol and the air introduced from the outside.

By controlling the flow of the aerosol and external air through the plurality of guides described above, the temperature of the generated aerosol can be efficiently controlled and the flavor of the aerosol can be increased.

1A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to one aspect of an airflow path of a cartridge according to one embodiment;
1B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to another aspect of an airflow path of the cartridge according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A;
1C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to another aspect of an airflow path of a cartridge according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A;
2A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to one aspect of an airflow path of a cartridge according to another embodiment;
FIG. 2B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to another aspect of an airflow path of a cartridge according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 2A ;
FIG. 2C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to another aspect of an airflow path of a cartridge according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 2A ;
3 and 4 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a cartridge according to another embodiment according to each shape of the airflow path.
5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to another embodiment further comprising a cover portion surrounding one side of the cartridge.
6 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between a cartridge according to the embodiments and an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment including the same.
7 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary operating state of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .
8 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary operating state of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .
9 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Terms used in the embodiments are selected as currently widely used general terms as possible while considering the functions in the present embodiments, which may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. . In addition, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding embodiments. Therefore, the terms used in the present embodiments should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall contents of the present embodiments, rather than the simple name of the term.

When a part "includes" or "includes" a certain component throughout the specification, this means that other components may be further provided, rather than excluding other components, unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as "unit" and "module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. have.

Meanwhile, the terms used in this specification are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present embodiments. As used herein, the singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present embodiments will be described in detail so that those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiments pertain can easily implement them. However, the present embodiments may be implemented in various different forms and are not limited to the embodiments described herein.

1A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to one aspect of an airflow path 200 of a cartridge 20 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an airflow path 200 of a cartridge 20 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. ) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to another aspect, and FIG. 1C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to another aspect of the airflow path 200 of the cartridge 20 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A .

1A to 1C, it will be looked at in more detail with respect to the cartridge 20 according to an embodiment.

Cartridge 20 having an aerosol-generating material according to an embodiment is disposed inside the cartridge 20 to heat the aerosol-generating material, the heater unit 130, and the aerosol generated in the heater unit 130 is introduced An airflow path 200 having an inlet 201 and an outlet 202 for discharging the aerosol introduced through the inlet 201, wherein the airflow path 200 is formed in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20, the airflow The size of the cross-sectional area of the pass 200 is changed from the inlet 201 toward the outlet 202 .

In this case, the inlet 201 of the airflow path 200 may have an inflow inclined surface 2011 inclined upward in a direction toward the central axis of the airflow path 200 .

The cartridge 20 according to one embodiment holds an aerosol-generating material, which may be accommodated in a liquid reservoir 21 inside the cartridge 20 . That the liquid storage unit 21 'accommodates the aerosol-generating material' therein means that the liquid storage unit 21 performs a function of simply containing the aerosol-generating material, such as the use of a container, and the liquid storage unit ( 21) may mean including an element impregnating (containing) an aerosol generating material, such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure, for example.

It may include a heater unit 130 that heats the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge 20 . The heater unit 130 includes, for example, a liquid delivery means (wick) that absorbs an aerosol generating material and maintains it in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol, and a heater that heats the liquid delivery means to generate an aerosol can do.

The liquid delivery means may comprise, for example, at least one of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, and porous ceramics.

The heater may include a metal material, such as copper, nickel, tungsten, to heat the aerosol generating material delivered to the liquid delivery means by generating heat by electrical resistance. The heater may be implemented as, for example, a metal wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heating element, etc., and is implemented as a conductive filament using a material such as a nichrome wire, or wound around the liquid delivery means or adjacent to the liquid delivery means. can be arranged.

At this time, the aerosol generating material may be discharged from the liquid storage unit 21 when the user uses the cartridge 20 after being accommodated in the liquid storage unit 21 . The discharged aerosol generating material may be heated by the heater unit 130 . The aerosol-generating material heated to a predetermined temperature or more may be inhaled by a user after being changed into an aerosol form.

Cartridge 20 according to an embodiment is an airflow path 200 having an inlet 201 through which the aerosol generated by the heater unit 130 is introduced and an outlet 202 for discharging the aerosol introduced through the inlet 201. may include. At this time, the airflow path 200 may be formed to pass through the liquid storage unit 21 inside the cartridge 20 .

That is, the liquid storage unit 21 may have a shape surrounding the airflow path 200 inside the cartridge 20 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the liquid storage unit 21 and the longitudinal axis of the airflow path 200 are parallel to each other. can be arranged.

In the cartridge 20 according to one embodiment, the airflow path 200 is formed in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20, and the size of the cross-sectional area of the airflow path 200 is changed from the inlet 201 toward the outlet 202. can

At one end of the airflow path 200, an inlet 201 through which the aerosol generated by the heater unit 130 is introduced is formed, and at the other end of the airflow path 200, the aerosol introduced through the inlet 201 is discharged. An outlet 202 may be formed.

In the cartridge 20 according to one embodiment, the size of the cross-sectional area of the airflow path 200 may be changed from the inlet 201 toward the outlet 202 . For example, the inlet 201 of the airflow path 200 may have an inflow inclined surface 2011 inclined upward in a direction toward the central axis of the airflow path 200 . In this case, the inflow inclined surface 2011 may be inclined upward at a certain angle, but the angle of the inflow inclined surface 2011 is not limited thereto and may be changed as necessary.

Referring to Figure 1a, the shape of the cartridge 20 when the inlet 201 of the airflow path 200 has an inlet inclined surface 2011 inclined upward in the direction toward the central axis of the airflow path 200 can be seen in more detail. have. As the inlet 201 has an inlet inclined surface 2011 inclined upward in the direction toward the central axis of the airflow path 200, the aerosol generated by the heater unit 130 smoothly flows through the inlet 201 of the airflow path 200. can flow into the air, which can facilitate the delivery of the generated aerosol.

Referring to FIG. 1B, another aspect of the airflow path 200 of the cartridge 20 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A can be seen in more detail, wherein the inlet slope 2011 of the inlet 201 is gently curved. It may be curved.

As an example, the inflow inclined surface 2011 of the inlet 201 may have a spherical shape surrounding one point of the longitudinal axis of the airflow path 200 . As another example, the curvature of the outflow slope 2021 of the outlet 202 may be changed according to the position of the longitudinal axis of the airflow path 200 .

1C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to another aspect of an airflow path 200 of a cartridge 20 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A .

In the cartridge 20 according to an embodiment, a plurality of guides 210 for guiding the flow of air to form a spiral air flow may be disposed on the inlet inclined surface 2011 of the air flow path 200 . That is, a plurality of guides 210 for guiding the aerosol may be disposed on the inlet inclined surface 2011 of the inlet 201 through which the aerosol generated by the heater unit 130 is introduced.

The plurality of guides 210 may be formed to protrude a predetermined distance from one side of the inflow inclined surface 2011 facing the heater unit 130 . The plurality of guides 210 may be spaced apart from each other, and the distance between the plurality of guides 210 may be uniform.

The plurality of guides 210 may be disposed on the inclined surface of the inlet 201 or the outlet 202 of the airflow path 200 to control the flow of the aerosol generated in the cartridge 20, and the aerosol generated through this It is possible to increase the mixing effect of the air introduced from the outside.

That is, the cartridge 20 according to an embodiment can control the flow of aerosol and external air through a plurality of guides 210 formed on the inlet inclined surface 2011, and thus efficiently control the temperature of the generated aerosol. and may increase the flavor of the aerosol.

2A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to one aspect of an airflow path 200 of a cartridge 20 according to another embodiment, and FIG. 2B is an airflow path 200 of a cartridge 20 according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 2A. ) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to another aspect, and FIG. 2C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to another aspect of the airflow path 200 of the cartridge 20 according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 2A .

The outlet 202 of the airflow path 200 of the cartridge 20 according to another embodiment may have an outlet inclined surface 2021 inclined upward in a direction away from the central axis of the airflow path 200 . At this time, the outflow inclined surface 2021 may be inclined upward at a certain angle, but the angle of the outflow inclined surface 2021 is not limited thereto and may be changed as necessary.

Referring to FIG. 2A , the shape of the cartridge 20 when the outlet 202 of the airflow path 200 has an outflow inclined surface 2021 inclined upward in a direction away from the central axis of the airflow path 200 will be seen in more detail. As the outlet 202 has an outflow slope 2021 that slopes upward in a direction away from the central axis of the airflow path 200, the aerosol passing through the airflow path 200 smoothly passes through the airflow path 200. It may be delivered to the user through the outlet 202 .

Referring to Fig. 2b, another aspect of the airflow path 200 of the cartridge 20 according to the other embodiment shown in Fig. 2a can be seen in more detail, wherein the outlet slope 2021 of the outlet port 202 is gently curved. It may be curved.

As an example, the outlet inclined surface 2021 of the outlet 202 may have a spherical shape surrounding a point of the longitudinal axis of the airflow path 200 . As another example, the curvature of the outflow slope 2021 of the outlet 202 may be changed according to the position of the longitudinal axis of the airflow path 200 .

FIG. 2C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view according to another aspect of an airflow path 200 of a cartridge 20 according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 2A .

In the cartridge 20 according to another embodiment, a plurality of guides 210 for guiding the flow of air to form a spiral air flow may be disposed on the outlet inclined surface 2021 of the air flow path 200 . That is, a plurality of guides 210 for guiding the aerosol may be disposed on the outlet inclined surface 2021 of the outlet 202 through which the aerosol generated by the heater unit 130 and passed through the airflow path 200 flows out.

The plurality of guides 210 may be formed to protrude a predetermined distance to one side of the outflow inclined surface 2021 . The plurality of guides 210 may be spaced apart from each other, and the distance between the plurality of guides 210 may be uniform.

That is, the cartridge 20 according to another embodiment can control the flow of the aerosol discharged from the airflow path 200 through the plurality of guides 210 formed on the outflow slope 2021, and thus the generated aerosol The temperature can be controlled efficiently and the flavor of the aerosol can be increased.

3 and 4 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the cartridge 20 according to another embodiment according to each shape of the airflow path 200 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , the size of the cross-sectional area of the airflow path 200 of the cartridge 20 according to another embodiment may decrease linearly from the inlet 201 to the outlet 202 . That is, the airflow path 200 of the cartridge 20 according to another embodiment may have a hollow truncated cone shape, wherein the size and ratio of the airflow path 200 are not limited by the drawings and may be changed as needed. .

4, the inlet 201 of the cartridge 20 according to another embodiment has a branched first inlet 201a and a second inlet 201b, and the outlet 202 is a branched first outlet 202a and a second outlet 202b.

The inlet 201 and the outlet 202 of the airflow path 200 of the cartridge 20 may each have a branched structure. That is, the inlet 201 of the airflow path 200 may be two, and the inlet 201 connects the first inlet 201a and the second inlet 201b symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 20 . can have At this time, the heater unit 130 may be disposed at one side of the first inlet 201a and the second inlet 201b, and the aerosol generated by the heater unit 130 is discharged from the first inlet 201a and the second inlet 201b. ) may flow through the airflow path 200 .

At this time, the size, number, and shape of the inlet 201 are not limited by the drawings and the above description, and may be changed as needed by those skilled in the art.

The outlet 202 and the outlet 202 of the airflow path 200 of the cartridge 20 may each have a branched structure. That is, the outlet 202 of the airflow path 200 may be two, wherein the outlet 202 connects the first outlet 202a and the second outlet 202b symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 20 . can have In this case, the aerosol generated through the first outlet 202a and the second outlet 202b may be delivered to the user.

That is, the aerosol generated by the heater unit 130 may pass through the airflow path 200 through the first inlet 201a and the second inlet 201b, and the first outlet 202a and the second outlet 202b. ) can be passed to the user. The size, number, and shape of the outlets 202 are not limited by the drawings and the above description and may be changed by those skilled in the art as needed.

5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge 20 according to another embodiment further comprising a cover portion 250 surrounding one side of the cartridge 20.

The cartridge 20 according to another embodiment is inserted into the inlet 201 and includes a sealing portion for sealing the inlet 201 and may further include a cover portion 250 surrounding one side of the cartridge 20.

The cover part 250 may have a shape surrounding one side of the cartridge 20, and the cover part 250 may have a sealing part inserted into the inlet 201 of the cartridge 20 to seal the inlet 201. have. In this case, the cover 250 may include a flexible material such as silicone or rubber to be in close contact with the cartridge 20 .

As the cover part 250 hermetically seals the inlet 201 of the cartridge 20 from one side of the cartridge 20, the cartridge 20 can be protected from external impact and liquid leakage of the cartridge 20 is prevented. can be Accordingly, it is possible to increase the convenience for the user to carry the cartridge 20 and to prevent problems that may occur due to leakage.

6 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the coupling relationship of the cartridge 20 according to the embodiments and the aerosol generating device 5 according to another embodiment including the same.

An aerosol generating device 5 according to another embodiment may include a cartridge 20 according to embodiments and a body 10 accommodating the cartridge 20 .

The cartridge 20 converts the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge 20 into a gas phase by operating by an electrical signal or a radio signal transmitted from the main body 10 to generate an aerosol (aerosol) perform the function The aerosol may refer to a gas in a state in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air are mixed.

For example, the cartridge 20 may receive an electrical signal from the body 10 to heat the aerosol-generating material, use an ultrasonic vibration method, or convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material by using an induction heating method. As another example, when the cartridge 20 includes its own power source, the cartridge 20 is operated by an electrical control signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body 10 to the cartridge 20 to generate an aerosol. can

The liquid storage unit 21 of the cartridge 20 may include a transparent material at least in part so that the aerosol-generating material accommodated in the cartridge 20 can be visually confirmed from the outside. The liquid storage unit 21 includes a protruding window 21a protruding from the liquid storage unit 21 so that it can be inserted into the groove 11 of the body 10 when coupled to the body 10 . The mouthpiece 22 and the liquid storage unit 21 may be entirely made of transparent plastic or glass, and only the protruding window 21a corresponding to a portion of the liquid storage unit 21 may be made of a transparent material. have.

The body 10 includes a connection terminal 10t disposed inside the accommodation space 19 . When the liquid storage unit 21 of the cartridge 20 is inserted into the receiving space 19 of the main body 10 , the main body 10 provides power to the cartridge 20 through the connection terminal 10t or the cartridge 20 ) may supply a signal related to the operation of the cartridge 20 .

A mouthpiece 22 is coupled to one end of the liquid storage unit 21 of the cartridge 20 . The mouthpiece 22 is the part that is inserted into the mouth of the user of the aerosol generating device 5 . The mouthpiece 22 includes a discharge hole 22a for discharging the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material inside the liquid storage unit 21 to the outside.

A slider 7 is movably coupled to the body 10 with respect to the body 10 . The slider 7 has a function of covering at least a portion of the mouthpiece 22 of the cartridge 20 coupled to the main body 10 by moving relative to the body 10 or exposing at least a portion of the mouthpiece 22 to the outside. carry out The slider 7 includes a long hole 7a for exposing at least a part of the protruding window 21a of the cartridge 20 to the outside.

The slider 7 is hollow inside and has a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The structure of the slider 7 is not limited to a tubular shape as shown in the drawing, and is bent with a clip-shaped cross-sectional shape that is movable with respect to the body 10 while maintaining a state coupled to the edge of the body 10 . It may have a structure such as a curved plate structure or a curved semi-cylindrical shape having a cross-sectional shape of a curved arc shape.

The slider 7 includes a body 10 and a magnetic body for maintaining the position of the slider 7 relative to the cartridge 20 . The magnetic material may include a permanent magnet, or a material such as iron, nickel, cobalt, or an alloy thereof.

The magnetic material includes two first magnetic materials 8a facing each other with the inner space of the slider 7 therebetween, and two second magnetic materials 8b facing each other with the inner space of the slider 7 interposed therebetween. do. The first magnetic body 8a and the second magnetic body 8b are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the moving direction of the slider 7 , that is, in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10 , that is, the direction in which the main body 10 extends.

The body 10 is a fixed magnetic body 9 disposed on a path in which the first magnetic body 8a and the second magnetic body 8b of the slider 7 move while the slider 7 moves with respect to the body 10. includes Two fixed magnetic bodies 9 of the main body 10 may also be installed to face each other with the receiving space 19 therebetween.

Depending on the position of the slider 7, by the magnetic force acting between the stationary magnetic body 9 and the first magnetic body 8a or between the stationary magnetic body 9 and the second magnetic body 8b, the slider 7 is moved to the mouthpiece 22 ) can be stably maintained in a position that covers or exposes the end of the

The main body 10 is a position change detection sensor ( 3) is included. The position change detection sensor 3 may include, for example, a hall sensor (hall IC) using a hall effect that detects a change in a magnetic field and generates a signal.

In the aerosol-generating device 5 according to the above-described embodiment, the main body 10, the cartridge 20, and the slider 7 have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, but the embodiment is such an aerosol-generating device It is not limited by the shape of (5). The aerosol generating device 5 may have a cross-sectional shape of, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a square, or a polygon of various shapes. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 5 extends in the longitudinal direction, it is not necessarily limited to a structure extending in a straight line, for example, it is curved in a streamline shape or bent at a predetermined angle in a specific area to make it easier for the user to hold it in the hand, and it extends long. can do.

7 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary operating state of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .

7 shows an operating state in which the slider 7 is moved to a position covering the end of the mouthpiece 22 of the cartridge coupled with the main body 10 . In a state in which the slider 7 is moved to a position that covers the end of the mouthpiece 22, the mouthpiece 22 is safely protected from foreign substances and can be maintained in a clean state.

The user can check the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material held in the cartridge by visually checking the protruding window 21a of the cartridge through the long hole 7a of the slider 7 . The user may move the slider 7 in the longitudinal direction of the body 10 to use the aerosol generating device 5 .

8 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary operating state of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .

In FIG. 8, an operating state is shown in which the slider 7 is moved to a position in which the end of the mouthpiece 22 of the cartridge coupled with the main body 10 is exposed to the outside. In a state in which the slider 7 is moved to a position where the end of the mouthpiece 22 is exposed to the outside, the user inserts the mouthpiece 22 into his/her oral cavity through the outlet hole 22a of the mouthpiece 22 Exhausted aerosols may be inhaled.

Even when the slider 7 is moved to a position where the end of the mouthpiece 22 is exposed to the outside, the protruding window 21a of the cartridge is exposed through the long hole 7a of the slider 7, so that the user It is possible to visually confirm the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material retained.

9 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device 400 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 400 may include a battery 410 , a heater 420 , a sensor 430 , a user interface 440 , a memory 450 , and a controller 460 . However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 400 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 9 . According to the design of the aerosol generating device 400, some of the hardware components shown in FIG. 9 may be omitted or new components may be further added to those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment It can be understood .

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 400 may consist of only the body, in this case, the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 400 are located in the body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 400 may be composed of a main body and a cartridge, and hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 400 may be divided into the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 400 may be located in each of the main body and the cartridge.

Hereinafter, the operation of each component will be described without limiting the space in which each component included in the aerosol generating device 400 is located.

The battery 410 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 400 . That is, the battery 410 may supply power to the heater 420 to be heated. In addition, the battery 410 may supply power required for the operation of other hardware components included in the aerosol generating device 400 , that is, the sensor 430 , the user interface 440 , the memory 450 and the control unit 460 . can The battery 410 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 410 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 420 receives power from the battery 410 under the control of the controller 460 . The heater 420 may receive power from the battery 410 to heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device 400 or to heat a cartridge mounted in the aerosol generating device 400 .

The heater 420 may be located in the body of the aerosol generating device 400 . Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 400 is composed of a main body and a cartridge, the heater 420 may be located in the cartridge. When the heater 420 is positioned in the cartridge, the heater 420 may receive power from the battery 410 positioned in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

Heater 420 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy including, but is not limited thereto. Also, the heater 420 may be implemented as a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the heater 420 may be a configuration included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include a heater 420 , a liquid delivery means and a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-generating material accommodated in the liquid storage unit may move to the liquid delivery means, and the heater 420 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the liquid delivery means. For example, the heater 420 may include a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid delivery means or disposed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

Meanwhile, the heater 420 may be an induction heating type heater. The heater 420 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette or cartridge in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette or cartridge may include a susceptor capable of being heated by an induction heating heater.

The aerosol generating device 400 may include at least one sensor 430 . The result sensed by the at least one sensor 430 is transmitted to the control unit 460, and according to the sensing result, the control unit 460 controls the operation of the heater, restricts smoking, determines whether or not a cigarette (or cartridge) is inserted, notification The aerosol generating device 400 may be controlled to perform various functions such as display.

For example, the at least one sensor 430 may include a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may detect the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

Also, the at least one sensor 430 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect a temperature at which the heater 420 (or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 400 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 420, or instead of including a separate temperature sensor, the heater 420 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. . Alternatively, a separate temperature sensor may be further included in the aerosol generating device 400 while the heater 420 functions as a temperature sensor.

In addition, the at least one sensor 430 may include a position change detection sensor. The position change detection sensor may detect a position change of the slider coupled to be movably with respect to the main body.

The user interface 440 may provide information about the state of the aerosol generating device 400 to the user. The user interface 440 includes a display or lamp for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, and input/output (I/O) for receiving information input from a user or outputting information to the user. ) Interfacing means (eg, button or touch screen) and terminals for data communication or receiving charging power, wireless communication with external devices (eg, WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC) (Near-Field Communication, etc.) may include various interfacing means, such as a communication interfacing module for performing.

However, in the aerosol generating device 400, only some of the various examples of the user interface 440 exemplified above may be selected and implemented.

The memory 450 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 400 , and the memory 450 may store data processed by the controller 460 and data to be processed. The memory 450 includes various types of random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like. It can be implemented in types.

The controller 460 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 400 . The controller 460 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The controller 460 analyzes the result sensed by the at least one sensor 430 and controls subsequent processes to be performed.

The controller 460 may control the power supplied to the heater 420 to start or end the operation of the heater 420 based on a result sensed by the at least one sensor 430 . In addition, the controller 460 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 420 so that the heater 420 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the result sensed by the at least one sensor 430 . And it is possible to control the time when power is supplied.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 400 may constitute an aerosol generating system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 410 of the aerosol generating device 400 . For example, the aerosol generating device 400 may receive power from the battery of the cradle and charge the battery 410 of the aerosol generating device 400 while being accommodated in the receiving space inside the cradle.

The present embodiments provide a cartridge 20 comprising an airflow path 200 having various shapes and an aerosol generating device 5 comprising the same. As the shape of the airflow path 200 is varied, the flavor of the aerosol generated in the cartridge 20 may be further improved, and the ease of inhalation of the user through the airflow path 200 may be increased.

In addition, a plurality of guides 210 for guiding the flow of air may be disposed on the inclined surface 2011 of the inlet 201 or the outlet 202 of the airflow path 200 of the cartridge 20 according to the present embodiments. have. By controlling the flow of the aerosol generated in the cartridge 20 through the plurality of guides 210 formed on the inclined surfaces 2011 and 2013, it is possible to increase the mixing effect of the aerosol.

Those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiments will understand that it may be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed methods are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

3: Position change detection sensor 5: Aerosol generating device
7: Slider 7a: Long hole
8a: first magnetic material 8b: second magnetic material
9: fixed magnetic body 10: main body
10t: connection terminal 11: groove
19: receiving space 20: cartridge
21: liquid storage unit 21a: protrusion window
22: mouthpiece portion 22a: discharge hole
130: heater unit 200: airflow pass
201: inlet 201a: first inlet
201b: second inlet 2011: inlet slope
202: outlet 202a: first outlet
202b: second outlet 2021: outflow slope
210: guides 250: cover part

Claims (11)

A cartridge containing an aerosol generating material, comprising:
a heater unit disposed inside the cartridge to heat the aerosol-generating material; and
An airflow path having an inlet through which the aerosol generated by the heater is introduced and an outlet for discharging the aerosol introduced through the inlet;
The airflow path is formed in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge,
the size of the cross-sectional area of the airflow path is changed from the inlet to the outlet,
The inlet of the airflow path has an inlet inclined surface inclined upward in a direction toward the central axis of the airflow path,
The inflow slope is a gently curved surface,
A cartridge, wherein a plurality of guides for guiding the flow of air to form a helical airflow are disposed on the inlet inclined surface. delete delete delete The method of claim 1,
and the outlet of the airflow path has an outlet slope that slopes upward in a direction away from the central axis of the airflow path. 6. The method of claim 5,
wherein the outflow slope is a gently curved surface. 6. The method of claim 5,
and a plurality of guides for guiding the flow of air to form a spiral airflow are disposed on the outlet slope. The method of claim 1,
The size of the cross-sectional area of the airflow path decreases linearly from the inlet to the outlet. The method of claim 1,
the inlet has a branched first inlet and a second inlet;
wherein the outlet has a bifurcated first outlet and a second outlet. The method of claim 1,
The cartridge is inserted into the inlet and includes a sealing part for sealing the inlet, and further comprising a cover part surrounding one side of the cartridge. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 and 5 to 10; and
Containing, an aerosol generating device;

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