KR102636655B1 - Aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge comprising a mouthpiece movable between an open position and a closed position, and a body portion including a first airflow passage through which an aerosol generating material is stored and an airflow moves; and a main body including a coupling portion to which the cartridge can be releasably coupled, and a retaining portion to maintain the mouthpiece in the closed position.

Description

Aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE COMPRISING A CARTRIDGE}

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge with a movable mouthpiece.

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of regular cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for methods in which aerosols are generated by heating an aerosol-generating material rather than by burning a cigarette to generate aerosols. Accordingly, research on heated aerosol generating articles or heated aerosol generating devices is actively underway.

The heated aerosol-generating device may include, for example, a cartridge that stores aerosol-generating material in a liquid or gel state and atomizes the stored aerosol-generating material. The cartridge may be equipped with a mouthpiece for the user to inhale the aerosol generating device, but a mouthpiece protruding from the aerosol generating device may increase the size of the aerosol generating device and reduce portability. Accordingly, the design of a mouthpiece that can increase user convenience is required.

Embodiments seek to provide an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge with a mouthpiece movable between an open and closed position.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings. will be.

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a cartridge including a mouthpiece movable between an open position and a closed position, and a body portion including a first airflow passage through which an aerosol generating material is stored and an airflow moves; and a main body including a coupling portion to which the cartridge can be detachably coupled, and a retaining portion to maintain the mouthpiece in the closed position.

The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may have a movable mouthpiece so that the size of the aerosol generating device can be minimized.

Additionally, the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments can simply and robustly maintain the mouthpiece positioned in the closed position, thereby improving user convenience.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge and main body of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment separated.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main body and cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of Figure 2 combined.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one aspect of the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 2.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing another aspect of the cartridge according to the embodiment of Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of Figure 2.
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge according to the embodiment of Figure 2.
FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8B is an enlarged view showing a modified example of portion A of FIG. 6.
Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

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

When it is said that a part "includes" a certain element throughout the specification, this means that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements. Additionally, terms such as “-unit” and “-module” used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

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

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as 'first' or 'second' used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

Additionally, some components in the drawings may be depicted with their size or proportions somewhat exaggerated. Additionally, components shown in one drawing may not be shown in other drawings.

Throughout the specification, ‘examples’ is an arbitrary division for easily explaining the invention in the present disclosure, and each embodiment does not need to be mutually exclusive. For example, configurations disclosed in one embodiment may be applied and/or implemented in another embodiment, and may be applied and/or implemented with changes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, the terms used in this disclosure are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the embodiments. In this disclosure, the singular form also includes the plural form unless otherwise specified.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to Figure 1, an aerosol generating device 1000 includes a cartridge 10 holding an aerosol generating material and a body 20 supporting the cartridge 10.

The cartridge 10 may be coupled to the main body 20 while containing an aerosol-generating material therein. For example, by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 10 into the main body 20, the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 may be coupled. As another example, the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 may be coupled by inserting at least a portion of the main body 20 into the cartridge 10.

The cartridge 10 and the main body 20 may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, or an interference fit method, but the cartridge 10 and the main body ( The combination method of 20) is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 10 may include a housing 100, a mouthpiece 160, a storage unit 200, a wick 300, an atomizer 400, and an electrical terminal 500.

The housing 100 may form the overall appearance of the cartridge 10 together with the mouthpiece 160, and components for operating the cartridge 10 may be placed inside the housing 100. In one embodiment, the housing 100 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the shape of the housing 100 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the housing 100 may be formed in the shape of a polygonal pillar (eg, a triangular pillar, a pentagonal pillar) or a cylinder.

The mouthpiece 160 is disposed in one area of the housing 100 and may include an outlet 160e for discharging aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material to the outside. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 may be placed in one area of the cartridge 10 coupled to the main body 20 and another area located in the opposite direction, and the user touches the mouthpiece 160 with his or her mouth. By inhaling, aerosol can be supplied from the cartridge 10.

A pressure difference may occur between the outside of the cartridge 10 and the inside of the cartridge 10 due to the user's suction or puff action, and the inside of the cartridge 10 may be caused by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cartridge 10. The aerosol generated may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet (160e). That is, the user can receive aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e by contacting the mouthpiece 160 with the mouth and inhaling.

The storage unit 200 is located in the inner space of the housing 100 and can accommodate aerosol-generating substances. In the present disclosure, the expression 'the storage unit accommodates the aerosol-generating material' means that the storage unit 200 performs the function of simply containing the aerosol-generating material, such as the use of a container, and that the storage unit 200 For example, it may mean including an element impregnating (containing) an aerosol-generating material such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or porous ceramic structure. Additionally, the above-described expressions may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

For example, the storage unit 200 may contain an aerosol-generating material in any one state, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. The liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

The liquid composition may include, for example, any one or a mixture of water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavors, and vitamin mixtures. Flavors may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor ingredients.

Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide various flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

For example, the liquid composition may include a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may contain two or more nicotine salts. Nicotine salts can be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. Nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have a concentration of any suitable weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

The acid for forming nicotine salt may be appropriately selected considering the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000, flavor or flavor, solubility, etc. For example, acids for the formation of nicotine salts include benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid. , citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid or a single acid selected from the group consisting of the above. It may be a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

Wick 300 may absorb aerosol-generating substances. In one example, the aerosol-generating material stored or received in the storage unit 200 may be transferred from the storage unit 200 to the atomizer 400 through the wick 300, and the atomizer 400 may be connected to the wick 300. An aerosol can be generated by atomizing the aerosol-generating material or the aerosol-generating material delivered from the wick 300. At this time, the wick 300 may include at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but the wick 300 is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

The atomizer 400 is located inside the housing 100 and can generate an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating material stored inside the cartridge 10. The atomizer 400 may generate an aerosol by, for example, heating or vibrating an aerosol-generating material.

According to one embodiment, the atomizer 400 of the aerosol generating device 1000 can change the phase of the aerosol-generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method to atomize the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration.

For example, the atomizer 400 may include a vibrator that generates vibration of a short period, and the vibration generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of ultrasonic vibration may be about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage unit 200 to the atomizer 400 by short-cycle vibration generated from the vibrator may be vaporized and/or particleized and atomized into an aerosol.

The vibrator may include, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic. The piezoelectric ceramic generates electricity (voltage) by physical force (pressure) and conversely generates vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied, thereby generating electricity and electricity. It can be a functional material that can mutually convert mechanical forces. In other words, as electricity is applied to the vibrator, a short period of vibration (physical force) can occur, and the generated vibration can break the aerosol-generating material into small particles and atomize it into an aerosol.

The vibrator may be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device 1000 through the electrical terminal 500. The electrical terminal 500 may be located on one side of the cartridge 10. For example, the electrical terminal 500 may be located on a coupling surface of the cartridge 10 where the cartridge 10 is coupled with the main body 20 of the aerosol generating device 1000. The electrical terminal 500 may be located on one side of the housing 100 opposite the mouthpiece 160.

According to one embodiment, the vibrator is connected to the battery 600, the processor 700, and the aerosol generating device 1000 of the main body 20 through the electrical terminal 500 located inside the housing 100 of the cartridge 10. It may be electrically connected to at least one of the driving circuits.

For example, the vibrator is electrically connected to the electrical terminal 500 located inside the cartridge 10 through a first conductor, and the electrical terminal 500 is connected to the battery 600 of the main body 20 through the second conductor. ), may be electrically connected to the processor 700 and/or other driving circuits. That is, the vibrator may be electrically connected to the components of the main body 20 through the electrical terminal 500.

The vibrator can generate ultrasonic vibration by receiving current or voltage from the battery 600 of the main body 20 through the electric terminal 500. Additionally, the vibrator may be electrically connected to the processor 700 of the main body 20 through the electrical terminal 500, and the processor 700 may control the operation of the vibrator.

The electrical terminal 500 is, for example, at least one of a pogo pin, a wire, a cable, a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and a C-clip. However, the electrical terminal 500 is not limited to the examples described above.

According to another embodiment, the atomizer 400 may be a heater that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, a heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when a current flows through the electrically conductive track.

The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

In another embodiment, the heater may be an induction heater that heats the aerosol-generating material by induction heating. The induction heater may include a susceptor and a coil. The coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. The susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat by an external magnetic field. The susceptor can be positioned around the coil and heated by an applied magnetic field.

In another embodiment (not shown), the atomizer 400 also has the function of maintaining the aerosol-generating material in an optimal condition for absorbing and converting it into an aerosol without using a separate wick 300 and vibrating the aerosol-generating material. It may be implemented as a mesh-shaped or plate-shaped vibration receiving unit that performs both the function of transmitting and generating aerosol.

The aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the airflow passage 150 and supplied to the user.

According to one embodiment, the airflow passage 150 is located inside the cartridge 10 and may be connected to the outlet 160e of the atomizer 400 and the mouthpiece 160. Accordingly, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 may flow along the airflow passage 150 and be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 or the aerosol generating device 1000 through the outlet 160e. The user can receive aerosol by contacting the oral cavity with the mouthpiece 160 and inhaling the aerosol discharged from the outlet 160e.

Although not shown in the drawing, the airflow passage 150 may include at least one inlet through which air outside the cartridge 10 flows into the interior of the cartridge 10. The inlet may be located in at least a portion of the housing 100 of the cartridge 10. For example, the inlet may be located on a coupling surface (eg, bottom) of the cartridge 10 where the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 are coupled.

Since at least one gap may be formed in the part where the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 are joined, external air flows into the gap between the cartridge 10 and the main body 20, and the cartridge 10 through the inlet. ) can be moved inside.

The airflow passage 150 is connected from the inlet to the space where aerosol is generated by the atomizer 400, and may be connected from the space to the outlet 160e.

Accordingly, the air introduced through the inlet is delivered to the atomizer 400, and the delivered air moves to the outlet 160e together with the aerosol generated in the atomizer 400 to create an airflow inside the cartridge 10. Circulation can occur.

In one example, at least a portion of the airflow passage 150 may be arranged so that its outer peripheral surface is surrounded by the storage unit 200 inside the housing 100. In another example, at least a portion of the airflow passage 150 may be disposed between the inner wall of the housing 100 and the outer wall of the storage unit 200. The arrangement structure of the airflow passage 150 is not limited to the above-described example, and the airflow passage 150 can be arranged in various structures that allow airflow to circulate between the inlet, the atomizer 400, and the outlet 160e. there is.

The main body 20 includes a battery 600 and a processor 700 therein, and one end of the main body 20 may be coupled to one end of the cartridge 10. For example, the main body 20 may be coupled to the bottom or engaging surface of the cartridge 10.

The battery 600 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the battery 600 can supply power to the atomizer 400 when the main body 20 is electrically coupled to the cartridge 10.

Additionally, the battery 600 may supply power required for the operation of other hardware elements (eg, sensors, user interface, memory, and processor 700) provided within the aerosol generating device 1000. The battery 600 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

For example, the battery 600 may be a nickel-based battery (e.g., nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (e.g., lithium-cobalt battery, lithium-phosphate battery, lithium titanate batteries, lithium-ion batteries, or lithium-polymer batteries).

The processor 700 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the processor 700 may control the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 by controlling the power supplied from the battery 600 to the atomizer 400. In one example, the processor 700 may control the current or voltage supplied to the vibrator of the atomizer 400 so that the vibrator vibrates at a predetermined frequency.

The processor 700 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that the processor 700 may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The processor 700 analyzes the results sensed by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generating device 1000 and controls subsequent processes. For example, the processor 700 may control the power supplied to the atomizer 400 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 400 based on a result sensed by at least one sensor. In addition, the processor 700 determines the amount of power supplied to the atomizer 400 and the power supplied so that the atomizer 400 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol, based on the results sensed by at least one sensor. You can control time.

In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 10 and/or the main body 20 of the aerosol generating device 1000 is a circular, oval, square, rectangular, or polygonal cross-section of various shapes. It may be a shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge 10 and/or the main body 20 is not limited to the above-described shape, or the aerosol generating device 1000 does not necessarily have to be formed in a straight extending structure when extending in the longitudinal direction. .

In another embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be curved in a streamlined shape for the user to easily hold by hand, or may be bent at a predetermined angle in a specific area and extended long, and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be It can change along the length direction.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge and main body of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment separated, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the main body and cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of Figure 2 combined, and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the main body and cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of Figure 2. This is a diagram showing one aspect of the cartridge according to the embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another aspect of the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be a modified example of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIG. 1, and the cartridge according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 (10) may be a modified example of the cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 1, and redundant content will be omitted below.

2 and 3, an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment may include a main body 20 and a cartridge 10. The cartridge 10 may be detachably coupled to the main body 20. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 10 may be coupled to the main body 20 by being inserted into the main body 20 .

Cartridge 10 may include a mouthpiece 10m that is movable between an open and closed position. For example, the mouthpiece 10m can be opened and closed by rotating between an open position and a closed position.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the body portion 10b of the cartridge 10 may be coupled to the mouthpiece 10m through a rotation axis. In one aspect, the mouthpiece 10m can be positioned in an open position. The state in which the mouthpiece (10m) is open may mean that the mouthpiece (10m) is spread in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 10 to facilitate the user's contact with the oral cavity. Here, the longitudinal direction may refer to the direction in which the cartridge 10 extends longest among several directions.

In another aspect, the mouthpiece 10m can be positioned in a closed position. The closed state of the mouthpiece (10m) may mean that the mouthpiece (10m) is folded in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (10) so that it can be stored in the main body (20) of the aerosol generating device (1). there is.

As another example, the mouthpiece 10m may be opened and closed by sliding between an open position and a closed position, but the method of moving the mouthpiece 10m is not limited to the above-described examples.

The cartridge 10 may include a body portion 10b equipped with various components necessary for generating an aerosol and discharging the generated aerosol. Although not shown, the body portion 10b may include a storage portion (not shown), an atomizer (not shown), and a portion of an airflow passage (not shown). Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the atomizer may be located outside the cartridge 10 (eg, main body 20).

The main body 20 includes a coupling portion 20a to which the cartridge 10 can be coupled. For example, the main body 20 may include a receiving groove 20a-1 in which at least a portion of the cartridge 10 can be accommodated. The body portion 10b of the cartridge 10 may be inserted into the receiving groove 20a-1. For example, the body portion 10b of the cartridge 10 may be approximately in the shape of a square pillar, and the corners of the square pillar may be chamfered or rounded. However, the shape of the body portion 10b of the cartridge 10 is not limited to the above-described examples and may be in the form of a cylinder or polygonal column.

As described in FIG. 1, the cartridge 10 may be coupled to the main body 20 in at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, and an interference fit method. For example, the cartridge 10 includes a first magnetic material, and the main body 20 includes a second magnetic material, so that the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 may be magnetically coupled. However, the strengths of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material may be designed in consideration of the ease of attachment and detachment of the cartridge 10 and the main body 20 and/or the operational stability of the aerosol generating device 1.

The main body 20 may include a button 20b. Button 20b may be located on one side of the main body 20. For example, the button 20b may be located on one side of the main body 20 corresponding to one end 20c-1 of the cover 20c. When using the aerosol generating device 1, the user can manipulate the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 using the button 20b.

The main body 20 may further include a receiving portion 20s capable of storing the mouthpiece 10m of the cartridge 10 when the mouthpiece 10m is moved to the closed position. The receiving portion 20s is located on one side of the main body 20 and may have a shape or size corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m.

As shown in Figure 3, the mouthpiece 10m moved to the closed position is the part that protrudes outward of the aerosol generating device 1 in the closed position, that is, the part that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the main body 20. This can be minimized to improve portability.

In one embodiment, the main body 20 may further include a cover 20c coupled to a portion of the main body 20. The cover 20c may be coupled to at least one side of the main body 20. For example, the cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the main body 20 where the coupling portion 20a is located. Additionally, the cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the main body 20 where the storage portion 20s is located.

Cover 20c may include an opening 20c-o. The cover 20c may have an opening 20c-o of a size corresponding to that of the mouthpiece 10m. For example, the opening 20c-o may have a predetermined length and width. Here, the width of the opening 20c-o may be smaller than or equal to the body of the cartridge 10 and larger than or equal to the mouthpiece 10m. The length of the opening (20c-o) may be longer than or equal to the mouthpiece (10m).

The cover 20c extends from one end 20c-1 to the other end 20c-2 and may be placed on the seating portion 20c' of the main body 20. For example, the seating portion 20c' may have a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c. The seating portion 20c' extends in both directions around the entrance portion of the coupling portion 20a and the receiving portion 20s so that the cover 20c can be coupled, and may be a portion dug to a predetermined depth. there is.

When coupling the cartridge 10 to the main body 20, the cover 20c may be coupled to the main body 20 after the cartridge 10 is coupled to the main body 20. The cover 20c may be coupled to one side of the main body 20 by at least one of a snap-fit method, an interference fit method, or a magnetic coupling method, but is not limited thereto.

Since the cover 20c includes an opening 20c-o through which the mouthpiece 10m can pass, as long as it does not interfere with the opening and closing operation of the mouthpiece 10m while the cartridge 10 is coupled to the main body 20, It is also possible to protect the cartridge 10 and maintain the coupling between the cartridge 10 and the main body 20.

FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generating device 1 in which both the cartridge 10 and the cover 20c are coupled to the main body 20 and the mouthpiece 10m is located in the closed position. As shown, the main body 20 includes a receiving portion 20s of a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece 10m, a seating portion 20c' of a size and shape corresponding to the cover 20c, and a cover 20c. (20c) includes an opening (20c-o) of a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece (10m), so that the overall finish of the aerosol generating device (1) is completed in a sturdy and elegant manner.

When separating the cartridge 10 from the main body 20, the cover 20c may be separated from the main body 20 first and then the cartridge 10 may be separated from the main body 20. In this way, the cover 20c and the cartridge 10 can be sequentially separated from the main body 20 or sequentially coupled to the main body 20.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 7 may be the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 2 or a variant thereof, and the cartridge 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is shown in FIG. 2 It may be the cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 or a modified example. Redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

6 and 7, an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment includes a cartridge 10 and a body 20. The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may include a mouthpiece 10m and a body portion 10b, and the main body 20 according to an embodiment includes a coupling portion 20a and a holding portion 20m. can do.

The body portion 10b may include a housing 100, a storage portion 200, a wick 300, an atomizer 400, and a first airflow passage 150-1, and the mouthpiece 10m may include a first airflow passage 150-1. It may include 2 airflow passages (150-2).

The mouthpiece 10m may be coupled or connected to the body 10b so as to be movable with respect to the body 10b. Components of the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment are not limited to the above-described examples, and components may be added or some components may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

The housing 100 forms the overall appearance of the cartridge 10 and can form an internal space in which the components of the cartridge 10 can be placed. In the drawings, only an embodiment in which the housing 100 of the cartridge 10 has an overall square pillar shape is shown, but it is not limited thereto. In another embodiment (not shown), the housing 100 may be formed entirely in a cylindrical shape, or may be formed in a polygonal pillar shape other than a square pillar (eg, a triangular pillar, a pentagonal pillar).

According to one embodiment, the housing 100 includes a first housing 110, a second housing 120 connected to one area of the first housing 110, and a second housing connected to another area of the first housing 110. 3 It may include a housing 130.

For example, the second housing 120 is coupled to an area located at the bottom (e.g., -z direction) of the first housing 110, and a cartridge is placed between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. An internal space in which the components of (10) can be placed can be formed.

The third housing 130 is coupled to an area located at the top (e.g., +z direction) of the first housing 110, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece 10m is disposed on one side of the third housing 130. You can.

In the present disclosure, 'top' may refer to the '+z' direction of FIGS. 6 and 7, and 'bottom' may refer to the '-z' direction of FIGS. 6 and 7 facing the opposite direction to the top. Expressions may be used with the same meaning below.

The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are combined with each other to form a first airflow passage 150-1 through which airflow (e.g., air, aerosol) moves within the body portion 10b. You can. For example, the first housing 110 may form a portion of the first airflow passage 150-1, and the second housing 120 may form the remaining portion of the first airflow passage 150-1. .

In addition, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be combined to form an internal space, and the internal space includes a cartridge (to be described later) such as an atomizer 400, a wick 300, and an electric board 510. Various components necessary for the operation of 10) can be accommodated or arranged.

The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 protect the components accommodated in the internal space, and the third housing 130 protects the mouthpiece 10m and other components coupled or connected to the mouthpiece 10m. can protect them.

The housing 100 may include at least one inlet 10i through which air outside the cartridge 10 can flow into the interior of the cartridge 10. When the user contacts the oral cavity with the mouthpiece (10m) and performs a suction operation, the pressure inside the cartridge 10 becomes lower than atmospheric pressure, and external air will flow into the inside of the cartridge 10 through the inlet 10i. You can.

The housing 100 may form at least a portion of the first airflow passage 150-1, or a portion of the structure of the housing 100 may function as an inner wall of the first airflow passage 150-1. For example, the first housing 110 communicates with the atomizer 400 and includes an atomization space 400c where aerosol is generated and a connector 110c connecting the body portion 10b and the mouthpiece 10m. can do. The atomizing space 400c may be located in the center of the first housing 110, and the connector 110c is located on the upper surface of the first housing 110 where the first housing 110 is coupled to the third housing 130. It can be located in .

In one embodiment, the second housing 120 may include an inlet 10i. The inlet 10i may be formed in at least one area of the second housing 120. For example, the inlet 10i may be located on the bottom surface of the second housing 120 where the cartridge 10 is coupled to the main body 20.

The mouthpiece 10m is a part that contacts the user's mouth, and the mouthpiece 10m may be placed or coupled to one area of the housing 100. For example, the mouthpiece 10m may be connected to the third housing 130.

The mouthpiece 10m may be moveable between an open and closed position. The cartridge 10 may further include a first elastic body (10m-1) that provides elastic force to the mouthpiece (10m). For example, the first elastic body 10m-1 can elastically support the mouthpiece 10m towards an open position.

The first elastic body (10m-1) may be disposed around the rotation axis of the mouthpiece (10m). The mouthpiece 10m can be moved from the closed position to the open position by the elastic force of the first elastic body 10m-1. The first elastic body (10m-1) may be made of a metal material (eg, SUS).

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (10m) is rotatable about a rotation axis, and the first elastic body (10m-1) may be a torsion spring located on the rotation axis of the mouthpiece (10m). The first elastic body 10m-1 may be in a state in which the deformation is relatively large when the mouthpiece 10m is in the closed position, and the deformation in the first elastic body 10m-1 may be relatively small when the mouthpiece 10m is in the open position. Accordingly, the mouthpiece 10m can be provided with a biased elastic force to open from the closed position to the open position.

The mouthpiece 10m may include a second airflow passage 150-2 for discharging the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 10 to the outside of the cartridge 10. For example, one side (eg, outlet 10e) of the second airflow passage 150-2 may be connected to the outside and the other side may be connected to the first airflow passage 150-1 in an open position. The user can contact the mouthpiece (10m) with the mouth and receive aerosol discharged to the outside through the outlet (10e) of the mouthpiece (10m).

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (10m) may be rotatably coupled to the third housing (130) together with the support portion (10m-2). The support portion 10m-2 is disposed between the mouthpiece 10m and the third housing 130, and may cover at least a portion of the other side of the mouthpiece 10m.

The mouthpiece (10m), the support portion (10m-2), and the third housing 130 may be connected to each other by a rotation axis. Accordingly, the mouthpiece 10m is not only firmly coupled to the third housing 130, but is also rotatable with respect to the third housing 130 and can be moved between the open position and the closed position.

Meanwhile, the mouthpiece 10m can be held by the holding portion 20m of the main body 20 in the closed position. A detailed description of the holding portion (20m) will be provided later.

The aerosol atomized by the atomizer 400 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the airflow passage 150 and supplied to the user. For example, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 flows along the airflow passage 150 formed to connect or communicate with the atomization space 400c and the outlet 10e of the mouthpiece 10m, and then flows through the outlet ( It can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through 10e).

In one embodiment, the airflow passage 150 may be connected along the inlet 10i, the atomization space 400c where aerosol is generated, and the outlet 10e. The airflow passage 150 may be formed by at least one component of the cartridge 10 (eg, the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the mouthpiece 10m). Alternatively, by modifying this, at least a portion of the airflow passage 150 may be formed as a tube inserted into the housing 100.

Airflow may move in the forward direction from the inlet 10i through the atomization space 400c toward the outlet 10e. In other words, 'forward direction' may mean the direction in which the airflow moves when the user inhales the mouthpiece (10m). For example, the forward direction may mean a direction from the inlet 10i toward the atomization space 400c and a direction from the atomization space 400c toward the outlet 10e.

According to one embodiment, the airflow passage 150 is a first airflow passage 150 extending from the inlet 10i through the atomization space 400c to the connector 110c where the body portion 10b and the mouthpiece 10m are connected. -1) and a second airflow passage (150-2) located inside the mouthpiece (10m).

The first airflow passage 150-1 may be connected from the inlet 10i to the connection port 110c via the atomization space 400c along the internal structures of the second housing 120 and the first housing 110. For example, the airflow moving in the forward direction along the first airflow passage 150-1 may sequentially move along the +z direction, the direction across the z axis, the -z direction, the direction across the z axis, and the +z direction. there is.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first airflow passage 150-1 allows external air flowing into the inside of the cartridge 10 through the inlet 10i into the atomization space 400c, and flows into the connector 110c along with the aerosol. It may mean a passage section moving to . According to the above-described example, the first airflow passage 150-1 may have an approximately 'L' shape.

The airflow flowing in the first airflow passage 150-1 may be sharply curved where the direction of travel changes. For example, the path of the airflow may change drastically in the area where the atomization space 400c is located. Because of this, the time the airflow stays in the atomization space 400c may increase and the possibility of generating a vortex may increase. As a result, mixing of the generated aerosol with outdoor air flowing into the atomization space 400c can be accomplished more easily.

The second airflow passage 150-2 may refer to an internal passage of the mouthpiece (10m). The second airflow passage 150-2 may be connected to the connector 110c when the mouthpiece 10m is in the open position. The second airflow passage 150-2 may be disconnected from the connector 110c when the mouthpiece 10m is in the closed position.

The storage unit 200 may be placed inside the first housing 110, and an aerosol-generating material may be stored inside the storage unit 200. For example, a liquid aerosol-generating material may be stored in the storage unit 200, but the storage unit 200 is not limited thereto.

The wick 300 may be located between the storage unit 200 and the atomizer 400, and the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit 200 may be supplied to the atomizer 400 through the wick 300. there is.

According to one embodiment, the wick 300 may serve to receive an aerosol-generating material from the storage unit 200 and deliver the supplied aerosol-generating material to the atomizer 400. For example, the wick 300 may absorb the aerosol-generating material in the storage unit 200, and the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick 300 may be transferred to the atomizer 400.

The wick 300 is disposed adjacent to the storage unit 200 and can receive liquid aerosol-generating material from the storage unit 200. For example, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 200 is discharged to the outside of the storage unit 200 through a liquid supply port (not shown) formed in an area of the storage unit 200 facing the wick 300. It can be, and the wick 300 can absorb the aerosol-generating material from the storage unit 200 by absorbing at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material discharged from the storage unit 200.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 10 is disposed to cover at least a portion of the atomizer 400 that generates an aerosol, and has an absorption plate that transfers the aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick 300 to the atomizer 400. (320) may be further included.

The absorption plate 320 may be made of a material capable of absorbing aerosol-generating substances. For example, the absorption plate 320 may include at least one material selected from SPL 30(H), SPL 50(H)V, NP 100(V8), SPL 60(FC), and melamine.

As the cartridge 10 further includes the absorbent plate 320, the aerosol-generating material can be absorbed not only by the wick 300 but also by the absorbent plate 320, thereby improving the amount of aerosol-generating material absorbed.

In addition, as the absorption plate 320 is arranged to cover at least a portion of the atomizer 400, the absorption plate 320 allows particles that are not sufficiently atomized during the aerosol generation process to be directly released to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1. It can function as a physical barrier to prevent ‘liquid splash’ from being discharged. Here, ‘splash’ may mean that particles of aerosol-generating material that are not sufficiently atomized and have a relatively large size are discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10. As the cartridge 10 further includes the absorption plate 320, the possibility of liquid splash occurring is reduced, and the user's satisfaction with smoking can be improved.

In one embodiment, the absorption plate 320 is located between one side of the atomizer 400 where the aerosol is generated and the wick 300, and transmits the aerosol supplied to the wick 300 to the atomizer 400. You can. For example, one area of the absorption plate 320 is in contact with one area facing the -z direction of the wick 300, and another area of the absorption plate 320 is in contact with the area facing the +z direction of the atomizer 400. You can touch the area. That is, the absorption plate 320 is located on the upper surface (eg, +z direction) of the atomizer 400 and can supply the aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick 300 to the atomizer 400.

The wick 300, the absorption plate 320, and the atomizer 400 may be sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the cartridge 10 or the housing 100, resulting in an atomizer ( The absorbent plate 320 and the wick 300 may be sequentially stacked on 400.

At least a portion of the aerosol generating material supplied from the storage unit 200 to the wick 300 through the above-described arrangement structure moves to the absorption plate 320 in contact with the wick 300, and moves to the absorption plate 320. Aerosol-generating material may travel along the absorbent plate 320 and reach an area adjacent to the atomizer 400. Accordingly, the aerosol generating material is stably delivered to the atomizer 400, and a uniform amount of aerosol can be continuously generated, and the above-described A physical double barrier can be implemented to prevent leakage.

In the drawing, only an embodiment is shown including one each of the wick 300 and the absorption plate 320, but the cartridge 10 according to another embodiment includes at least one of the wick 300 and the absorption plate 320. It may contain more than one.

The atomizer 400 can generate an aerosol by atomizing the liquid aerosol-generating material supplied from the wick 300.

For example, the atomizer 400 may include a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibration. The frequency of ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be about 100 kHz to 10 MHz, and preferably about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz. As the vibrator generates ultrasonic vibration in the above-mentioned frequency band, the vibrator may vibrate along the longitudinal direction (eg, z-axis direction) of the cartridge 10 or housing 100. However, embodiments are not limited by the direction in which the vibrator vibrates, and the direction in which the vibrator vibrates may be changed in various directions (e.g., any of the x-axis direction, y-axis direction, z-axis direction, or a combination of these directions). there is.

The atomizer 400 can generate aerosol at a relatively lower temperature than a method of heating the aerosol-generating material by atomizing the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic waves. For example, in the case of heating the aerosol-generating material using a heater, a situation may occur where the aerosol-generating material is unintentionally heated to a temperature of 200 °C or higher, causing the user to feel a burnt taste in the aerosol.

On the other hand, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment can generate an aerosol in a temperature range of about 100 °C to 160 °C, which is a relatively low temperature compared to heating with a heater by atomizing the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic waves. there is. Accordingly, the feeling of a burnt taste in the aerosol can be minimized, and the user's satisfaction with smoking can be improved.

The atomizer 400 can be electrically connected to an external power source through the electric board 510 and can generate ultrasonic vibration by power supplied from the external power source. For example, the atomizer 400 is electrically connected to the electric board 510 located inside the cartridge 10, and the electric board 510 is electrically connected to the main body 20, so that the atomizer ( 400) may receive power from the battery 600.

Aerosol may be generated in the atomization space 400c located on one side of the atomizer 400 and communicating with the airflow passage 150. When the user inhales through the open mouthpiece (10m), the aerosol generated in the atomization space (400c) is mixed with external air introduced along the airflow passage (150) and can move in the direction toward the outlet (10e). .

In one example, the atomization space 400c is located on one side of the atomizer 400 facing the connector 110c, so that the atomization space 400c and the airflow passage 150 communicate at the top of the atomizer 400. You can. Accordingly, since the cartridge 10 has a straight aerosol discharge path, the generated aerosol can be easily discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10.

According to one embodiment, the atomizer 400 may be electrically connected to the electric substrate 510 through the first electrode body 410 and the second electrode body 420.

In one embodiment, the first electrode body 410 includes an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal) and is located at the top of the atomizer 400 to electrically connect the atomizer 400 and the electrical substrate 510. You can connect with .

For example, a portion (e.g., upper portion) of the first electrode body 410 is arranged to surround at least one area of the outer peripheral surface of the atomizer 400 and is in contact with the atomizer 400, and the first electrode body Another part (eg, the lower part) of 410 is formed to extend from one part in a direction toward the electric board 510 and may contact one area of the electric board 510 . The atomizer 400 and the electric substrate 510 can be electrically connected by the above-described contact structure of the first electrode body 410.

In one example, an opening 410h is formed in a portion of the first electrode body 410 so that at least a portion of the atomizer 400 is exposed to the outside of the first electrode body 410. An area of the atomizer 400 exposed to the outside of the first electrode body 410 through the opening 410h of the first electrode body 410 is in contact with the wick 300 and/or the absorption plate 320. The aerosol-generating material held by the wick 300 and/or the absorbent plate 320 can be atomized.

In one embodiment, the second electrode body 420 includes a material having electrical conductivity and is located at the bottom of the atomizer 400 or between the atomizer 400 and the electric substrate 510 to use the atomizer 400. ) and the electric board 510 can be electrically connected. For example, one end of the second electrode body 420 is in contact with the lower area of the atomizer 400, and the other end is in contact with an area of the electric substrate 510 facing the atomizer 400, The atomizer 400 and the electric board 510 may be electrically connected.

According to one embodiment, the second electrode body 420 includes an elastic conductive material and not only serves to electrically connect the atomizer 400 and the electric substrate 510, but also makes the atomizer 400 elastic. It can even play a supporting role. For example, the second electrode body 420 may include a conductive spring, but the second electrode body 420 is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may further include a pressurizing body 430 positioned between the atomizer 400 and the electric board 510 to support the second electrode body 420. The pressing body 430 includes, for example, an elastic material (e.g., silicone, rubber) and is arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the second electrode body 420 to elastically support the second electrode body 420. You can. However, the embodiment of the cartridge 10 is not limited to this, and the pressurizing body 430 may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the electric substrate 510 is located inside the second housing 120 and is electrically connected to the atomizer 400 through the first electrode body 410 and the second electrode body 420. At the same time, it can be electrically connected to the main body 20 of the aerosol generating device 1 through the connection terminal 20a-2 located on the main body 20.

The electric substrate 510 is electrically connected to the atomizer 400 by the first electrode body 410 and the second electrode body 420, and is connected to the battery (20) of the main body 20 by the connection terminal 20a-2. As it is electrically connected to 600, the atomizer 400 can be electrically connected to an external power source of the cartridge 10 via the electric board 510 to receive power.

In one embodiment, the second housing 120 may include a through hole 120h penetrating the inside of the second housing 120 and the outside of the cartridge 10, and an aerosol is generated through the through hole 120h. The connection terminal 20a-2 of the main body 20 of the device 1 is connected to electrically connect the electric board 510 located inside the cartridge 10 and the battery 600 of the main body 20. .

The cartridge 10 may further include a metal plate 520 for grounding the electric board 510 or firmly coupling the electric board 510 to the second housing 120. The metal plate 520 may be positioned between the second housing 120 and the electric board 510 to reinforce the coupling between the electric board 510 and the second housing 120. Additionally, the metal plate 520 may include a hole corresponding to the through hole 120h so that the connection terminal 20a-2 of the main body 20 can be connected to the inside of the cartridge 10.

Meanwhile, when power supply to the atomizer 400 begins or while power supply is in progress, unintended noise may occur in the electrical circuit between the atomizer 400 and an external power source. For example, noise may occur in the voltage signal supplied to the atomizer 400, so a voltage higher than the specified value may be applied to the atomizer 400, and as a result, the temperature of the atomizer 400 rapidly increases ( Example: If the temperature rises above the Curie temperature, the atomizer 400 may be damaged.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 10 may further include a resistor (R) for removing noise included in the signal applied to the atomizer 400. For example, a resistor (R) may be placed in one area of the electrical board 510 to remove or filter noise generated in the process of supplying power from an external power source to the atomizer 400. You can.

The electrical board 510 may be a printed circuit board, and the resistor R may be mounted in one area of the printed circuit board. Accordingly, the resistance R can remove noise generated when the aerosol generating device 1 is operated (or 'powered on') to ensure that a stable voltage is applied to the atomizer 400.

Here, 'the resistor (R) is mounted on an area of the printed circuit board' means, for example, surface mounting (where the resistor (R) is electrically connected to the printed circuit board in a way that protrudes from the surface of the printed circuit board). It may refer to a method in which the resistor (R) is installed, such as a surface mount method or a method in which at least a portion of the resistor (R) is embedded in one side of a printed circuit board.

The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment can remove or filter noise generated in an electrical circuit formed between the atomizer 400 and an external power source through a resistance (R), and as a result, the cartridge 10 or The aerosol generating device (1) can be operated stably.

In one embodiment, the resistor R may form a feedback circuit (or 'feedback circuit') connected in parallel with the atomizer 400. The resistor R forms a feedback circuit to remove noise included in the signal applied to the atomizer 400, thereby allowing a stable voltage to be applied to the atomizer 400. As a result, damage to the atomizer 400 due to noise is prevented, thereby enabling stable operation of the cartridge 10 or the aerosol generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the electric board 510 is disposed adjacent to the atomizer 400 inside the cartridge 10, and the resistance (R) is the first resistance of the electric board 510 toward the atomizer 400. It can be placed or mounted on the surface.

When the resistor (R) for removing noise contained in the voltage signal applied to the atomizer 400 is placed on the second side of the electric board 510 or is placed on the main body 20 rather than the cartridge 10. , the electrical length of the feedback circuit may become longer.

When the electrical length of the feedback circuit becomes longer, noise is additionally generated in the process of feedback or feedback of the voltage signal applied to the atomizer 400, resulting in a voltage containing noise in the atomizer 400 even though the feedback circuit is formed. A situation may occur where a signal is applied.

On the other hand, in the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment, the electric board 510 is disposed within a specified distance from the atomizer 400, and the resistance (R) forming the feedback circuit is connected to the electric board adjacent to the atomizer 400 ( 510), the electrical length of the feedback circuit can be reduced. Here, the 'designated distance between the electrical board 510 and the atomizer 400' may mean a distance that prevents noise from being generated in the process of feeding back the voltage signal.

As a result, it is possible to prevent additional noise from occurring in the process of feeding back the voltage signal applied to the atomizer 400, thereby ensuring that a stable voltage signal is supplied to the atomizer 400.

That is, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment can ensure that a stable voltage is supplied to the atomizer 400 by placing the resistance (R) inside the cartridge 10 rather than the main body 20, and as a result, Damage to the atomizer 400 can be prevented and stable operation of the cartridge 10 or aerosol generating device 1 can be achieved.

The resistance (R) is formed to have a resistance value of about 0.8 MΩ to about 1.2 MΩ to remove noise included in the voltage signal applied to the atomizer 400. However, the resistance value of the resistor R may partially change depending on the embodiment.

Meanwhile, as at least a portion of the airflow passage 150 is arranged to be surrounded by the storage unit 200, aerosol-generating substances leaking from the storage unit 200 flow into the airflow passage 150, thereby reducing the user's smoking satisfaction. There may be cases where you do so.

The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may further include a hollow portion 210 to prevent aerosol-generating material from leaking from the storage portion 200 and flowing into the airflow passage 150.

The hollow portion 210 may seal a gap around the liquid supply port of the storage unit 200 (for example, a gap between the liquid supply port and the wick 300). Accordingly, in the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment, the hollow portion 210 blocks the aerosol-generating material in the storage portion 200 from leaking into the airflow passage 150, thereby preventing a decrease in the user's satisfaction with smoking. can do.

In one embodiment, the hollow portion 210 is located in the atomization space 400c of the housing 100 to prevent the aerosol-generating material in the storage portion 200 from leaking into the airflow passage 150. For example, the hollow portion 210 may have a circular hollow shape. The hollow portion 210 may be fitted into the inside of the first housing 110 and may be in close contact with the outer wall of the storage portion 200 and the inner wall of the first airflow passage 150-1.

Since the hollow portion 210 has a passage portion inside, it prevents aerosol-generating materials from the storage portion 200 from flowing into the airflow passage 150 and prevents the aerosol generated from the atomizer 400 from moving. It may form part of the airflow passage 150.

In one embodiment, the hollow portion 210 may include a plurality of holes connected to the first airflow passage 150-1. For example, the hollow portion 210 may include a first hole 211 and a second hole 212 on the top surface.

The first hole 211 of the hollow portion 210 located inside the first housing 110 may be connected to the first airflow passage 150-1. For example, the first hole 211 is formed in the hollow part 210 at a position adjacent to the outer wall of the storage part 200, so that the external air flowing in the -z direction in the first airflow passage 150-1 is You can move to the atomization space (400c) through the first hole (211).

The second hole 212 may be formed so that the aerosol generated in the atomization space 400c can move to the connector 110c. For example, the second hole 212 is formed in the hollow portion 210 where the atomization space 400c faces the connector 110c, so that the aerosol generated in the atomization space 400c and flowing in the +z direction is It is possible to move toward the mouthpiece (10m) through the second hole 212.

The outside air flowing into the airflow passage 150 moves to the atomization space 400c through the first hole 211, changes its path in the atomization space 400c, and flows into the cartridge 10 through the second hole 212. ) can be moved outside.

The hollow portion 210 may include an elastic material (e.g., rubber) to absorb ultrasonic vibration generated from the atomizer 400. Accordingly, the phenomenon of ultrasonic vibration generated in the atomizer 400 being transmitted to the user through the housing 100 of the cartridge 10 can be minimized.

The hollow portion 210 is located at the top of the wick 300 and presses the wick 300 in a direction toward the atomizer 400, thereby maintaining contact between the wick 300 and the atomizer 400. For example, the hollow portion 210 may maintain contact between the absorbent plate 320 and the atomizer 400 by pressing the wick 300 and/or the absorbent plate 320 in the -z direction.

The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may further include a first support 330 for maintaining the wick 300 and/or the atomizer 400 inside the first housing 110.

The first support 330 is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the wick 300, the absorption plate 320, and/or the atomizer 400, and is used to cover the wick 300, the absorption plate 320, and/or the atomizer. (400) can be accommodated.

In one embodiment, the first support 330 may be disposed between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. As a result, the wick 300, the absorption plate 320, and/or the atomizer 400 may be maintained or fixed in the area between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

The first support 330 may be coupled to the first housing 110 in such a way that at least a portion of the first support 330 is pressed into the first housing 110, but the first housing 110 and The coupling method of the first support 330 is not limited to the above-described examples. In another example, the first housing 110 and the first support 330 may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, or a magnetic coupling method.

According to one embodiment, the first support 330 includes a material (e.g., silicone, rubber) that has a predetermined rigidity and is waterproof, and holds the wick 300 and the atomizer 400 in the first housing 110. ), as well as preventing aerosol-generating substances from leaking from the storage unit 200. For example, the first support 330 can prevent leakage of aerosol-generating substances by sealing the area where the storage unit 200 is adjacent to the wick 300 or the atomizer 400.

In addition, the first support 330, like the hollow portion 210, may include an elastic material (eg, rubber) to absorb ultrasonic vibration generated from the atomizer 400.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 10 maintains the coupling of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 and has an O seal for sealing between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. -It may further include a ring 115.

For example, the O-ring 115 is located between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, so that there is a gap at the part where the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are joined. It can fill the space formed. Accordingly, the external air of the cartridge 10 can be prevented from being introduced through a part other than the inlet 10i.

The O-ring 115 is made of a material (eg, silicone) having a certain elasticity and can tightly seal between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 10 maintains the coupling of the first housing 110 and the third housing 130 and may further include a first seal 141 to seal the storage unit 200. there is.

The first seal 141 may be disposed between the first housing 110 and the third housing 130. For example, the first seal 141 is coupled to the top of the first housing 110 and to the bottom of the third housing 130 to couple the first housing 110 and the third housing 130. can be maintained firmly.

Additionally, the first seal 141 may include a structure that seals the storage unit 200 while not sealing the first air flow passage 150-1. For example, the first seal 141 includes a hole in the portion where the first airflow passage 150-1 is located when coupled to the top of the first housing 110, and the storage portion 200 is located. The portion may have a structure that does not include holes. Accordingly, the first seal 141 prevents the first airflow passage 151-1 from being blocked, while allowing the storage unit 200 and the first airflow passage 150-1 to be connected at the top of the first housing 110. It can be separated or isolated.

The cartridge 10 may further include a second seal 142 coupled to the third housing 130 to seal around the connector 110c. The second seal 142 may be coupled to the top of the third housing 130. The second seal 142 includes a hole of a size corresponding to the connector 110c, so that the first airflow passage 150-1 and the second airflow passage 150-2 are connected while preventing the connector 110c from being blocked. The area around the area can be sealed.

The cartridge 10 may include both a first seal 141 and a second seal 142. The first seal 141 and the second seal 142 are coupled to the upper and lower ends of the third housing 130, respectively, and at least a portion of the first seal 141 and the second seal 142 are It may be partially coupled to the inside of the third housing 130. Accordingly, the first housing 110 and the third housing 130 can be more firmly coupled via the first sealing body 141 and the second sealing body 142.

The first seal 141 and the second seal 142 may be coupled to the first housing 110 and/or the third housing 130 in an interference fit manner, but the first seal 141 and The coupling method of the second seal 142 is not limited to the above-described example.

Meanwhile, the first seal 141 and the second seal 142 have a predetermined rigidity and include a waterproof material (e.g., silicone), and are used in the first housing 110 and/or the third housing. It may be firmly coupled to (130) and may function as part of the inner wall of the first airflow passage (150-1).

In the process of atomizing the aerosol-generating material by the atomizer 400, some aerosol-generating materials may not be sufficiently atomized and droplets with relatively large particles may be generated. Additionally, part of the atomized aerosol may be liquefied inside the airflow passage to generate droplets. The generated droplets block the airflow passage 150, leak out of the cartridge 10 through the inlet 10i, or leak out of the mouthpiece 10m through the outlet 10e, thereby improving user convenience and smoking. Satisfaction may decrease.

In another embodiment, the cartridge 10 may further include an absorber (not shown) to absorb liquid droplets generated on the airflow passage. In one example, an absorber (not shown) that absorbs liquid droplets generated on the first airflow passage 150-1 may be disposed between the inlet 10i and the atomization space 400c. For example, at least a portion of the absorber may be located in the inner space of the housing 100 and connected to at least one area of the first airflow passage 150-1. Accordingly, the liquid droplets generated on the airflow passage 150 are absorbed by the absorber, and the inner wall of the airflow passage 150 can be prevented from being narrowed or blocked by the liquid droplets.

The absorber may be disposed between the first support 330 and the second housing 120, and may be connected to an area of the first airflow passage 150-1 adjacent to the inlet 10i. Accordingly, liquid droplets generated in an area of the first airflow passage 150-1 adjacent to the inlet 10i are absorbed by the absorber, thereby preventing liquid leakage through the inlet 10i.

As another example, the absorber may be disposed in an area where the first housing 110 and the third housing 130 are joined. Accordingly, droplets of aerosol liquefied in an area adjacent to the first airflow passage 150-1 may be absorbed by the absorber. As a result, a larger amount of liquid droplets can be removed, and the amount of liquid leaked from the cartridge 10 can be reduced.

As another example, an absorber may be disposed around the other side of the mouthpiece (10m) to absorb liquid droplets generated on the second airflow passage (150-2). For example, the absorber may be disposed between the third housing 130 and the support portion 10m-2. The absorber can prevent liquid droplets generated in the airflow passage 150 from moving or flowing in the direction toward the outlet 10e of the mouthpiece 10m. Accordingly, the possibility of occurrence of the above-mentioned problems may be reduced.

The absorbent may include, but is not limited to, at least one of felt, cotton, cloth, and activated carbon that absorbs or adsorbs liquid or solid residue.

The main body 20 according to one embodiment may include a coupling portion 20a and a holding portion 20m. The cartridge 10 may be detachably coupled to the main body 20, and the coupling portion 20a may be a part of the main body 20 to which the cartridge 10 is coupled. The holding portion (20m) can hold or fix the mouthpiece (10m) located in the closed position.

The coupling portion 20a may accommodate at least a portion of the cartridge 10. For example, the coupling portion 20a may include a receiving groove 20a-1 having a shape corresponding to the body portion 10b so that the body portion 10b of the cartridge 10 can be accommodated or inserted. The cartridge 10 inserted into the receiving groove 20a-1 can be coupled to the main body 20 by various coupling methods described above.

In one embodiment, at least one region of the body portion 10b of the cartridge 10 includes a first magnetic material (not shown), and at least one region of the coupling portion 20a of the main body 20 includes a second magnetic material (not shown). (not shown) may be included. For example, the first magnetic material is disposed at the bottom of the body portion 10b, and the second magnetic material is disposed on the bottom surface of the coupling portion 20a of the main body 20 facing the bottom of the inserted body portion 10b. It can be. Accordingly, the cartridge 10 inserted to a predetermined position in the receiving groove 20a-1 can be coupled by magnetic force.

In one embodiment, the coupling portion 20a may include a connection terminal 20a-2 for electrically connecting the main body 20 and the cartridge 10. The connection terminal 20a-2 may include, for example, a pogo pin, a wire, a cable, a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and a C-clip. It may include at least one, but the connection terminal 20a-2 is not limited to the examples described above.

As described above, the connection terminal 20a-2 is connected to the inside of the body portion 10b of the cartridge 10 through the through hole 120h of the cartridge 10, and the electrical board 510 of the cartridge 10 ) can be connected to. Since the electric board 510 of the cartridge 10 is in electrical contact with the atomizer 400, the atomizer 400 is connected to the main body 20 by connecting the connection terminal 20a-2 and the electric board 510. can be electrically connected to. Accordingly, the atomizer 400 can receive power from the battery 600 of the main body 20.

The aerosol generating device 1 may further include an inhalation detection sensor (S). The inhalation detection sensor (S) can sense whether the user is inhaling the aerosol generating device (1) by detecting a change in internal pressure or air flow of the aerosol generating device (1).

The suction detection sensor (S) may be located anywhere in the cartridge 10 or the main body 20. Since the cartridge 10 may be a consumable item that is replaced when all of the aerosol-generating substances stored therein are used up, it may be preferable from an economical point of view for the inhalation detection sensor S to be located in the main body 20.

In one embodiment, the suction sensor S may be located adjacent to the coupling portion 20a of the main body 20. As an example, the suction sensor S may be located in an area of the coupling portion 20a adjacent to the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 10b of the cartridge 10 coupled to the main body 20. As another example, the suction detection sensor (S) is located in an area of the main body 20 (e.g., the side wall of the receiving groove 20a-1) facing the outer peripheral surface of the housing 100 of the cartridge 10 coupled to the main body 20. ) can be located.

Since outside air can flow into the inside of the aerosol generating device (1) through a minute gap between the combined main body (20) and the cartridge (10), the suction detection sensor (S) is installed adjacent to the area where the outside air flows. As it is arranged, the pressure change or air flow inside the main body 20 can be sensed more accurately.

The aerosol generating device 1 may include a processor (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1 and a battery 600 that supplies power necessary for the aerosol generating device 1 to operate. .

Additionally, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an external terminal 20u for electrical connection to an external device. The external terminal 20u may include, for example, a USB terminal. The aerosol generating device 1 can transmit and receive power and data with an external device through the external terminal 20u.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a holding portion (20m) for maintaining the mouthpiece (10m) in a specific position. For example, the body 20 may include a holding portion 20m that holds the closed mouthpiece 10m in the closed position. The holding portion 20m may be located at one end of the receiving portion 20s that accommodates the mouthpiece 10m in the closed position. For example, the holding portion 20m may be located adjacent to one end of the mouthpiece 10m stored in the receiving portion 20s.

When closing the mouthpiece (10m), the user can apply external force to move the mouthpiece (10m) from the open position to the closed position. When the mouthpiece 10m moves to the closed position, the retaining portion 20m may provide a holding force to the mouthpiece 10m to keep the mouthpiece 10m in the closed position. For example, the holding portion 20m may provide magnetic, elastic, and/or frictional forces to one end of the mouthpiece 10m to maintain the mouthpiece 10m in the closed position.

When opening the mouthpiece (10m), the user can apply an external force to the mouthpiece (10m) to move the mouthpiece (10m) from the closed position to the open position. For example, when the user presses the other side of the mouthpiece (10m) with a predetermined force or more, the mouthpiece (10m) is separated from the holding portion (20m), and the mouthpiece (10m) moves from the closed position to the open position. It can rotate.

In one example, one end of the holding portion (20m) and the mouthpiece (10m) may each include magnetic materials having opposite polarities. Accordingly, when one end of the mouthpiece 10m approaches the closed position by a predetermined distance, the mouthpiece 10m can be maintained in the closed position by being pulled by magnetic force.

In another example, the holding portion 20m may include a locking portion 20m-1 that applies a reaction force to one end of the mouthpiece 10m. The locking portion (20m-1) may apply a reaction force in the direction opposite to the direction in which the mouthpiece (10m) moves so that the mouthpiece (10m) does not open from the closed position. A detailed description of this will be provided later with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8b is an enlarged view showing a modified example of part A of FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the holding portion 20m may include a catching portion 20m-1 and a second elastic body 20m-2. The holding portion 20m' according to the embodiment of FIG. 8B is different from the holding portion 20m according to the embodiment of FIG. 8A only in a partial shape of the locking portion 20m-1', and the remaining portions are the same.

The locking portions 20m-1 and 20m-1' may be coupled to the mouthpiece 10m moved to the closed position to maintain the mouthpiece 10m in the closed position. For example, at least a portion of the locking portions 20m-1 and 20m-1' may be inserted inside the mouthpiece 10m located in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the catching portion (20m-1, 20m-1') has one part (20m-11, 20m-11') facing the mouthpiece (10m) and the other part (20m) located inside the body 20. -12) may be included. For example, a portion (20m-11, 20m-11') of the stopping portion (20m-1, 20m-1') may be inserted into one side of the second airflow passage (150-2).

Accordingly, the locking portions (20m-1, 20m-1') are coupled or bound to the mouthpiece (10m) located in the closed position, and the mouthpiece (10m) is opened at one end of the mouthpiece (10m) and It can provide holding force in the opposite direction.

The second elastic body (20m-2) can press the locking portions (20m-1, 20m-1') in one direction in a normal state in which no external force is applied to open the mouthpiece (10m). The second elastic body (20m-2) is located in another part (20m-12) of the locking portions (20m-1, 20m-1') and pressurizes the locking portions (20m-1, 20m-1') in one direction. can do. For example, the second elastic body (20m-2) is wrapped around the outside of the other part (20m-12) of the catching portion (20m-1, 20m-1'), thereby forming a locking portion (20m-1, 20m-1'). ) can be combined with.

According to embodiments, a portion (20m-11, 20m-11') of the second elastic body (20m-2) has a curved shape as shown in FIG. 8A or a diagonal shape as shown in FIG. 8B. It can have a shape. Accordingly, when the mouthpiece (10m) moves from the closed position to the open position, the second elastic body (20m-2) is compressed in the other direction, so that the holding portion (20m) and the mouthpiece (10m) can be separated.

For example, when an external force is applied to the mouthpiece 10m to move the mouthpiece 10m from a closed position to an open position, one end of the mouthpiece 10m is at least partially at the locking portion 20m-1, 20m- 1') can be pressed in another direction. At this time, the second elastic body (20m-2) located in the other part (20m-12) of the hanging portion (20m-1, 20m-1') is pressed together, so that the second elastic body (20m-2) is not applied to the external force. It can be relatively compressed compared to its usual state, and the combination of the mouthpiece (10m) and the locking portion (20m-1, 20m-1') can be released at a predetermined position.

Conversely, when the mouthpiece 10m moves from the open position to the closed position, a portion 20m-11, 20m-11' of the engaging portion 20m-1, 20m-1' has the shape of a curve as described above. Alternatively, since it has a diagonal shape, one end of the mouthpiece 10m can at least partially press the locking portions 20m-1 and 20m-1' and the second elastic body 20m-2 in the other direction.

When the mouthpiece (10m) reaches the closed position, the locking portion (20m-1, 20m-1') is inserted into the interior of the second airflow passage (150-2) of the mouthpiece (10m), and the second elastic body ( 20m-2) can again pressurize the locking portions (20m-1, 20m-1') in one direction to keep the mouthpiece (10m) in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the second elastic body (20m-2) may include at least one of a compression spring, a leaf spring, and a volute spring. The second elastic body (20m-2) can be designed according to the size of the external force required when opening and closing the mouthpiece (10m). For example, the second elastic body (20m-2) is made of SUS, the total length is 3mm, the pitch is 1.5mm, the wire diameter is approximately 0.2mm to 0.4mm, and the spring The diameter is approximately 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and the compression spring may have an effective number of turns of 2.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 900 includes a processor 910, a sensing unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, an atomizer 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. may include. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 9. That is, those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 900, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 9 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. there is.

The sensing unit 920 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 900 or the state around the aerosol generating device 900 and transmit the sensed information to the processor 910. Based on the sensed information, the processor 910 performs various functions such as controlling the operation of the atomizer 950, limiting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), displaying a notification, etc. The aerosol generating device 900 can be controlled as much as possible.

The sensing unit 920 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 922, an insertion detection sensor 924, and a suction detection sensor 926, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 922 can detect the temperature at which the atomizer 950 (or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the atomizer 950, or the atomizer 950 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be disposed around the battery 940 to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

Insertion detection sensor 924 may detect insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 924 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and the aerosol-generating article may be inserted and/or Signal changes can be detected as it is removed.

The suction detection sensor 926 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the suction detection sensor 926 may detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

In addition to the sensors 922 to 926 described above, the sensing unit 920 includes a temperature/humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), It may further include at least one of a proximity sensor and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively deduced by a person skilled in the art from its name, detailed descriptions may be omitted.

The output unit 930 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 900 and provide it to the user. The output unit 930 may include at least one of a display unit 932, a haptic unit 934, and an audio output unit 936, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 932 and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 932 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 932 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device 900 may include the charging/discharging state of the battery 940 of the aerosol generating device 900, the operating state of the atomizer 950, and the insertion/removal state of the cartridge or aerosol generating article. Alternatively, it may refer to various information such as a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 900 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 932 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 932 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Additionally, the display unit 932 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 934 may convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 934 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 936 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 900 audibly to the user. For example, the audio output unit 936 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery 940 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 may supply power so that the atomizer 950 can be heated. In addition, the battery 940 is connected to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 900 (e.g., sensing unit 920, output unit 930, user input unit 960, memory 970, and communication unit 980). ) can supply the power required for operation. The battery 940 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The atomizer 950 may receive power from the battery 940 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a power conversion circuit (eg, DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 940 and supplies it to the atomizer 950. Additionally, when the aerosol generating device 900 generates an aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts direct current power of the battery 940 into alternating current power.

The processor 910, sensing unit 920, output unit 930, user input unit 960, memory 970, and communication unit 980 may perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 940. Although not shown in FIG. 9, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 940 and supplies it to each component, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

In one embodiment, the atomizer 950 may be a resistance heating type heater. The heater may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy containing, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heater may be implemented as a metal hot wire, a metal plate with electrically conductive tracks, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the atomizer 950 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the atomizer 950 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

In another embodiment, the atomizer 950 may be a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibration. The vibrator may include, for example, piezoelectric ceramic. As electricity is applied to the vibrator, short high-frequency vibrations may occur, and the generated vibrations can break aerosol-generating materials into small particles and atomize them into aerosols.

The user input unit 960 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 960 includes a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistive type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, and integral type). Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 900 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and is connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface. In this way, information can be transmitted and received or the battery 940 can be charged.

The memory 970 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 900, and can store data processed by the processor 910 and data to be processed. The memory 970 is a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), and RAM. (RAM, random access memory) SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk , and may include at least one type of storage medium among optical disks. The memory 970 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit 980 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 may include a short-range communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

The short-range wireless communication unit 982 includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, and an infrared (IrDA) communication unit. , infrared Data Association) communication unit, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 984 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 984 may identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

The processor 910 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In one embodiment, processor 910 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that this embodiment may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The processor 910 may control the temperature or vibration frequency of the atomizer 950 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 940 to the atomizer 950. For example, the processor 910 may control power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 940 and the atomizer 950. In another example, the heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the atomizer 950 according to the control command of the processor 910.

The processor 910 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 and control processing to be performed thereafter. For example, the processor 910 may control the power supplied to the atomizer 950 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 950 based on the result detected by the sensing unit 920. For another example, based on the results detected by the sensing unit 920, the processor 910 heats the atomizer 950 to a predetermined temperature or supplies the atomizer 950 to maintain an appropriate temperature. You can control the amount of power and the time it is supplied.

The processor 910 may control the output unit 930 based on the result detected by the sensing unit 920. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the suction detection sensor 926 reaches a preset number, the processor 910 performs at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the sound output unit 936. It is possible to notify the user that the aerosol generating device 900 will soon be terminated.

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

Those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that the above-described substrate can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered from an explanatory rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

1: Aerosol generating device
10: Cartridge
10m: Mouthpiece
10m-1: first elastic body
10b: body part
20: body
20a: joint
20a-1: Receiving home
20a-2: Connection terminal
20c: cover
20m: Maintenance section
20m-1: hanging part
20m-2: second elastic body
100: housing
110: first housing
120: second housing
150: Airflow passage
150-1: First airflow passage
150-2: Second airflow passage
200: storage unit
300: Wick
320: absorption plate
400: Atomizer
510: Electric board
S: Suction detection sensor

Claims (17)

A cartridge comprising a body portion including a mouthpiece movable between an open position and a closed position, and a first airflow passage through which an aerosol-generating material is stored and an airflow moves; and
It includes a main body including a receiving groove into which the body portion of the cartridge is inserted, and a holding portion that maintains the mouthpiece in the closed position,
An aerosol generating device wherein the body portion is inserted into the receiving groove so that the cartridge is coupled to the main body, and the body portion is separated to the outside of the receiving groove so that the cartridge is separable from the main body. According to claim 1,
wherein the retaining portion provides retention force to one end of the mouthpiece to maintain the mouthpiece in the closed position. According to claim 1,
The cartridge is,
An aerosol generating device further comprising: a first elastic body resiliently supporting the mouthpiece toward the open position. According to claim 3,
The mouthpiece is rotatable about a rotation axis,
wherein the first elastic body is a torsion spring located at the rotation axis of the mouthpiece. According to claim 1,
The holding portion includes a locking portion that engages the mouthpiece moved to the closed position to maintain the mouthpiece in the closed position. According to claim 5,
The holding portion further includes a second elastic body that presses the locking portion in one direction,
The second elastic body is compressed in another direction when the mouthpiece moves from the closed position to the open position, thereby disengaging the mouthpiece from the locking portion. According to claim 1,
The mouthpiece is an aerosol generating device comprising a second airflow passage on one side connected to the outside and a second airflow passage on the other side connected to the first airflow passage in the open position. According to claim 1,
The cartridge is,
It further includes an atomizer,
The main body is an aerosol generating device including a connection terminal electrically connected to the atomizer. According to claim 1,
The main body is,
It further includes a cover including an opening of a size corresponding to the mouthpiece,
The cover is coupled to one side of the main body to which the cartridge is coupled to maintain the coupling of the cartridge and the main body. According to claim 1,
The cartridge is,
atomizer; and
It further includes a storage unit,
The body portion includes a first housing that forms a portion of the storage portion and the first airflow passage, and a first housing that combines with the first housing to form an internal space accommodating the atomizer and a remaining portion of the first airflow passage. 2. An aerosol generating device further comprising a housing. According to claim 1,
The cartridge is,
atomizer;
a first electrode body connected to one side of the atomizer; and
An aerosol generating device further comprising a second electrode body connected to the other side of the atomizer. According to claim 11,
The first electrode body surrounds one side and at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the atomizer,
The second electrode body elastically presses the atomizer in a direction from the other side of the atomizer toward the one side. According to claim 11,
The cartridge is,
It further includes; an electric board electrically connected to the atomizer through the first electrode body and the second electrode body,
The electrical substrate includes a resistor that removes noise from a signal applied to the atomizer. According to claim 1,
The cartridge is,
atomizer;
storage unit;
A wick for absorbing aerosol-generating substances stored in the storage unit; and
An absorption plate disposed to cover at least a portion of the atomizer and retaining the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick. According to claim 1,
The main body is,
It further includes a suction detection sensor,
The inhalation detection sensor is located in one area of the receiving groove. According to clause 9,
The main body further includes a receiving portion located on one side of the main body to accommodate the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is moved to the closed position. According to claim 16,
The receiving groove and the receiving portion are positioned to be connected to the one side of the main body,
The main body further includes a seating portion that is dug into the one surface to a predetermined depth and extends in both directions from the receiving groove and the receiving portion,
The cover is disposed on the seating portion.

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