KR20240025430A - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge including a reservoir in which an aerosol generating material is stored; a heater assembly detachably coupled to one area of the cartridge and generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge; and a body detachably coupled to a region of the heater assembly and including a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly, wherein the heater assembly includes a chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir of the cartridge; a wick disposed inside the chamber to absorb the aerosol-generating material supplied from the reservoir; and a heater disposed in at least one area of the side of the wick and heating the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device that can prevent accumulation of liquefied aerosol within the chamber where the aerosol is generated.

Recently, the demand for technology to replace the method of supplying aerosol by burning a typical cigarette is increasing. For example, an aerosol can be produced from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state or a solid state, or an aerosol with a flavor can be supplied by generating vapor from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state and then passing the generated vapor through a solid-state scent medium. Research on methods such as these is in progress.

In particular, in the case of aerosol generating devices using liquid aerosol generating materials, the device is small in size and convenient to carry compared to aerosol generating devices using solid aerosol generating materials, and has the advantage of being convenient to use as it does not generate smoking by-products. Accordingly, interest in aerosol generating devices that generate aerosol using liquid aerosol generating materials is gradually increasing.

In an aerosol generating device that uses a liquid aerosol generating material, the liquid aerosol generating material is heated inside the aerosol generating chamber (or 'aerosol generating chamber'), and the resulting vapor and air mix, creating an aerosol. It can be.

At this time, at least a portion of the aerosol generated in the chamber may be cooled and liquefied by contact with air, and as a result, a situation may occur in which the liquefied aerosol accumulates inside the chamber.

When liquefied aerosol accumulates inside the chamber, leakage may occur and components of the aerosol generating device may malfunction or be damaged due to the leakage. Additionally, when liquefied aerosol accumulates inside the chamber, a portion of the heater located inside the chamber may be locked by the liquefied aerosol, reducing the heating efficiency of the heater, and as a result, the amount of aerosol produced may be reduced.

The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device that can prevent liquefied aerosol from accumulating in an aerosol generating chamber, thereby preventing malfunction or damage to components of the aerosol generating device due to leakage, and preventing malfunction or damage of components of the aerosol generating device due to leakage of the heater. This is to prevent it from being locked.

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

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a cartridge including a reservoir in which an aerosol generating material is stored; a heater assembly detachably coupled to one area of the cartridge and generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge; and a body detachably coupled to a region of the heater assembly and including a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly, wherein the heater assembly includes a chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir of the cartridge; A first surface disposed inside the chamber to absorb the aerosol-generating material supplied from the reservoir, a first surface facing the reservoir, and a second surface disposed in a direction opposite to the first surface and facing the bottom of the chamber. and a wick including a side surface surrounding the space between the first surface and the second surface; and a heater disposed in at least one area of the side of the wick and heating the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick.

An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment includes a cartridge including a reservoir in which an aerosol generating material is stored; a heater assembly detachably coupled to one area of the cartridge and generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge; and a body detachably coupled to a region of the heater assembly and including a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly, wherein the heater assembly includes a chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir of the cartridge; A first surface disposed inside the chamber to absorb the aerosol-generating material supplied from the reservoir, a first surface facing the reservoir, and a second surface disposed in a direction opposite to the first surface and facing the bottom of the chamber. and a wick including a side surface surrounding the space between the first surface and the second surface; and a heater disposed in at least one area of the first side of the wick and heating the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick, wherein the first side of the wick absorbs the aerosol liquefied inside the chamber. can do.

An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment includes a cartridge including a reservoir in which an aerosol generating material is stored; a heater assembly detachably coupled to one area of the cartridge and generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge; and a body detachably coupled to a region of the heater assembly and including a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly, wherein the heater assembly includes: a chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir of the cartridge; a wick disposed inside the chamber to absorb the aerosol-generating material supplied from the reservoir, and including a through hole extending along the longitudinal direction of the chamber; and a heater disposed inside the through hole of the wick and heating the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick, wherein at least one area of the wick can absorb the aerosol liquefied inside the through hole.

The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent liquefied aerosol from accumulating in the chamber where the aerosol is generated.

Additionally, the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent malfunction or failure of components of the aerosol generating device by preventing the generation of leakage due to liquefied aerosol.

In addition, the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure prevents a situation in which the heater in the chamber is submerged by liquefied aerosol, thereby preventing the amount of aerosol generated by the liquefied aerosol from being reduced.

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 perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a heater assembly of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 cut in the AA′ direction, according to one embodiment.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in Figure 3 cut in the BB' direction, according to one embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process in which liquefied aerosol is absorbed into a wick inside the chamber of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly shown in Figure 3 cut in the AA' direction, according to another embodiment.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly shown in Figure 3 cut in the AA' direction, according to another embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 9.
Figure 11 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 all of the arranged elements rather than each arranged element. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. do.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.

The aerosol generating device may include a heater. 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.

The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. Tobacco rods can be made from sheets, strands, or tobacco sheets can be made from cut fillers. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. A filter rod may consist of at least one segment. For example, a filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol.

In another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge holding an aerosol generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the main body, and may be fixed so as not to be detached or detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while containing the aerosol-generating material therein. However, it is not limited to this, and an aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating material in any one of various states, such as liquid state, solid state, gas state, and gel state. Aerosol-generating materials may include liquid compositions. For example, 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 cartridge is operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. Aerosol may refer to a gas in a mixed state of vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air.

In another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may pass through a cigarette and be delivered to a user. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage can be configured to allow the aerosol to pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and may generate short-period vibration through the vibrator to atomize the aerosol-generating material. The vibration generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating material. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one area of the vibrator or may be arranged to contact at least one area of the vibrator.

As a voltage (e.g., alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and/or ultrasonic vibration may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick. . The aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick may be converted into a gas phase by heat and/or ultrasonic vibration transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick may be lowered by the heat generated from the vibrator, and the aerosol-generating material with the lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator may be converted into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol. , but is not limited to this.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article contained in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat by an external magnetic field. As the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the aerosol-generating article may be heated by generating heat. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be located within the aerosol-generating article.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

The aerosol generating device can form a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of an aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

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

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

1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, a heater assembly 200, and a main body 300.

An aerosol-generating material may be stored inside the cartridge 100, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 100 may be stored in the heater assembly 200 disposed at the bottom of the cartridge 100 (e.g., -z direction in FIG. 1). can be supplied to

The heater assembly 200 is located between the cartridge 100 and the main body 300 and can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material into a gas phase. An aerosol can be generated by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge 100.

For example, the heater assembly 200 may generate steam from the aerosol-generating material by heating the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 100, and the generated vapor may be generated outside the heater assembly 200 by heating the aerosol-generating material. ) may be mixed with external air introduced into the interior to create an aerosol. In the present disclosure, 'aerosol' may refer to particles generated by mixing air and vapor generated by heating an aerosol-generating material, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 100 may include a mouthpiece 100m for supplying aerosol to the user. For example, the mouthpiece (100m) may connect or fluidly connect the inside of the heater assembly 200 and the outside of the aerosol generating device 10, and the aerosol generated inside the heater assembly 200 may be connected to the mouthpiece (100m). ) can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. At this time, the user can contact the mouthpiece (100m) with the mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (10).

The main body 300 is located at the bottom of the heater assembly 200 and can support the heater assembly 200. Components for operating the aerosol generating device 10 may be placed inside the main body 300. . For example, a battery (not shown) and a processor (not shown) may be placed inside the main body 300. However, the battery and processor are only examples of components placed inside the main body 300, and other components (e.g. user interface, sensors, etc.) other than the above-described components are included inside the main body 300. It may be deployed.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a cover 310 to protect the components of the aerosol generating device 10.

The cover 310 is arranged to surround at least one area of the cartridge 100, the heater assembly 200, and the main body 300, and fixes the positions of the cartridge 100, the heater assembly 200, and the main body 300. , the cartridge 100, heater assembly 200, and main body 300 can be protected from external shock or inflow of foreign substances.

According to one embodiment, the cover 310 may be formed integrally with the main body 300, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the cover 340 may be detachably coupled to the main body 300.

Hereinafter, the coupling relationship between the cartridge 100, the heater assembly 200, and the main body 300 will be examined in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may include a cartridge 100, a heater assembly 200, a main body 300, and a cover 310. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 1, and redundant description will be omitted below.

In addition, the components of the aerosol generating device 10 are not limited to this, and depending on the embodiment, at least one component (e.g., cover 310) of the above-described components is omitted or another component is added. It could be.

The cartridge 100 includes a mouthpiece 100m (e.g., the mouthpiece 100m in FIG. 1) for supplying the aerosol generated in the storage tank 110 and the heater assembly 200 in which the aerosol generating material is stored to the user. can do.

When the cartridge 100 and the heater assembly 200 are combined, the storage tank 110 may be connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the heater assembly 200, and as a result, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 110 is connected to the heater assembly 200. It may flow into the internal space of (200).

At this time, the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank 110 may include a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid composition containing a non-tobacco material.

According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may include any one of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these components. Fragrances 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 10, 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.

The heater assembly 200 may be detachably coupled to the bottom surface of the cartridge 100 (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction in FIG. 2), and the aerosol generating material supplied from the reservoir 110 of the cartridge 100. An aerosol can be generated by heating.

For example, a first coupling member (not shown) disposed in an area of the heater assembly 200 facing the cartridge 100 is coupled to a second coupling member (not shown) disposed on the lower surface of the cartridge 100. Alternatively, when separated, the heater assembly 200 may be detachably coupled to the cartridge 100, but the method of coupling the cartridge 100 and the heater assembly 200 is not limited to this.

According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 has an aerosol generating material inlet 201 connecting the inside of the heater assembly 200 and the inside of the storage tank 110 of the cartridge 100, and external air flows into the heater assembly 200. It may include an air inlet 202 for flowing into the inside of the heater assembly 200 and an air outlet 203 for discharging the aerosol generated inside the heater assembly 200 to the outside.

The aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir 110 of the cartridge 100 may flow into the interior of the heater assembly 200 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201, and the heater disposed inside the heater assembly 200 (not shown) Si) may heat the aerosol generating material supplied from the storage tank 110. A detailed description of the components disposed inside the heater assembly 200 will be described later.

Outside air may be introduced into the inside of the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202, and inside the heater assembly 200, the outside air and aerosol-generating material introduced into the inside of the heater assembly 200 are heated. The resulting vapors may be mixed to create an aerosol.

The aerosol generated inside the heater assembly 200 flows from the heater assembly 200 to the cartridge 100 through the air outlet 203 disposed in an area facing the cartridge 100 of the heater assembly 200. , can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 through the mouthpiece (100m). For example, as the pressure inside the cartridge 100 decreases due to the user's inhalation through the mouthpiece 100m, the air and/or aerosol inside the heater assembly 200 flows from the heater assembly 200 to the cartridge. It moves inside the cartridge 100, and the user can inhale the air and/or aerosol that has moved inside the cartridge 100.

The main body 300 may be detachably coupled to the bottom surface of the heater assembly 200 (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction in FIG. 2) to support the heater assembly 200. For example, the main body 300 is detachably coupled to the heater assembly 200 in such a way that at least one area is inserted into an insertion groove (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the heater assembly 200 or is separated from the insertion groove. However, the method of coupling the heater assembly 200 and the main body 300 is not limited to this.

According to one embodiment, components for operating the aerosol generating device 10 may be disposed inside the main body 300. For example, a battery (not shown) for power supply and a processor (not shown) for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 may be disposed inside the main body 300.

The battery may supply power used in the operation of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery may be electrically connected to the heater assembly 200 and supply power so that the heater of the heater assembly 200 can be heated. As another example, the battery may supply power necessary for the operation of other components (eg, processor, etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10.

The processor may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. 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, but is not limited to this.

According to one embodiment, the processor may control power supplied from the battery to the heater of the heater assembly 200. For example, the processor may control the amount of power supplied to the heater from the battery and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater of the heater assembly 200 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at the predetermined temperature.

The aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment is a cartridge ( 100) and/or heater assembly 200 may be replaced.

For example, when the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 of the cartridge 100 is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing cartridge 100 with a new cartridge 100. As another example, if the performance of a component (e.g., heater or wick) of the heater assembly 200 deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated, the user may replace the existing heater assembly 200 with a new heater assembly 200. It can be replaced to ensure that a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated.

Hereinafter, the components of the heater assembly 200 will be looked at in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a heater assembly of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. The heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3 may be an example of the heater assembly 200 of the aerosol generating device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, and redundant description will be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 3, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material inlet 201, an air inlet 202, and an air outlet 203.

The aerosol-generating material inlet 201 may serve to introduce the aerosol-generating material supplied from a cartridge (eg, the cartridge 100 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) into the heater assembly 200. For example, the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 may be disposed in an area coupled to the cartridge of the heater assembly 200, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir of the cartridge may pass through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 and enter the heater. It may flow into the interior of the assembly 200.

The air inlet 202 may serve to introduce air outside the heater assembly 200 (hereinafter referred to as 'external air') into the heater assembly 200. For example, the air inlet 202 may be placed in another area of the heater assembly 200 (e.g., on a side of the heater assembly 200) spaced apart from the aerosol-generating material inlet 201, and outside air may be directed to the air inlet 201. It may pass through (202) and flow into the interior of the heater assembly (200).

External air introduced into the heater assembly 200 may move or flow into a chamber (not shown) where aerosols are generated along an airflow passage (not shown) disposed inside the heater assembly 200. A detailed explanation will be provided later.

The air outlet 203 may serve to discharge aerosol and/or air generated inside the heater assembly 200 to the outside of the heater assembly 200 or to the cartridge. For example, the air outlet 203 may be disposed spaced apart from the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 in an area that engages the cartridge of the heater assembly 200, and may be disposed to remove aerosol and/or aerosol inside the heater assembly 200. Air may be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly 200 through the air outlet 203.

While the cartridge and the heater assembly 200 are combined, the aerosol and/or air discharged to the outside of the heater assembly 200 through the air outlet 203 flows into the inside of the cartridge and is then moved to the mouse by the user's suction action. It may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge through a piece (e.g., the mouthpiece (100m) in Figure 1 or Figure 2).

The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment may further include a first coupling member 210 for coupling the heater assembly 200 and the cartridge. The first coupling member 210 is disposed in an area coupled to the cartridge of the heater assembly 200, and a second coupling member disposed in an area (e.g., bottom surface) coupled to the heater assembly 200 of the cartridge ( (not shown) and can be detachably combined.

In one example, as a portion of the heater assembly 200 is inserted into the interior of the cartridge, the first coupling member 210 of the heater assembly 200 and the second coupling member of the cartridge are coupled to form the heater assembly 200 and the cartridge. The combined state can be maintained. In another example, when a force in a direction away from the heater assembly 200 is applied to the cartridge while the heater assembly 200 and the cartridge are coupled, the first coupling member 210 and the second coupling member are disconnected. The cartridge may be detached from heater assembly 200.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 cut in the direction A-A', according to one embodiment. In Figure 4, the black arrow indicates the direction of movement of air (or 'outside air').

Referring to FIG. 4, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment includes an aerosol generating material inlet 201, an air inlet 202, an air outlet 203, a first coupling member 210, a chamber 220, It may include a wick 230, a heater 240, and an airflow passage 250. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below. Let's do it.

The chamber 220 (or 'aerosol generating chamber') may be formed in the internal space of the heater assembly 200, and in the chamber 220, the aerosol generating material introduced from the reservoir of the cartridge is heated to generate an aerosol. .

According to one embodiment, the chamber 220 may be in fluid communication or fluidly connected to the reservoir of the cartridge through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir of the cartridge passes through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201. Thus, it can flow into the interior of the chamber 220.

The wick 230 is disposed in an area adjacent to the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 inside the chamber 220 to absorb the aerosol-generating material flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201. You can.

For example, at least one area of the wick 230 is disposed to face the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 to absorb the aerosol-generating material flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201. You can.

According to one embodiment, the wick 230 may include ceramic fibers or porous ceramics for absorbing aerosol-generating substances. In other words, the wick 230 may be a ceramic wick. However, the wick 230 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and depending on the embodiment, the wick 230 may be formed of another material (eg, cotton or glass, etc.).

The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment may further include a support member 221 disposed inside the chamber 220. The support member 221 is disposed inside the chamber 220 and can fix the position of the wick 230 inside the chamber 220. As the wick 230 is fixed to the inside of the chamber 220 by the support member 221, even when the heater assembly 200 is tilted or shaken during use of the aerosol generating device, the wick 230 retains the aerosol generating material. can be stably absorbed.

The heater 240 may be disposed on one side (eg, one side facing the +y direction) of the wick 230 to heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick 230. For example, the heater 240 may heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick 230 using power supplied from a battery of the main body (e.g., the main body 300 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2).

The heater 240 may include a metal material that generates heat through electrical resistance. For example, the heater 240 may include stainless steel to prevent corrosion by aerosol-generating substances absorbed in the wick 230, but the metal material of the heater 240 is not limited thereto. In another example, the heater 240 may include a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten.

According to one embodiment, the heater 240 may include a conductive pattern printed on one side of the wick 230. For example, the heater 240 may be formed by printing a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) to have a predetermined pattern shape on the side facing the +y direction of the wick 230, but is not limited to this. .

According to another embodiment, the heater 240 may include a conductive pattern inserted into one side of the wick 230. For example, the heater 240 may be formed by insert-injecting a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) into a predetermined pattern shape on the side facing the +y direction of the wick 230. The formation method or the shape of the heater 240 is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

Although not shown in the drawing, according to another embodiment, the heater 240 may include a conductive plate disposed on one side of the wick 230.

As the heater 240 is disposed on the side of the wick 230, vapor may be generated by heating the aerosol-generating material in an area adjacent to the side of the wick 230 of the chamber 220. Vapor generated from the aerosol-generating material may be mixed with air introduced into the interior of the chamber 220 through the air inlet 202.

At this time, external air may be introduced into the interior of the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202 and then flow along the airflow passage 250 and move into the interior of the chamber 220. The airflow passage 250 connects the air inlet 202 and the air outlet 203 and may form a flow path through which external air and/or aerosol moves.

According to one embodiment, one area of the airflow passage 250 may be formed to extend from the inside of the heater assembly 200 along the edge of the heater assembly 200, and may be formed by extending the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202. ) may reach the inside of the chamber 220 along one area of the airflow passage 250 extending along the edge of the heater assembly 200.

The vapor generated as the aerosol-generating material is heated by the heater 240 may be mixed with external air introduced into the interior of the chamber 220 along the airflow passage 250, and as a result, the wick of the chamber 220 ( An aerosol may be generated in an area adjacent to the side of 230). The generated aerosol and/or external air may be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly 200 through the air outlet 203.

According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 may include an insertion groove 200h into which at least a portion of the main body (eg, the main body 300 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) is inserted.

The insertion groove 200h may be formed in a region (e.g., a region facing the -z direction) coupled to the main body of the heater assembly 200, and at least a portion of the main body may be formed when the heater assembly 200 and the main body are coupled. As it is inserted into the heater assembly 200, the heater assembly 200 and the main body may be coupled. For example, the heater assembly 200 and the main body may be coupled in such a way that at least a portion of the main body is fitted or pressed into the insertion groove 200h of the heater assembly 200, but the coupling method is not limited to this. no.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 cut in the B-B' direction, according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment may include a chamber 220, a wick 230, a heater 240, an airflow passage 250, and a first electrical connection member 260. there is. The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment may be substantially the same or similar to the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

Inside the chamber 220 of the heater assembly 200, there is a wick 230 that absorbs the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge (e.g., the cartridge 100 of FIG. 1 or 2) and the aerosol absorbed by the wick 230. A heater 240 may be disposed to heat the product material.

The wick 230 may be disposed so that at least one area faces the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 to absorb the aerosol-generating material flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201.

According to one embodiment, the wick 230 has a first side 231 (or 'top side') facing the aerosol generating material inlet 201, and a second side located in the opposite direction to the first side 231. It may include (232) (or 'bottom surface') and a side surface (233) surrounding the space between the first surface (231) and the second surface (232).

The first side 231 of the wick 230 is disposed to face the reservoir of the cartridge when the heater assembly 200 and the cartridge are combined, and the aerosol generating material flows from the reservoir into the interior of the chamber 220 through the inlet 201. It can absorb aerosol-generating substances.

The second surface 232 of the wick 230 is located in the opposite direction to the first surface 231 and may be arranged to face the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220. According to one embodiment, the second surface 232 of the wick 230 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 by a predetermined distance.

For example, when the second surface 232 of the wick 230 and the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 contact, at least a portion of the aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick 230 is in the chamber 220. A situation may occur where water leaks into the internal space of the heater assembly 200 along the bottom surface or into the interior of the main body (eg, main body 300 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) coupled to the heater assembly 200.

A situation may occur in which other components of the heater assembly 200 or components of the main body malfunction or are damaged due to leakage of the aerosol-generating material. According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 has the second wick 230. The structure in which the surface 232 and the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 are spaced apart can prevent aerosol-generating substances from leaking to the outside of the chamber 220.

The side 233 of the wick 230 may be arranged to surround the space between the first side 231 and the second side 232, and a heater may be installed in at least one area of the side 233 of the wick 230. (240) can be placed.

The heater 240 may be electrically connected to a battery disposed inside the main body through the first electrical connection member 260 while the heater assembly 200 and the main body are combined. For example, one area of the first electrical connection member 260 is in contact with at least one area of the heater 240, and another area of the first electrical connection member 260 is in contact with the main body inserted into the insertion groove 200h. By contacting at least one area, the heater 240 and the main body may be electrically connected. The battery placed inside the main body can supply power to the heater 240 using the above-mentioned electrical connection relationship, and the heater 240 generates heat as power is supplied from the battery and is absorbed into the wick 230. Aerosol-generating substances can be heated.

As the heater 240 is disposed on the side 233 of the wick 230, the vapor generated as the aerosol-generating material is heated is generated in an area adjacent to the side 233 of the wick 230 of the chamber 220. It can be. The generated vapor moves along the airflow passage 250 extending along the edge of the heater assembly 200 and may be mixed with external air introduced into the interior of the chamber 220, resulting in the wick of the chamber 220 ( An aerosol may be generated in an area adjacent to the side 233 of 230).

At least a portion of the aerosol generated inside the chamber 220 may be cooled and liquefied by contact with external air introduced into the interior of the chamber 220 through the airflow passage 250, and the liquefied aerosol (or ' Droplets') may fall to the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 and accumulate or accumulate on the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220.

At least a portion of the wick 230 adjacent to the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 absorbs the liquefied aerosol accumulated on the bottom surface 220b, thereby preventing the liquefied aerosol from accumulating inside the chamber 220. It can be prevented. Hereinafter, the process by which at least a portion of the wick 230 absorbs the liquefied aerosol accumulated in the chamber 220 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process in which liquefied aerosol is absorbed into a wick inside the chamber of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 1 cut along the yz plane. In Figure 6, the black arrow indicates the direction in which the aerosol-generating material moves, and the white arrow indicates the direction in which the liquefied aerosol or droplet moves.

Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment may include a cartridge 100, a heater assembly 200, and a main body 300. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 1 or 2, and overlapping descriptions are omitted below. Let's do it.

The cartridge 100 may include a storage tank 110 in which the aerosol-generating material is stored, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 110 is moved from the storage tank 110 by gravity to the aerosol-generating material inlet of the heater assembly 200 ( 201). For example, although not shown in the drawing, a discharge hole (not shown) may be formed in an area of the storage tank 110 facing the heater assembly 200 (e.g., an area in the -z direction), and the storage tank ( The aerosol-generating material stored in 110) may move toward the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 of the heater assembly 200 through the discharge hole.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material is introduced into the interior of the chamber 220 of the heater assembly 200 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201, and then a wick is disposed adjacent to the aerosol-generating material inlet 201. 230) can be absorbed.

According to another embodiment, the cartridge 100 may further include a liquid delivery means 120 for delivering the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 110 to the wick 230 of the heater assembly 200.

The liquid delivery means 120 is located inside the aerosol generating material inlet 201, and has one end adjacent to the discharge hole of the reservoir 110, and the other end having a wick 230 disposed inside the chamber 220. can be contacted. The liquid delivery means 120 can absorb the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 110 through the above-described arrangement structure and then transfer the absorbed aerosol-generating material to the wick 230, and the wick 230 is a liquid delivery means. It is possible to absorb aerosol-generating substances delivered from (120).

For example, the liquid delivery means 120 may include cotton to absorb aerosol-generating substances stored in the reservoir 110, but the material of the liquid delivery means 120 is not limited thereto. . In another example, liquid delivery means 120 may include ceramic, glass, or porous ceramic capable of absorbing aerosol-generating substances.

The heater 240 may be disposed on the side of the wick 230 (e.g., the side 233 in FIG. 5), and is absorbed into the wick 230 as power is supplied from the battery (not shown) of the main body 300. The aerosol-generating material can be heated.

According to one embodiment, the heater 240 is disposed inside the main body 300 through the first electrical connection member 260 of the heater assembly 200 and the second electrical connection member 320 of the main body 300. It can be electrically connected to a battery.

For example, the first area of the first electrical connection member 260 is in contact with at least one area of the heater 240, and the second area of the first electrical connection member 260 is a portion of the main body 300. It may be exposed to an insertion groove (e.g., insertion groove 200h of FIG. 5) inserted into the assembly 200 and come into contact with the second electrical connection member 320. Additionally, the third area of the second electrical connection member 320 is in contact with the second area of the first electrical connection member 260, and the fourth area of the second electrical connection member 320 is inside the main body 300. It may come into contact with the battery.

For example, the first electrical connection member 260 and/or the second electrical connection member 320 may include an elastic conductive material, but is not limited thereto. As another example, the first electrical connection member 260 and/or the second electrical connection member 320 may include a cable or a flexible printed circuit board.

First biography?? An electrical path may be formed between the heater 240 and the battery by the connecting member 260 and the second electrical connecting member 320, and power may be supplied from the battery to the heater 240 through the above-described electrical path. You can.

As the heater 240 is disposed on the side of the wick 230, vapor generated as the aerosol-generating material is heated may be generated in an area adjacent to the side of the wick 230 of the chamber 220. The generated vapor may be mixed with external air introduced into the interior of the chamber 220 through an air inlet (e.g., the air inlet 202 in FIG. 3 or 4), and as a result, the wick 230 of the chamber 220 ), an aerosol may be generated in an area adjacent to the side of the .

At least a portion of the aerosol generated inside the chamber 220 may be cooled and liquefied by contact with external air introduced into the chamber 220, and the liquefied aerosol (or 'droplet') may be liquefied. It may fall to the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 and accumulate or pile up on the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220.

If more than a predetermined amount of liquefied aerosol accumulates inside the chamber 220, the liquefied aerosol may leak from the chamber 220, causing malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device 10, or the heater 240 ) may be immersed in liquefied aerosol, resulting in a decrease in the heating efficiency of the heater 240.

In the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the wick 230 adjacent to the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 absorbs the liquefied aerosol accumulated on the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220. can do. In the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment, the wick 230 is arranged to absorb the liquefied aerosol, so the liquefied aerosol may not accumulate inside the chamber 220. As a result, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment can prevent malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device 10 due to liquefied aerosol or a decrease in heating efficiency due to the heater 240 being locked. .

In addition, the liquefied aerosol absorbed in the wick 230 can be converted into an aerosol by being reheated by the heater 240. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment is installed inside the chamber 220. In addition to preventing accumulation of liquefied aerosol, aerosol production (or 'atomization amount') can be improved by reheating the liquefied aerosol.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 cut in the direction A-A' according to another embodiment. In Figure 7, the black arrow indicates the direction of movement of air (or 'outside air').

Referring to FIG. 7, the heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment includes an aerosol generating material inlet 201, an air inlet 202, an air outlet 203, a first coupling member 210, a chamber 220, It may include a wick 230, a heater 240, and an airflow passage 250. The heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment may be a heater assembly in which only the arrangement structure of the wick 230 and the heater 240 is changed from the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4, and redundant description will be omitted below. do.

The wick 230 is disposed in an area adjacent to the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 inside the chamber 220 and passes through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 to a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 100 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). It is possible to absorb aerosol-generating substances flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 from the storage tank (e.g., the storage tank 110 of FIG. 2).

The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment may further include a support member 221 disposed inside the chamber 220. The support member 221 is disposed inside the chamber 220 and can fix the position of the wick 230 inside the chamber 220. As the wick 230 is fixed to the inside of the chamber 220 by the support member 221, the aerosol generating material can be stably absorbed even during use of the aerosol generating device. For example, as the position of the wick 230 is fixed by the support member 221 even when tilting or shaking occurs during use of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating material flows into the chamber 220. can be stably absorbed.

The heater 240 is disposed in at least one area of the upper surface (e.g., the side in the +z direction) facing the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 of the wick 230 to heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the wick 230. can do. For example, the heater 240 may be electrically connected to a battery (not shown) disposed inside the main body (e.g., the main body 300 of Figure 1 or Figure 2) inserted into the insertion groove 200h, and the battery Heat can be generated by power supplied from the wick 230 to heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick 230.

According to one embodiment, the heater 240 may include a conductive pattern printed or inserted into the upper surface of the wick 230, but is not limited thereto. In another example (not shown), the heater 240 may include a conductive plate disposed on the top surface of the wick 230.

As the heater 240 is disposed on the upper surface of the wick 230, vapor may be generated by heating the aerosol-generating material in an area of the chamber 220 adjacent to the upper surface of the wick 230. Vapor generated from the aerosol-generating material may be mixed with air introduced into the interior of the chamber 220 through the air inlet 202.

For example, external air introduced into the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202 may flow along the airflow passage 250 and move into the interior of the chamber 220. The airflow passage 250 connects the air inlet 202 and the air outlet 203 and may form a flow path through which external air and/or aerosol moves.

According to one embodiment, one area of the airflow passage 250 may be formed to extend from the inside of the heater assembly 200 along the edge of the heater assembly 200, and may be formed by extending the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202. ) may reach the inside of the chamber 220 along one area of the airflow passage 250 extending along the edge of the heater assembly 200.

The vapor generated as the aerosol-generating material is heated by the heater 240 may be mixed with external air introduced into the interior of the chamber 220 along the airflow passage 250, and as a result, the wick of the chamber 220 ( An aerosol may be generated in an area adjacent to the upper surface of 230). The generated aerosol and/or external air may be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly 200 through the air outlet 203, and the user may inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in Figure 7. In Figure 8, the black arrow indicates the direction in which the liquefied aerosol (or 'droplet') moves.

Referring to FIG. 8 , a heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment may include a chamber 220, a support member 221, a wick 230, and a heater 240. The heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment may be substantially the same or similar to the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 7, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

Inside the chamber 220 of the heater assembly 200, there is a wick 230 that absorbs the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge (e.g., the cartridge 100 in FIG. 2) and the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick 230. A heater 240 for heating may be disposed.

The wick 230 may be disposed so that at least one area faces the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 to absorb the aerosol-generating material flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201. The position of the wick 230 is fixed inside the chamber 220 by the support member 221, so that the aerosol-generating material can be stably absorbed even when the heater assembly 200 is shaken or tilted.

According to one embodiment, the wick 230 has a first side 231 (or 'top side') facing the aerosol generating material inlet 201, and a second side located in the opposite direction to the first side 231. It may include (232) (or 'bottom surface') and a side surface (233) surrounding the space between the first surface (231) and the second surface (232).

The first side 231 of the wick 230 is disposed to face the reservoir of the cartridge when the heater assembly 200 and the cartridge are combined, and the aerosol generating material flows from the reservoir into the interior of the chamber 220 through the inlet 201. It can absorb aerosol-generating substances.

The second surface 232 of the wick 230 is located in the opposite direction to the first surface 231 and may be arranged to face the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220. In the drawing, only an embodiment in which the second surface 232 of the wick 230 is in contact with the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 is shown, but depending on the embodiment, the second surface 232 of the wick 230 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the bottom surface 220b of the silver chamber 220 by a predetermined distance.

The side 233 of the wick 230 may be arranged to surround the space between the first side 231 and the second side 232.

The heater 240 may be disposed on the first surface 231 of the wick 230 to heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick 230. For example, when the heater assembly 200 and the main body (e.g., the main body 300 of FIG. 1 or 2) are coupled, the heater 240 is connected to an electrical connection member (e.g., the first electrical connection member 260 of FIG. 5). )), it can be electrically connected to the battery (not shown) of the main body, and as power is supplied from the battery, heat can be generated to heat the aerosol-generating material.

As the heater 240 is disposed on the first side 231 of the wick 230, the vapor generated as the aerosol-generating material is heated is adjacent to the first side 231 of the wick 230 of the chamber 220. It may be generated in one area (e.g., an area spaced apart from the first surface 231 in the +z direction). The generated vapor may be mixed with external air introduced into the heater assembly 200, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated in an area adjacent to the first surface 231 of the wick 230 of the chamber 220. there is.

At least a portion of the aerosol generated inside the chamber 220 may be cooled and liquefied by contact with external air introduced into the chamber 220, and the liquefied aerosol (or 'droplet') may be formed into the chamber 220. ) may cause malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device or reduce the heating efficiency of the heater 240.

For example, when liquefied aerosol accumulates inside the chamber 220, the liquefied aerosol may leak from the chamber 220, causing malfunction or damage to the heater assembly 200 or components of the main body, or the heater ( A situation may occur in which a portion of the heater 240 is immersed in liquefied aerosol and the heating efficiency of the heater 240 is reduced.

In the heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment, as the heater 240 is disposed on the first side 231 of the wick 230, aerosol is generated in the upper direction (e.g., +z direction) of the wick 230. As a result, even if part of the aerosol is liquefied, the liquefied aerosol may fall to the wick 230 and be absorbed again into the wick 230.

That is, in the heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment, the liquefied aerosol does not accumulate inside the chamber 220 but is reabsorbed into the wick 230 through the arrangement structure of the wick 230 and the heater 240 described above. By doing so, it is possible to prevent malfunction or damage to components of the aerosol generating device due to leakage of liquefied aerosol or a decrease in heating efficiency due to the heater 240 being locked.

In addition, since the liquefied aerosol absorbed in the wick 230 can be converted into an aerosol by being reheated by the heater 240, the heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment is capable of generating the liquefied aerosol inside the chamber 220. Not only does this prevent this accumulation, but the amount of aerosol production can also be improved by reheating the liquefied aerosol.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 cut in the direction A-A' according to another embodiment. In Figure 9, the black arrow indicates the direction of movement of air (or 'outside air').

Referring to FIG. 9, the heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment includes an aerosol generating material inlet 201, an air inlet 202, an air outlet 203, a first coupling member 210, and a chamber 220. , it may include a wick 230, a heater 240, and an airflow passage 250. The heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment may be a heater assembly in which only the shape and arrangement structure of the wick 230 and the heater 240 are changed from the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4, and the overlapping description below is Please omit it.

The wick 230 is disposed inside the chamber 220 and is positioned at the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 in the reservoir (e.g., reservoir 110 of FIG. 2) of the cartridge (e.g., cartridge 100 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). It is possible to absorb aerosol-generating substances that pass through and flow into the interior of the chamber 220.

The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment may further include a support member 221 disposed inside the chamber 220. The support member 221 is disposed inside the chamber 220 and can fix the position of the wick 230 inside the chamber 220. As the wick 230 is fixed to the inside of the chamber 220 by the support member 221, the aerosol generating material can be stably absorbed even during use of the aerosol generating device. For example, as the position of the wick 230 is fixed by the support member 221 even when tilting or shaking occurs during use of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating material flows into the chamber 220. can be stably absorbed.

The wick 230 may include a through hole 230h penetrating the interior of the wick 230. For example, the through hole 230h may be formed along a direction in which the wick 230 extends (eg, +x direction or -x direction), but is not limited thereto.

The heater 240 is disposed inside the through hole 230h of the wick 230 and can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick 230. For example, the heater 240 may be disposed on the inner side of the through hole 230h, and may generate heat as power is supplied to heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick 230.

According to one embodiment, the heater 240 is a battery (not shown) disposed inside the main body (e.g., the main body 300 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) inserted into the insertion groove 200h of the heater assembly 200. It can be electrically connected to, and heat can be generated by power supplied from the battery to heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the wick 230.

According to one embodiment, the heater 240 may include a conductive pattern printed or inserted into the inner surface of the through hole 230h of the wick 230, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the heater 240 may include a conductive plate disposed on the inner surface of the through hole 230h of the wick 230.

As the heater 240 is disposed on the inner surface of the through hole 230h of the wick 230, steam may be generated by heating the aerosol generating material inside the through hole 230h. Vapor generated from the aerosol-generating material may be mixed with air introduced into the interior of the chamber 220 through the air inlet 202.

For example, external air introduced into the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202 may flow along the airflow passage 250 and move into the interior of the chamber 220. The airflow passage 250 connects the air inlet 202 and the air outlet 203 and may form a flow path through which external air and/or aerosol moves.

According to one embodiment, one area of the airflow passage 250 may be formed to extend from the inside of the heater assembly 200 along the edge of the heater assembly 200, and may be formed by extending the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202. ) may reach the inside of the chamber 220 along one area of the airflow passage 250 extending along the edge of the heater assembly 200.

The vapor generated as the aerosol-generating material is heated by the heater 240 may flow into the interior of the chamber 220 and then be mixed with external air moving into the through hole 230h, and as a result, the wick 230 ) An aerosol may be generated inside the through hole 230h. At least a portion of the aerosol generated inside the through hole 230h of the wick 230 and/or the external air introduced into the chamber 220 is discharged to the outside of the heater assembly 200 through the air outlet 203. The user may inhale the emitted aerosol.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 9. In Figure 10, the black arrow indicates the direction in which the liquefied aerosol (or 'droplet') moves.

Referring to FIG. 10 , a heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment may include a chamber 220, a support member 221, a wick 230, and a heater 240. The heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment may be substantially the same or similar to the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 9, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

Inside the chamber 220 of the heater assembly 200, there is a wick 230 that absorbs the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge (e.g., the cartridge 100 of FIG. 1 or 2) and the aerosol absorbed by the wick 230. A heater 240 may be disposed to heat the product material.

The wick 230 may be disposed so that at least one area faces the aerosol-generating material inlet 201 to absorb the aerosol-generating material flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 through the aerosol-generating material inlet 201. The position of the wick 230 is fixed inside the chamber 220 by the support member 221, so that the aerosol-generating material can be stably absorbed even when the heater assembly 200 is shaken or tilted.

The wick 230 may include a through hole 230h formed along an extending direction (e.g., +x direction or -x direction) of the wick 230, and a heater 240 is located inside the through hole 230h. can be placed.

The heater 240 may contact at least one area of the wick 230 through the above-described arrangement structure, and may heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the wick 230 as power is supplied. For example, when the heater assembly 200 and the main body (e.g., the main body 300 of FIG. 1 or 2) are coupled, the heater 240 is connected to an electrical connection member (e.g., the first electrical connection member 260 of FIG. 5). )), it can be electrically connected to the battery (not shown) of the main body, and as power is supplied from the battery, heat can be generated to heat the aerosol-generating material.

As the heater 240 is disposed on the inner surface of the through hole 230h of the wick 230, steam may be generated by heating the aerosol generating material inside the through hole 230h. The vapor generated from the aerosol generating material may be mixed with the air inside the through hole 230h, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated inside the through hole 230h of the wick 230.

At this time, at least a portion of the aerosol generated inside the through hole 230h may be cooled as it comes into contact with the air inside the through hole 230h, and as a result, at least a portion of the aerosol may be liquefied.

If liquefied aerosol accumulates in the chamber 220, leakage of the liquefied aerosol may cause malfunction or damage to the aerosol generating device, or a portion of the heater 240 may be immersed in the liquefied aerosol, reducing the heating efficiency of the heater 240. This deteriorating situation may occur.

In the heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment, the wick 230 is arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the heater 240 to prevent aerosol liquefied inside the through hole 230h from accumulating in the chamber 220. and can be reabsorbed into the wick 230. For example, the wick 230 absorbs the liquefied aerosol generated inside the through hole 230h and falling in the direction toward the wick 230, thereby preventing the liquefied aerosol from accumulating in the chamber 220. there is.

Accordingly, the heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment can prevent malfunction or damage to components of the aerosol generating device due to leakage of liquefied aerosol or a decrease in heating efficiency due to the heater 240 being locked. .

In addition, since the liquefied aerosol absorbed in the wick 230 can be converted into an aerosol by being reheated by the heater 240, the heater assembly 200 according to another embodiment may be used to store the liquefied aerosol inside the chamber 220. In addition to preventing aerosol accumulation, the amount of aerosol production can be improved by reheating the liquefied aerosol.

Figure 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1100 includes a control unit 1110, a sensing unit 1120, an output unit 1130, a battery 1140, a heater 1150, a user input unit 1160, a memory 1170, and a communication unit 1180. It can be included. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 11. That is, those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1100, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 11 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. there is.

The sensing unit 1120 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1100 or the state surrounding the aerosol generating device 1100 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1110. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1110 performs various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1150, limiting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol-generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), displaying a notification, etc. The aerosol generating device 1100 can be controlled.

The sensing unit 1120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1122, an insertion detection sensor 1124, and a puff sensor 1126, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 1122 may detect the temperature at which the heater 1150 (or an aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1100 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 1150, or the heater 1150 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1122 may be disposed around the battery 1140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1140.

Insertion detection sensor 1124 may detect insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1124 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, where the aerosol-generating article is inserted and/or Signal changes can be detected as it is removed.

The puff sensor 1126 may detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1126 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 1122 to 1126 described above, the sensing unit 1120 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 1130 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1100 and provide it to the user. The output unit 1130 may include at least one of a display unit 1132, a haptic unit 1134, and an audio output unit 1136, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1132 and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1132 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 1132 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1100 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device 1100 may include the charging/discharging state of the battery 1140 of the aerosol generating device 1100, the preheating state of the heater 1150, the insertion/removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the aerosol generating state. It may refer to various information such as a state in which the use of the device 1100 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 1132 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Additionally, the display unit 1132 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 1134 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation and tactilely provide information about the aerosol generating device 1100 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 1134 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 1136 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 1100 audibly to the user. For example, the audio output unit 1136 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery 1140 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1100. The battery 1140 may supply power so that the heater 1150 can be heated. In addition, the battery 1140 may be connected to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 1100 (e.g., sensing unit 1120, output unit 1130, user input unit 1160, memory 1170, and communication unit 1180). It can supply the power required for operation. Battery 1140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 1150 may receive power from the battery 1140 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 1100 may further include a power conversion circuit (eg, DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1140 and supplies it to the heater 1150. Additionally, when the aerosol generating device 1100 generates an aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 1100 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts the direct current power of the battery 1140 into alternating current power.

The control unit 1110, sensing unit 1120, output unit 1130, user input unit 1160, memory 1170, and communication unit 1180 may perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 1140. Although not shown in FIG. 11 , it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 1140 and supplies it to each component, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

In one embodiment, heater 1150 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 130 may be implemented as a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with electrically conductive tracks, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 1150 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1150 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

The user input unit 1160 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1160 includes a key pad, a dome switch, and a touch pad (contact capacitive type, pressure resistance type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, and integral type). Tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), jog wheel, jog switch, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 1100 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 1140 can be charged.

The memory 1170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1100, and can store data processed by the control unit 1110 and data to be processed. The memory 1170 is a flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), 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 1170 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 1100, 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 1180 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1180 may include a short-range communication unit 1182 and a wireless communication unit 1184.

The short-range wireless communication unit 1182 includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 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 1184 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, and a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 1184 may identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

The control unit 1110 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1100. In one embodiment, the control unit 1110 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 control unit 1110 may control the temperature of the heater 1150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1140 to the heater 1150. For example, the control unit 1110 may control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 1140 and the heater 1150. In another example, the heating direct circuit may control power supply to the heater 1150 according to a control command from the control unit 1110.

The control unit 1110 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1120 and control subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 1110 may control the power supplied to the heater 1150 to start or end the operation of the heater 1150 based on the result detected by the sensing unit 1120. For another example, based on the results detected by the sensing unit 1120, the control unit 1110 adjusts the power supplied to the heater 1150 so that the heater 1150 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature. You can control the amount and time at which power is supplied.

The control unit 1110 may control the output unit 1130 based on the results detected by the sensing unit 1120. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 1110 operates at least one of the display unit 1132, the haptic unit 1134, and the sound output unit 1136. Through this, the user can be notified that the aerosol generating device 1100 will soon be shut down.

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.

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope of what is stated in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims (15)

In the aerosol generating device,
A cartridge comprising a reservoir in which an aerosol-generating material is stored;
a heater assembly detachably coupled to one area of the cartridge and generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge; and
It is detachably coupled to one area of the heater assembly and includes a main body including a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly,
The heater assembly is,
a chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir of the cartridge;
A first surface disposed inside the chamber to absorb the aerosol-generating material supplied from the reservoir, a first surface facing the reservoir, and a second surface disposed in an opposite direction to the first surface and facing the bottom of the chamber. and a wick including a side surface surrounding the space between the first surface and the second surface; and
An aerosol generating device disposed in at least one area of the side of the wick, comprising a heater that heats the aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick. According to paragraph 1,
An area of the wick adjacent to the bottom surface of the chamber absorbs liquefied aerosol accumulated inside the chamber. According to paragraph 1,
The aerosol generating device wherein the second side of the wick is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the chamber by a predetermined distance. According to paragraph 1,
The heater assembly further includes a support member supporting the wick within the chamber. According to paragraph 1,
The heater assembly further includes an aerosol generating material inlet disposed in an area facing the cartridge,
The aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir flows into the interior of the chamber through the inlet and is absorbed into the wick. According to paragraph 1,
The heater assembly is,
an air inlet for allowing outside air to flow into the heater assembly;
an air outlet for discharging aerosol generated in the chamber to the outside of the heater assembly; and
An aerosol generating device further comprising an airflow passage connecting the air inlet and the air outlet. According to clause 6,
wherein at least a portion of the airflow passageway extends within the heater assembly and along an edge of the heater assembly. According to paragraph 1,
The heater assembly further includes an electrical connection member for electrically connecting the heater and the battery of the main body. According to paragraph 1,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the wick comprises ceramic. According to paragraph 1,
The cartridge further comprises liquid delivery means for delivering aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir to the wick of the heater assembly. According to clause 10,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the liquid delivery means comprises cotton for absorbing the aerosol generating material. According to paragraph 1,
The heater includes a conductive pattern printed on at least one area of a side surface of the wick,
The conductive pattern heats the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick as power is supplied from the battery. According to paragraph 1,
The heater includes a conductive pattern inserted and injected in at least one area of a side surface of the wick,
The conductive pattern heats the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick as power is supplied from the battery. In the aerosol generating device,
A cartridge comprising a reservoir in which an aerosol-generating material is stored;
a heater assembly detachably coupled to one area of the cartridge and generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge; and
It is detachably coupled to one area of the heater assembly and includes a main body including a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly,
The heater assembly is,
a chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir of the cartridge;
A first surface disposed inside the chamber to absorb the aerosol-generating material supplied from the reservoir, a first surface facing the reservoir, and a second surface disposed in an opposite direction to the first surface and facing the bottom of the chamber. and a wick including a side surface surrounding the space between the first surface and the second surface; and
A heater disposed in at least one area of the first side of the wick and heating the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick,
wherein the first side of the wick absorbs liquefied aerosol within the chamber. In the aerosol generating device,
A cartridge comprising a reservoir in which an aerosol-generating material is stored;
a heater assembly detachably coupled to one area of the cartridge and generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge; and
It is detachably coupled to one area of the heater assembly and includes a main body including a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly,
The heater assembly is,
a chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir of the cartridge;
a wick disposed inside the chamber to absorb the aerosol-generating material supplied from the reservoir, and including a through hole extending along the longitudinal direction of the chamber; and
It is disposed inside the through hole of the wick and includes a heater that heats the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick,
At least one area of the wick absorbs aerosol liquefied inside the through hole.

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