KR20240054848A - Aerosol generating device and stick accommodated therein - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a body including an elongated cavity into which a stick is inserted, a cartridge coupled to the body, and a cap detachably coupled to the body to cover the cartridge, the cartridge storing liquid. It includes a chamber, an aerosol passage in fluid communication with the elongated cavity to deliver an aerosol, and a heater to heat the chamber, wherein a filter element may be disposed in the path of the aerosol passage.

Description

Aerosol generating device and stick accommodated therein {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE AND STICK ACCOMMODATED THEREIN}

The following embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a stick accommodated therein.

Recently, demand for alternative products that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes is increasing. For example, demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g. cigarette-type electronic cigarettes) is increasing. Accordingly, research on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied thereto is actively underway. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustible flavor aspirator, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit.

The purpose of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device and stick capable of filtering substances generated from a cartridge.

The purpose of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device and stick that can selectively remove substances generated when heating a coil inside a cartridge while minimizing the impact on taste.

An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments includes a body including an elongated cavity into which a stick is inserted, a cartridge coupled to the body, and a cap detachably coupled to the body and covering the cartridge, the cartridge , a chamber for storing liquid, an aerosol passage in fluid communication with the elongated cavity to deliver an aerosol, and a heater for heating the chamber, and a filter member may be disposed in the path of the aerosol passage.

In one embodiment, the filter member may include activated carbon.

In one embodiment, the filter member may be in the form of a filter chamber including a plurality of activated carbon granules.

In one embodiment, the filter member may be in the form of a sheet coated with activated carbon.

In one embodiment, the chamber is connected to the aerosol passage, and aerosol generated in the chamber may penetrate the filter member while moving to the elongated cavity of the body.

In one embodiment, the filter member may include at least one of an activated carbon filter, a HEPA filter, a paper filter, or an acetate filter.

A stick according to various embodiments includes a medium segment containing a medium carried by an aerosol generated from the cartridge, a first filter segment disposed on one longitudinal side of the medium segment, and a first filter segment on the other longitudinal side of the medium segment. It may include a disposed second filter segment and at least one wrapper wrapping the medium segment, the first filter segment, and the second filter segment.

In one embodiment, the second filter segment of the stick may include activated carbon.

In one embodiment, the second filter segment may be constructed by folding a flat sheet coated with activated carbon particles multiple times.

In one embodiment, the second filter segment may include at least one of a HEPA filter, a paper filter, and an acetate filter.

The aerosol generating device and stick according to one embodiment can filter substances generated from the cartridge.

The aerosol generating device and stick according to one embodiment can selectively remove substances generated when heating the coil inside the cartridge while minimizing the impact on taste.

The effects of the aerosol generating device and stick according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example in which a stick is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example in which a stick is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
4A is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.
Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.
Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a stick according to one embodiment.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second filter segment of a stick according to one 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 working 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 as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. do.

In the following embodiments, “stick” may refer to an article that accommodates a medium, through which an aerosol passes and the medium is transferred. A representative example of a stick may be a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" means a direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" means a direction closer to the user's mouth. It can mean. The terms upstream and downstream may be used to describe the relative positions of the elements that make up the stick.

In the following embodiments, “puff” refers to the user's inhalation, and inhalation refers to the situation of pulling the puff into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a stick 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 a current flowing through the electrically conductive track may cause the heater to heat.

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 stick depending on the shape of the heating element.

The stick 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 containing 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 be delivered to a user through a stick. 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 stick 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 may be converted into fine particles by ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator, thereby creating 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 accommodated in the aerosol generating device using 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 various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various 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.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 100 includes a control unit 110, a sensing unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. It can be included. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. That is, those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. there is.

The sensing unit 120 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state surrounding the aerosol generating device 100 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 110. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 110 performs various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 150, restricting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol-generating article (e.g., an aerosol-generating article, cartridge, etc.), displaying a notification, etc. The aerosol generating device 100 can be controlled to perform the operation.

The sensing unit 120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion detection sensor 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 122 may detect the temperature at which the heater 150 (or an aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

Insertion detection sensor 124 may detect insertion and/or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 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 126 may detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 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 122 to 126 described above, the sensing unit 120 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 130 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 100 and provide it to the user. The output unit 130 may include at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an audio output unit 136, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 132 and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 132 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol-generating device 100 may include the charging/discharging state of the battery 140 of the aerosol-generating device 100, the preheating state of the heater 150, the insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article, or the aerosol generation. It may refer to various information such as a state in which the use of the device 100 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 132 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) or an organic light emitting display panel (OLED). Additionally, the display unit 132 may be in the form of an LED light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 134 may convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 134 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 136 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 audibly to the user. For example, the audio output unit 136 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery 140 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 may supply power so that the heater 150 can be heated. In addition, the battery 140 may be connected to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., sensing unit 120, output unit 130, user input unit 160, memory 170, and communication unit 180). It can supply the power required for operation. Battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 150 may heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (eg, DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150. Additionally, when the aerosol generating device 100 generates an aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts direct current power of the battery 140 into alternating current power.

The control unit 110, sensing unit 120, output unit 130, user input unit 160, memory 170, and communication unit 180 may perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG. 1, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

In one embodiment, heater 150 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 150 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 heater 150 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 150 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

In one embodiment, the heater 150 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 150 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid phase.

The user input unit 160 may receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 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. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 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 or received or the battery 140 can be charged.

The memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100, and can store data processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed. The memory 170 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), or 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 170 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 100, 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 180 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

The short-range wireless communication unit 182 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 184 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 184 may identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

The control unit 110 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 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 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the control unit 110 may control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. In another example, the heating direct circuit may control power supply to the heater 150 according to a control command from the control unit 110.

The control unit 110 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 120 and control subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 150 to start or end the operation of the heater 150 based on the result detected by the sensing unit 120. For another example, based on the results detected by the sensing unit 120, the control unit 110 controls the power supplied to the heater 150 so that the heater 150 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 110 may control the output unit 130 based on the results detected by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 operates at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the sound output unit 136. Through this, it is possible to notify the user that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon be terminated.

In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the power supply time and/or power supply amount to the heater 150 according to the state of the aerosol-generating article detected by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the aerosol-generating article is in an overhumidified state, the controller 110 may control the power supply time to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

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.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example in which a stick 4 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example in which a stick 4 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the aerosol generating device 200 includes a battery 210, a control unit 220, a heating unit 230, and a vaporizer 240. Additionally, a stick 4 may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 200.

Components related to this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can understand that in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 200. .

Additionally, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the aerosol generating device 200 is shown to include a heating unit 230, but if necessary, the heating unit 230 may be omitted.

In Figure 2a, the battery 210, the control unit 220, the vaporizer 240, and the heating unit 230 are shown arranged in a row. Additionally, Figure 2b shows the vaporizer 240 and the heating unit 230 being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 200 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 200, the arrangement of the battery 210, the control unit 220, the heating unit 230, and the vaporizer 240 may be changed.

When the stick 4 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, the aerosol generating device 200 operates the heating unit 230 and/or the vaporizer 240 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heating unit 230 and/or the vaporizer 240 may pass through the stick 4 and be delivered to the user.

If necessary, the aerosol generating device 200 may heat the heating unit 230 even when the stick 4 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 200.

The battery 210 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the battery 210 can supply power so that the heating unit 230 or the vaporizer 240 can be heated, and can supply power necessary for the control unit 220 to operate. Additionally, the battery 210 can supply power necessary to operate a display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 200.

The control unit 220 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 200. Specifically, the control unit 220 controls the operation of the battery 210, the heating unit 230, and the vaporizer 240, as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 200. Additionally, the control unit 220 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 200 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 200 is in an operable state.

The control unit 220 includes 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 heating unit 230 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 210. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, the heating unit 230 may be located outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heated heating unit 230 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette.

The heating unit 230 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heating unit 230 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heating unit 230 may be heated as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heating unit 230 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be any device that can be heated to a desired temperature without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 200, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heating unit 230 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heating unit 230 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette by an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by an induction heating type heater.

For example, the heating unit 230 may include a tubular heat transfer element, a plate-type heat transfer element, a needle-type heat transfer element, or a rod-shaped heat transfer element, and may be located inside or outside the stick 4 depending on the shape of the heat transfer element. can be heated.

Additionally, a plurality of heating units 230 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 200. At this time, the plurality of heating units 230 may be arranged to be inserted into the inside of the stick 4 or may be arranged outside the stick 4. Additionally, some of the plurality of heating units 230 may be arranged to be inserted into the inside of the stick 4, and others may be placed outside the stick 4. Additionally, the shape of the heating unit 230 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and may be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer 240 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may pass through the stick 4 and be delivered to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 240 can move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 200, and the airflow passage allows the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 240 to pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user. It can be configured to be possible.

For example, vaporizer 240 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, liquid transfer means, and heat transfer elements. For example, the liquid reservoir, liquid transfer means, and heat transfer element may be included in the aerosol-generating device 200 as independent modules.

The liquid storage unit may store a liquid composition. 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 liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachable from/attached to the vaporizer 240, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 240.

For example, liquid compositions may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavors, or vitamin mixtures. 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. Additionally, the liquid composition may contain aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid transfer means may transfer the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heat transfer element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The heat transfer element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heat transfer element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heat transfer element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heat transfer element can be heated by supplying an electric current and transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heat transfer element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosols may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 240 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 200 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 210, the control unit 220, the heating unit 230, and the vaporizer 240. For example, the aerosol generating device 200 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 200 may include at least one sensor (puff detection sensor, temperature detection sensor, cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). Additionally, the aerosol generating device 200 may be manufactured in a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the stick 4 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the aerosol generating device 200 may form a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 210 of the aerosol generating device 200. Alternatively, the heating unit 230 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device 200 are combined.

The stick 4 may be similar to a regular combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 4 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating material and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the stick 4 may also contain aerosol-generating material. An aerosol-generating material, for example in the form of granules or capsules, may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 200, or the entire first part and part of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second portion with his or her mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 200 and/or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may be introduced into the inside of the stick 4 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the stick 4.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device 300 according to one embodiment.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 300 may include a body 310, a cartridge 320, and a cap 330.

Body 310 according to one embodiment may include an elongated cavity 312 that can accommodate a stick (eg, stick 4 in FIGS. 2A and 2B). In addition to the stick 4, the body 310 according to one embodiment includes components such as a battery (e.g., the battery 210 in FIGS. 2A and 2B) and a control unit (e.g., the control unit 220 in FIGS. 2A and 2B). can accommodate them. The stick 4 may be inserted perpendicularly in the longitudinal direction with respect to the elongated cavity 312 of the body 310.

In one embodiment, cartridge 320 (e.g., vaporizer 240 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) may engage at least a portion of body 310. The cartridge 320 may hold an aerosol-generating material in any one of various states, such as liquid state, solid state, gas state, and gel state. The cartridge 320 can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase by operating by an electric signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body. That is, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material may pass through the opening 314 of the body 310 and move along the airflow passage 316, and the airflow passage 316 may allow the aerosol to pass through the stick and be delivered to the user. It can be configured so that The cartridge 320 according to one embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

In one embodiment, the cap 330 may cover at least a portion of the body 310. The cap 330 may be detachably coupled to the outside of the body 310. Cap 330 may cover the cartridge 320. The cap 330 may include an opening 332 corresponding to a position extending from a corresponding position to the elongated cavity 312 of the body 310 . The opening 332 may be formed by opening the upper part of the cap 330. Once cap 330 is coupled to body 310, opening 332 and elongated cavity 312 may be connected. The opening 332 may have a shape extending in one direction from a position corresponding to the elongated cavity 312.

In one embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the aerosol generating device 300 may further include other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 3. there is.

Figure 4A is a perspective view of the cartridge 320 according to one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the cartridge 320 according to an embodiment cut along the cutting surface B-B of FIG. 4A. Hereinafter, the structure of the cartridge 320 according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The cartridge 320 according to one embodiment may include a chamber 322, an aerosol passage 324, and a heater 326.

In one embodiment, the chamber 322 may store the aerosol-generating material contained within the cartridge 320. In particular, 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 liquid composition contained within the chamber 322 may be heated by the heater 326 to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol passes through a stick (e.g., stick 4 in FIGS. 2A and 2B) to the user. It can be delivered.

In one embodiment, aerosol passageway 324 may be disposed at the bottom of cartridge 320. The aerosol passage 324 may be formed to protrude from one side of the cartridge 320. Aerosol passageway 324 may be in fluid communication with the interior of chamber 322. When cartridge 320 is coupled to a body (e.g., body 310 of FIG. 3), aerosol passageway 324 may be in fluid communication with elongated cavity 312 of body 310. When cartridge 320 engages body 310 , aerosol passageway 324 may contact opening 314 of body 310 . The aerosol generated in the chamber 322 of the cartridge 320 may move along the aerosol passage 324 to the elongated cavity 312 through the opening 314 and the airflow passage 316 of the body 310.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the aerosol passage 324 may include a filter member (F). In one embodiment, the filter element (F) may be disposed in the path of the aerosol passageway 324. The filter member F can remove (filter) aerosol odors, foreign substances, etc. generated inside the chamber 322. Aerosols filtered by the filter member (F) according to one embodiment may move to the elongated cavity 312 of the body 310. That is, the aerosol may penetrate the filter member (F) in the process of moving to the elongated cavity 312 of the body 310. The filter member F according to one embodiment may include at least one of an activated carbon filter, a HEPA filter, and an acetate filter. Preferably, the filter member (F) may include an activated carbon filter. Activated carbon filters can physically/chemically adsorb substances contained in aerosol. Due to its nature, the activity of activated carbon increases when heat is applied, so as the heated aerosol passes through the activated carbon filter, the activated carbon filter becomes more activated and can smoothly adsorb unnecessary substances inside the aerosol.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 4B , heater 326 may be disposed inside chamber 322 of cartridge 320 . The heater 326 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid (liquid composition) contained within the chamber 322. The heater 326 may include a wick and a coil. The coil can be rolled around a wick and generate heat by electromagnetic induction.

In one embodiment, the filter member (F) may include several types of activated carbon. In one embodiment, the filter member (F) may include a filter chamber containing a plurality of activated carbon granules. A filter chamber containing a plurality of activated carbon granules can improve the performance of adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, the filter chamber containing activated carbon granules may contain a relatively large amount of activated carbon per unit volume, so that the adsorption performance per unit volume of the filter member (F) may be high.

In another embodiment, the filter member F may include a filter in the form of a sheet coated with activated carbon. In the sheet-type activated carbon filter, a highly absorbent filler (e.g. activated carbon) is very uniformly added to the paper fiber through the process of coating activated carbon on the paper fiber, so the bonding between the paper fiber and the filler is greatly improved, preventing the filler or filler residue from forming. Not only does it reduce the risk of moving with aerosols, but it can also improve the adsorption of harmful ingredients.

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the stick 4 according to one embodiment.

In one embodiment, stick 4 may include media segment 41, first filter segment 42, second filter segment 43, mouthpiece 44, wrapper 45 and perforation 46. You can.

In one embodiment, media segment 41 comprises a media carried by an aerosol generated from a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 320 of FIG. 3) of an aerosol-generating device (e.g., aerosol-generating device 300 of FIG. 3). can do. The medium contained within the medium segment 41 may be transferred to the user's mouth by heated aerosol.

In one embodiment, the first filter segment 42 may be disposed on one side of the medium segment 41 along the longitudinal direction of the stick 4. The first filter segment 42 may be disposed on the downstream side close to the user's mouth along the longitudinal direction of the stick 4. The first filter segment 42 may include a part that cools the aerosol and a part that filters a certain component contained in the aerosol. Additionally, if necessary, the first filter segment 42 may further include at least one part that performs another function.

In one embodiment, the second filter segment 43 may be disposed on the other side of the medium segment 41 along the longitudinal direction of the stick 4. That is, the second filter segment 43 may be disposed on the opposite side of the first filter segment 42 with respect to the medium segment 41. The second filter segment 42 may be disposed on the upstream side, away from the user's mouth, along the longitudinal direction of the stick 4. The second filter segment 43 can prevent the internal medium of the medium segment 41 from escaping to the outside, and the aerosol liquefied from the medium segment 41 during smoking is transferred to the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device in FIG. 3). Flow into the device 300 can be prevented. The second filter segment 43 may filter aerosol moving from the cartridge of the aerosol generating device 300 (eg, cartridge 320 in FIG. 3) to the stick 4. The second filter segment 43 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 6 .

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 44 is positioned on the most downstream side of the stick 4 so that it contacts the user's mouth. The wrapper 45 surrounding the mouthpiece 44 may be made of moisture-proof paper. The interior of the mouthpiece 44 may include various filters. Additionally, the mouthpiece 44 may include at least one capsule C. Here, the capsule (C) may perform the function of generating flavor or may perform the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule C may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule C may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The stick 4 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 45. At least one hole may be formed in the wrapper 45 through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. At least one perforation 46 may be formed in the wrapper 45. For example, perforations 46 may be formed in an area surrounding media segment 41, but are not limited thereto.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second filter segment 43 of the stick 4 according to one embodiment.

The second filter segment 43 according to one embodiment may include at least one of an activated carbon filter, a HEPA filter, a paper filter, and an acetate filter. Preferably, the second filter segment 43 may include activated carbon particles. Activated carbon can physically/chemically adsorb substances contained in aerosol. Due to its nature, the activity of activated carbon increases when heat is applied, so as the heated aerosol passes through the activated carbon filter, the activated carbon filter becomes more activated and can smoothly adsorb unnecessary substances inside the aerosol.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6 , second filter segment 43 may include paper sheet 432 and activated carbon (ACP). The filter inside the second filter segment 43 may be constructed by folding a flat sheet coated with fine particle activated carbon (ACP) multiple times. The second filter segment 43 including a plurality of activated carbon granules can improve the performance of adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The second filter segment 43 containing activated carbon (ACP) filters the volatiles within the aerosol generated in the cartridge (e.g. cartridge 320 in Figure 3) before it reaches the media segment 41 of the stick 4. By adsorbing organic compounds (VOCs), it has the advantage of maximizing filtering performance while minimizing the impact on the user's taste.

Although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings as described above, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments and equivalents of the claims also fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (10)

In the aerosol generating device,
a body containing an elongated cavity into which the stick is inserted;
a cartridge coupled to the body; and
a cap detachably coupled to the body and covering the cartridge;
Including,
The cartridge includes a chamber for storing liquid; an aerosol passageway in fluid communication with the elongated cavity to deliver an aerosol; And a heater that heats the chamber,
A filter member is disposed on the path of the aerosol passage,
Aerosol generating device.
According to claim 1,
The filter member includes activated carbon,
Aerosol generating device.
According to claim 2,
The filter member is in the form of a filter chamber containing a plurality of activated carbon granules,
Aerosol generating device.
According to claim 2,
The filter member is in the form of a sheet coated with activated carbon,
Aerosol generating device.
According to claim 1,
The chamber is connected to the aerosol passage,
The aerosol generated in the chamber penetrates the filter member in the process of moving to the elongated cavity of the body,
Aerosol generating device.
According to claim 5,
The filter member includes at least one of an activated carbon filter, a HEPA filter, a paper filter, or an acetate filter.
Aerosol generating device.
In the stick inserted into the aerosol generating device according to claim 1,
a media segment comprising a media carried by aerosols generated in the cartridge;
a first filter segment disposed on one longitudinal side of the medium segment;
a second filter segment disposed on the other longitudinal side of the medium segment; and
at least one wrapper wrapping the media segment, first filter segment and second filter segment;
Including,
stick.
According to claim 7,
the second filter segment of the stick comprising activated carbon,
stick.
According to claim 8,
The second filter segment is composed of a flat sheet coated with activated carbon particles folded multiple times.
stick.
According to claim 7,
The second filter segment includes at least one of a HEPA filter, a paper filter, or an acetate filter,
stick.