RU2811532C1 - Aerosol generator (variants) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol-generating systems.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to the variants of an aerosol generator. An aerosol generator contains a housing; a cartridge coupled to a housing, wherein the cartridge includes: a first container providing storage space, a second container located adjacent the first container, a wick arranged to cooperate with the storage space, and a heater configured to heat the wick; and a light source located on the housing adjacent to the cartridge and configured to supply light to the cartridge, in which the first container includes a window configured to transmit light emitted by the light source, and an insertion space in which one side is open, and a stick containing the environment is inserted into it. Allows light to diffuse outward from the cap without being blocked by the stick inserted into the insertion space, and as a result, the user can more accurately determine the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge with the naked eye when the cap is attached. In addition, the user can check the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge even in low light conditions. The state in the space for inserting the first container is checked, in particular whether a cigarette is inserted or not, whether foreign substances are included or not.

EFFECT: allows light to diffuse outward from the cap without being blocked by the stick inserted into the insertion space, and as a result, the user can more accurately determine the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge with the naked eye when the cap is attached.

11 cl, 34 dwg

Description

[Technical field]

The present invention relates to a device for generating an aerosol.

[Prior Art]

An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substrate by generating an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent substrate. The substrate contained in the medium may be a multi-component flavoring agent. For example, the substrate contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, a plant component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various studies have been carried out on aerosol generating devices.

Thus, as the closest analogue, US 20180360119 can be considered, which discloses a portable aerosol device containing: a housing containing an air intake hole, an observation window, an open or closed end, and an insertion hole configured to insert a cartridge into the housing; the cartridge contains a reservoir configured to hold the evaporated material, and a spray means for evaporating the aerosol material; and a light source configured to illuminate the tank.

[Essence of the invention]

[Technical challenge]

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the above and other disadvantages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that allows a user to check the condition of the inside of a cartridge using a light source providing illumination.

A further object of the present invention is to enable the user to visually monitor the condition of the inside of the cartridge even in low light conditions.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent deterioration of the liquid stored in the cartridge.

[Technical solution]

In one aspect of the present invention, to accomplish the above and other objects, there is provided a device for generating an aerosol, comprising: a housing; a cartridge coupled to a housing, wherein the cartridge includes: a first container providing storage space, a second container located adjacent the first container, a wick arranged to cooperate with the storage space, and a heater configured to heat the wick; and a light source located on the housing adjacent the cartridge and configured to supply light to the cartridge, wherein the first container includes a window configured to transmit light emitted by the light source.

[Beneficial Effects of the Invention]

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the condition of the inside of the cartridge can be checked using a light source emitting light.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the condition of the inside of the cartridge can be visually monitored even in low light conditions.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, deterioration of the liquid stored in the cartridge can be prevented.

Additional embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, while various changes and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention, it is to be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments of the invention, such as the preferred embodiments of the present

inventions are given by way of example only.

[Description of drawings]

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention appear from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

In FIG. 1 to 34 are views illustrating an aerosol generating apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

[Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

Hereinafter, the embodiments described in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or similar elements having the same reference numerals even if depicted in different drawings, and unnecessary descriptions will be omitted.

With respect to the constituent elements used in the following description, the terms "module" and "block" are used only for the purpose of ease of description and do not have mutually different meanings or functions.

Moreover, in the following description of embodiments of the invention herein, detailed description of known functions and configurations constituting a part of the present description will be omitted if doing so may make the subject matter of the described embodiments unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only to provide a better understanding of the described embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to limit the technical ideas described. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the accompanying drawings contain all modifications, equivalents and substitutions within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

It should be understood that although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used to describe various components, these components may not be limited to these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

It should be understood that when a component is referred to as “connected to” or “associated with” another component, it may be directly connected or associated with the other component, or intermediate components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as "directly coupled to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there are no intermediate components.

The singular form implies both singular and plural nouns, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 may include a housing 110 and a cartridge 40 coupled to one side of the housing 110. The cartridge 40 may store liquid. The cartridge 40 may include a first liquid storage container 41 and a second container 42 positioned underneath the first container 41. The first container 41 may provide an elongated insertion space 414. The insertion space 414 may be open upward. A stick 80 or 80' (see FIG. 2) may be inserted into the insertion space 414.

The housing 110 may have a shape extending in an up-down direction. The housing 110 may provide a space in which various components are housed. The housing 110 may include a lower housing 110a and an upper housing 110b located on the lower housing 110a.

The lower body 110a may have a shape extending in an up-down direction. The lower housing 110a may face the bottom of the cartridge 40. The upper housing 110b may be shaped to extend upward from the lower housing 110a. The upper housing 110b may be positioned parallel to the cartridge 40. The upper housing 110b may face a side surface of the cartridge 40. The upper housing 110b may face the side walls 411 and 421 of the cartridge 40.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a cap 120. The cap 120 may cover at least a portion of the housing 110 and the cartridge 40. The cap 120 is removable from the housing 110. The cap 120 may be located on the lower housing 110a and cover the upper housing 110b . Hole 124 can be made

such that a portion of the top wall 122 of the cap 120 is exposed. An opening 124 in the cap 120 may be provided at a location corresponding to the insertion space 414 and may communicate with the insertion space 414. A stick 80 or 80' (see FIG. 2) may be inserted into space 414 for insertion through opening 124.

The light source 61 may be located adjacent to the cartridge 40. The light source 61 may provide light to the cartridge 40. The light source 61 may face the cartridge 40. The light source 61 may be mounted within the housing 110. The light source 61 may be mounted in the upper housing 110b.

The cartridge 40 may contain at least a portion through which light emitted by the light source 61 passes. In the cartridge 40, the portion through which light passes may be called a window. The cartridge 40 may include a window. The window may form at least a portion of the first container 41 and/or at least a portion of the second container 42. The cap 120 may include a portion made of a material that transmits light emitted by the light source 61.

Sensor 62 may be located adjacent to cartridge 40. Sensor 62 may be located outside of cartridge 40. Sensor 62 may be mounted on upper housing 110b.

The sensor 62 may sense the presence of a stick 80 or 80' in the insertion space 414 and/or a stick 80 or 80' inserted into the insertion space 414, and/or the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge 40. The sensor 62 may be an infrared sensor or color sensor An infrared sensor or a color sensor may be facing the first camera C1 (see FIG. 2). An infrared sensor or color sensor may be facing the insertion space 414.

The sensor 62 can sense air flow. Sensor 62 may be a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be located near the channel through which the air flows.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 40 may include a first container 41 and a second container 42 located underneath the first container 41. The first container 41 may be elongated. The first container 41 may be hollow.

The first container 41 may include an outer wall 411 and an inner wall 412. The outer wall 411 may extend in an up-down direction. The outer wall 411 may extend along the outer surface of the first container 41.

The inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may extend in an up-down direction. The inner wall 412 may extend along the inner surface of the first container 41. The inner wall 412 may be positioned inwardly from the outer wall 411. The upper side of the outer wall 411 and the upper side of the inner wall 412 may be connected to each other. The inner wall 412 may extend in a circumferential direction to form a cylindrical shape. An inner wall 412 may surround the insertion space 414 (see FIG. 3), defining the insertion space 414.

The outer wall 411 of the first container 41 may be referred to as the outer side wall 411 of the first container 41 or the side wall 411 of the first container 41. The inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may be referred to as the inner side wall 412.

The first container 41 may include a first chamber C1 for storing liquid. The first chamber C1 may be formed between the outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 of the first container 41. The first chamber C1 may be referred to as a storage space.

A flow passage 20 may be provided at a lower portion of the inner wall 412 of the first container 41. Intake air may pass through the flow passage 20. The flow passage 20 may be in communication with an insertion space 414 (see FIG. 3). The flow channel 20 may be located below the injection space 414. A flow channel 20 may be formed between the insertion space 414 and the second chamber C2. A flow channel 20 may be formed between the insertion space 414 and the wick 31.

A second chamber C2 may be provided in the second container 42. The second chamber C2 may be located below the flow channel 20. The second chamber C2 may be in communication with the flow channel 20.

The wick 31 may be installed in a second chamber C2 formed in the second container 42. The wick 31 may be connected to the interior of the first chamber C1. The wick 31 can receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The wick 31 may be located near the lower end of the first chamber C1. The wick 31 may be located at the bottom of the flow channel 20.

A heater 32 may be provided for heating the wick 31. The heater 32 may be installed in the second chamber C2. The heater 32 may be wound around the wick 31. The heater 32 may heat the liquid wick 31 to generate an aerosol.

Air introduced into the second chamber C2 may sequentially pass through the flow path 20 and the introduction space 414. The air entering the second chamber C2 may contain an aerosol generated at the wick 31. The aerosol generated at the wick 31 may be supplied to a stick 80 or 80' inserted into the injection space 414 through a flow channel 20.

Accordingly, the first chamber C1 of the first container 41 providing storage space may surround the stick 80 or 80', thereby increasing the efficiency of utilization of liquid storage space. In addition, the distance from the wick 31 and heater 32 to the insertion space 414 into which the stick 80 or 80' is inserted can be short, thereby increasing the efficiency of aerosol transfer without significant heat loss.

The controller 51 may be located within the housing 110. The controller 51 may control turning the device on/off. The controller 51 may be electrically coupled to the heater 32 to control the supply of power to the heater 32 such that the heater 32 heats the wick. The controller 51 may be located adjacent to the heater 32.

A battery 52 may be located within the housing 110. The battery 52 may supply power to various components of the aerosol generating device 100. Battery 52 may be electrically coupled to controller 51. Battery 52 may be located within lower housing 110a.

The cartridge 40 and the upper housing 110b may be positioned parallel to each other above the lower housing 110a. The lower housing 110a may face the bottom of the cartridge 40. The upper housing 110b may face the side surface of the cartridge 40. A portion of the cartridge 40 may be surrounded by a top surface of the lower housing 110a and one surface of the upper housing 110b.

The light source 61 may be located outside the cartridge 40. The light source 61 may face the cartridge 40. The light source 61 may face the first container 41. The light source 61 may be installed in the upper housing 110b.

The sensor 62 may be located on the outside of the cartridge 40. The sensor 62 may face the cartridge 40. The sensor 62 may face the first container 41. The sensor 62 may sense infrared radiation or light emitted from inside the first container 41. The sensor 62 may be

installed in the upper housing 110b.

Controller 51 may be electrically coupled to light source 61 and sensor 62. Controller 51 may control operation of light source 61 and sensor 62. Controller 51 may receive information received by sensor 62. Controller 51 may determine stick information based on information received by sensor 62 .

The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may be made of a material capable of transmitting light. At least a portion of the outer wall 411 may be a window capable of transmitting light. The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be made of a low light reflectance, low refractive index, and high light transmittance material. The outer wall 411 may be transparent. The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be made of plastic suitable for use in an optical sensor. The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be made of polyethylene, polystyrene, Teflon, or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material of the outer wall 411 or the inner wall 412.

As shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may extend in both the up-down direction and the circumferential direction to define an insertion space 414 therein. The insertion space 414 may be configured such that the inner surface of the inner wall 412 is open in the up-down direction. A stick 80 or 80' may be inserted into the insertion space 414. An inner wall 412 may be located between the first chamber C1 and the insertion space 414. The inner wall 412 may define an insertion space. The insertion space 414 may communicate with the outside environment.

The insertion space 414 may be shaped to match the shape of the portion of the stick 80 or 80' inserted therein. The insertion space 414 may be extended in the up-down direction. The insertion space 414 may be cylindrical in shape. When the stick 80 or 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414, the stick 80 or 80' may be surrounded by the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 and may contact the inner wall 412.

An outer wall 411 and an inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may be connected to each other by an upper wall 413 of the first container 41. The first chamber C1 may be defined by an outer wall 411, an inner wall 412, and an upper wall 413 of the first container 41.

The wick 31 may be located below the insertion space 414. The wick 31 may be located below the flow channel 20. The wick 31 may be connected to the first chamber C1 to receive liquid from the chamber C1 and absorb it. The wick 31 may be inserted into the space between the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 and the bottom wall 422 of the second container 42. The wick 31 may be configured to extend in one direction. The wick 31 can be pulled in the left-right direction.

Heater 32 may be positioned around wick 31. Heater 32 may be wound around wick 31 in a direction in which wick 31 extends. Heater 32 may apply heat to the wick. The heater 32 can generate an aerosol from the liquid absorbed by the wick 31 by a resistive heating method. The heater 32 may be coupled to the controller 51, that is, its operation may be controlled by the controller 51.

A flow channel 20 may be formed between the injection space 414 and the wick 31. The aerosol generated by the wick 31 may enter the injection space 414 through the flow channel 20. The flow channel 20 may narrow in the middle and widen at the end in the direction of movement of the aerosol. The direction of aerosol movement can be upward.

The flow channel 20 may be surrounded by an upper flow channel wall 220 projecting inwardly from the inner wall 412 of the first container 41. An upper portion of the flow channel 20 may be surrounded by an upper flow channel wall 220, and a lower portion of the flow channel 20 may be surrounded by a lower flow channel wall 210. . The lower flow channel wall 210 may be connected to the lower portion of the upper flow channel wall 220. The wick 31 may be inserted into the space between the bottom wall 210 of the flow channel and the bottom wall 422 of the second container 42.

As shown in FIG. 4, the flow channel 20 can be divided into a first flow channel 21, a second flow channel 22 and a third flow channel 23.

A first flow path 21 may be located adjacent to the wick 31. A first flow path 21 may be located above the wick 31. A second flow path 22 may be located adjacent to the insertion space 414. The second flow channel 22 may communicate with the space 414 for introduction.

The third flow channel 23 may be located between the first flow channel 21 and the second flow channel 22. The third flow channel 23 may be located above the first flow channel 21. The second flow channel 22 may be located above the third flow channel 23. The third flow channel 23 may communicate the first flow channel 21 and the second flow channel 22 with each other.

The width W3 of the third flow channel 23 may be less than the width W1 of the first flow channel 21. The width W3 of the third flow channel 23 may be less than the width W2 of the second flow channel 22. The maximum width W1 of the first flow channel 21 and the maximum width W2 of the second flow channel 22 may be essentially equal or similar to each other. The maximum width W1 of the first flow channel 21 may be greater than the maximum width W2 of the second flow channel 22. The width W2 of the second flow channel 22 may be less than the width WO of the insertion space 414.

The width of the flow channel 20 may gradually decrease from the first flow channel 21 to the third flow channel 23. The width of the flow channel 20 may gradually increase from the third flow channel 23 to the second flow channel 22. The width W2 of the second flow channel 22 may gradually increase towards the space 414 for introduction.

The aerosol passing through the first flow channel 21 is concentrated in the third flow channel 23, which has a relatively small width, and is then sprayed through the second flow channel 22. Accordingly, even if

The aerosol is generated from the wick 31 unevenly, the aerosol can be uniformly introduced into the lower part of the stick 80 or 80' (see FIG. 2), as shown in FIG. 7.

The width W1 of the first flow channel 21 may gradually decrease towards the third flow channel 23. The width W2 of the second flow channel 22 may gradually decrease towards the third flow channel 23.

The degree of reduction in the width W1 of the first flow channel 21 towards the third flow channel 23 may be greater than the degree of reduction in the width W2 of the second flow channel 22 in the direction towards the third flow channel 23. The distance L1 by which the width of the flow channel 20 varies from the maximum width W1 of the first flow channel channel 21 to the width W3 of the third flow channel 23, may be less than the distance L2 by which the width of the flow channel 20 changes from the maximum width W2 of the second flow channel 22 to the width W3 of the third flow channel 23. Thus, the coefficient of change in width to length ((W1 -W3)/L1) from the first flow channel 21 to the third flow channel 23 may be greater than the width-to-length ratio ((W2-W3J/L2) from the second flow channel 22 to the third flow channel 23.

In other words, the first, second and third flow channels 21-23 may have the following relationship. (W1-W3)/L1>(W2-W3)/L2

Here, W1 expresses the width of the first flow channel 21 in the left-right direction, W2 is the width of the second flow channel 22 in the left-right direction, W3 is the width of the third flow channel 23 in the left-right direction, L1 is the length of the first flow channel 21 in the up-down direction, and L2 is the length of the second flow channel 22 in the up-down direction.

The length L1 of the first flow channel 21 in the up-down direction may be less than the length L2 of the second flow channel 22 in the up-down direction (LI<L2).

Accordingly, it is possible to provide space for atomization and concentration of liquid in the third flow channel 23 by reducing the length of the first flow channel 21, uniformly atomizing the aerosol concentrated in the third flow channel 23, and introducing it into the introduction space 414 through the second flow channel 22 (see Fig. FIGURE 7).

The length of the third flow channel 23 in the up-down direction may be less than the length L1 of the first flow channel 21 in the up-down direction. Third length

the flow channel 23 in the up-down direction may be less than the length G2 of the second flow channel 22 in the up-down direction.

The second flow channel 22 may extend from the third flow channel 23 toward the insertion space 414 so that its width W2 gradually increases radially outward, and may further extend from that portion where the width W2 reaches a maximum width W2 to the space 414 for insertion while maintaining a substantially constant maximum width W2.

A first flow channel surface 211 may surround a first flow channel 21. A second flow channel surface 221 may surround a second flow channel 22. A third flow channel surface 231 may surround a third flow channel 23.

The surface 211 of the first flow channel may form the inner surface of the lower wall 210 of the flow channel. The second flow channel surface 221 and the third flow channel surface 231 may form an inner surface of the upper flow channel wall 220.

The first flow channel surface 211 and the third flow channel surface 231 may be separated from each other rather than forming a continuous surface. The surface 211 of the first flow channel may extend in an up-down direction. The surface 211 of the first flow channel may extend in a circumferential direction. The surface 211 of the first flow channel may be in the shape of a ring.

The first flow channel 21 may extend toward the third flow channel 23 while maintaining a substantially constant width W1, and the width W1 of the first flow channel 21 may be sharply reduced to a width equivalent to the width W3 of the third flow channel 23 from the portion of the first flow channel 21 that is adjacent to the third flow channel 23, to the third flow channel 23.

Accordingly, a space for the first flow channel 21 may be provided between the first flow channel surface 211 and the wick 31, allowing smooth generation and movement of the aerosol in the space between the first flow channel surface 211 and the wick 31.

The third flow channel surface 231 may form a continuous surface with the second flow channel surface 221. The third flow channel surface 231 may extend in an up-down direction. The surface 231 of the third flow channel may extend in a circumferential direction. The surface 231 of the third flow channel may be in the shape of a ring.

The surface 221 of the second flow channel may include a portion extending toward the insertion space 414 and gradually expanding outward. The surface 221 of the second flow channel may include a portion sloping outward toward the insertion space 414. The surface 221 of the second flow channel may include a portion extending toward the insertion space 414 and gradually expanding radially outward. The surface 221 of the second flow channel may be substantially shaped like a funnel or venturi.

The second flow channel surface 221 may extend from the third flow channel surface 231 toward the insertion space 414 with a gradual outward expansion, and may further extend from the portion having a maximum width W2 to the insertion space 414 while maintaining a substantially constant maximum width W2.

The surface 221 of the second flow channel may include a portion that extends toward the insertion space 414 and curves outward. The second flow channel surface 221 may extend upward from the third flow channel surface 231 to curve radially outward.

Accordingly, when the aerosol is sprayed from the third flow path 23 into the second flow path 22, the flow resistance can be reduced.

The width W2 of the second flow channel 22 may be maximum at the upper end of the second flow channel 22, which is adjacent to the lower end of the introduction space 414. The width W2 of the upper end of the second flow channel 22 may be less than the width W0 of the insertion space 414.

The shoulder surface 417 may be located at the lower end of the insertion space 414 and the upper end of the second flow channel 22. The shoulder surface 417 may protrude inwardly from the inner wall 412 of the first container 41. The shoulder surface 417 may support the edge of the lower end of the stick 80 or 80' (see FIG. 2). The shoulder surface 417 may project inwardly and may define a maximum width W2 of the second flow channel 22.

The stepped surface 417 may define an upper surface of the upper flow channel wall 220 projecting inwardly from the inner wall 412 of the first container 41. The stepped surface 417 may extend from the inner surface of the inner wall 412 substantially perpendicular to that wall. The shoulder surface 417 and the inner surface of the inner wall 412 may face the insertion space 414. The second flow channel surface 221 may extend downward from the stepped surface 417.

For example, the length L3 over which the shoulder surface 417 extends can be set to a length that allows the edge of the lower end of the stick 80 or 80' to be supported while minimizing the aerosol velocity reduction.

The wick 31 may be positioned to extend in a transverse direction of the first flow channel 21, and the heater 32 may be wound around the wick 31 in the direction in which the wick 31 extends.

The width W1 of the first flow channel 21 may be larger than the width W4 of the heater 32. The width W3 of the third flow channel 23 may be smaller than the width W4 of the heater 32. The lateral direction of the flow channel 20 may be a left-right direction.

Accordingly, when the heater 32 heats the liquid absorbed by the wick 31 to generate an aerosol, even if the aerosol is generated unevenly along the wick 31, the aerosol can be concentrated in the third flow path 23 and then uniformly sprayed from the second flow path 22 into the injection space 414.

As shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the first curved portion 222 and the second curved portion 223 formed on the second flow channel surface 221 may be convex in opposite directions.

The first curved portion 222 may be formed at the bottom of the surface 221 of the second flow channel. The first curved portion 222 may be formed adjacent the third flow channel 23. The first curved portion 222 may be convex from the surface 231 of the third flow channel toward the interior of the first container 41.

A second curved portion 223 may be formed at the top of the surface 221 of the second flow channel. A second curved portion 223 may be formed adjacent the insertion space 414. The second curved section 223 may be convex from the first curved section 222 to the outside of the first container 41. The second curved section 223 may be convex to the outside of the first container 41 and may include a portion extending from a position adjacent the insertion space 414 to the space 414 for insertion with a substantially constant width.

Accordingly, the aerosol may be sprayed outward along the first curved portion 222 of the second flow channel surface 221 and then may be directed directly into the injection space 414 along the second curved portion 223 of the second flow channel surface 221 (see FIG. 7). In addition, it is possible to reduce the energy loss of the aerosol flow sprayed from the third flow channel 23 into the second flow channel 22.

An upper flow channel wall 220 may extend downwardly from an inner wall 412 of the first container 41. An upper flow channel wall 220 may extend inwardly from an inner wall 412. A second flow channel surface 221 and a third flow channel surface 231 may form an inner surface of an upper flow channel wall 220.

The lower flow channel wall 210 may be connected to the lower portion of the upper flow channel wall 220. The surface 211 of the first flow channel may form the inner surface of the lower wall 210 of the flow channel.

The groove portion 226 may be provided at the bottom of the upper wall 220 of the flow channel. The groove portion 226 may be formed in the form of an upwardly directed recess at the bottom of the upper wall 220 of the flow channel.

The insertion portion 216 may be formed on an upper portion of the lower wall 210 of the flow channel. The insertion portion 216 may be formed above the surface 211 of the first flow channel.

The insertion portion 216 may be configured as an upward projection from the top of the bottom wall 210 of the flow channel. The insertion portion 216 may be inserted into the slot portion 226 so as to be in close contact therewith. When the insertion portion 216 is inserted into the groove portion 226, the upper flow channel wall 220 and the lower flow channel wall 210 can be connected to each other. The lower flow channel wall 210 may be releasably connected to the lower portion of the upper flow channel wall 220.

The bottom wall 210 of the flow channel may determine the width W1 (see FIG. 4) of the first flow channel 21. The width W1 of the first flow channel 21 may vary depending on the degree of recess of the surface 211 of the first flow channel defining the inner surface of the bottom wall 210 of the flow channel, in direction "left-right".

Since the first flow channel surface 211 of the lower flow channel wall 210 is located further inward, the width W1 of the first flow channel 21 may be reduced. Since the first flow channel surface 211 of the lower flow channel wall 210 is located further outward, the width W1 of the first flow channel 21 can be increased.

Accordingly, the width W1 of the first flow channel 21 can be determined or changed depending on the shape of the flow channel lower wall 210 connected to the flow channel upper wall 220.

Accordingly, the area of the wick 31 on which the liquid is sprayed can be determined by specifying the length W1 of the portion of the wick 31 open to the first flow channel 21 and the width W4 of the portion of the wick 31 around which the heater 32 is wound.

The surface 211 of the first flow channel may extend in an up-down direction. Surface 211

the first flow channel may be formed substantially perpendicular to the wick 31. The first flow channel surface 211 may define a length L1 of the first flow channel 21.

The expanded surface 212 may be a portion of the inner surface of the upper flow channel wall 220 and a portion of the inner surface of the lower flow channel wall 210 . An expanded surface 212 may be formed between the first flow channel surface 211 and the third flow channel surface 231.

The expanded surface 212 may be connected to the upper end of the surface 211 of the first flow channel. The expanded surface 212 may be connected to the lower end of the third flow channel surface 231. The flared surface 212 may be referred to as a connecting surface 212. The flared surface 212 may

extend from the upper end of the first flow channel surface 211 in a left-right direction. The expanded surface 212 may extend from the lower end of the third flow channel surface 231 in a left-right direction.

The flared surface 212 may be positioned upwardly from the wick 31. The flared surface 212 may be located in the transverse direction of the first flow channel 21. The flared surface 212 may extend toward the third flow channel 23 from the upper end of the surface 211 of the first flow channel. The expanded surface 212 may connect the first flow channel surface 211 to the third flow channel surface 231. The expanded surface 212 may be remote from the wick 31 and facing the wick 31.

The distance between the flared surface 212 and the wick 31 may be substantially equal to the height L1 of the first flow channel 21. The flared surface 212 may be positioned opposite the wick 31 relative to the first flow channel 21. The flared surface 212 may be positioned substantially parallel to the wick 31. The flared surface 212 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the surface 211 of the first flow channel. The expanded surface 212 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the surface 231 of the third flow channel.

An end portion of the first flow channel 21 may be surrounded by a first flow channel surface 211, a wick 31, and an expanded surface 212. The aerosol sprayed on the end portion of the wick 31 may remain in the end portion of the first flow channel 21.

Accordingly, a space can be formed in which the aerosol sprayed on the end portion of the wick 31 can be collected, and the suction force can effectively act on the end portion of the wick 31 as well as the middle portion thereof.

In addition, since turbulence is generated at the end portion of the first flow channel 21 by the aerosol sprayed at the end portion of the wick 31, even if the aerosol is generated unevenly throughout the wick 31, the aerosol can be uniformly distributed (see FIG. 7).

A first edge portion 213 may be formed between the surface 211 of the first flow channel and the expanded surface 212. The first edge portion 213 may be adjacent to an edge portion of the upper end of the first flow channel 21. The first edge portion 213 may extend toward the expanded surface 211 from the surface 212 of the first flow channel. channel, while turning around.

A second edge portion 214 may be formed between the expanded surface 212 and the third flow channel surface 231. A second edge portion 214 may be formed between and adjacent the first flow channel 21 and the third flow channel 23. The second edge portion 214 may extend from the flared surface 212 to the third flow channel surface 231 while being curved.

Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the energy loss of the aerosol flow sprayed from the first flow channel 21 into the third flow channel 23.

The wick insertion surface 215 may form a lower end of the lower wall 210 of the flow channel. The wick insertion surface 215 may extend in the transverse direction of the first flow channel 21. The wick insertion surface 215 may define an opening whose shape corresponds to the shape of the end portion of the wick 31, allowing the wick 31 to be inserted therein. The wick insertion surface 215 may be connected to surface 211 of the first flow channel.

The wick 31 may be inserted into the space between the wick insertion surface 215 and the bottom wall 422 of the second container 42. When the wick 31 is inserted, the wick insertion surface 215 may directly contact the upper end of the wick 31. The wick insertion surface 215 may contact the wick 31 , thereby preventing fluid from leaking out.

As shown in FIG. 6, the upper flow channel wall 220 (see FIG. 5) and the lower flow channel wall 210 (see FIG. 5) described above may be combined to form the flow channel wall 220a rather than connected to each other. The shape of the flow channel wall 220a may substantially correspond to the overall shape of the upper flow channel wall 220 and the lower flow channel wall 210 assembly.

Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the process of connecting the components to each other and prevent liquid from leaking through the gap between the components connected to each other.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first extended surface 212a may be a portion of the inner surface of the lower passage wall 210b. The first flared surface 212a may be adjacent to the first flow channel 21. The first flared surface 212a may be coupled to an upper end of the first flow channel surface 211. The first extended surface 212a may extend from the upper end of the first flow channel surface 211 in a left-right direction. A first edge portion 213 may be formed between the first flow channel surface 211 and the first expanded surface 212a.

The second extended surface 212b may be a portion of the inner surface of the upper flow channel wall 220b. The second expanded surface 212b may be adjacent to the first flow channel 21. The second expanded surface 212b may be connected to the lower end of the third flow channel surface 231. The second extended surface 212b may extend from the lower end of the third flow channel surface 231 in a left-right direction. A second edge portion 214 may be formed between the first expanded surface 212b and the third flow channel surface 231.

Between the first expanded surface 212a and the second expanded surface 212b, a depressed portion 212c may be formed, pressed upward to a predetermined depth. The depressed portion 212c may be formed between the flow channel lower wall portion 210b and the flow channel upper wall portion 220b connected to each other. The depressed portion 212c may face the top of the first flow channel 21.

Accordingly, turbulence caused by the aerosol sprayed on the end portion of the wick 31 may be generated to a greater extent near the depressed portion 212c. Therefore, even if the aerosol is generated unevenly throughout the wick 31, the aerosol can be evenly distributed.

As shown in FIG. 9, controller 51 may be electrically coupled to various components. The controller 51 can control components connected to it.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include an output interface 55. The controller 51 may be electrically coupled to the output interface 55. The output interface 55 may provide various information to the user, such as power supply on/off information, information about whether the heater 32 is operating, stick information, fluid information, and battery charge level information. The controller 51 may control the output interface 55 to provide information to the user based on various pieces of information received from the components.

The output interface 55 may include a display 551. The display 551 may display information for transmission to a user.

Output interface 55 may include a tactile output interface 552. The haptic output interface 552 may provide information to the user through vibration. The haptic output interface 552 may include a vibration motor.

Output interface 55 may include an acoustic output interface 553. The acoustic output interface 553 may output information-corresponding sound to provide information to the user. The audio output interface 553 may include a speaker.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include an input interface 54. The controller 51 may be electrically coupled to the input interface 54. The user can enter various commands, such as turning the power supply on or off and activating or deactivating the heater 32, into the input interface 54. The controller 51 may receive a command from the input interface 54 to control the operation of the components.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a memory 56. The controller 51 may be electrically coupled to the memory 56. The memory 56 may store information data. Memory device 56 may receive and store data about various pieces of information from controller 51, or may transmit stored data to controller 51. Controller 51 may control the operation of components based on data received from memory device 56.

The controller 51 may be electrically coupled to the sensor 62. The sensor 62 may be an infrared sensor 62 or a color sensor 62. The infrared sensor 62 can detect infrared radiation emitted from inside the first container 41. The color sensor 62 can detect light emitted from inside the first container 41. The color sensor 62 can obtain color information based on the detected light.

The sensor 62 may include a sensing light emitter 621 and a sensing light receiver 622 . The recognition light emitter 621 may emit infrared radiation or light (hereinafter referred to as a wave) into the first container 41. The wave emitted by the recognition light emitter 621 may sequentially pass through the outer wall 411 of the first container 41, the first chamber C1, and the inner wall 412 of the first container 41. and be reflected from the stick (see FIG. 12). The reflected wave may sequentially pass through the inner wall 412, the first chamber C1 and the outer wall 411 and reach the detection light receiver 622 (see FIG. 12). The detection light receiver 622 can sense a wave reflected from an object, thereby obtaining information about it.

The wave emitted by the sensor 62 may pass through the liquid contained in the first container 41 depending on the amount of liquid in the container. Alternatively, the wave emitted by sensor 62 may travel through the liquid depending on the degree to which the aerosol generating device is tilted by the user. The liquid contained in the first container 41 may be a colorless and clear liquid. Accordingly, even if the wave emitted by the sensor 62 passes through the liquid, it may only slightly affect the color information.

The controller 51 may receive the wave information received by the sensor 62. The controller 51 may determine the stick information by analyzing the value output by the sensor 62 in accordance with the received wave information.

As shown in FIG. 10, a plug 81 may be located at the bottom of the stick 80'. A granule portion 82 may be located between the plug 81 and the filter portion 83.

The filter 811 may be located in the plug 81. The filter 811 may be formed from a paper material. The filter 811 can be formed by crumpling a long sheet of paper. Because the crinkled paper filter 811 has folds, gaps may form between them.

Accordingly, as the aerosol moves, part of the aerosol may enter the granule portion 82, wetting the filter 811, and the remaining aerosol may enter the granule portion 82 by passing through the gaps between the folds of the filter 811.

Accordingly, as the aerosol moves, it can wet the filter 811 and thereby the surface of the stick 80'.

The bead portion 82 may contain a medium. The aerosol generating device can extract a certain ingredient from a medium by generating an aerosol. The granule portion 82 may be located on the plug 81.

The filter portion 83 may be located on the granule portion 82. The filter may be included in the filter portion 83. The filter may be a cellulose acetate filter.

The hollow portion 84 may be located on the filter portion 83. The hollow portion 84 may be in the form of a hollow tube.

A mouthpiece 85 may be located on an upper end portion of the stick 80'. A mouthpiece 85 may be positioned above the hollow portion 84. A filter may be included in the mouthpiece 85. The filter may be a cellulose acetate filter. The plug 81, bead portion 82, filter portion 83, hollow portion 84, and mouthpiece 85 may be surrounded by a wrapper. The wrapper may be made of paper material. The wrapper may be white.

As shown in FIG. 10 and 11, when the stick 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414 (see FIG. 3), a plug 81 may be located at the lower end of the insertion space 414. When the stick 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414, the bead portion 82 may be positioned in the insertion space 414. When the stick 80' is inserted, at least a portion of the filter portion 83 may be located in the insertion space 414.

When the stick 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414, the hollow portion 84 can be opened outward. When the stick 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414, the mouthpiece 85 may be open outward.

The insertion space 414 may have a height H such that at least a portion of the filter portion 83 is located in the insertion space 414 when the stick 80' is fully inserted into the insertion space 414. The height H of the insertion space 414 may be greater than the length from the lower end of the plug 81 to the upper end of the bead portion 82. The height H of the insertion space 414 may be less than the length from the lower end of the plug 81 to the upper end of the filter portion 83.

The length L1 of the plug 81 in the up-down direction may be about 7 mm. The length L2 of the granule portion 82 in the up-down direction may be about 10 mm. The length L3 of the filter portion 83 in the up-down direction may be about 7 mm. The length L4 of the hollow portion 84 in the up-down direction may be about 12 mm. The length L5 of the mouthpiece 85 in the up-down direction may be about 12 mm.

The height H of the insertion space 414 may be 17 mm or more. The height H of the insertion space 414 may be 24 mm or less. The height H of the insertion space 414 may be 22 mm.

The stick 80' may be divided into a first zone A1 and a second zone A2. The first zone A1 may be located in the insertion space 414 when the stick 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414. The second zone A2 can be opened outward when the stick 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414. The length of the first zone A1 may correspond to the height H of the insertion space 414.

The first zone A1 may contain a plug 81 and a bead portion 82. The first zone A1 may include at least a portion of the filter portion 83. The second zone A2 may include a hollow portion 84 and a mouthpiece 85. The second zone A2 may include at least a portion of the filter portion 83.

A marker 86 may be formed on the wrapper of the stick 80'. The marker 86 may be printed on a portion of the wrapper or printed in a peripheral direction of the wrapper.

The marker 86 may be located on the surface of at least that portion of the stick 80' that is inserted into the insertion space 414. Marker 86 maybe

formed in the first zone A1 of the 80' stick. The marker 86 may be formed at a position corresponding to the plug 81 and/or the bead portion 82 and/or the filter portion 83 in the first zone A1.

The marker 86 may have a different color than the stick wrapper 80'. The marker 86 may have a different light reflectance than the wrapper. For example, the wrapper may be white and the marker 86 may be blue.

For example, marker 86 may be part of a stick wrap 80'. Alternatively, the marker 86 may be an area that receives light emitted by the detection light emitter 621 of the sensor 62.

For example, the marker 86 may be a stripe formed on the surface of the stick 80'. Accordingly, the sensor 62 is capable of recognizing the marker 86 regardless of the direction of orientation of the marker 86 when the stick 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414.

As shown in FIG. 11, sensor 62 may be located on the outside of the cartridge 40. Sensor 62 may be located on the outside of the outer wall 411 of the first container 41. Sensor 62 may face the outer wall 411. Sensor 62 may be located adjacent the outer wall 411. Sensor 62 may face to the insertion space 414 (see FIG. 3). The sensor 62 can detect light emitted from inside the first container 41.

The sensor 62 may be located at a height similar to the height at which the marker 86 is located when the stick 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414. At least one sensor 62 may be located outside the first container 41 in a position corresponding to the area between the upper and lower ends of the first chamber C1. At least one sensor 62 may be located outside the first container 41 at a position corresponding to the area between the upper and lower ends of the insertion space 414. At least one sensor 62 may be located outside the first container 41 in a position corresponding to the area above the step space 417.

As shown in FIG. 12, sensor 62 may be a color sensor 62. The color sensor 62 may be a detection light emitter 621 emitting light into the first container 41. The detection light emitter 621 may be a white light produced by mixing three primary colors of the spectrum, i.e. red (R), green (G) and blue (B) colors. The color sensor 62 may include a detection light receiver 622 that receives the light. White light emitted by the detection light emitter 621 may be reflected from an object and supplied to the detection light receiver 622 . The detection light receiver 622 can obtain color information from the light received therein. The detection light receiver 622 may output an RGB value corresponding to the color of the light received therein.

The sensor 62 may be an infrared sensor 62. The infrared sensor 62 may include a detection light emitter 621 emitting infrared radiation into the interior of the first container 41. The infrared sensor 62 may include a detection light receiver 622 receiving the infrared radiation. Infrared radiation emitted by the detection light emitter 621 may be reflected from an object and enter the detection light receiver 622 . The sense light receiver 622 may receive information about infrared radiation received therein.

The detection light emitter 621 may emit a wave toward the insertion space 414 . The detection light emitter 621 may emit a wave in the direction of the stick 80 or 80' inserted into the insertion space 414. The recognition light emitter 621 may emit a wave in the direction of the marker 86 of the stick 80'.

The wave emitted by the recognition light emitter 621 may be reflected from the stick 80 or 80' and enter the recognition light receiver 622. The wave emitted by the recognition light emitter 621 may be reflected from the marker 86 of the stick 80' and supplied to the recognition light receiver 622.

At least a portion of the outer wall 411 and at least a portion of the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may be made of a wave-transmitting material. For example, the outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be made of a low reflectivity, low refractive index, and high transmittance material for a given wavelength.

The wave emitted by the recognition light emitter 621 may sequentially pass through the outer wall 411 of the first container 41, the first chamber C1, and the inner wall 412 of the first container 41. The light transmitted through the above components may be reflected from the stick 80 or 80' and then sequentially pass through through the inner wall 412 of the first container 41, the first chamber C1, and the outer wall 411 of the first container 41. The reflected light may enter the detection light receiver 622.

As shown in FIG. 13, the information sensed by sensor 62 may vary depending on whether a stick is inserted and the type of stick.

As shown in FIG. 13(a), in a state in which the stick 80 or 80' is not inserted into the insertion space 414, the sensor 62 can detect a wave reflected from the first container 41 and the cap 120 (see FIG. 2).

The stick 80 that does not have the marker 86 applied may be referred to as the first stick 80. The stick 80' that has the marker 86 applied may be referred to as the second stick 80'.

As shown in FIG. 13(b) and 13(c), in the state in which the stick 80 or 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414, a wave emitted by the sensor 62 may be reflected from the stick 80 or 80' and returned to the sensor 62. The wave, reflected from the marker 86 of the second stick 80' (FIG. 13(c)) may be different from the wave reflected from the first stick 80 (FIG. 13(b)). When the first stick 80 is inserted into the insertion space 414, the sensor 62 can sense a wave reflected from the first stick 80 (FIG. 13(b)). When the second stick 80' is inserted into the insertion space 414, the sensor 62 can detect the color of the marker 86 of the second stick 80' (FIG. 13(c)).

As shown in FIG. 14, when the aerosol enters the second stick 80', the marker 86 may be wetted by the aerosol and change color. The color of the marker 86 may be permanently changed by exposure to the aerosol. That is, even if the stick 80' through which the aerosol has passed dries, the marker 86 may retain the ability to change color. As the amount of aerosol administered increases, the color of the marker 86 may become darker. The wavelength reflected from the marker 86 may vary depending on the color of the marker 86. The wavelength information received by the sensor 62 may vary depending on the color of the marker 86.

When the second stick 80' is not in use (FIG. 14(a)), the color of the marker 8b may not change, and at this time the color of the marker 86a may be at its brightest. In this case, "using an 80 or 80' stick" may mean passing the evaporated aerosol through the 80 or 80' stick. When a certain amount of aerosol is introduced into the second stick 80' (FIG. 14(b)), the color of the marker 86b may become darker than in the case shown in FIG. 14(a). When a larger amount of aerosol is introduced into the second stick 80' (FIG. 14(b)) than in the case shown in FIG. 14(c)), the color of the marker 86c may become darker than in the case shown in FIG. 14(b).

Accordingly, the color information received by the sensor 62 may vary depending on the degree of use of the stick 80'.

The controller 51 can determine whether the stick 80 or 80' inserted into the insertion space 414 is a spent stick based on the information received by the sensor 62. Having determined that the stick 80 or 80' inserted into the insertion space 414 has been used up, the controller 51 may control the output interface 55 to output a message indicating that the stick is unusable. Alternatively, upon determining that the stick 80 or 80' inserted into the insertion space 414 is exhausted, the controller 51 may interrupt power supply to the heater 32. Accordingly, even if the user holds the stick 80 or 80' in the mouth and attempts to inhale the aerosol , he may not be able to inhale the aerosol.

As shown in FIG. 15 and 16, the cartridge 40 can be removably installed in the installation/removal space 113 that is formed between the lower housing 110a and the upper housing 110b. A second container 42 (see FIG. 1) may be inserted into the installation/removal space 113. The cartridge 40 and the upper housing 110b may be positioned parallel to each other above the lower housing 110a so that they face each other. An insertion space 414 may be formed in the first container 41. The insertion space 414 may be extended in an up-down direction.

The side wall 111 of the upper housing 110b may include a first side wall 111a and a second side wall 111b. A first side wall 111a of the upper housing 110b may face a side surface of the cartridge 40. A first side wall 111a of the upper housing 110b may face the interior of the aerosol generating device 100.

The second side wall 111b of the upper housing 110b may face the first side wall 111b. The second side wall 111b of the upper housing 110b may face the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. The second side wall 111b of the upper housing 110b may not face the cartridge 40.

The outer wall 411 of the first container 41 may include a first outer wall 411a and a second outer wall 411b. The first outer wall 411a of the first container 41 may face the upper body 110b. The first outer wall 411a of the first container 41 may face the first side wall 111a of the upper body 110b. The first outer wall 411a of the first container 41 may face the interior of the aerosol generating device 100. The first outer wall 411a may be referred to as the first outer side wall 411a or the first side wall 411a.

The second outer wall 411b of the first container 41 may face the first outer wall 411a. The second outer wall 411b of the first container 41 may face the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. The second outer wall 411b of the first container 41 may not face the upper body 110b. The second outer wall 4 lib may be called the second outer side wall 411b or the second side wall 411b.

The light source 61 may be located outside the cartridge 40. The light source 61 may be located adjacent to the cartridge 40. The light source 61 may provide light to the cartridge 40.

The light source 61 may be located adjacent the first container 41. The light source 61 may be located adjacent to the side surface of the first container 41. The light source 61 may provide light to the first container 41. The light source 61 may face the first container 41. Light source 61 light may face the first outer wall 411a of the first container 41.

The light source 61 may be installed in the upper housing 110b. The light source 61 may face from the first side wall 111a of the upper housing 110b toward the first container 41.

As shown in FIG. 17, the cap 120 may cover the upper body 110b (see FIG. 16) and the cartridge 40. At least a portion of the cap 120 may be capable of transmitting light. The portion of the cap 120 covering the first container 41 may be made of a material capable of transmitting light. The portion of the cap 120 surrounding the insertion space 414 may be made of a material capable of transmitting light. At least a portion of the side wall 121 of the cap 120 may be made of a material capable of transmitting light.

As shown in FIG. 17(a), when the light source 61 is not operating, light cannot be emitted from the inside of the cap 120. The first container 41a located within the cap 120 may be invisible or only faintly visible from the outside of the cap 120.

As shown in FIG. 17(b), when the light source 61 is operating, the light source 61 may supply light to the cartridge 40. The light emitted by the light source 61 may sequentially pass through the cartridge 40 and the cap 120. The light passed through the cartridge 40 may be diffused from the inside cap 120 out. The first container 41b may be visible from the outside of the cap 120. The insertion space 414 may be visible from the outside of the cap 120.

Accordingly, the user can more accurately determine the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge 40 with the naked eye when the cap 120 is attached. In addition,

the user can check the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge 40 even in low light conditions. In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 can provide various aesthetic effects depending on the color of light emitted by the light source 61. In addition, the user can check the condition of the stick 80 or 80' inserted into the insertion space 414.

As shown in FIG. 17 and 18, the light source 61 may face the first container 41. The light source 61 may face the insertion space 414. A portion of the first chamber C1 may be located between the insertion space 414 and the light source 61 .

The first side wall 111a of the upper body 110b may face the first outer wall 411a of the first container.

41. The light source 61 may face from the first side wall 111a of the upper body 110b to the first outer wall 411a of the first container 41.

A side wall 121 of the cap 120 may surround a second outer wall 4 lib of the first container 41 and a second side wall 111b of the upper body 110b. The cap 120 may include a diffusion sheet 125. The diffusion sheet 125 may be included in at least a portion of the cap 120. The diffusion sheet 125 may be disposed along the surface of at least a portion of the side wall 121 of the cap 120. The diffusion sheet 125 may be facing or surround at least a portion of the second outer wall 411b of the first container 41. The diffuser sheet 125 may be located outside the second outer wall 411b of the first container 41. The diffuser sheet 125 may be located outside the side wall 121 of the cap 120 and the second outer wall 411b of the first container 41 .

The diffuser sheet 125 may serve to diffuse the light. The diffuser sheet 125 may cloud at least a portion of the surface of the cap 120. The diffuser sheet 125 may receive light from the light source 61 and diffuse it toward the outside of the cap 120. The diffuser sheet 125 may diffuse external light entering the cap 120. the outside of the cap 120.

Accordingly, when the light source 61 is not operating, it is possible to minimize the entry of light, such as ultraviolet radiation, into the cap 120, thereby preventing deterioration of the liquid stored in the first container 41. Moreover, when the light source 61 is operating, the light emitted by the source 61 light may be diffused outward from the cap 120, allowing the user to more accurately identify the liquid stored in the first container 41 or the stick 80 or 80' inserted into the insertion space 414.

As shown in FIG. 19-21, multiple light sources 61 may be provided. The light sources 61 may be located in the upper housing 110b in an up-down direction. The first side wall 111a of the upper body 110b may be depressed to form a concavity with respect to the second side wall 111b of the upper body 110b. The first outer wall 411a of the first container 41 may be shaped to match the shape of the first side wall 111a, that is, may project in a convex manner relative to the first side wall 111a. The first outer wall 411a of the first container 41 may be surrounded by the first side wall 111a of the upper body 110b.

The insertion space 414 may be located in the first container 41 adjacent the upper housing 110b. The insertion space 414 may be located adjacent the first side wall 411a of the first container 41. The first side wall 411a of the first container 41 may surround a portion of the inner wall 412 defining the insertion space 414.

Light sources 61 may face the first container 41. Light sources 61 may face outward from the insertion space 414. The light sources 61 may emit light towards the first chamber C1 located between the insertion space 414 and the second outer wall 411b of the first container 41.

The light sources 61 may be located opposite each other relative to the insertion space 414 (see FIG. 21). The direction in which the light source 61 located on one side is oriented and the direction in which the light source 61 located on the opposite side is oriented may be parallel to each other. The insertion space 414 may be located between the direction in which the light source 61 located on one side is oriented and the direction in which the light source 61 located on the opposite side is oriented.

Accordingly, light emitted by the light sources 61 can be diffused outward from the cap 120 without being blocked by the stick 80 or 80' inserted into the insertion space 414.

As shown in FIG. 22(a), when the light sources 61 are not operating, light cannot be scattered from the interior of the cap 120. The first container 41a located inside the cap 120 may be invisible or only faintly visible from the outside of the cap 120.

As shown in FIG. 22(b), when the light sources 61 are operated, the light sources 61 may supply light to the cartridge 40. The light emitted by the light sources 61 may sequentially pass through the cartridge 40 and the cap 120. The light passed through the cartridge 40 may be diffused from the interior cap 120 out. The first container 41b may be visible from the outside of the cap 120. The insertion space 414 may be visible from the outside of the cap 120.

Accordingly, the user can more accurately determine the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge 40 with the naked eye when the cap 120 is attached. In addition, the user can check the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge 40 even in low light conditions. In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 can provide various aesthetic effects depending on the color of light emitted by the light source 61. In addition, the user can check the condition of the stick 80 or 80' inserted into the insertion space 414.

As shown in FIG. 23 and 24, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 52 and/or a controller 51 and/or a heater 30 and/or a cartridge 40 and/or a light source 61. The battery 52 and/or the controller 51 and/or the heater 30 and/or the cartridge 40 and/or the light source 61 may be located within the housing 110 of the aerosol generating device 100.

An elongated hollow portion may be formed in the body 110. An insertion space 114 may be formed in the housing 110 into which a stick 80 or 80' is inserted. An insertion space 114 into which the stick 80 or 80' is inserted may be formed adjacent to the heater 30.

As shown in FIG. 23, a battery 52, a controller 51, a light source 61, a cartridge 40, and a heater 30 may be arranged in a row. As shown in FIG. 24, the cartridge 40 and the heater 30 may be arranged parallel to each other so that they face each other and are at the same level. The internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in the drawings.

Battery 52 may supply power necessary to operate controller 51 and/or heater 30 and/or cartridge 40 and/or light source 61. The battery 52 may supply power necessary to operate a display, motor, or the like installed in the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 52 may be referred to as the power supply 52.

The controller 51 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 as a whole. The controller 51 may control the operation of the battery 52 and/or the heater 30 and/or the cartridge 40 and/or the light source 61. The controller 51 may control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 100. The controller 51 can determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operating state by checking the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 100.

The heater 30 may generate heat using power supplied from the battery 52. The heater 30 may heat a stick 80 or 80' inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. The heater 30 may be referred to as the first heater 30.

The cartridge 40 may be coupled to one side of the housing 110. The cartridge 40 may generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 40 may pass through a stick 80 or 80' inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 and then be delivered to the user. The cartridge 40 can be removably connected to the housing 110.

The light source 61 may be located adjacent to the cartridge 40. The light source 61 may supply light to the cartridge 40. The light source 61 may be electrically coupled to the controller 51 for control.

As shown in FIG. 25, the housing 110 may include a lower housing 110a and an upper housing 110b located on the lower housing 110a. The lower housing 110a may house a controller 51 and/or a battery 52 (see FIGS. 23 and 24). The upper housing 110b may be extended upward from the top of the lower housing 110a. An insertion space 114 extending in an up-down direction may be formed in the upper body 110b. The cartridge 40 may be mounted on the lower housing 110b so that it faces the upper housing 110b. The upper housing 110b may be positioned parallel to the cartridge 40 so that it faces the cartridge 40. A light source 61 may be housed in the upper housing 110b. Between the lower body 110a and the upper body 110b, an installation/removal space 113 may be located in which the cartridge 40 is installed. The support surface 117 may face the bottom of the installation/removal space 113. The cartridge 40 coupled to the housing 110 may be electrically coupled to components located within the housing 110 via a terminal 118 located on the support surface 117.

An elongated hollow portion or insertion space 114 may be provided in the upper body 110b. An elongated insertion space 114 may be provided in the upper body 110b. The insertion space 114 may have an open top for communication with the outside environment. The insertion space 114 may communicate with an opening 124 in the cap 120.

The cap 120 may include a cap 123 that opens or closes the opening 124. The cap 123 may move along the elongated portion 124a of the opening 124 to open or close the opening 124.

The first inlet 116 may be provided in the upper housing 110b. The first inlet 116 may be formed in the first side wall 111a of the upper body 110b. The first inlet 116 may communicate with the interior of the second container 42.

The connection channel 115 may be formed in the upper body 110b. The connection channel 115 may provide communication between the hollow portion or insertion space 114 formed in the upper body 110b and the second chamber C2 (see FIG. 27) in the second container 42. The connection channel 115 may be located between the first inlet 116 and the space 114 for introduction. The connecting channel 115 may provide communication between the first inlet 116 and the insertion space 114.

The first inlet 116 may be located below the injection space 114. The first inlet 116 and the insertion space 114 may communicate with each other. The first inlet 116 may be configured to be open in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 114. The first inlet 116 may be configured to be open forward.

As shown in FIG. 26 and 27, the cartridge 40 may include a first container 41 for storing liquid and a second container 42 for generating an aerosol. The first container 41 and the second container 42 may be connected to each other in an up-down direction. The first container 41 may be located on the second container 42. Liquid stored in the first container 41 may be supplied to the second container 42.

The first container 41 may have a second inlet 401 formed therein to receive external air introduced therein. External air entering the second inlet 401 may pass through the second container 42.

In the first container 41, a first liquid storage chamber C1 may be formed. The first chamber C1 may be surrounded by a side wall 411 and a top wall 413 of the first container 41.

A side wall 411 of the first container 41 may be connected to a top wall 413 of the first container 41 to form a surface of the first container 41. The side wall 411 of the first container 41 may surround a side surface of the first chamber C1. The upper wall 413 of the first container 41 may cover the upper part of the first chamber C1. The lower part of the first container 41 can be opened towards the second chamber C2.

The side wall 411 of the first container 41 may include a first side wall 411a and a second side wall 411b. The first side wall 411a of the first container 41 may face the first side wall 111a of the upper body 110b (see FIG. 25). The first side wall 411a of the first container 41 may face the interior of the aerosol generating device 100. The first side wall 411a of the first container 41 may be referred to as the first outer side wall 411a.

A second side wall 411b of the first container 41 may face a first side wall 411a of the first container 41. A second side wall 411b of the first container 41 may face the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. The second side wall 411b of the first container 41 may not face the upper body 110b. The second side wall 411b of the first container 41 may be referred to as the second outer side wall 411b.

The cartridge 40 may have a second inlet 401 formed therein to receive external air introduced therein. A portion of the outer wall of the cartridge 40 may be opened to form a second inlet 401. A second inlet 401 may be formed at the top of the first container 41.

An inlet channel 403 may be formed in the first container 41 in communication with the second inlet 401 and extending downwardly. The inlet passage 403 may connect the second inlet 401 to the chamber inlet 405.

The inlet duct 403 may be surrounded by duct walls 4111 and 4112. The channel walls 4111 and 4112 may be included as part of a second side wall 411b of the first container 41. The channel walls 4111 and 4112 may extend in an up-and-down direction. The channel walls 4111 and 4112 may be an inner channel wall 4111 and an outer channel wall 4112.

The inner channel wall 4111 may be located within the first container 41. The inner channel wall 4111 may extend downward from the top wall 413 of the first container 41 along the first chamber C1 and the inlet channel 403. The inner channel wall 4111 may be located between the first chamber C1 and the inlet channel 403 The first chamber C1 and the supply channel 403 can be isolated from each other by the inner channel wall 4111. The first chamber C1 may be surrounded by a side wall 411, a top wall 413, and an inner channel wall 4111 of the first container 41.

The outer channel wall 4112 may define the outer wall of the first container 41. The outer channel wall 4112 may be located further outward than the inner channel wall 4111. The outer duct wall 4112 may be adjacent to the second inlet 401. The outer duct wall 4112 may extend in an up-and-down direction along the inlet duct 403.

The second container 42 may be located underneath the first container 41. The second container 42 may include a second chamber C2 formed therein for communication with the inlet channel 403. The second chamber C2 may be surrounded by outer walls 421 and 422 of the second container 42. Side wall 421 of the second container 42 may be coupled to a bottom wall 422 of the second container 42 to form a surface of the second container 42. A side wall 421 of the second container 42 may surround a side surface of the second chamber C2. The bottom wall 422 of the second container 42 may cover the bottom of the second chamber C2. The upper part of the second container 42 can be opened towards the first chamber C1.

A chamber inlet 405 may be provided in the second container 42. The chamber inlet 405 may be connected to the supply passage 403. The chamber inlet 405 may be connected to the second chamber C2. The chamber inlet 405 may be located between the inlet passage 403 and the second chamber C2. The chamber inlet 405 may connect the inlet passage 403 and the second chamber C2 to each other.

The second container 42 may be provided with an outlet 407 that communicates with the second air release chamber C2. A portion of the side wall 421 of the second container 42 may be opened to form an outlet 407. The outlet 407 may be connected to a first inlet 116 provided in the upper body 110b (see FIG. 25). The aerosol generated in the second chamber C2 may exit through the outlet 407 and then enter a stick 80 or 80' inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 (see FIG. 24).

The wick 31 may be installed in the second chamber C2. The wick 31 can receive liquid from the first chamber C1.

The heater 32 may be located in the second chamber C2. The heater 32 may heat the wick 31. The heater 32 may be wound around the wick 31 several times. The heater 32 may heat the wick 31, which receives the liquid, to generate an aerosol. The heater 30 located in the housing 110 (see FIGS. 23 and 24) may be referred to as the first heater 30, and the heater 32 located in the second chamber C2 may be referred to as the second heater 32.

A plate 43 may be fixedly mounted between the first container 41 and the second container 42. The plate 43 may be located between the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2. The plate 43 may have a flat shape. The plate 43 may divide the interior of the cartridge 40 into a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2 such that the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 are isolated from each other.

The plate 43 may be provided with a liquid supply hole through which the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 communicate with each other. The wick 31 can receive liquid from the first chamber C1 through the liquid supply hole.

As shown in FIG. 28 and 29, the light source 61 may be located adjacent to the second container 42. The light source 61 may face upward. The light source 61 may face the first container 41. The light source 61 may provide light to the first container 41.

The light source 61 may be located adjacent the bottom surface of the second container 42. At least a portion of the light source 61 may be located adjacent the underside of the side wall 421 of the second container 42 and thereby overlap the side wall 421 of the second container 42. Light source 61 light may provide light to the second container 42. The second container 42 may include a window allowing light to pass through. At least a portion of the light emitted by the light source 61 may pass through the second container 42 and be transmitted to the first container 41.

Multiple light sources 61 may be provided. At least some of the light sources 61 may be located along the surface of the second container 42.

Accordingly, the light emitted by the light sources 61 can be uniformly directed onto the surface of the first container 41.

As shown in FIG. 30, the upper body 110b may include an elongated portion 112a. The elongated portion 112a may extend forward from the top of the upper body 110b. The elongated portion 112a may cover the upper side of the installation/removal space 113. The elongated portion 112a may face the top of the lower housing 110a. The elongated portion 112a may at least partially cover the top of the cartridge 40.

The installation/removal space 113 may be defined by the side wall 111, the elongated portion 112a, and the supporting surface 117 of the upper body 110b. The installation/removal space 113 may be located parallel to the insertion space 114.

The cartridge 40 can be moved from front to back to be inserted into the installation/removal space 113 and thereby connected to the body 110. The upper wall 413 of the first container 41 can be covered by the elongated portion 112a.

The second inlet 401 may be open upward at the upper end of the cartridge 40. The second inlet 401 may face an end portion of the elongated portion 112a.

The cap 120 can be releasably connected to the outside of the upper body 110b. A side wall 121 of the cap 120 may cover a side wall 111 of the upper housing 110b and side walls 411 and 421 of the cartridge 40. A top wall 122 of the cap 120 may cover a top wall 112 of the upper housing 110b.

As shown in FIG. 31-33, the elongated portion 112a may face the top wall 413 of the first container 41. The elongate portion 112a may cover the top wall 413 of the first container 41.

The light source 61 may be located adjacent the top side of the first container 41. The light source 61 may provide light to the first container 41. The light source 61 may face downward. The light source 61 may face the first container 41. The light source 61 may be installed in the elongated portion 112a.

The second inlet 401 may face the bottom of the elongated portion 112a. A third inlet 402 may be formed between the end portion of the elongated portion 112a and the second inlet 401. Air may enter the third inlet 402 and the second inlet 401, and then pass through the inlet passage 403. The sensor 62 may be installed in the elongated portion 112a. . The sensor 62 can sense air flow. Sensor 62 may be a pressure sensor or an air flow sensor. The sensor 62 may be located adjacent the second inlet 401 and the third inlet 402. The sensor 62 can sense air flow passing through the second inlet 401 and the third inlet 402.

As shown in FIG. 34(a), when the light source 61 is not operating, light cannot be scattered from the interior of the cap 120. The cartridge 40 located inside the cap 120 may be invisible or only faintly visible from the outside of the cap 120.

As shown in FIG. 34(b), when the light source 61 is operated, the light source 61 may supply light to the cartridge 40. The light emitted by the light source 61 may sequentially pass through the cartridge 40 and the cap 120. The light passed through the cartridge 40 may be diffused from the inside cap 120 out. The first container 41 may be visible from the outside of the cap 120.

Accordingly, the user can more accurately determine the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge 40 with the naked eye when the cap 120 is attached. In addition, the user can check the amount of liquid stored in the cartridge 40 even in low light conditions. In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 can provide various aesthetic effects depending on the color of light emitted by the light source 61.

As shown in FIG. 1-34, the aerosol generating device 100 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention may include a housing 110, a cartridge 40 connected to the housing 110, in which the cartridge 40 includes: a first container 41 in which a storage space C1 is provided, a second container 42 located next to the first container 41, a wick 31 located in the second container 42 and communicating with the storage space C1, and a heater 32 for heating the wick 31, and a light source 61 located on the body 110 adjacent to the cartridge 40 for supplying light to cartridge 40. The first container 41 may include a window configured to transmit light emitted by the light source 61.

Moreover, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the light source 61 may be positioned toward the side surface of the first container 41.

Additionally, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, housing 110 may include a lower housing 110a and an upper housing 110b located above the lower housing 110a adjacent to the cartridge 40, and a light source 61 may be located on the upper housing 110b.

Moreover, according to another aspect of the present invention, the first container 41 may include an outer wall 411 and an inner wall 412, in which the inner wall 412 defines an insertion space 414 in the first container 41, and a storage space C1 may be formed between the inner wall 412 and the outer wall 411.

Additionally, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the light source 61 may face the first container 41 and outward from the administration space 414.

Moreover, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the light source 61 may be one of multiple light sources 61, and the multiple light sources 61 may be positioned opposite each other relative to the position of the insertion space 414 and oriented in the same direction.

Moreover, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the light source 61 may be located adjacent to and facing the second container 42.

Moreover, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the light source 61 may be one of multiple light sources 61, and at least some of the multiple light sources 61 may be located along the surface of the second container 42.

Additionally, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the second container 42 may include a window.

Moreover, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the light source 61 may be located adjacent to the top side of the first container 41 and facing the first container 41.

Additionally, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, housing 110 may include a lower housing 110a and an upper housing 110b positioned above the lower housing 110a adjacent a cartridge 40 in which an insertion space 114 is provided in the upper housing 110b, in which the upper housing 110a includes an elongated portion 112a extending from the top of the upper body 110b and at least partially covering the top of the cartridge 40. A light source 61 may be mounted in the elongated portion 112a.

Moreover, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cap 120 covering at least a portion of the housing 110 and the cartridge 40. At least a portion of the cap 120 covering the first container 41 may be configured to be permeable light emitted by the light source 61.

Additionally, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the cap 120 may include a diffusion sheet 125 disposed along a surface of the cap 120.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the invention described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all of the elements of the embodiments of the invention described above may be combined with others or combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, configuration "A" described in one embodiment and drawings and configuration "B" described in another embodiment and drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible, except in the case where it is described that the combination is not possible.

Although embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can develop many other modifications and embodiments of the invention that will fall within the principles of the present invention. In particular, various variants and changes to the components and/or arrangements of the combination device in question are possible within the scope of the description, drawings and the attached claims. In addition to variations and changes in component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (11)

1. A device for generating an aerosol, comprising: a housing; a cartridge coupled to a housing, wherein the cartridge includes: a first container providing storage space, a second container located adjacent the first container, a wick arranged to cooperate with the storage space, and a heater configured to heat the wick; and a light source located on the housing adjacent the cartridge and configured to supply light to the cartridge, in which the first container includes a window configured to transmit light emitted by the light source, and an insertion space in which one side is open, and a stick containing the environment is inserted into it. 2. A device for generating an aerosol according to claim 1, in which the light source is installed to be directed onto the side surface of the first container. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the housing includes a lower housing and an upper housing located above the lower housing adjacent to a side surface of the cartridge, and wherein the light source is located on the upper housing. 4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first container includes an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein the inner wall defines an insertion space in the first container, and wherein a storage space is formed between the inner wall and the outer wall. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the light source faces the first container and outward from the administration space. 6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the light source is one of multiple light sources, and wherein the multiple light sources are located opposite each other relative to the position of the injection space and oriented in the same direction. 7. A device for generating an aerosol, comprising: a housing; a cartridge coupled to a housing, wherein the cartridge includes: a first container providing storage space, a second container located adjacent the first container, a wick arranged to cooperate with the storage space, and a heater configured to heat the wick; and a light source located on the housing adjacent to the cartridge and configured to supply light to the cartridge, in which the first container contains a window configured to transmit light emitted by the light source, in which the light source is mounted adjacent to the second container and configured to be facing upward, wherein the light source is one of several light sources, and wherein at least some of the light sources are located along the surface of the second container. 8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the second container contains a window. 9. A device for generating an aerosol, comprising: a housing; a cartridge coupled to a housing, wherein the cartridge includes: a first container providing storage space, a second container located adjacent the first container, a wick arranged to cooperate with the storage space, and a heater configured to heat the wick; and a light source located on the housing adjacent the cartridge and configured to supply light to the cartridge, in which the first container includes a window configured to transmit light emitted by the light source, in which the light source is mounted adjacent the top side of the first container and faces a first container, the housing comprising: a lower housing and an upper housing located above the lower housing adjacent a side surface of the cartridge, in which the upper housing contains an insertion space, in which the upper housing includes an elongated portion extending from the top of the upper housing and at least at least partially covering the upper part of the cartridge, and in which the light source is installed in the elongated part. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a cap covering at least a portion of the housing and the cartridge, wherein at least a portion of the cap covering the first container is configured to transmit light emitted by the light source. 11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the cap comprises a diffuser sheet disposed along a surface of the cap.