WO2023249310A1 - Cartouche pour dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un vibreur et procédé de fabrication de vibreur - Google Patents

Cartouche pour dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un vibreur et procédé de fabrication de vibreur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023249310A1
WO2023249310A1 PCT/KR2023/008176 KR2023008176W WO2023249310A1 WO 2023249310 A1 WO2023249310 A1 WO 2023249310A1 KR 2023008176 W KR2023008176 W KR 2023008176W WO 2023249310 A1 WO2023249310 A1 WO 2023249310A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vibrator
cartridge
aerosol generating
coating layer
aerosol
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2023/008176
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Chul Ho Jang
Gyoung Min Go
Jangwon Seo
Jin Chul Jung
Original Assignee
Kt & G Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020220121649A external-priority patent/KR20240000331A/ko
Application filed by Kt & G Corporation filed Critical Kt & G Corporation
Priority to JP2023576388A priority Critical patent/JP2024526545A/ja
Priority to CN202380013346.2A priority patent/CN117915793A/zh
Publication of WO2023249310A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023249310A1/fr

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/05—Devices without heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/70—Manufacture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the following embodiments relate to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device including a vibrator and a method of manufacturing the vibrator.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol generating device includes a reservoir configured to store an aerosol generating material, and a vibrator configured to generate vibration to atomize the aerosol generating material, wherein the vibrator may include a body configured to generate vibration, an electrode layer stacked on at least one surface of the body, and a coating layer stacked in a partial area of the electrode layer and formed of a light absorbing material.
  • the vibrator may include the electrode layer in plurality, wherein the plurality of electrode layers may include a first electrode layer formed on one surface of the body of the vibrator, and a second electrode layer formed on the other surface, opposite to the one surface, of the body of the vibrator.
  • the coating layer may be stacked on the second electrode layer.
  • the vibrator may further include a shield layer stacked in a partial area of the first electrode layer and formed of a non-conductive material.
  • the shield layer may include a water-repellent material to prevent the vibrator from absorbing the aerosol generating material.
  • the cartridge may further include a transmission member configured to receive the aerosol generating material from the reservoir and atomize the aerosol generating material by vibration of the vibrator, wherein the vibrator may include a first surface facing the transmission member and a second surface opposite to the first surface.
  • the coating layer may occupy 50% or larger of an area of the second surface of the vibrator.
  • the coating layer may include a black or gray-type dye, and may be formed of glass, ceramic, a polymer, or a combination thereof.
  • the method may further include, prior to the depositing of the coating layer, forming the coating layer by combining a dye having a reflectance smaller than 50% with substantially the same material as the body of the vibrator.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol generating device including a vibrator and a method of manufacturing the vibrator may detect a change in the temperature of the vibrator accurately in real time using a temperature sensor through a coating layer formed on one surface of the vibrator and control driving of the vibrator based on the change in the temperature, thereby preventing the vibrator from overheating.
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 5b is an exploded perspective view of a vibrator assembly according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 6b is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 7a is a front perspective view of a vibrator according to an embodiment.
  • upstream or “upstream direction” may refer to a direction away from a mouth of a user (smoker), and the terms “downstream” or “downstream direction” may refer to a direction toward the mouth of the user.
  • upstream and downstream may be used to describe relative positions of components of an aerosol generating article.
  • the filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter.
  • the filter rod may include at least one segment.
  • the filter rod may include a first segment that cools an aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined ingredient contained in the aerosol.
  • the aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and may generate vibration at short intervals through the vibrator to atomize the aerosol generating material.
  • the vibration generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be from about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.
  • embodiments are not limited thereto.
  • the viscosity of the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick may be lowered by the heat generated by the vibrator, and the aerosol generating material whose viscosity is lowered may change to fine particles by the ultrasonic vibration generated by the vibrator, so that an aerosol may be generated.
  • embodiments are not limited thereto.
  • the insertion detection sensor 124 may sense whether the aerosol generating article is inserted and/or removed.
  • the insertion detection sensor 124 may include, for example, at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, or an infrared sensor, which may sense a signal change by the insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article.
  • the puff sensor 126 may sense a puff from a user based on various physical changes in an airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 may sense the puff from the user based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.
  • the display 132 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user.
  • the information about the aerosol generating device 100 may include, for example, a charging/discharging state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, a preheating state of the heater 150, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol generating article, a limited usage state (e.g., an abnormal article detected) of the aerosol generating device 100, or the like, and the display 132 may externally output the information.
  • the display 132 may be, for example, a liquid-crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.
  • the display 132 may also be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) device.
  • LED light-emitting diode
  • the haptic portion 134 may provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user in a haptic way by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus.
  • the haptic portion 134 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
  • the sound outputter 136 may provide information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the user in an auditory way.
  • the sound outputter 136 may convert an electric signal into a sound signal and externally output the sound signal.
  • the heater 150 may receive power from the battery 140 to heat the aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC)-to-DC (DC/DC) converter) that converts power of the battery 140 and supplies the power to the heater 150.
  • a power conversion circuit e.g., a direct current (DC)-to-DC (DC/DC) converter
  • DC/AC DC-to-alternating current
  • the controller 110, the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 may receive power from the battery 140 to perform functions.
  • the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts power of the battery 140 and supplies the power to respective components.
  • LDO low dropout
  • the heater 150 may be formed of a predetermined electrically resistive material that is suitable.
  • the electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including, for example, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, or the like.
  • the heater 150 may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like.
  • embodiments are not limited thereto.
  • the heater 150 may include a plurality of heaters.
  • the heater 150 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating article and a second heater for heating a liquid.
  • the user input unit 160 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user.
  • the user input unit 160 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact capacitive type, a pressure resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like.
  • a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or to charge the battery 140.
  • USB universal serial bus
  • the memory 170 which is hardware for storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device 100, may store data processed by the controller 110 and data to be processed thereby.
  • the memory 170 may include at least one type of storage medium of a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., an SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.
  • the memory 170 may store an operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data associated with a smoking pattern of the user, or the like.
  • the communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device.
  • the communication unit 180 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.
  • the controller 110 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100.
  • the controller 110 may include at least one processor.
  • the processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored.
  • a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored.
  • the controller 110 may control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150.
  • the controller 110 may control the supply of power by controlling switching of a switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150.
  • a direct heating circuit may control the supply of power to the heater 150 according to a control command from the controller 110.
  • the controller 110 may analyze a sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensing unit 120 and control processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 110 may control power to be supplied to the heater 150 to start or end an operation of the heater 150 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120. As another example, the controller 110 may control an amount of power to be supplied to the heater 150 and a time for which the power is to be supplied, such that the heater 150 may be heated up to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a desired temperature, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120.
  • the controller 110 may control the output unit 130 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the controller 110 may inform the user that the aerosol generating device 100 is to be ended soon, through at least one of the display 132, the haptic portion 134, or the sound outputter 136.
  • the controller 110 may control a power supply time and/or a power supply amount for the heater 150 according to a state of the aerosol generating article sensed by the sensing unit 120. For example, when the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidified state, the controller 110 may control the power supply time for an inductive coil to increase a preheating time, compared to a case where the aerosol generating article is in a general state.
  • An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executable by the computer.
  • a computer-readable medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer and includes a volatile medium, a non-volatile medium, a removable medium, and a non-removable medium.
  • the computer-readable medium may include both a computer storage medium and a communication medium.
  • the computer storage medium includes all of a volatile medium, a non-volatile medium, a removable medium, and a non-removable medium implemented by any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
  • the communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transfer medium.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment.
  • the aerosol generating device 100 may include a cartridge 10 and a main body 50. Some components of the aerosol generating device 100 described below with reference to FIG. 2 may be substantially the same as or similar to some components of the aerosol generating device 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1, and a duplicate description will be omitted below.
  • the cartridge 10 may accommodate an aerosol generating material and may be detachably fastened to the main body 50.
  • the main body 50 e.g., a cartridge fastening area 255 of FIG. 3a
  • the cartridge 10 and the main body 50 may be connected.
  • Embodiments are limited thereto, and at least a portion of the main body 50 may be inserted into the cartridge 10, whereby the cartridge 10 and the main body 50 may be connected.
  • the cartridge 10 and the main body 50 may be fastened to each other in various methods, such as screw fastening, magnetic fastening, fit fastening, or snag-fit fastening.
  • the cartridge 10 may include at least one of a reservoir 30, a transmission member 32, and a vibrator assembly 33, and may include a housing 20 for accommodating these components therein.
  • the structure and shape of the housing 20 may be implemented in various manners, and for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the housing 20 may be formed in the shape of a column or stick, but embodiments are not limited thereto.
  • the housing 20 may include a mouthpiece 23 and an aerosol flow path 27.
  • the mouthpiece 23 may be directly or indirectly connected to a body of a user of the aerosol generating device 100.
  • the mouthpiece 23 may include an intake 25 communicating with the inside of the cartridge 10, specifically, the aerosol flow path 27.
  • the user may inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 100 by bringing the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 23.
  • the pressure in the intake 25 and the aerosol flow path 27 may decrease, and the aerosol inside the cartridge 10 may pass through the aerosol flow path 27 and the intake 25 and be delivered to the user.
  • the reservoir 30 may be positioned in the inner space of the housing 20 to accommodate the aerosol generating material.
  • the reservoir 30 may accommodate and store the aerosol generating material and may provide the aerosol generating material to another component (e.g., the transmission member 32).
  • the reservoir 30 may be supplied with the aerosol generating material from the outside.
  • the vibrator assembly 33 may form an atomizer.
  • other components e.g., a partial area of the housing 20 and/or the transmission member 32
  • a detailed structure of the vibrator assembly 33 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 5a.
  • the vibrator assembly 33 may generate vibration at relatively short intervals such as ultrasonic vibration.
  • the frequency of ultrasonic vibration may be about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz.
  • the aerosol generating material transmitted from the reservoir 30 to the transmission member 32 may be vaporized and/or atomized into an aerosol by the vibration of the vibrator assembly 33.
  • the main body 50 may accommodate a controller (e.g., the controller 110 of FIG. 1) for controlling the driving of the aerosol generating device 100, a battery (e.g., the battery 140 of FIG. 1), and other components (e.g., at least one of the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 of FIG. 1).
  • a controller e.g., the controller 110 of FIG. 1
  • a battery e.g., the battery 140 of FIG. 1
  • other components e.g., at least one of the sensing unit 120, the output unit 130, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 of FIG. 1).
  • the main body 50 may be electrically or communicatively connected to the cartridge substrate 37 to supply data and/or power thereto.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the controller 110 and the cartridge substrate 37 separately as an example, embodiments are not limited thereto.
  • the cartridge substrate 37 may be included as part of the controller 110, and the main body 50 may further include a main body substrate (e.g., a main body substrate 335 of FIG. 6a), which is another component of the controller 110.
  • FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment, showing a closed state of a mouthpiece 223.
  • FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment, showing an open state of the mouthpiece 223.
  • the aerosol generating device 200 and the components thereof shown in FIG. 3a are one of the implementable examples of the aerosol generating device 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and embodiments are not limited thereto in practical implementation.
  • the aerosol generating device 200 may be implemented in various structures and shapes. Hereinafter, in describing the aerosol generating device 200, the description provided above will not be repeated.
  • the first body 250a may include the cartridge fastening area 255, and may support the cartridge 210 when the cartridge 210 is fastened to the cartridge fastening area 255.
  • the cartridge fastening area 255 may include an opening formed on a surface of the first body 250a facing one direction (e.g., +z direction), and the cartridge 210 may be inserted into the opening and fastened to the cartridge fastening area 255.
  • the second body 250b may be fastened to the first body 250a. and the second body 250b may be an area for a user to grip the aerosol generating device 200.
  • at least one of a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 122 of FIG. 1) and a substrate (e.g., the controller 110 of FIG. 1 or 2) may be accommodated inside the second body 250b.
  • the second body 250b is shown as having a substantially circular or polygonal shape, but is not limited thereto in practical implementation, and may be implemented in the shape of a column or stick, for example.
  • the cartridge 210 may include the mouthpiece 223.
  • the mouthpiece 223 may be rotated or tilted based on an axis of rotation, and based on the rotation or tilting, an intake 225 (e.g., the intake 25 of FIG. 2) of the mouthpiece 223 may be selectively exposed.
  • the mouthpiece 223 when the aerosol generating device 200 is not in use, the mouthpiece 223 may be positioned inside the cartridge fastening area 255, and the intake 225 may not be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200.
  • the user may rotate or tilt the mouthpiece 223 to use the aerosol generating device 200, and thus the intake 225 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200.
  • the aerosol generating device 200 may cover the intake 225 as necessary, so that the aerosol generating device 200 may prevent an external foreign substance from entering the cartridge 210 through the intake 225, and prevent the intake 225 from being contaminated. Also, the aerosol or aerosol generating material is prevented from leaking from the cartridge 210 to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200.
  • the method of driving the mouthpiece 223 of FIGS. 3a and 3b is merely an example, and is not limited thereto in practical implementation.
  • the mouthpiece 223 may be implemented in various manners.
  • the main body 250 or the cartridge 210 may include a separate door to selectively expose the intake 225 of the cartridge 210.
  • the cartridge 210 may include a cartridge body 211 and the mouthpiece 223.
  • the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 4 may be an example of the aerosol generating device 100 described above or a modified example thereof, and a duplicate description will be omitted below.
  • the mouthpiece 223 may be coupled or connected to the cartridge body 211 to be movable with respect to the cartridge body 211.
  • the components of the cartridge 210 according to an embodiment are not limited to the example described above, and components may be added, or some components may be omitted according to embodiments.
  • the housing 205 may form the overall exterior of the cartridge 210, while also forming an inner space for accommodating at least one of the components of the cartridge 210 (e.g., at least one of a reservoir 230, the transmission member 235, and the vibrator assembly 300).
  • the structure and shape of the housing 205 may be implemented in various manners.
  • the housing 205 may be formed in the shape of a column or stick, but is not limited thereto.
  • the housing 205 of the cartridge 210 having the shape of a rectangular column on the whole is shown in the drawing, but in another embodiment (not shown), the housing 205 may be formed in the shape of a cylindrical column or another polygonal column (e.g., a triangular pillar or a pentagonal pillar) on the whole other than the rectangular column.
  • the housing 205 may include a first housing 205a, a second housing 205b connected to one area of the first housing 205a, and a third housing 205b connected to another area of the first housing 205a.
  • the second housing 205b may be coupled to one area positioned at a lower end (e.g., the end portion in the -z direction) of the first housing 205a, and an inner space may be formed between the first housing 205a and the second housing 205b so that the components of the cartridge 210 may be disposed therein.
  • the third housing 205c may be coupled to one area positioned at an upper end (e.g., the end portion in the +z direction) of the first housing 205a, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece 223 may be disposed on one side of the third housing 205c.
  • first housing 205a and the second housing 205b may be coupled to each other to form an aerosol flow path 224 through which an airflow (e.g., air or an aerosol) moves inside the cartridge body 211.
  • an airflow e.g., air or an aerosol
  • the first housing 205a may form a portion of the aerosol flow path 224
  • the second housing 205b may form the remaining portion of the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the mouthpiece 223 may move between an open position and a closed position.
  • the cartridge 210 may further include an elastic body 223a for providing an elastic force to the mouthpiece 223.
  • the elastic body 223a may elastically support the mouthpiece 223 toward the open position.
  • the elastic body 223a may be disposed on or around the axis of rotation of the mouthpiece 223.
  • the mouthpiece 223 may move from the closed position to the open position by the elastic force of the elastic body 223a.
  • the elastic body 223a may be manufactured using a metal material (e.g., SUS).
  • the mouthpiece 223 may include the intake 225 for discharging the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 210 to the outside of the cartridge 210.
  • one side of the intake 225 may be connected to the outside, and the other side thereof may be connected to the aerosol flow path 224 in the open position. The user may bring the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 223 and be supplied with the aerosol discharged to the outside through the intake 225 of the mouthpiece 223.
  • the mouthpiece 223 may be rotatably or tiltably coupled to the third housing 205c together with a support portion 223b.
  • the support portion 223b may be disposed between the mouthpiece 223 and the third housing 205c and surround at least a portion of the bottom (i.e., the side facing the -z direction) of the mouthpiece 223.
  • the mouthpiece 223, the support portion 223b, and the third housing 205c may be connected to each other by the axis of rotation. Accordingly, the mouthpiece 223 may be firmly coupled to the third housing 205c and may rotate with respect to the third housing 205c to move between the open position and the closed position.
  • the aerosol atomized by the vibrator assembly 300 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 210 through the aerosol flow path 224 and supplied to the user.
  • the aerosol generated by a vibrator e.g., the vibrator 301 of FIG. 6b
  • the aerosol flow path 224 which provides fluid communication between an atomization space (e.g., an atomization space 257 of FIG. 6a) and the intake 225 of the mouthpiece 223, and then be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 210 through the intake 225.
  • the aerosol flow path 224 may be connected to the mouthpiece 223 along the internal structure of the second housing 205b and the first housing 205a.
  • the airflow moving in a forward direction along the aerosol flow path 224 may move in predetermined directions (e.g., sequentially in +z direction, a direction transverse to the z-axis, -z direction, the direction transverse to the z-axis, and then +z direction).
  • the intake 225 may be a passage inside of the mouthpiece 223.
  • the intake 225 may be connected to the aerosol flow path 224 when the mouthpiece 223 is in the open position.
  • the intake 225 may be disconnected from the aerosol flow path 224 when the mouthpiece 223 is in the closed position.
  • the reservoir 230 may be disposed inside the first housing 205a, and an aerosol generating material may be stored in the reservoir 230.
  • an aerosol generating material may be stored in the reservoir 230.
  • a liquid aerosol generating material may be stored in the reservoir 230.
  • embodiments are not limited thereto.
  • the transmission member 235 may be positioned between the reservoir 230 and the vibrator 301 of the vibrator assembly 300.
  • the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 230 may be supplied to the vibrator assembly 300 through the transmission member 235.
  • the transmission member 235 may receive the aerosol generating material from the reservoir 230 and transmit the received aerosol generating material to the vibrator 301 or an absorber 235a. Also, the transmission member 235 may serve to atomize the aerosol generating material in response to receiving ultrasonic vibration from the vibrator 301. For example, the transmission member 235 may absorb the aerosol generating material in the reservoir 230, and the aerosol generating material absorbed in the transmission member 235 may be transmitted to the vibrator assembly 300.
  • the transmission member 235 may be disposed adjacent to the reservoir 230 to be supplied with the liquid aerosol generating material from the reservoir 230.
  • the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 230 may be discharged to the outside of the reservoir 230 through a liquid supply port (not shown) formed in one area of the reservoir 230 facing the transmission member 235, and the transmission member 235 may absorb at least a portion of the aerosol generating material discharged from the reservoir 230, thereby absorbing the aerosol generating material from the reservoir 230.
  • the cartridge 210 may further include the absorber 235a that transmits the absorbed aerosol generating material to the vibrator assembly 300.
  • the absorber 235a may be disposed to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 301 of the vibrator assembly 300 where an aerosol is generated.
  • the absorber 235a may be manufactured using a material capable of absorbing an aerosol generating material.
  • the absorber 235a may include at least one material of SPL 30(H), SPL 50(H)V, NP 100(V8), SPL 60(FC), and melamine.
  • the aerosol generating material may be absorbed not only in the transmission member 235 but also in the absorber 235a, so that the amount of aerosol generating material being absorbed may increase.
  • the transmission member 235 may include a material that has a higher absorption rate of aerosol generating material than the absorber 235a.
  • the aerosol generating material absorbed in the transmission member 235 may be controlled to be supplied at a uniform rate to the vibrator 301 by the absorber 235a having a relatively low absorption rate. Accordingly, it may be prevented that an excessively large amount of aerosol generating material is provided to the vibrator 301.
  • the absorber 235a may be disposed to cover at least a portion of the vibrator 301, serving as a physical barrier to prevent "spitting" of particles that are not sufficiently atomized during the aerosol generating process from being discharged directly to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200.
  • “spitting” may refer to the discharge of relatively large-sized particles of an aerosol generating material that are not sufficiently atomized to the outside of the cartridge 210.
  • the cartridge 210 further includes the absorber 235a, the possibility of spitting may be reduced, and the smoking satisfaction of the user may improve.
  • the absorber 235a may be positioned between the transmission member 235 and one surface of the vibrator 301 where an aerosol is generated, and may deliver the aerosol generating material from the transmission member 235 to the vibrator 301.
  • one area of the absorber 235a may contact one area of the transmission member 235 facing one direction (e.g., -z direction), and another area of the absorber 235a may contact one area of the vibrator 301 of the vibrator assembly 300 facing one direction (e.g., +z direction). That is, the absorber 235a may be positioned on a top surface (e.g., a surface in the +z direction or a first surface 301a of FIG. 5b) of the vibrator 301, and transmit the aerosol generating material absorbed by the transmission member 235 to the vibrator assembly 300.
  • a top surface e.g., a surface in the +z direction or a first surface 301a of FIG. 5b
  • the transmission member 235, the absorber 235a, and the vibrator assembly 300 may be sequentially disposed in the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the cartridge 210 or the housing 205. Also, the absorber 235a and the transmission member 235 may be sequentially stacked on the vibrator 301.
  • At least a portion of the aerosol generating material supplied from the reservoir 230 to the transmission member 235 through the above-described arrangement structure may move to the absorber 235a contacting the transmission member 235, and further move along the absorber 235a to an area adjacent to the vibrator assembly 300.
  • the aerosol generating material may be stably transmitted to the vibrator assembly 300, such that the vibrator assembly 300 may continuously generate a uniform amount of aerosol, and the arrangement structure described above may implement a physical dual barrier that prevents the above-described spitting by the transmission member 235 and the absorber 235a.
  • the cartridge 210 may include more of the transmission member 235 and/or the absorber 235a.
  • the transmission member 235 and the absorber 235a may be implemented as one body.
  • the absorber 235a may be a component separate from the cartridge 210 connected to the transmission member 235, or the transmission member 235 may include the absorber 235a.
  • embodiments are not limited thereto.
  • the cartridge 210 may further include a hollow portion 240 to prevent the aerosol generating material from leaking from the reservoir 230 into the aerosol flow path 224.
  • a hollow portion 240 to prevent the aerosol generating material from leaking from the reservoir 230 into the aerosol flow path 224.
  • as at least a portion of the aerosol flow path 224 may be surrounded by the reservoir 230. In this regard, if the aerosol generating material leaks from the reservoir 230 into the aerosol flow path 224, the smoking satisfaction of the user may decrease.
  • the hollow portion 240 may seal a gap around the liquid supply port of the reservoir 230 (e.g., a gap between the liquid supply port and the transmission member 235). Accordingly, in the cartridge 210 according to an embodiment, the hollow portion 240 may prevent the aerosol generating material in the reservoir 230 from leaking into the aerosol flow path 224, thereby preventing a decrease in the smoking satisfaction of the user.
  • the hollow portion 240 may be positioned in the atomization space 257 of the housing 205 to prevent the aerosol generating material in the reservoir 230 from leaking into the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the hollow portion 240 may include a bore having a circular shape. The hollow portion 240 may fit into the inside of the first housing 205a and come into close contact with an outer wall of the reservoir 230.
  • the hollow portion 240 since the hollow portion 240 has a bore therein, the hollow portion 240 may form a portion of the aerosol flow path 224 through which the aerosol generated from the vibrator 301 moves, while preventing the aerosol generating material from flowing from the reservoir 230 into the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the hollow portion 240 may include at least one bore connected to the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the hollow portion 240 may include a hollow portion opening 241 on a top surface (e.g., a surface in the +z direction).
  • the atomization space 257 may be positioned above the first surface 301a of the vibrator 301 facing the aerosol flow path 224, such that the atomization space 257 and the aerosol flow path 224 may communicate at the upper end of the vibrator 301.
  • the cartridge 210 may have a straight aerosol discharge path, and the generated aerosol may be easily discharged to the outside of the cartridge 210.
  • the hollow portion opening 241 may be formed so that the aerosol generated in the atomization space 257 may move to the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the hollow portion opening 241 may be formed at a portion of the hollow portion 240 where the atomization space 257 meets the aerosol flow path 224, and the aerosol that is generated in the atomization space 257 and flows in one direction (e.g., +z direction) may move toward the mouthpiece 223 through the hollow portion opening 241.
  • the hollow portion 240 may include a material having elasticity (e.g., rubber) to absorb ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator 301. Accordingly, the transmission of ultrasonic vibration from the vibrator 301 to the user through the housing 205 of the cartridge 210 may be minimized.
  • a material having elasticity e.g., rubber
  • the hollow portion 240 may be positioned at the upper end of the transmission member 235 and press the transmission member 235 in a direction toward the vibrator 301, thereby maintaining the contact between the transmission member 235 and the vibrator 301.
  • the hollow portion 240 may maintain the contact between the absorber 235a and the vibrator 301 by pressing the transmission member 235 and/or the absorber 235a in one direction (e.g., -z direction).
  • the cartridge 210 may further include a waterproof member 245 for maintaining the position of the transmission member 235 and/or the vibrator 301 inside the first housing 205a.
  • the waterproof member 245 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of outer surface of the transmission member 235, the absorber 235a, and/or the vibrator 301, thereby accommodating the transmission member 235, the absorber 235a, and/or the vibrator 301.
  • the waterproof member 245 may be disposed between the first housing 205a and the second housing 205b, so that the transmission member 235, the absorber 235a, and/or the vibrator 301 may be maintained or secured in an area between the first housing 205a and the second housing 205b.
  • the cartridge 210 may further include a first sealing body 236 for maintaining the coupling between the first housing 205a and the third housing 205c and sealing the reservoir 230.
  • the first sealing body 236 may include a structure that seals the reservoir 230 while not sealing the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the first sealing body 236 may have a structure that includes a hole in a portion where the aerosol flow path 224 is positioned and does not include a hole in a portion where the reservoir 230 is positioned, in a state of being coupled to the top of the first housing 205a. Accordingly, the first sealing body 236 may separate or isolate the reservoir 230 from the aerosol flow path 224 at the upper end of the first housing 205a without blocking the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the cartridge 210 may further include a second sealing body 238 coupled to the third housing 205c to seal the periphery of the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the second sealing body 238 may be coupled to an upper end of the third housing 205c.
  • the second sealing body 238 may include a hole having a size corresponding to that of the aerosol flow path 224 to seal the periphery of a portion where the aerosol flow path 224 and the intake 225 are connected without blocking the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the cartridge 210 may include both the first sealing body 236 and the second sealing body 238.
  • first sealing body 236 and the second sealing body 238 may be coupled to the upper and lower ends of the third housing 205c, respectively, and the first sealing body 236 and the second sealing body 238 may be partially coupled inside the third housing 205c. Accordingly, the first housing 205a and the third housing 205c may be more firmly coupled via the first sealing body 236 and the second sealing body 238.
  • a portion of the aerosol generating material may not be sufficiently atomized and droplets with relatively large particles may be generated.
  • droplets may be generated as a portion of the atomized aerosol is liquefied inside an airflow path.
  • the generated droplets may block the aerosol flow path 224, leak to the outside of the cartridge 210 through another path (e.g., an inlet 251 of FIG. 6a), or leak to the outside of the mouthpiece 223 through the intake 225, which may decrease the convenience and smoking satisfaction of the user.
  • the first sealing body 236 and the second sealing body 238 may prevent these problems and provide convenience and smoking satisfaction to the user.
  • the vibrator assembly 300 may atomize the aerosol generating material by vibrating the transmission member 235.
  • the vibrator assembly 300 may include the vibrator 301 and a support assembly 320.
  • the support assembly 320 may refer to the components supporting the vibrator 301 or may refer to the components other than the vibrator 301 in the vibrator assembly 300.
  • the support assembly 320 may include at least one of the cartridge substrate 310, the first electrode body 311, the second electrode body 312, the support plate 315, and the support structure 325.
  • the vibrator 301 may generate an aerosol by atomizing the liquid aerosol generating material by vibrating the transmission member 235.
  • the vibrator 301 may include the first surface 301a facing the transmission member 235, and a second surface 301b opposite to the first surface 301a.
  • the vibrator 301 may include a piezoelectric ceramic.
  • the piezoelectric ceramic may be a functional material that generates electricity when applied with force and generates force when applied with electricity, thereby performing conversion between electricity and force.
  • the vibrator 301 may generate vibration at short intervals by the applied electricity, and the vibration may vaporize the aerosol generating material and/or change the aerosol generating material into particles.
  • the vibrator 301 may generate ultrasonic vibration.
  • the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration generated by the vibrator 301 may be about 100 kHz to 10 MHz, and preferably about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz.
  • the vibrator 301 may vibrate in the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the cartridge 210 or the housing 205.
  • the direction in which the vibrator 301 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure vibrates is not limited thereto, and the direction in which the vibrator vibrates may be changed to various directions (e.g., one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction or a combination thereof).
  • the vibrator 301 may atomize the aerosol generating material in an ultrasonic manner, thereby generating an aerosol at a relatively low temperature compared to a manner of heating the aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generating material may be unintentionally heated to a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius or higher, and the user may feel a burnt taste in the aerosol.
  • the cartridge 210 may atomize the aerosol generating material in an ultrasonic manner, thereby generating an aerosol in the temperature range of about 100 to 160 degrees Celsius, which is a relatively low temperature compared to the manner of heating the aerosol generating material using a heater. Accordingly, the burnt taste in the aerosol may be reduced, and the smoking satisfaction of the user may improve.
  • the vibrator 301 may be electrically connected to an external power source through the cartridge substrate 310, and may generate ultrasonic vibration by the power supplied from the external power source.
  • the vibrator 301 may receive power from a battery (e.g., the battery 140 of FIG. 1 or 2).
  • the aerosol may be generated in an atomization space (e.g., the atomization space 257 of FIG. 6) that is positioned above the first surface 301a of the vibrator 301 and communicates with the aerosol flow path 224.
  • an atomization space e.g., the atomization space 257 of FIG. 6
  • the aerosol generated in the atomization space 257 may be mixed with external air introduced along the aerosol flow path 224 and move in a direction toward the intake 225.
  • the vibrator 301 may be electrically connected to the cartridge substrate 310 through the first electrode body 311 and the second electrode body 312.
  • the first electrode body 311 may include a material (e.g., metal) having electrical conductivity, and may contact the first surface 301a of the vibrator 301 and electrically connect the vibrator 301 and the cartridge substrate 310.
  • a material e.g., metal
  • the first electrode body 311 may have a tubular shape to accommodate at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the vibrator 301.
  • An opening may be formed in one portion of the first electrode body 311 so that at least a portion of the vibrator 301 (e.g., the first surface 301a) may be exposed to the outside of the first electrode body 311.
  • a portion (e.g., an upper end portion) of the first electrode body 311 may be arranged to surround at least one area of the outer circumferential surface of the vibrator 301 and contact the vibrator 301, and another portion (e.g., a lower end portion) of the first electrode body 311 may be formed to extend from the one portion in a direction toward the cartridge substrate 310 and contact one area of the cartridge substrate 310.
  • the contact structure of the first electrode body 311 described above may allow the vibrator 301 to be electrically connected to the cartridge substrate 310.
  • the first electrode body 311 may have an opening so that at least a portion of the vibrator 301 may be exposed to the outside of the first electrode body 311.
  • a partial area of the first surface 301a of the vibrator 301 that is exposed to the outside of the first electrode body 311 through the opening of the first electrode body 311 may contact the transmission member 235 and/or the absorber 235a and atomize the aerosol generating material in the transmission member 235 and/or the absorber 235a.
  • the second electrode body 312 may include a material having electrical conductivity, and may be positioned on the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 or between the vibrator 301 and the cartridge substrate 310 to electrically connect the vibrator 301 and the cartridge substrate 310.
  • the second electrode body 312 may include a conductive material having elasticity, and may serve to electrically connect the vibrator 301 and the cartridge substrate 310. Also, the second electrode body 312 may serve to provide an elastic force to the vibrator 301 in a direction of the second surface 301b and support the vibrator 301.
  • the support plate 315 may be disposed between the support structure 325 and the cartridge substrate 310, and at least a portion of the support plate 315 may be fastened to the cartridge substrate 310 to support the support structure 325.
  • the support plate 315 may reinforce the fastening force between the cartridge substrate 310 and the first electrode body 311.
  • the cartridge 210 may include the support structure 325 positioned between the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 and the cartridge substrate 310 to support the second electrode body 312.
  • the support structure 325 may be disposed inside the first electrode body 311 to support the vibrator 301. At least a portion of the support structure 325 may be surrounded by the first electrode body 311, and at least a portion of the support structure 325 may be coupled to the first electrode body 311 in an interference fit manner.
  • the support structure 325 may include, for example, a material (e.g., silicone or rubber) having elasticity, and may be disposed to surround the second electrode body 312, thereby elastically supporting the second electrode body 312.
  • a material e.g., silicone or rubber
  • the cartridge substrate 310 may be positioned inside the second housing 205b.
  • the cartridge substrate 310 may be spaced apart from the vibrator 301 and electrically connected to the vibrator 301 through the first electrode body 311 and the second electrode body 312.
  • the cartridge substrate 310 may be electrically connected to an internal component (e.g., the main body substrate 335 of FIG. 6a) of the main body 250 of the aerosol generating device 200.
  • the channel 350 may be configured by a plurality of communicating openings 351, 352, and 353 formed in at least a portion of the plurality of components of the support assembly 320.
  • the channel 350 may be a space configured such that the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 is exposed to the outside such that the temperature of the vibrator 301 can be measured.
  • the channel 350 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6b.
  • the cartridge 210 inserted into the aerosol generating device 200 may be the cartridge 210 including the vibrator assembly 300 according to the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 5b, but is not limited thereto.
  • the description provided above will not be repeated.
  • the cartridge 210 may be detachably coupled to the cartridge fastening area 255 of the main body 250.
  • the cartridge fastening area 255 may be a portion of the main body 250 to which the cartridge 210 is coupled.
  • a securing member 255a may hold or secure the mouthpiece 223 in the closed position.
  • the aerosol generating device 200 may include the securing member 255a for holding the mouthpiece 223 in a predetermined position.
  • the main body 250 may include the securing member 255a for holding the closed mouthpiece 223 in the closed position.
  • the securing member 255a may be positioned in a portion of the cartridge fastening area 255 where the mouthpiece 223 in the closed position is stored.
  • the user when closing the mouthpiece 223, the user may apply an external force to move the mouthpiece 223 from the open position to the closed position.
  • the securing member 255a may provide a holding force to the mouthpiece 223 to hold the mouthpiece 223 in the closed position.
  • the securing member 255a may provide magnetic, elastic, and/or frictional forces to one end of the mouthpiece 223 to hold the mouthpiece 223 in the closed position.
  • one end of the securing member 255a and one end of the mouthpiece 223 may each include a magnetic body having an opposite polarity. Accordingly, when one end of the mouthpiece 223 is brought closer to the closed position by a predetermined distance, the mouthpiece 223 may be pulled by the magnetic force and held in the closed position.
  • the aerosol generating device 200 may further include an inhalation detection sensor (not shown).
  • the inhalation detection sensor (not shown) may sense whether the user inhales through the aerosol generating device 200, by detecting a change in internal pressure or an airflow of the aerosol generating device 200.
  • the inhalation detection sensor may be positioned anywhere in the cartridge 210 or the main body 250. Since the cartridge 210 may be a consumable that is replaced when the aerosol generating material stored therein is used up, the inhalation detection sensor (not shown) may be preferably positioned in the main body 250.
  • the inhalation detection sensor may be disposed adjacent to an area where the outside air flows, to more accurately detect a change in internal pressure or an airflow of the main body 250.
  • the main body 250 may include at least one inlet 251 through which air outside the main body 250 may be introduced into the main body 250 and the cartridge 210.
  • the inlet 251 may communicate with the inside of the cartridge 210 through at least one opening formed in the cartridge 210 (e.g., the sensor hole 207).
  • the outside air introduced into the cartridge 210 through the inlet 251 may flow into the atomization space 257 along the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the airflow in the aerosol flow path 224 may be sharply bent at a portion where the traveling direction changes.
  • the traveling path of the airflow may sharply change in a portion where the atomization space 257 is positioned. This may increase the time the airflow stays in the atomization space 257 and improve the possibility of generating vortices. As a result, the outside air introduced into the atomization space 257 may be easily mixed with the generated aerosol.
  • the atomization space 257 may be positioned in a central portion of the first housing 205a of the cartridge 210.
  • the outside air introduced into the cartridge 210 through the inlet 251 formed in the main body 250 may flow into the atomization space 257 along the aerosol flow path 224.
  • the airflow flowing in the aerosol flow path 224 may be sharply bent at a portion where the traveling direction changes.
  • the internal pressure of the cartridge 210 may become lower than atmospheric pressure, and the outside air may flow through the inlet 251 of the main body 250 into the cartridge 210.
  • the aerosol flow path 224 may be connected to the inlet 251, the atomization space 257 where aerosol is generated, and the intake 225.
  • the aerosol flow path 224 may be formed by at least one component (e.g., the first housing 205a, the second housing 205b, and the mouthpiece 223) of the cartridge 210.
  • at least a portion of the aerosol flow path 224 may be formed as a tube inserted into the housing 205.
  • the airflow may move in a forward direction from the inlet 251 through the atomization space 257 toward the intake 225.
  • the "forward direction” may refer to a direction in which airflow moves when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 223.
  • the forward direction may be a direction from the inlet 251 toward the atomization space 257 and a direction from the atomization space 257 toward the intake 225.
  • the lens 340 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the cartridge fastening area 255. In an embodiment, the lens 340 may be disposed to face a partial area of the cartridge 210 (e.g., the sensor hole 207 of the cartridge 210) while the cartridge 210 is coupled to the main body 250.
  • the temperature sensor 330 may be positioned to face the cartridge fastening area 255 in the main body 250.
  • the temperature sensor 330 may include an infrared sensor.
  • the temperature sensor 330 may include a light emitter that emits infrared rays and a light receiver that detects infrared rays returning after reflected from a target object.
  • the temperature sensor 330 may sense the temperature of the target object through the amount of light detected by the light receiver.
  • the temperature sensor 330 may not include a light emitter but include a light receiver.
  • the light receiver may sense the temperature of the target object through the wavelength of light emitted and/or reflected from the target object.
  • this is an exemplary description of driving the temperature sensor 330 which is an infrared sensor according to an embodiment.
  • the temperature sensor 330 is not limited thereto in practical implementation and may be implemented in various manners.
  • the temperature sensor 330 may be connected to the main body substrate 335.
  • the temperature sensor 330 may be mounted or disposed on the main body substrate 335.
  • the main body substrate 335 may be positioned inside the main body 250 and may control the overall driving of the aerosol generating device 200.
  • the main body substrate 335 may be a controller (e.g., the controller 110 of FIG. 1 or 2) of the aerosol generating device 200, or may be part thereof.
  • the controller 110 may include the cartridge substrate 310 and the main body substrate 335.
  • the cartridge substrate 310 and the main body substrate 335 may be electrically and/or communicatively connected to each other.
  • the main body substrate 335 may be connected to the inside of the cartridge body 221 of the cartridge 210 through a cable or wire, and may be connected to the cartridge substrate 310 of the cartridge 210. Since the cartridge substrate 310 of the cartridge 210 is in electrical contact with the vibrator 301, the vibrator 301 may be electrically connected to the main body 250 via the cartridge substrate 310. The driving of the vibrator 301 may be controlled by the main body substrate 335, and the vibrator 301 may receive power from a battery (e.g., the battery 140 of FIG. 1 or 2) of the main body 250.
  • a battery e.g., the battery 140 of FIG. 1 or 2
  • the temperature sensor 330 may sense the temperature of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301.
  • the vibrator 301 may be driven to generate vibration and thereby emit heat, and when the vibrator 301 is overheated, the vibrator 301 or peripheral parts may be damaged or the performance of the vibrator 301 may decrease.
  • the temperature sensor 330 may substantially directly sense the temperature of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301, and the controller may control the driving of the vibrator 301 based on the sensing result.
  • the temperature of the central area of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 may first change.
  • the temperature sensor 330 In order for the temperature sensor 330 to sense the temperature of the central area of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301, it is desirable that obstacles between the temperature sensor 330 and the vibrator 301 are removed or minimized, and a path between the temperature sensor 330 and the vibrator 301 may be shortened. Also, a path of light between the temperature sensor 330 and the vibrator 301 may be controlled. As such, the temperature sensor 330 may quickly and accurately detect a change in the temperature of the vibrator 301.
  • the temperature sensor 330 which is an infrared sensor may have a low accuracy of the detection result and have difficulties in quickly detecting a temperature change.
  • the lens 340 may be positioned between the sensor hole 207 and the temperature sensor 330. The lens 340 may widen the sensing range of the temperature sensor 330 (or the angle of view of the temperature sensor 330 which is an infrared sensor).
  • the lens 340 may condense light emitted from the temperature sensor 330 and control an optical path toward the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301. Also, the lens 340 may condense light reflected from the vibrator 301 (or light returning after emitted from the temperature sensor 330 and then reflected from the vibrator 301) and control an optical path toward the temperature sensor 330. Through the lens 340, the temperature sensor 330 may accurately and quickly sense a change in the temperature of the vibrator 301.
  • an area between the lens 340 and the channel 350 may form an open space through the sensor hole 207. Since the channel 350 extends to the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301, an area between the lens 340 and the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 may be open. Since there is no obstacle between the lens 340 and the second surface 301b, air or light may be transmitted from the second surface 301b directly to the lens 340, and the temperature sensor 330 may quickly and accurately sense the temperature of the second surface 301b.
  • the channel 350 may include the first opening 351 of the cartridge substrate 310 and the second opening 352 of the support structure 325.
  • the first opening 351 may be formed at a position to face the lens 340, and the second opening 352 may be formed to allow communication between the first opening 351 and the second surface 301b, such that the first opening 351 and the second opening 352 may form the channel 350.
  • the vibrator assembly 300 may expose the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 to the outside, and the channel 350 may be formed relatively easily and efficiently.
  • the second electrode body 312 may not only supply power to the vibrator 301 and provide an elastic force with respect to the vibration of the vibrator 301, but also form part of the channel 350 so that the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 may be exposed to the outside.
  • the lens 340 may be disposed apart from each of the vibrator assembly 300 and the temperature sensor 330 by a predetermined distance.
  • the sensor hole 207 may be formed in an area between the lens 340 and the vibrator assembly 300, and the area between the lens 340 and the vibrator assembly 300 may be an open space. Also, an area between the lens 340 and the temperature sensor 330 may be an open space.
  • the vibrator 301 may include the first surface 301a and the second surface 301b opposite to the first surface 301a, and may have a substantially plate-shaped or cylindrical structure. As described above, the vibrator 301 may be provided between a transmission member (e.g., the transmission member 235 of FIG. 4, 6a, or 6b) and a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 330 of FIG. 6a or 6b), and the first surface 301a may face the transmission member 235, and the second surface 301b may face the temperature sensor 330.
  • a transmission member e.g., the transmission member 235 of FIG. 4, 6a, or 6b
  • a temperature sensor e.g., the temperature sensor 330 of FIG. 6a or 6b
  • the vibrator 301 may have a multilayer structure in which multiple layers are stacked in a direction from a body 302 toward the first surface 301a and/or the second surface 301b.
  • the vibrator 301 may include at least one of the body 302, an electrode layer 303, a shield layer 304, and a coating layer 305.
  • the body 302 may substantially define the appearance and size of the vibrator 301.
  • the electrode layer 303, the coating layer 305, and the shield layer 304 are shown in FIG. 7c as having predetermined thicknesses, but embodiments are not limited thereto in practical implementation.
  • At least one of the electrode layer 303, the coating layer 305, and the shield layer 304 may be formed as a thin film to have relatively small thicknesses (e.g., widths in the Z-axis direction) compared to the body 302.
  • the plurality of electrode layers 303 may include a first electrode layer 303a formed on one surface of the body 302 facing the transmission member 235, and/or a second electrode layer 303b formed on the other surface of the body 302 facing the temperature sensor 330.
  • the coating layer 305 may be formed of a material including a black or gray-type dye, thereby reducing light reflectance. In an embodiment, the coating layer 305 may reduce the light reflectance of the vibrator 301, thereby improving the reliability and speed of the sensing result of the temperature sensor 330 configured as an optical sensor such as an infrared sensor.
  • the electrode layer 303 may be formed of a conductive material for electrical connection with the electrode bodies 311 and 312, and the conductive material may be a metal material such as silver, copper, cobalt, iron, or nickel, for example.
  • the electrode layer 303 formed of a metal material may have excellent electrical conductivity but may have high light reflectance.
  • the second electrode layer 303b and the coating layer 305 may be substantially integrally implemented.
  • the second electrode layer 303b may be implemented as an electrode containing a light absorbing material such as a black-type pigment, and in this case, the second electrode layer 303b may also serve as the coating layer 305 described above at the same time.
  • the coating layer 305 may be disposed on the substantial center C of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301.
  • the arrangement, shape, or structure of the coating layer 305 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8a and 8b.
  • FIG. 8a is a rear perspective view of the vibrator 301 according to another embodiment
  • FIG. 8b is a rear perspective view of the vibrator 301 according to yet another embodiment.
  • the coating layer 305 may be disposed on the substantial center C of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301.
  • a temperature sensor e.g., the temperature sensor 330 of FIG. 6a or 6b
  • the coating layer 305 may be stacked to overlap the center C of the vibrator 301.
  • the coating layer 305 may be disposed on the center C of the vibrator 301 (i.e., at a position corresponding to a sensing target of the temperature sensor 330), thereby efficiently helping with the temperature sensing of the temperature sensor 330.
  • the temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 330 of FIG. 6a or 6b) may be positioned substantially in one straight line with the vibrator 301, a channel (e.g., the channel 350 of FIG. 5b or 6b), and a lens (e.g., the lens 340 of FIG. 6a or 6b).
  • the temperature sensor 330 may sense the temperature of the vibrator 301 with the center C of the vibrator 301 as a sensing target, and the coating layer 305 may be formed at the sensing target of the temperature sensor 330.
  • the coating layer 305 may substantially occupy 50% or larger of the area of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301.
  • the coating layer 305 may be implemented in a circular or geometric structure that occupies a large portion of the second surface 301b.
  • the coating layer 305 may include a first coating area 305a and a second coating area 305b.
  • the first coating area 305a may be disposed on the substantial center C of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 and may be, for example, stacked to overlap the substantial center C of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301.
  • the second coating area 305b may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the center C of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 (e.g., on the periphery of the second surface 301b).
  • the coating layer 305 including the first coating area 305a and the second coating area 305b may efficiently secure the area for connecting the second electrode layer 303b to the second electrode body 312, and increase the area of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 where the coating layer 305 is formed, thereby improving the light absorption rate of the second surface 301b.
  • FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate examples of the shapes and arrangements of the coating layer 305 of the vibrator 301 according to an embodiment, and embodiments are not limited thereto in practical implementation.
  • the coating layer 305 may be implemented in various shapes and arrangements.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method S100 of manufacturing the vibrator 301 according to an embodiment.
  • the method S100 of manufacturing the vibrator 301 may be a method of manufacturing the vibrator 301 having a multilayer structure.
  • the method S100 of manufacturing the vibrator 301 may include at least one of operation S110 of disposing the body 302, operation S120 of depositing the electrode layer 303, operation S130 of depositing the coating layer 305, and operation S140 of performing heat treatment.
  • the body 302 configured to generate vibration when a current is supplied thereto may be disposed in a work space.
  • the body 302 may include a heat-resistant material and may be formed of, for example, glass, ceramic, a polymer, or a combination thereof.
  • the electrode layer 303 in operation S120 of depositing the electrode layer 303, may be deposited on one surface and the opposite surface of the body 302 of the vibrator 301.
  • the second electrode layer 303b may be deposited on the one surface of the body 302 of the vibrator 301, and the first electrode layer 303a may be deposited on the other surface.
  • the electrode layer 303 may be formed of a metal material.
  • the coating layer 305 formed of a light absorbing material may be deposited on a partial area of one surface of the electrode layer 303.
  • the coating layer 305 may be formed in various manners prior to operation S130 of depositing the coating layer 305.
  • the coating layer 305 may be formed of a heat-resistant material so as not to be peeled off or damaged in a high-temperature environment in which the vibrator 301 is driven.
  • a dye having a reflectance smaller than 50% may be combined with glass, ceramic, a polymer, or a combination thereof.
  • a dye having a reflectance smaller than 50% may be combined with substantially the same material as the body 302.
  • the body 302, the electrode layer 303, and the coating layer 305 may be combined by heat treatment. Also, in operation S140 of performing heat treatment, heat may be applied to the body 302 and the coating layer 305 formed of a thermoset material, whereby the rigidity of the body 302 and the coating layer 305 may increase, and the durability of the vibrator 301 may improve.
  • the coating layer 305 may be implemented by applying a paint such as a printing paint to the electrode layer 303 or by attaching a light absorbing film to the electrode layer 303.

Landscapes

  • Special Spraying Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une cartouche pour un dispositif de génération d'aérosol qui comprend un réservoir conçu pour stocker un matériau de génération d'aérosol, et un vibreur conçu pour générer une vibration pour atomiser le matériau de génération d'aérosol, le vibreur pouvant comprendre un corps conçu pour générer des vibrations, une couche d'électrode empilée sur au moins une surface du corps, et une couche de revêtement empilée dans une zone partielle de la couche d'électrode et formée d'un matériau absorbant la lumière.
PCT/KR2023/008176 2022-06-23 2023-06-14 Cartouche pour dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un vibreur et procédé de fabrication de vibreur WO2023249310A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2023576388A JP2024526545A (ja) 2022-06-23 2023-06-14 振動子を含むエアロゾル発生装置用カートリッジ及び振動子の製造方法
CN202380013346.2A CN117915793A (zh) 2022-06-23 2023-06-14 包括振动器的用于气溶胶生成装置的烟弹以及制造振动器的方法

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2022-0076810 2022-06-23
KR20220076810 2022-06-23
KR10-2022-0121649 2022-09-26
KR1020220121649A KR20240000331A (ko) 2022-06-23 2022-09-26 진동자를 포함하는 에어로졸 발생 장치용 카트리지 및 진동자의 제조 방법

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20110046722A (ko) * 2009-10-29 2011-05-06 한국세라믹기술원 유리기판으로 구성된 무화기용 초음파 진동자 및 이를 제조하는 방법
JP2011090991A (ja) * 2009-10-26 2011-05-06 Panasonic Corp 誘導加熱調理器
US20180161525A1 (en) * 2016-03-21 2018-06-14 China Tobacco Hunan Industrial Co., Ltd. Ultrasonic atomizer and electronic cigarette
WO2022119240A1 (fr) * 2020-12-04 2022-06-09 Kt&G Corporation Dispositif de génération d'aérosol
KR20220079371A (ko) * 2020-12-04 2022-06-13 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2011090991A (ja) * 2009-10-26 2011-05-06 Panasonic Corp 誘導加熱調理器
KR20110046722A (ko) * 2009-10-29 2011-05-06 한국세라믹기술원 유리기판으로 구성된 무화기용 초음파 진동자 및 이를 제조하는 방법
US20180161525A1 (en) * 2016-03-21 2018-06-14 China Tobacco Hunan Industrial Co., Ltd. Ultrasonic atomizer and electronic cigarette
WO2022119240A1 (fr) * 2020-12-04 2022-06-09 Kt&G Corporation Dispositif de génération d'aérosol
KR20220079371A (ko) * 2020-12-04 2022-06-13 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치

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