KR102679238B1 - Cartridge and aerosol generating device comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge according to one embodiment includes a housing including an inlet, a mouthpiece including an outlet, a storage portion for storing an aerosol-generating material, a wick for absorbing the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage portion, and generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material in the wick. An atomizer connects an inlet, an atomization space where aerosol is generated, and an outlet, and is disposed in an airflow passage through which the airflow moves from the inlet through the atomization space toward the outlet, and at least one area of the airflow passage, so that the airflow moves in the forward direction. It may include a backflow prevention unit that prevents movement in the opposite direction.

Description

Cartridge and aerosol generating device comprising the same {CARTRIDGE AND AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE COMPRISING THE SAME}

Embodiments relate to a cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same, and more specifically, to a cartridge having a structure for reducing leakage and an aerosol generating device including the same.

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

The heated aerosol-generating device may include, for example, a cartridge that stores aerosol-generating material in a liquid or gel state and atomizes the stored aerosol-generating material. The cartridge is provided with an airflow passage through which air flows in and the generated aerosol is discharged. The generated aerosol may flow back through the airflow passage according to pressure changes inside the cartridge. The backflowing aerosol may be liquefied inside the airflow passage and accumulate in a part of the airflow passage through which air flows.

In this way, aerosol liquefied in the airflow passage of the cartridge may accumulate on the inner wall of the airflow passage or the air inlet and block the passage. In addition, liquefied aerosol may leak through a gap in the part where the main body of the aerosol generating device and the cartridge are joined or a gap formed in the housing of the aerosol generating device, causing various problems such as contaminating the outside of the aerosol generating device. .

Embodiments are intended to provide a cartridge that prevents aerosol generated in the cartridge from flowing back in the airflow passage inside the cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same.

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

A cartridge according to one embodiment includes a housing including an inlet, a mouthpiece including an outlet, a storage portion for storing an aerosol-generating material, a wick for absorbing the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage portion, and generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material in the wick. An atomizer connects an inlet, an atomization space where aerosol is generated, and an outlet, and is disposed in an airflow passage through which the airflow moves from the inlet through the atomization space toward the outlet, and at least one area of the airflow passage, so that the airflow moves in the forward direction. It may include a backflow prevention unit that prevents movement in the opposite direction.

The aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a cartridge and a main body coupled with the cartridge, and the main body may include a battery that supplies power to an atomizer included in the cartridge and a processor that controls the power.

The cartridges according to the above-described embodiments can prevent the liquefied aerosol residue from accumulating on the airflow passage by preventing the generated aerosol from flowing back.

Additionally, the cartridge according to the above-described embodiment can reduce the amount of droplets generated from liquefied aerosol and prevent the aerosol generating device from being contaminated by leaked droplets.

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

1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figure 2 cut in the IV-IV' direction.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figure 2 cut in the VV' direction.
Figure 6a is a diagram showing one aspect of a backflow prevention unit according to an embodiment.
FIG. 6B is a view of the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 6A viewed from the direction in which the airflow flows.
Figure 6c is a diagram showing another aspect of the backflow prevention unit according to one embodiment.
FIG. 6D is a view of the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 6C viewed from the direction in which the airflow flows.
Figure 7a is a diagram showing one aspect of a backflow prevention unit according to an embodiment.
Figure 7b is a diagram showing another aspect of the backflow prevention unit according to one embodiment.
FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating the flow of air flowing in the forward direction through an airflow passage in which a backflow prevention unit is disposed according to another embodiment.
Figure 8b is a diagram showing the flow of air flowing in the reverse direction through an airflow passage where a backflow prevention unit is disposed according to another embodiment.
Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additionally, throughout the specification, the “longitudinal direction” of a component may be a direction in which the component extends along one axis of the component, where the one axis of the component extends further than the other axis crossing the one axis. It can mean a direction that extends long. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device may mean a direction parallel to the direction in which the airflow passage shown in FIG. 1 extends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The aerosol generating device 1000 may further include an inhalation detection sensor (not shown). The inhalation detection sensor can sense whether the user is inhaling the aerosol generating device 1000 by detecting a change in internal pressure or air flow of the aerosol generating device 1000.

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

The suction detection sensor may be located adjacent to the coupling surface of the main body 20 (eg, the upper surface of the main body 20) where the main body 20 is coupled with the cartridge 10. Here, the coupling surface of the main body 20 may mean a surface facing the coupling surface of the cartridge 10 (eg, the bottom of the cartridge 10).

In one embodiment, the suction detection sensor is located adjacent to the coupling surface of the main body 20 coupled with the cartridge 10, and the inlet of the cartridge 10 is located on the coupling surface of the cartridge 10 coupled with the main body 20. can be located As the suction sensor is placed adjacent to the area where external air flows, pressure changes or airflow inside the main body 20 can be more accurately detected.

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

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

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figure 2 cut in the direction VI-VI', and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 2 cut in the V-V' direction.

The cartridge 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 may be an embodiment of the cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 shown in FIG. 2, and redundant description will be omitted below.

2 to 5, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment includes a housing 100, a mouthpiece 160, a storage portion 200, a wick 300, an atomizer 400, and an airflow passage ( 150) and a backflow prevention unit (B). The components of the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment are not limited to the above-described examples, and depending on the embodiment, one component may be added or one component (e.g., mouthpiece 160) may be omitted. It could be.

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

According to one embodiment, the housing 100 may include a first housing 110 and a second housing 120 connected to an area of the first housing 110, and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may include 2 The housing 120 can protect the components of the cartridge 10 disposed in the internal space formed by the combination of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

For example, the first housing 110 is coupled to an area located at the top (e.g., z direction) of the second housing 120, and a cartridge ( An internal space may be formed in which the components of 10) can be placed, but it is not limited thereto.

In the present disclosure, 'top' may mean the 'z' direction of Figures 2 to 5, and 'bottom' may mean the '-z' direction of Figures 2 to 5 facing the opposite direction to the top, and the corresponding expression They may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

The housing 100 may include at least one inlet 120i through which air outside the cartridge 10 can flow into the interior of the cartridge 10. When the user contacts the oral cavity with the mouthpiece 160 and performs a suction operation, the pressure inside the cartridge 10 becomes lower than atmospheric pressure, and external air will flow into the inside of the cartridge 10 through the inlet 120i. You can.

The inlet 120i may be formed in at least one area of the second housing 120. For example, the inlet 120i may be located on one side of the second housing 120 where the cartridge 10 is coupled to the main body.

The housing 100 may form at least a portion of the airflow passage 150, or a portion of the structure of the housing 100 may function as an inner wall of the airflow passage 150. For example, the first housing 110 may include a pipe portion 110t, a cavity portion 110c, a groove portion 110g, and a first passage portion 110p, and the second housing 120 may include a second passage portion 110p. May include part (120p).

External air introduced into the second housing 120 through the inlet 120i may move to the first passage 110p along the second passage 120p. The first passage portion 110p may be formed between the outer wall of the storage portion 200 and the inner wall of the first housing 110 and may be a portion that transmits the inflow of external air to the groove portion 110g.

The groove portion 110g may be formed at the top of the first housing 110 and connect the first passage portion 110p to the cavity portion 110c. The groove portion 110g may be an externally exposed portion of the first housing 110, but when assembling the cartridge 10, it is combined with another component (e.g., the first support 330) to form a part of the airflow passage 150. may form part of it.

The cavity 110c may be a portion surrounded by the storage unit 200. The introduced external air and the generated aerosol may be mixed in the cavity 110c. The pipe portion 110t may be a portion that protrudes from the top of the first housing 110 and delivers the external air and aerosol mixed in the cavity 110c to the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160.

In one embodiment, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may have a polygonal (eg, square) cross-sectional shape. At this time, the first passage portion 110p is located around the vertex of the polygonal cross-section of the first housing 110, the cavity portion 110c and the pipe portion 110t are located at the center of the polygonal cross-section, and the groove portion 110g Can be formed along the diagonal direction connecting the center from the vertex of the polygonal cross section.

As the first passage portion 110p is located along the edge of the first housing 110, spatial arrangement within the housing 100 that can optimize the volume of the storage portion 200 may be possible.

The mouthpiece 160 is a part inserted into the user's mouth and may be connected to one area of the housing 100. For example, the mouthpiece 160 may be connected to one area of the first housing 110 connected to the second housing 120 and another area located in the opposite direction (e.g., the upper area of the first housing 110). You can.

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 may be detachably coupled to one area of the housing 100, but depending on the embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 may be formed integrally with the housing 100.

The mouthpiece 160 may include at least one outlet 160e for discharging the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 10 to the outside of the cartridge 10. The user may contact the mouthpiece 160 with his or her mouth and receive aerosol discharged to the outside through the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160.

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

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

According to one embodiment, the wick 300 may serve to receive an aerosol-generating material from the storage unit 200 and deliver the supplied aerosol-generating material to the atomizer 400. For example, the wick 300 may absorb an aerosol-generating material moving in the direction from the storage unit 200 to the wick 300, and the absorbed aerosol-generating material moves along the wick 300 to reach the atomizer (400). ) can be supplied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At least a portion of the aerosol generating material supplied from the storage unit 200 to the wick 300 through the above-described arrangement structure moves to the absorption plate 320 in contact with the wick 300, and moves to the absorption plate 320. The aerosol-generating material may move along the absorbent plate 320 and reach the atomizer 400. Accordingly, the aerosol generating material is stably delivered to the atomizer 400, and a uniform amount of aerosol can be continuously generated.

In addition, through the above-described arrangement structure, a physical double barrier that prevents the above-mentioned liquid splash may be implemented by the wick 300 and the absorption plate 320.

In the drawing, only an embodiment including one wick 300 and one absorbent plate 320 is shown. However, a cartridge according to another embodiment may include two or more of at least one of the wick 300 and the absorbent plate 320. there is.

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

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

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

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

The atomizer 400 can be electrically connected to an external power source (e.g., the battery 600 located inside the main body 20 of FIG. 1) through the electrical terminal 500, and is operated by power supplied from the external power source. Ultrasonic vibration can be generated. For example, the atomizer 400 is electrically connected to the electrical terminal 500 located inside the cartridge 10, and the electrical terminal 500 is electrically connected to an external power source of the cartridge 10. , the atomizer 400 can receive power from an external power source.

Aerosol can be generated in the atomization space (400v) located on one side of the atomizer (400) and communicating with the airflow passage (150). The aerosol generated in the atomization space (400v) is mixed with external air introduced along the airflow passage 150 and can move in the direction toward the outlet (160e) during the user's inhalation operation.

In one example, the atomization space (400v) is located on one side of the atomizer (400) facing the outlet (160e), so that the atomization space (400v) and the airflow passage (150) communicate at the top of the atomizer (400). You can. Accordingly, since the cartridge 10 has a straight aerosol discharge path, the generated aerosol can be easily discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10.

According to one embodiment, the atomizer 400 may be electrically connected to the electrical terminal 500 through the first conductor 410 and the second conductor 420.

In one embodiment, the first conductor 410 includes an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal) and is located at the top of the atomizer 400 to electrically connect the atomizer 400 and the electrical terminal 500. You can connect with .

For example, a portion (e.g., upper portion) of the first conductor 410 is arranged to surround at least one area of the outer peripheral surface of the atomizer 400 and contacts the atomizer 400, and the first conductor Another part (eg, the lower part) of 410 is formed to extend from one part in a direction toward the electrical terminal 500 and may contact one area of the electrical terminal 500 . The atomizer 400 and the electrical terminal 500 can be electrically connected by the above-described contact structure of the first conductor 410.

In one example, an opening 410h is formed in a portion of the first conductor 410 so that at least a portion of the atomizer 400 is exposed to the outside of the first conductor 410. An area of the atomizer 400 exposed to the outside of the first conductor 410 through the opening 410h of the first conductor 410 is in contact with the absorption plate 320 to collect aerosol from the absorption plate 320. Production materials can be supplied.

In one embodiment, the second conductor 420 includes a material having electrical conductivity and is located at the bottom of the atomizer 400 or between the atomizer 400 and the electrical terminal 500 to connect the atomizer 400 to the atomizer 400. ) and the electrical terminal 500 can be electrically connected. For example, one end of the second conductor 420 is in contact with the lower area of the atomizer 400, and the other end is in contact with an area of the electrical terminal 500 facing the atomizer 400, thereby causing the atomizer to (400) and the electrical terminal 500 may be electrically connected.

According to one embodiment, the second conductor 420 includes an elastic conductive material and not only serves to electrically connect the atomizer 400 and the electrical terminal 500, but also makes the atomizer 400 elastic. It can even play a supporting role. For example, the second conductor 420 may include a conductive spring, but the second conductor 420 is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may further include a pressurizing body 430 located between the atomizer 400 and the electrical terminal 500 and supporting the second conductor 420. For example, the pressurizing body 430 includes a material having flexible characteristics and is arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the second conductor 420 to elastically support the second conductor 420. . However, the embodiment of the cartridge 10 is not limited to this, and the pressurizing body 430 may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the electrical terminal 500 is located inside the second housing 120 and is electrically connected to the atomizer 400 through the first conductor 410 and the second conductor 420. At the same time, it can be electrically connected to an external power source (e.g., the battery 600 in FIG. 1) through a connection terminal (not shown) located on the main body of the aerosol generating device.

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

In one embodiment, the second housing 120 may include a plurality of through holes 121, 122, and 123 penetrating the inside of the second housing 120 and the outside of the cartridge 10, and a plurality of through holes 121, 122, and 123. A connection means for the main body of the aerosol generating device is connected within the hole, so that the electrical terminal 500 located inside the cartridge 10 and the external power source of the cartridge 10 can be electrically connected.

The electrical terminal 500 is electrically connected to the atomizer 400 by the first conductor 410 and the second conductor 420, and is electrically connected to the external power source of the cartridge 10 by an electrical connection member. Accordingly, the atomizer 400 is electrically connected to an external power source via the electrical terminal 500 and can receive power from the external power source.

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

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 10 may further include a resistor (R) for removing noise included in the signal applied to the atomizer 400. For example, a resistor (R) may be placed in one area of the electrical terminal 500 to remove or filter noise generated in the process of supplying power from an external power source to the atomizer 400. You can.

The electrical terminal 500 may be a printed circuit board, and the resistor R may be mounted in one area of the printed circuit board. Accordingly, the resistance R can remove noise generated when the aerosol generating device is operated (or “powered on”) to ensure that a stable voltage is applied to the atomizer 400.

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

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

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

According to one embodiment, the electrical terminal 500 is disposed adjacent to the atomizer 400 inside the cartridge 10, and the resistance (R) is the first resistance of the electrical terminal 500 toward the atomizer 400. It can be placed or mounted on the surface.

A resistor (R) for removing noise included in the voltage signal applied to the atomizer 400 is disposed on the second side of the electrical terminal 500, or is connected to the main body other than the cartridge 10 (e.g., the main body of FIG. 1). (20)), the electrical length of the feedback circuit may become longer.

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

On the other hand, in the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment, the electrical terminal 500 is disposed within a specified distance from the atomizer 400, and the resistance (R) forming the feedback circuit is connected to the electrical terminal adjacent to the atomizer 400 ( By being disposed on the first side of 500), the electrical length of the feedback circuit can be reduced. Here, the 'designated distance between the electrical terminal 500 and the atomizer 400' may mean a distance that prevents noise from being generated in the process of feeding back the voltage signal.

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

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

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

Aerosol atomized by ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the airflow passage 150 and supplied to the user. For example, the airflow passage 150 is formed to connect or communicate with the inner space of the housing 100 and the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160, so that the aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 flows through the airflow passage ( After flowing along 150, it may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e.

The airflow passage 150 may connect the inlet 120i, the atomization space 400v where aerosol is generated, and the outlet 160e. The airflow passage 150 may be formed by at least one component of the cartridge 10, but the airflow passage 150 is not limited thereto and may be formed of a tube inserted into the interior of the housing 100.

Airflow (e.g., air, aerosol) may move in the forward direction from the inlet 120i through the atomization space 400v toward the outlet 160e. In other words, 'forward direction' may mean the direction in which the airflow moves when the user inhales the mouthpiece 160. For example, the forward direction may mean a direction from the inlet 120i toward the atomization space 400v and a direction from the atomization space 400v toward the outlet 160e.

According to one embodiment, the airflow passage 150 includes a first airflow passage 150a connecting the inlet 120i and the atomization space 400v, and a second airflow passage connecting the atomization space 400v and the outlet 160e. may include.

The first airflow passage 150a may be connected from the inlet 120i to the atomization space 400v along the internal structure of the second housing 120 and the first housing 110. For example, the first airflow passage 150a may include at least a portion of the second passage 120p, the first passage 110p, the groove 110g, and the cavity 110c. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first airflow passage 150a may mean a passage through which external air flowing into the cartridge 10 through the inlet 120i moves to the atomization space 400v.

The second airflow passage 150b may be connected to the outlet 160e along the internal structure of the first housing 110 and the mouthpiece 160 in the atomization space 400v. For example, the second airflow passage 150b may include at least a portion of the cavity 110c, the pipe portion 110t, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece 160. Referring to FIG. 5, the second airflow passage 150b may refer to a passage through which aerosol mixed with external air moves from the atomization space 400v to the outlet 160e.

The airflow passage 150 may be sharply curved at a portion where the first airflow passage 150a and the second airflow passage 150b communicate with the atomization space 400v. Due to the curved part, the path of the airflow may change drastically in the area where the atomization space (400v) is located. Because of this, the time the airflow stays in the atomization space (400v) increases and the possibility of generating vortices can be improved. As a result, mixing of the generated aerosol with outdoor air flowing into the atomization space (400v) can be accomplished more easily.

During the user's inhalation operation, external air flows into the inside of the cartridge 10 through the inlet 120i and moves in the forward direction along the first airflow passage 150a and the second airflow passage 150b.

However, depending on the pressure conditions inside and outside the cartridge 10, the airflow may move in the 'reverse direction' opposite to the forward direction. For example, when a user who has been inhaling the mouthpiece 160 stops inhaling, the pressure gradient inside and outside the cartridge 10 changes momentarily, and the air around the mouthpiece 160 becomes relatively pressured. It can be moved inside the cartridge 10 in a lowered state.

Because of this, some aerosols that are not discharged from the cartridge 10 may move in the reverse direction. Some of the regurgitated aerosol may remain inside the airflow passage 150 and be liquefied. The liquefied aerosol may form droplets inside the airflow passage 150 to block the airflow passage 150 or may flow out of the cartridge 10 through the inlet 120i. As a result, the droplets may leak out of the aerosol generating device, contaminate the aerosol generating device, and further cause discomfort to the user.

To solve this problem, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may include a backflow prevention portion (B). The backflow prevention unit (B) may be disposed in at least one area of the airflow passage 150 to prevent airflow from moving in the reverse direction in the airflow passage 150.

In one embodiment, the backflow prevention unit (B) may include a one-way valve that is opened only by airflow flowing in the forward direction in the airflow passage 150. One-way valves can be designed to open in only one direction. For example, a one-way valve may be closed during normal times to prevent the flow of airflow moving in the reverse direction, and may be opened during a user's inhalation operation to allow the flow of airflow moving in the forward direction.

One-way valves may be made of elastomeric materials or metal. For example, a one-way valve is deformed in a direction to open the airflow passage 150 by an airflow moving in one direction, and in a direction to close the airflow passage 150 by an airflow moving in the opposite direction. It can be made of an elastic material with a deformable valve structure. As another example, a one-way valve is made of a metal plate fixed to a rotating shaft that can rotate in only one direction, and can control the opening and closing of the airflow passage 150 according to the direction of the airflow.

In another embodiment, the backflow prevention unit (B) may include a porous membrane that filters airflow moving in the reverse direction and allows only air components to pass through. The aerosol particles filtered by the porous membrane or the aerosol droplets liquefied therefrom are transferred to at least one absorber (e.g., the first absorber (A1, A1') or the second absorber (A2)) located around the airflow passage 150. By being absorbed, the inside of the airflow passage 150 can be prevented from being contaminated by liquid droplets.

In another embodiment, the backflow prevention unit (B) includes both a one-way valve and a porous membrane, so that the backflow of aerosol can be more efficiently prevented in the airflow passage 150 and the amount of liquid leaked from the cartridge 10 can be reduced. there is.

The backflow prevention unit (B) may be disposed in at least one area of the first airflow passage (150a). The backflow prevention unit (B) may be disposed in at least one area of the first passage portion (110p), the groove portion (110g), the cavity portion (110c), and the second passage portion (120p).

In one embodiment, the backflow prevention unit (B) may be disposed at one end of the first airflow passage (150a) connected to the inlet (120i). For example, the backflow prevention part (B) is disposed in the second passage part 120p of the second housing 120 to prevent liquefied liquid droplets from leaking through the inlet 120i. Compared to the first passage portion 110p, the second passage portion 120p has a relatively short path and is located close to the outside of the cartridge 10, so the task of assembling or installing the backflow prevention portion B is relatively simple. It can be easy.

Specific embodiments of the backflow prevention unit (B) will be described in more detail later with reference to other drawings.

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

The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may further include a sealing portion 130 to prevent aerosol-generating material from leaking from the storage portion 200 and flowing into the airflow passage 150.

The sealing unit 130 may seal a gap around the liquid supply port of the storage unit 200 (for example, a gap between the liquid supply port and the wick 300). Accordingly, in the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment, the sealing portion 130 blocks the aerosol-generating material in the storage portion 200 from leaking into the airflow passage 150, thereby preventing a decrease in the user's satisfaction with smoking. can do.

In one embodiment, the seal 130 is located in the internal space of the housing 100 (e.g., the cavity 110c of the first housing 110) to prevent aerosol-generating substances from leaking into the airflow passage 150. You can prevent it from happening. For example, the sealing part 130 may have a hollow tube shape. The sealing portion 130 may be fitted into the hollow portion of the housing 100 and may be in close contact with the outer wall of the storage portion 200.

Since the hollow tube-shaped sealing portion 130 has a passage portion inside, it prevents aerosol-generating materials from flowing into the airflow passage 150 from the storage portion 200 and at the same time prevents the aerosol generated from the atomizer 400 from flowing into the airflow passage 150. It may form part of the airflow passage 150 through which aerosol moves.

In one embodiment, the hollow tube-shaped sealing part 130 may include a first hole 131 and a second hole 132.

The first hole 131 may be formed so that a portion of the first airflow passage 150a is not blocked by the sealing portion 130 located in the cavity 110c. For example, the first hole 131 may be formed outside the sealing part 130. External air flowing into the cavity 110c along the groove 110g may move to the atomization space 400v through the first hole 131.

The second hole 132 may be formed so that the aerosol generated in the atomization space 400v is guided to the pipe portion 110t and discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10. For example, the second hole 132 may be formed in the center of the sealing portion 130 and connected to one end of the pipe portion 110t.

The outside air flowing into the airflow passage 150 moves to the atomization space (400v) through the first hole 131, changes its path in the atomization space (400v), and flows into the cartridge 10 through the second hole 132. ) can be moved outside. As the sealing part 130 is further included, the air introduced into the interior of the cartridge 10 can flow to a position closer to the atomizer 400 than in the case where the sealing part 130 is not present. Accordingly, the introduced air and the generated aerosol are mixed more effectively, thereby improving the user's satisfaction with smoking.

In addition, the seal 130 includes an elastic material (e.g., rubber) to absorb ultrasonic vibration generated from the atomizer 400, and as a result, the ultrasonic vibration generated from the atomizer 400 It is possible to minimize the transmission of the cartridge 10 to the user through the housing 100.

The sealing portion 130 is located at the top of the wick 300 and presses the wick 300 in a direction toward the atomizer 400, thereby maintaining contact between the wick 300 and the atomizer 400. For example, the sealing unit 130 may maintain contact between the absorbent plate 320 and the atomizer 400 by pressing the wick 300 and/or the absorbent plate 320 in the -z direction.

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

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

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

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

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

A first absorber (A1) that absorbs liquid droplets generated on the first airflow passage (150a) may be disposed between the inlet (120i) and the atomization space (400v). For example, at least a portion of the first absorber A1 may be located in the inner space of the housing 100 and connected to at least one area of the first airflow passage 150a. Accordingly, the liquid droplets generated on the first airflow passage 150a are absorbed by the first absorber A1, and the inner wall of the airflow passage 150 can be prevented from being narrowed or blocked by the liquid droplets.

According to one embodiment, the first absorber A1 may be disposed between the first support 330 and the second housing 120, and may be located in a region of the first airflow passage 150a adjacent to the inlet 120i. can be connected to Accordingly, liquid droplets generated in one area of the first airflow passage 150a adjacent to the inlet 120i are absorbed by the first absorber A1, and the amount of leaked liquid through the inlet 120i can be reduced.

Additionally, the first absorber (A1) may be located adjacent to the backflow prevention unit (B). Accordingly, even if liquefied aerosol droplets are generated on the first airflow passage 150a, they are absorbed into the first absorber A1, and the first airflow passage 150a can be kept clean.

Meanwhile, the first airflow passage 150a may include a bypass passage 150d that extends along the outside of the storage unit 200. For example, the detour 150d may mean a path formed by at least a portion of the first passage 110p, the groove 110g, and the cavity 110c.

The bypass 150d may be located relatively deep from the outside (e.g., the inlet 120i or the outlet 160e) of the airflow passage 150.

The first absorber A1' according to another embodiment may be disposed in an area adjacent to the bypass path 150d. For example, the first absorber A1' may be disposed at a portion where the first housing 110 and the mouthpiece 160 are coupled and connected to an area of the bypass path 150d. Accordingly, droplets of aerosol liquefied in an area adjacent to the bypass path 150d may be absorbed by the first absorber A1'. As a result, a larger amount of liquid droplets can be removed in the bypass path 150d, and the amount of liquid leaked from the cartridge 10 can be reduced.

In the process of atomizing the aerosol-generating material by the atomizer 400, some aerosol-generating materials may not be sufficiently atomized and droplets with relatively large particles may be generated. Additionally, a portion of the atomized aerosol may be liquefied in the second airflow passage 150b to generate droplets. The generated droplets may block the second airflow passage 150b or leak out of the mouthpiece 160 through the outlet 160e, thereby reducing the user's satisfaction with smoking.

The second absorber (A2) according to one embodiment may be disposed between the atomization space (400v) and the outlet (160e). The second absorber (A2) can absorb liquid droplets generated on the second airflow passage (150b).

At least a portion of the second absorber A2 may be located in the inner space of the housing 100 and connected to at least one area of the second airflow passage 150b. For example, at least a portion of the second absorber A2 may be connected to the second airflow passage 150b through a gap formed between the pipe portion 110t and the outlet 160e.

The second absorber (A2) is disposed adjacent to the second airflow passage (150b) and absorbs the droplets, thereby restricting the movement or flow of the droplets in the direction toward the outlet (160e) of the mouthpiece (160). . Accordingly, the droplets generated on the second airflow passage 150b are absorbed into the second absorber A2, thereby preventing the above-mentioned problems from occurring.

The first absorber (A1, A1') and the second absorber (A2) may include at least one of felt, cotton, cloth, and activated carbon that absorbs or adsorbs liquid or solid residues, but is limited thereto. no.

The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment maintains the combination of the first housing 110 and the mouthpiece 160 and includes a second absorber for supporting the first absorber (A1') and/or the second absorber (A2). It may further include a support body 140.

The second support 140 accommodates at least one area of the first absorber (A1') and/or the second absorber (A2), and supports the received first absorber (A1') and/or the second absorber (A2). 1 It can be maintained or fixed in one area of the housing 110. For example, the second support 140 may maintain or fix the second absorber A2 in an area (e.g., the upper area) adjacent to the mouthpiece 160 of the first housing 110, but is limited to this. It doesn't work.

In one embodiment, the second support 140 is arranged to surround at least one area of the second absorber A2 to accommodate the second absorber A2, and the second support body 140 accommodates the second absorber A2. As the support body 140 is coupled to one area (e.g., area in the +z direction) of the first housing 110, the second absorber A2 is fixed between the first housing 110 and the mouthpiece 160. It can be.

The second support 140 and the first housing 110 may be coupled in such a way that at least a portion of the second support 140 is tightly fitted to the first housing 110, but the first housing 110 and the first housing 110 may be coupled to each other. 2 The method of coupling the support 140 is not limited to the examples described above. In another example, the first housing 110 and the second support 140 may be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, or a magnetic coupling method.

The second support 140 has a predetermined rigidity and includes a waterproof material (e.g., rubber), so that it not only fixes the second absorber A2 to the first housing 110, but also forms an airflow passage 150. ) may form part of the inner wall of

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6A to 8B, the operation of the backflow prevention unit (B), which controls the flow of air and aerosol flowing in the airflow passage 150, will be examined in detail.

FIG. 6A is a view showing one aspect of the backflow prevention unit according to an embodiment, FIG. 6B is a view of the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 6A viewed from the direction in which the airflow flows, and FIG. 6C is another view of the backflow prevention unit according to an embodiment. This is a diagram showing an aspect, and FIG. 6d is a view of the backflow prevention unit shown in FIG. 6c viewed from the direction in which the airflow flows.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B , one aspect of the backflow prevention unit B1 in a modified state is shown in which the airflow passage 150 is opened, and with reference to FIGS. 6C and 6D , the airflow passage 150 is closed. Another aspect of the backflow prevention unit (B1) in an undeformed state is shown.

In the present disclosure, the moving direction of the airflow indicated by a 'dotted line' may mean the forward direction, and the moving direction of the airflow indicated by a 'solid line' may mean the reverse direction, and the corresponding expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

The backflow prevention unit B1 may be disposed in at least one area of the airflow passage 150. Referring to FIGS. 6B and 6D, the cross-section of the airflow passage 150 is shown as a circle, but it is not limited to this and may have various shapes depending on the structure and shape of the components forming the airflow passage 150. .

The backflow prevention unit (B1) includes at least one elastic member and may have a valve structure. For example, the backflow prevention unit B1 includes four elastic members, and each elastic member may be arranged to partially overlap each other in a bent state.

When pressure is applied to the backflow prevention unit (B1) in the positive direction due to airflow, at least one elastic member may be partially deformed, and each elastic member may be spaced apart from each other to open the airflow passage 150. Accordingly, air flowing in the forward direction inside the airflow passage 150 can pass through the backflow prevention portion (B1).

Conversely, when pressure is applied in the reverse direction to the backflow prevention unit B1 due to airflow, at least one elastic member may remain overlapped with each other, or may be deformed to overlap more, thereby closing the airflow passage 150. Accordingly, the flow of aerosol flowing in the reverse direction inside the airflow passage 150 may be blocked by the backflow prevention unit (B1).

In this way, the backflow prevention unit (B1) according to one embodiment allows the forward flow of air formed when the user inhales the aerosol generating device, and forms momentarily when the user stops inhaling the aerosol generating device. The flow of air (or aerosol) in the reverse direction can be blocked to prevent the aerosol from flowing back inside the cartridge. Accordingly, droplets can be prevented from being generated by backflowing aerosol, and the amount of liquid leaked from the aerosol generating device can be reduced.

The backflow prevention unit B1 may be fixed to the airflow passage 150 by being installed, fastened, or attached to the inner wall of the airflow passage 150. As an example, the backflow prevention unit (B1) may be press-fitted to the inner wall of the airflow passage (150). As another example, the backflow prevention part (B1) may be coupled to the inner wall of the airflow passage 150 by a fastening element. As another example, the backflow prevention portion B1 may be adhered to the inner wall of the airflow passage 150 using an adhesive material. However, the fixing method of the backflow prevention unit B1 is not limited to the above-described examples and may be modified in various ways.

Although not shown, the backflow prevention unit according to another embodiment may have a duckbill valve structure. Since the duckbill valve structure has a shape that gradually narrows along one direction, it can be opened by pressure applied in one direction and maintained in a closed state by pressure applied in the opposite direction. The backflow prevention unit of the duckbill valve structure can be easily installed and fixed inside the airflow passage 150.

FIG. 7A is a diagram showing one aspect of a backflow prevention unit according to an embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing another aspect of a backflow prevention unit according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7A, one aspect of the backflow prevention unit (B2) in a rotating state that opens the airflow passage 150 is shown, and with reference to FIG. 7B, another aspect of the backflow prevention unit (B2) in a non-rotating state that closes the airflow passage 150 is shown. Another aspect of the backflow prevention unit B2 of the embodiment is shown.

The backflow prevention unit B2 according to another embodiment may include at least one plate. For example, the backflow prevention unit B2 may include a rotation axis RS fixed to at least one area of the airflow passage 150 and a rotation plate RP connected to the rotation axis RS. The rotating plate RP may have a shape corresponding to the cross section of the airflow passage 150. The rotation shaft RS may be manufactured so that at least a portion of the rotation plate RP can rotate in only one direction.

When pressure is applied to the backflow prevention unit B2 in the positive direction, at least a portion of the rotating plate RP may rotate in the direction of the applied pressure to open the airflow passage 150. Conversely, when pressure is applied to the backflow prevention unit B2 in the reverse direction, the rotating plate RP may be maintained in a non-rotating state and the airflow passage 150 may be closed.

As such, the backflow prevention unit B2 according to another embodiment allows the flow of air in the forward direction and blocks the flow of aerosol in the reverse direction, thereby preventing the backflow of aerosol inside the cartridge.

Figure 8a is a diagram showing the flow of air flowing in the forward direction through the airflow path in which the backflow prevention part is arranged according to another embodiment, and Figure 8b is a diagram showing the flow of air flowing in the reverse direction through the airflow path in which the backflow prevention part is arranged according to another embodiment. This is a drawing showing the flow.

Referring to Figure 8a, the flow of airflow passing through the backflow prevention part (B3) is shown, and referring to Figure 8b, the flow of airflow filtered by the backflow prevention part (B3) is allowed and the flow of aerosol in the reverse direction is shown. can prevent aerosol from flowing back inside the cartridge.

Figure 8a is a diagram showing the flow of air flowing in the forward direction through the airflow path in which the backflow prevention part is arranged according to another embodiment, and Figure 8b is a diagram showing the flow of air flowing in the reverse direction through the airflow path in which the backflow prevention part is arranged according to another embodiment. This is a drawing showing the flow.

Referring to Figure 8a, the flow of airflow passing through the backflow prevention unit (B3) is shown, and referring to Figure 8b, the flow of airflow filtered by the backflow prevention unit (B3) is shown.

The backflow prevention unit B3 according to another embodiment may be made of at least one porous membrane. The porous membrane may have a mesh structure. For example, a porous membrane can be manufactured to pass only particles with a size of about 0.05 μm to 5 μm or less, allowing aerosols with relatively large particle sizes to be filtered out of a mixed air stream of air and aerosol.

The porous membrane may be made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (eTPFE) material, for example. ePTFE material can only allow particles with a size of about 0.2 μm to 5 μm or less to pass through. However, the material of the porous membrane is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and any material that can filter relatively large aerosol particles can be used to manufacture the porous membrane.

The backflow prevention unit B3 according to another embodiment is disposed inside the airflow passage 150 and can filter substances with relatively large particle sizes. For example, when the air flow flows through the airflow passage 150 where the backflow prevention unit B3 is disposed, the air molecules are smaller than the holes formed in the porous membrane, so they can easily pass through the backflow prevention unit B3. . However, when the airflow containing aerosol and air flows through the airflow passage 150 disposed in the backflow prevention unit (B3), aerosols with relatively large size particles are filtered by the backflow prevention unit (B3), Only air components can pass through the backflow prevention unit (B3).

As such, the backflow prevention unit (B3) according to another embodiment allows the flow of air flowing in the forward direction and blocks the flow of aerosol flowing in the reverse direction when the user inhales the aerosol generating device, thereby preventing aerosol from flowing inside the cartridge. It can prevent backflow. Accordingly, droplets can be prevented from being generated by backflowing aerosol, and the amount of liquid leaked from the aerosol generating device can be reduced.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The output unit 930 may output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 900 and provide it to the user. The output unit 930 may include at least one of a display unit 932, a haptic unit 934, and an audio output unit 936, but is not limited thereto. For example, the output unit 930 may further include a driving unit 938 that drives at least one component of the aerosol generating device 900 (eg, the backflow prevention unit B in FIG. 4). When the display unit 932 and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 932 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As another example, when the user's puff or inhalation is detected through the inhalation detection sensor 926, the processor 910 may control the operation of at least one component of the aerosol generating device 900 through the driving unit 938. . For example, the processor 910 may control the opening and closing operation of the backflow prevention unit based on the detection signal of the suction detection sensor 926. The opening/closing prevention portion opens only when the user's inhalation is detected, and closes when the user's inhalation is not detected, thereby effectively preventing backflow of aerosol.

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

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

10: Cartridge
20: body
100: housing
110: first housing
120: second housing
120i: inlet
150: Airflow passage
150a: first airflow passage
150b: second airflow passage
150d: Detour
160: Mouthpiece
160e: outlet
200: storage unit
300: Wick
400: Atomizer
1000: Aerosol generating device
A1, A1': first absorber
A2: Second absorber
B, B1, B2, B3: Backflow prevention unit

Claims (15)

a housing including an inlet;
a mouthpiece including an outlet;
A storage unit for storing aerosol-generating substances;
a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit;
an atomizer that includes a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibration and generates an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material of the wick with ultrasonic vibration;
an absorption plate disposed to cover at least a portion of the atomizer and delivering the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick to the atomizer;
an airflow passage connecting the inlet, an atomization space where the aerosol is generated, and the outlet, and through which airflow moves in a forward direction from the inlet, through the atomization space, and toward the outlet; and
A porous membrane disposed in at least one area of the airflow passage, filtering airflow moving in a reverse direction opposite to the forward direction and allowing only air components to pass through,
The porous membrane includes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (eTPFE) material that allows only particles with a size of 0.2 μm to 5 μm to pass through,
The airflow passage includes a first airflow passage connecting the inlet and the atomization space and a second airflow passage connecting the atomization space and the outlet,
The cartridge, wherein the first airflow passage includes a bypass path extending along an outside of the storage portion. delete According to claim 1,
A cartridge, wherein the porous membrane is disposed in the first airflow passage. According to claim 3,
The cartridge, wherein the porous membrane is disposed at one end of the first airflow passage connected to the inlet. According to claim 1,
The cartridge is wherein the atomization space is located on one side of the atomizer facing the outlet. According to claim 1,
A cartridge further comprising: a first absorber disposed between the inlet and the atomization space to absorb liquid droplets generated on the first airflow passage. According to claim 6,
The cartridge is wherein the first absorber is disposed in an area adjacent to the bypass. According to claim 1,
A cartridge further comprising a second absorber disposed between the atomization space and the outlet to absorb liquid droplets generated on the second airflow passage. According to claim 1,
A cartridge further comprising a one-way valve that is opened only by the forward flowing airflow. According to claim 1,
The cartridge further includes a hollow tube-shaped seal located at the top of the wick and pressing the wick in a direction toward the atomizer to maintain contact between the wick and the atomizer. According to claim 10,
The sealing part includes a first hole for delivering external air introduced through the first airflow passage to the atomization space, and a second hole for delivering the aerosol generated in the atomization space to the outlet. According to claim 1,
A cartridge further comprising a resistor for removing noise included in the signal applied to the atomizer. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 12; and
It includes a main body coupled with the cartridge,
The main body includes a battery that supplies power to the atomizer included in the cartridge and a processor that controls the power. According to claim 13,
The main body further includes a suction detection sensor,
The inhalation detection sensor is located adjacent to the coupling surface of the main body coupled with the cartridge, and the inlet is located on the coupling surface of the cartridge coupled with the main body. According to claim 14,
It further includes a driving unit that transmits power to the porous membrane,
The processor,
An aerosol generating device that controls the driving unit to open the porous membrane when a user's inhalation signal is received through the inhalation detection sensor.

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