WO2025029020A1 - Aerosol generating device comprising vibrator - Google Patents

Abstract

This aerosol generating device may comprise: a cartridge including a storage unit which stores an aerosol generating material, a wick which absorbs the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit, an atomizer which generates ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick into aerosol, an airflow passage through which the atomized aerosol passes, a mouthpiece which includes an outlet for discharging the aerosol that has passed through the airflow passage to the outside, and a mesh-type heater which is disposed in the airflow passage in a direction transverse to the direction in which the airflow passage extends; and a main body including a control unit and a coupling unit to which the cartridge is detachably coupled.

Description

Aerosol generating device comprising a vibrator

The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device for further dividing aerosol particles generated by an ultrasonic vibration method using a vibrator.

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. Research is being conducted on methods such as producing an aerosol from a liquid, solid, or gel-state aerosol-generating agent, or producing a vapor from a liquid-state aerosol-generating agent and then passing the generated vapor through a solid-state flavoring medium to supply a flavored aerosol.

Various embodiments can provide a more finely atomized aerosol in an aerosol generating device using ultrasonic vibration.

The problems to be solved through the examples are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the examples belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a cartridge including a storage portion in which an aerosol generating substance is stored, a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage portion, an atomizer that generates ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick into an aerosol, an airflow passage through which the atomized aerosol passes, a mouthpiece including an outlet for discharging the aerosol passing through the airflow passage to the outside, and a mesh-shaped heater arranged in a direction transverse to a direction in which the airflow passage extends within the airflow passage; and a main body including a control portion and a coupling portion to which the cartridge is detachably coupled.

According to the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments, a more finely atomized aerosol can be generated in the aerosol generating device using an ultrasonic vibration method.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiments can generate aerosol at a relatively low temperature compared to when using a heating method, and can also provide an aerosol atomization effect. Accordingly, a more satisfactory smoking experience can be provided to the user.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

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

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, with the cartridge and the main body separated.

FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the main body and cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 3a is a drawing showing one aspect of a cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 3b is a drawing showing another aspect of the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow path in a cartridge with the mouthpiece open.

Figure 7 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

The terms used in the examples are selected from the most widely used general terms possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention of engineers working in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meanings thereof 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 meanings of the terms and the overall contents of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. In addition, terms such as "-unit", "-module", etc. described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one of" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements rather than each individual 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.

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

Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second," used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

Additionally, some components in the drawings may be depicted with somewhat exaggerated sizes, proportions, etc. Additionally, components depicted in one drawing may not be depicted in another drawing.

Throughout the specification, the term “embodiment” is an arbitrary distinction used to facilitate the description of the invention in the present disclosure, and each embodiment is not necessarily exclusive of the others. For example, the configurations disclosed in one embodiment may be applied and/or implemented in another embodiment, and may be applied and/or implemented with modifications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments. The singular also includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

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

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

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device (1) includes a cartridge (10) that accommodates an aerosol generating material and a body (20) that supports the cartridge (10).

The cartridge (10) can be coupled to the main body (20) while containing an aerosol generating substance therein. For example, the cartridge (10) and the main body (20) can be coupled by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge (10) into the main body (20). As another example, the cartridge (10) and the main body (20) can 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) can be combined in at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw-joint method, a magnetic coupling method, and a fitting method, but the method of combining the cartridge (10) and the main body (20) is not limited to the examples described above.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge (10) may include a housing (100), a mouthpiece (10 m), a storage portion (200), a wick (300), an atomizer (400), and a terminal (500).

The housing (100) can form the overall appearance of the cartridge (10) together with the mouthpiece (10m), and components for the operation of the cartridge (10) can be arranged inside the housing (100). In one embodiment, the housing (100) can be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the shape of the housing (100) is not limited to the above-described embodiment. According to an embodiment, the housing (100) can also be formed in a polygonal column (e.g., a triangular column, a pentagonal column) or a cylindrical shape.

The mouthpiece (10m) is arranged in one area of the housing (100) and may include an outlet (10e) for discharging aerosol generated from an aerosol generating material to the outside. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (10m) may be arranged in another area opposite to one area of the cartridge (10) coupled with the main body (20), and a user may receive aerosol from the cartridge (10) by contacting the mouthpiece (10m) with the mouthpiece and inhaling.

A pressure difference may occur between the outside of the cartridge (10) and the inside of the cartridge (10) due to the user's inhalation or puffing motion, and the aerosol generated inside the cartridge (10) due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the cartridge (10) may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge (10) through the outlet (10e).

The storage unit (200) is located in the inner space of the housing (100) and can accommodate an aerosol generating material. In one embodiment, the outer wall of the storage unit (200) may be a housing (100) that forms the outer appearance of the cartridge (10).

In the embodiments, the expression ‘the storage unit accommodates an aerosol-generating substance’ may mean that the storage unit (200) simply performs the function of containing an aerosol-generating substance, such as a container. Or, it may mean that the interior of the storage unit (200) includes an element that impregnates (contains) an aerosol-generating substance, such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure. In addition, the expression described above may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

The storage unit (200) can accommodate an aerosol generating material in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, a gel state, or the like.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating material may comprise a liquid composition. The liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

The liquid composition may contain any one or a mixture of ingredients of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, flavoring, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture, for example. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like.

The flavoring agent may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of, but not limited to, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

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

The acid for forming the nicotine salt can be appropriately selected in consideration of the blood nicotine absorption rate, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device (1), flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt can be a single acid selected from the group consisting of 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 mixture of two or more acids selected from the above group, but is not limited thereto.

The wick (300) can absorb an aerosol generating material. In one example, an aerosol generating material stored or accommodated in a storage unit (200) can be transferred from the storage unit (200) to an atomizer (400) through the wick (300), and the atomizer (400) can atomize the aerosol generating material of the wick (300) or the aerosol generating material transferred from the wick (300) to generate an aerosol. At this time, the wick (300) can include at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but 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 an aerosol generating material stored inside the cartridge (10). The atomizer (400) can generate an aerosol by, for example, vibrating an aerosol generating material.

According to one embodiment, the atomizer (400) of the aerosol generating device (1) can transform the phase of the aerosol generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method that atomizes the aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibration.

For example, the gun (400) may include a vibrator that generates short-cycle vibrations, and the vibrations generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz.

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

The vibrator may include, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic, which may be a functional material that can convert electricity and mechanical force to each other by generating electricity (voltage) by a physical force (pressure) and, conversely, generating vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied. That is, when electricity is applied to the vibrator, short-cycle vibrations (physical force) may be generated, and the generated vibrations may split the aerosol-generating material into small particles and atomize them into aerosols.

The vibrator can be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device (1) via a terminal (500). The terminal (500) can be located on one side of the cartridge (10). For example, the terminal (500) can be located on a mating surface of the cartridge (10) where the cartridge (10) is mated to the body (20) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the terminal (500) can be located on one side of the housing (100) opposite the mouthpiece (10m).

According to one embodiment, the vibrator may be electrically connected to at least one of the battery (600) of the main body (20), the control unit (700) and the drive circuit of the aerosol generating device (1) through a terminal (500) located inside the housing (100) of the cartridge (10).

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

The vibrator can generate ultrasonic vibrations by receiving current or voltage from the battery (600) of the main body (20) through the terminal (500). In addition, the vibrator can be electrically connected to the control unit (700) of the main body (20) through the terminal (500), and the control unit (700) can control the operation of the vibrator.

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

In another embodiment, the atomizer (400) may also be implemented as a mesh-shaped or plate-shaped vibration receiving portion that performs both 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 the function of transmitting vibrations to the aerosol generating material to generate the aerosol.

The aerosol generated by the gun (400) can 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 can be connected to the outlet (10e) of the atomizer (400) and the mouthpiece (10m). Accordingly, the aerosol generated from the atomizer (400) can flow along the airflow passage (150) and be discharged to the outside of the cartridge (10) or the aerosol generating device (1) through the outlet (10e).

Although not shown in the drawing, the airflow passage (150) may include at least one inlet for air from outside the cartridge (10) to flow 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 in a joining surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the cartridge (10) where the cartridge (10) and the body (20) are joined.

At least one gap can be formed in the portion where the cartridge (10) and the main body (20) are combined, so that external air can be introduced into the gap between the cartridge (10) and the main body (20) and move into the interior of the cartridge (10) through the inlet.

The airflow passage (150) can be connected from the inlet to a space where the aerosol is generated by the atomizer (400). The airflow passage (150) can also be connected to the outlet (10e). Accordingly, the air drawn in through the inlet is delivered to the atomizer (400), and the delivered air moves to the outlet (10e) together with the aerosol generated in the atomizer (400), so that airflow can circulate inside the cartridge (10).

In one example, at least a portion of the airflow passage (150) may be arranged so that the outer surface thereof is surrounded by the storage portion (200) within the housing (100). In another example, at least a portion of the airflow passage (150) may be arranged between the inner wall of the housing (100) and the outer wall of the storage portion (200). The arrangement structure of the airflow passage (150) is not limited to the above-described example, and the airflow passage (150) may be arranged in various structures that allow airflow to circulate between the inlet, the atomizer (400), and the outlet (10e).

The main body (20) includes a battery (600) and a control unit (700) inside, and one end of the main body (20) can be coupled to one end of the cartridge (10). For example, the main body (20) can be coupled to the bottom or coupling surface of the cartridge (10).

The battery (600) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). 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) can supply power required for the operation of other hardware elements (e.g., sensors, user interface, memory, and control unit (700)) provided within the aerosol generating device (1). The battery (600) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

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

The control unit (700) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (700) can control the amount of aerosol generated from the atomizer (400) by controlling the power supplied from the battery (600) to the atomizer (400). In one example, the control unit (700) can control the current or voltage supplied to the vibrator of the atomizer (400) so that the vibrator can vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

The control unit (700) may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (700) may be implemented as other types of hardware.

The control unit (700) analyzes the results sensed by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generating device (1) and controls the processes to be performed subsequently. For example, the control unit (700) can control the power supplied to the atomizer (400) so that the operation of the atomizer (400) is started or ended based on the results sensed by at least one sensor. In addition, the control unit (700) can control the amount of power supplied to the atomizer (400) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the atomizer (400) can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol based on the results sensed by at least one sensor.

In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (10) and/or the main body (20) of the aerosol generating device (1) may be a cross-sectional shape of a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, or various polygons. However, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge (10) and/or the main body (20) is not limited to the above-described shapes, or the aerosol generating device (1) is not necessarily formed in a structure that extends linearly when extending in the longitudinal direction.

In another embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device (1) may be elongated into a streamlined shape that is easy for a user to hold by hand or may be bent at a predetermined angle in a specific area. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device (1) may vary along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the cartridge and the main body of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment separated, and FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the main body and the cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a combined.

The aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b may be a modified example of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 1, and the cartridge (10) according to the embodiment may be a modified example of the cartridge (10) illustrated in FIG. 1, and any duplicated content will be omitted below.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment may include a main body (20) and a cartridge (10). The cartridge (10) may be detachably coupled to the main body (20). For example, at least a portion of the cartridge (10) may be coupled to the main body (20) by being inserted into the interior of the main body (20).

The cartridge (10) may include a mouthpiece (10m) that is moveable between an open position and a closed position. For example, the mouthpiece (10m) may be opened and closed by rotating between the open position and the closed position.

The cartridge (10) may include a body portion (10b) equipped with various components necessary for generating an aerosol and discharging the generated aerosol. Although not shown, the body portion (10b) may include a storage portion (not shown), an atomizer (not shown), and a portion of an airflow passage (not shown). Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, the atomizer may be located outside the cartridge (10) (e.g., the body (20)).

The main body (20) includes a joining portion (20a) to which the cartridge (10) is detachably joined. For example, the main body (20) may include a receiving groove (20ah) in which at least a portion of the cartridge (10) can be received. The body portion (10b) of the cartridge (10) may be inserted into the inside of the receiving groove (20ah).

As an example, the connecting portion (20a) may include a connection terminal (not shown) that is electrically connected to the vaporizer (400) and the mesh-type heater (155). At least one connection terminal may be provided and may be connected to the vaporizer (400) and the mesh-type heater (155), respectively. When the cartridge (10) is accommodated in the receiving groove (ah) of the main body (20), the connection terminal may be electrically connected to the vaporizer (400) and the mesh-type heater (155).

For example, the body part (10b) of the cartridge (10) may have a roughly square prism shape, and the corners of the square prism may be chamfered or rounded. However, the shape of the body part (10b) of the cartridge (10) is not limited to the above-described example, and may also have a cylindrical or polygonal prism shape.

As described in FIG. 1, the cartridge (10) can be coupled to the main body (20) in at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw-joining method, a magnetic coupling method, or a fitting method. For example, the cartridge (10) includes a first magnetic body, and the main body (20) includes a second magnetic body, so that the cartridge (10) and the main body (20) can be coupled magnetically. However, the strength of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body can be designed in consideration of the ease of attachment/detachment of the cartridge (10) and the main body (20) and/or the operational stability of the aerosol generating device (1).

The main body (20) may include a button (20b). The button (20b) may be located on one side of the main body (20). For example, the button (20b) may be located on one side of the main body (20) corresponding to one end (20c-1) of the cover (20c). When using the aerosol generating device (1), the user may operate the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) by using the button (20b).

The main body (20) may further include a storage portion (20s) capable of storing the mouthpiece (10m) when the mouthpiece (10m) of the cartridge (10) is moved to the closed position. The storage portion (20s) may be located on one surface of the main body (20) and may have a shape or size corresponding to the mouthpiece (10m).

As shown in Fig. 2b, the mouthpiece (10m) moved to the closed position can have its portability improved by minimizing the portion protruding outward from the aerosol generating device (1) in the closed position, i.e., the portion protruding outward from the outer surface of the main body (20).

Referring to FIG. 2a, in one embodiment, the body (20) may further include a cover (20c) coupled to a portion of the body (20). The cover (20c) may be coupled to at least one surface of the body (20). For example, the cover (20c) may be coupled to one side of the body (20) where the coupling portion (20a) is positioned. Additionally, the cover (20c) may be coupled to one side of the body (20) where the storage portion (20s) is positioned.

The cover (20c) may include an opening (20c-3). The cover (20c) may have an opening (20c-3) having a size corresponding to that of the mouthpiece (10m). For example, the opening (20c-3) may have a predetermined length and width. Here, the width of the opening (20c-3) may be smaller than or equal to the body of the cartridge (10) and larger than or equal to the mouthpiece (10m). The length of the opening (20c-3) may be longer than or equal to the mouthpiece (10m).

The cover (20c) may be extended from one end (20c-1) to the other end (20c-2) and placed on the mounting portion (20f) of the main body (20). For example, the mounting portion (20f) may have a size and shape corresponding to the cover (20c). The mounting portion (20f) may be a portion that extends in both directions from the entrance side of the coupling portion (20a) and the receiving portion (20s) to enable the cover (20c) to be coupled, and may be a portion that is dug to a predetermined depth.

When combining the cartridge (10) with the main body (20), the cover (20c) can be combined with the main body (20) after the cartridge (10) is combined with the main body (20). The cover (20c) can be combined with at least one of a snap-fit method, a fitting method, or a magnetic coupling method on one side of the main body (20), but is not limited thereto.

Since the cover (20c) includes an opening (20c-3) through which the mouthpiece (10m) can pass, the cartridge (10) can be protected without interfering with the opening and closing operation of the mouthpiece (10m) while the cartridge (10) is coupled to the main body (20), and the coupling between the cartridge (10) and the main body (20) can be maintained.

FIG. 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) in which both a cartridge (10) and a cover (20c) are coupled to a body (20) and the mouthpiece (10m) is positioned in a closed position.

As shown in Fig. 2a, the main body (20) includes a receiving portion (20s) having a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece (10m), a fixing portion (20f) having a size and shape corresponding to the cover (20c), and the cover (20c) may include an opening (20c-3) having a size and shape corresponding to the mouthpiece (10m). Through this shape, the overall finish of the aerosol generating device (1) is completed solidly and elegantly, as shown in Fig. 2b.

According to one embodiment, when separating the cartridge (10) from the main body (20), the cover (20c) may be separated from the main body (20) first, and then the cartridge (10) may be separated from the main body (20). In this way, the cover (20c) and the cartridge (10) may be sequentially separated from the main body (20) or sequentially coupled to the main body (20).

FIG. 3a is a drawing showing one aspect of a cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a, and FIG. 3b is a drawing showing another aspect of a cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a.

Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the body part (10b) of the cartridge (10) can be coupled to the mouthpiece (10m) via a rotational axis. The mouthpiece (10m) can rotate between an open position and a closed position.

Referring to FIG. 3a, in one embodiment, the mouthpiece (10m) may be positioned in an open position. The open state of the mouthpiece (10m) may mean a state in which the mouthpiece (10m) is extended in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (10) so that the user can easily make contact with the mouth. Here, the longitudinal direction may mean a direction in which the cartridge (10) extends the longest among various directions (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 3a).

Referring to FIG. 3b, in another embodiment, the mouthpiece (10m) may be positioned in a closed position. The closed state of the mouthpiece (10m) may mean a state in which the mouthpiece (10m) is folded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (10) (e.g., in the x-axis direction in FIG. 3b) so that the mouthpiece (10m) can be accommodated in the main body (20) of the aerosol generating device (1).

As another example, the mouthpiece (10 m) may be opened and closed by sliding between the open position and the closed position, but the manner in which the mouthpiece (10 m) moves is not limited to the example described above.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a.

The cartridge (10) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be the cartridge (10) illustrated in FIG. 2a or a modified example thereof, and any duplicated content will be omitted for description below.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the cartridge (10) may include a mouthpiece (10m) and a body portion (10b).

In one embodiment, the body portion (10b) of the cartridge (10) may include at least a portion of the housing (100), the wick (300), and the atomizer (400).

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (10m) may be coupled or connected to the body (10b) of the cartridge (10) so as to be movable relative to the body (10b). The components of the cartridge (10) according to one embodiment are not limited to the examples described above, and components may be added or some components may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

In one embodiment, the housing (100) may form an overall exterior appearance of the cartridge (10) while forming an interior space capable of accommodating components of the cartridge (10) (e.g., at least some of the storage portion (200), the wick (300), and the atomizer (400)) within the housing (100).

The housing (100) of the aerosol generating device (1) may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120) connected to one area of the first housing (110), and a third housing (130) connected to another area of the first housing (110).

For example, the second housing (120) may be coupled to an area located at the bottom (e.g., in the -z direction) of the first housing (110), and an internal space may be formed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) in which components of the cartridge (10) may be arranged.

In one embodiment, the third housing (130) is coupled to an area located at the top (e.g., in the +z direction) of the first housing (110) and at least a portion of the mouthpiece (10m) may be positioned on one side of the third housing (130).

In the present disclosure, ‘top’ may mean the ‘+z’ direction of Fig. 4, and ‘bottom’ may mean the ‘-z’ direction of Fig. 4, which is opposite to the top, and these expressions may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

The first housing (110) and the second housing (120) can form a first airflow passage (151) through which airflow (e.g., air, aerosol) moves within the body part (10b) by being coupled to each other. For example, the first housing (110) can form a part of the first airflow passage (151), and the second housing (120) can form the remaining part of the first airflow passage (151).

In addition, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) can be combined to form an internal space, and various components necessary for the operation of the cartridge (10) can be accommodated or arranged in the internal space.

The first housing (110) and the second housing (120) can protect components accommodated in the internal space, and the third housing (130) can protect the mouthpiece (10 m) and other components combined or connected with the mouthpiece (10 m).

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (10m) is a portion that comes into contact with the user's oral cavity, and the mouthpiece (10m) may be positioned or coupled to an area of the housing (100). For example, the mouthpiece (10m) may be connected to the third housing (130).

The mouthpiece (10 m) may be moveable between an open position and a closed position. The cartridge (10) may further include a first elastic body (10 m-1) that provides elasticity to the mouthpiece (10 m). For example, the first elastic body (10 m-1) may elastically support the mouthpiece (10 m) toward the open position.

The first elastic body (10 m-1) can be arranged around the rotation axis of the mouthpiece (10 m). The mouthpiece (10 m) can be moved from a closed position to an open position by the elastic force of the first elastic body (10 m-1). The first elastic body (10 m-1) can be made of a metal material (e.g., SUS).

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (10m) may be rotatable about a rotation axis, and the first elastic body (10m-1) may be a torsion spring positioned on the rotation axis of the mouthpiece (10m). The first elastic body (10m-1) may have a relatively large deformation when the mouthpiece (10m) is in a closed position, and a relatively small deformation when the mouthpiece (10m) is in an open position. Accordingly, the mouthpiece (10m) may be provided with an elastic force biased to open from the closed position to the open position.

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (10m) can be rotatably coupled to the third housing (130) together with the support member (10m-2). The support member (10m-2) is positioned between the mouthpiece (10m) and the third housing (130) and can surround at least a portion of the other side of the mouthpiece (10m).

The mouthpiece (10m), the support (10m-2) and the third housing (130) can be connected to each other by a rotational axis. Accordingly, the mouthpiece (10m) is not only firmly connected to the third housing (130), but can also be rotated relative to the third housing (130) to move between an open position and a closed position.

In one embodiment, the cartridge (10) may further include a first seal (161) for maintaining the coupling of the first housing (110) and the third housing (130) and for sealing the storage portion (200).

The first sealing body (161) may be placed between the first housing (110) and the third housing (130). For example, the first sealing body (161) may be coupled to the upper end of the first housing (110) and to the lower end of the third housing (130) to firmly maintain the coupling between the first housing (110) and the third housing (130).

In addition, the first sealing body (161) may include a structure that seals the storage unit (200) while not sealing the first airflow passage (151). For example, the first sealing body (161) may have a structure that includes a hole in a portion where the first airflow passage (151) is located and does not include a hole in a portion where the storage unit (200) is located while being coupled to the upper end of the first housing (110). Accordingly, the first sealing body (161) may prevent the first airflow passage (151-1) from being blocked while allowing the storage unit (200) and the first airflow passage (151) to be separated or isolated from each other at the upper end of the first housing (110).

The cartridge (10) may further include a second seal (162) coupled to the third housing (130) to seal the periphery of the connection port (111 in FIG. 5). The second seal (162) may be coupled to the top of the third housing (130). The second seal (162) may include a hole of a size corresponding to the connection port (111 in FIG. 5) to prevent the connection port (111 in FIG. 5) from being blocked while sealing the periphery of the portion where the first airflow passage (151) and the second airflow passage (152) are connected.

The cartridge (10) may include both a first seal (161) and a second seal (162). The first seal (161) and the second seal (162) are respectively coupled to the upper and lower portions of the third housing (130), and at least a portion of the first seal (161) and the second seal (162) may be partially coupled inside the third housing (130). Accordingly, the first housing (110) and the third housing (130) may be more firmly coupled via the first seal (161) and the second seal (162).

The first sealing body (161) and the second sealing body (162) can be joined in a manner of force-fitting with the first housing (110) and/or the third housing (130), but the joining method of the first sealing body (161) and the second sealing body (162) is not limited to the examples described above.

Meanwhile, the first sealing body (161) and the second sealing body (162) can be firmly combined with the first housing (110) and/or the third housing (130) by including a material (e.g., silicone) that has a predetermined rigidity and is waterproof, and can also function as a part of the inner wall of the first airflow passage (151).

In one embodiment, the aerosol atomized by the atomizer (400) can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge (10) through the first airflow passage (151), the second airflow passage (152), and the outlet (10e) and supplied to the user.

For example, the aerosol generated by the atomizer (400) may flow along the first airflow passage (151) formed to connect or communicate the atomizing space (e.g., 401 of FIG. 5) and the second airflow passage (152) of the mouthpiece (10 m), and after flowing through the second airflow passage (152), may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge (10) through the outlet (e.g., 10e of FIG. 5).

In one embodiment, the first airflow passage (151) may be connected (e.g., connected in the +z direction) to the mouthpiece (10 m) along the internal structure of the second housing (120) and the first housing (110).

In one embodiment, the storage unit (200) may be positioned inside the first housing (110).

In one embodiment, the wick (300) may be positioned between the storage unit (200) and the atomizer (400). The aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit (200) may be supplied to the atomizer (400) through the wick (300).

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 the aerosol generating material of the storage unit (200), and the aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick (300) may be delivered to the atomizer (400).

In one embodiment, the wick (300) may include a transfer member (310). In another embodiment, the wick (300) may further include an absorbent plate (320).

The delivery member (310) may be arranged adjacent to the storage unit (200) to receive a liquid aerosol generating substance from the storage unit (200). For example, the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage unit (200) may be 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 delivery member (310), and the delivery member (310) may absorb the aerosol generating substance from the storage unit (200) by absorbing at least a portion of the aerosol generating substance discharged from the storage unit (200).

The absorption plate (320) can be supplied with an aerosol generating substance through the delivery member (310). As the cartridge (10) further includes the absorption plate (320), the aerosol generating substance can be absorbed not only by the delivery member (310) but also by the absorption plate (320), so that the amount of the aerosol generating substance absorbed can be improved.

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

In addition, as the absorption plate (320) is arranged to cover at least a portion of the atomizer (400), the absorption plate (320) can function as a physical barrier to prevent 'splash', in which particles that are not sufficiently atomized during the aerosol generation process are immediately discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). Here, 'splash' can mean particles of an aerosol generating material that are not sufficiently atomized and thus 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 splashing is reduced, and thus the user's smoking satisfaction can be improved.

In one embodiment, the absorber (320) is positioned between one side of the atomizer (400) where the aerosol is generated and the delivery member (310), so as to deliver the aerosol supplied to the delivery member (310) to the atomizer (400).

For example, one region of the absorption plate (320) may be in contact with one region of the transfer member (310) facing the -z direction, and another region of the absorption plate (320) may be in contact with one region of the atomizer (400) facing the +z direction. That is, the absorption plate (320) may be positioned on the upper surface (e.g., in the +z direction) of the atomizer (400) to supply the aerosol generating material absorbed by the transfer member (310) to the atomizer (400).

The transfer member (310), the absorption plate (320) and the atomizer (400) can be sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the cartridge (10) or the housing (100), so that the absorption plate (320) and the transfer member (310) can be sequentially stacked on the atomizer (400).

Through the above-described arrangement structure, at least a portion of the aerosol generating material supplied from the storage unit (200) to the delivery member (310) moves to the absorption plate (320) that comes into contact with the delivery member (310), and the aerosol generating material that has moved to the absorption plate (320) can move along the absorption plate (320) to reach an area adjacent to the atomizer (400).

Accordingly, the aerosol generating material can be stably delivered to the atomizer (400), so that a uniform amount of aerosol can be continuously generated, and a physical double barrier that prevents the aforementioned liquid splash can be implemented by the delivery member (310) and the absorption plate (320) through the above-described arrangement structure.

Although the drawing shows only an embodiment in which the wick (300) includes one each of the transfer member (310) and the absorption plate (320), the cartridge (10) according to another embodiment may include at least two or more of one of the transfer member (310) and the absorption plate (320).

A cartridge (10) according to one embodiment may further include a first support (330) for retaining the wick (300) and/or the atomizer (400) within the first housing (110). The first support (330) may be disposed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).

The first support (330) is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the transfer member (310), the absorption plate (320) and/or the atomizer (400) so as to accommodate the transfer member (310), the absorption plate (320) and/or the atomizer (400).

According to one embodiment, the first support (330) may include a material (e.g., silicone, rubber) that has a predetermined rigidity and is waterproof. Accordingly, not only can the wick (300) and the vaporizer (400) be fixed to the first housing (110), but also the aerosol generating material can be prevented from leaking from the storage (200). For example, the first support (330) may seal an area where the storage (200) is adjacent to the wick (300) or the vaporizer (400), thereby preventing the aerosol generating material from leaking. In addition, the first support (330) may include an elastic material such as rubber to absorb ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vaporizer (400).

The atomizer (400) can generate an aerosol by atomizing a liquid aerosol generating material supplied from a wick (300).

For example, the gun (400) may include a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations 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 vibrations in the frequency band described above, the vibrator may vibrate along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the cartridge (10) or the housing (100). However, the embodiments are not limited by the direction in which the vibrator vibrates, and the direction in which the vibrator vibrates may be changed in various directions (e.g., any one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, the z-axis direction, or a combination of these directions).

The atomizer (400) can generate an aerosol at a relatively low temperature compared to a method of heating an aerosol generating material by atomizing the aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic method. For example, in the case of a method of heating an 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 experience a burnt taste in the aerosol.

On the other hand, the cartridge (10) according to one embodiment can generate an aerosol at a temperature range of about 100° C. to 160° C., which is relatively low compared to when heated with a heater, by atomizing an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic method. Accordingly, the burning taste in the aerosol can be minimized, thereby improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

According to one embodiment, the firearm (400) may be electrically connected to an external power source via a terminal (500), and the terminal (500) may include an electrical board.

The vaporizer (400) can generate ultrasonic vibrations by power supplied from an external power source. For example, the vaporizer (400) is electrically connected to a terminal (500) located inside the cartridge (10), and the terminal (500) is electrically connected to the main body (20), so that the vaporizer (400) can receive power from the battery (600).

According to one embodiment, the gun (400) can be electrically connected to the terminal (500) through the first electrode body (410) and the second electrode body (420).

In one embodiment, the first electrode body (410) includes an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal) and may be positioned at the top of the vaporizer (400) to electrically connect the vaporizer (400) and the terminal (500).

For example, a part (e.g., an upper part) of the first electrode body (410) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of an outer surface of the vaporizer (400) and come into contact with the vaporizer (400), and another part (e.g., a lower part) of the first electrode body (410) may be formed to extend a portion in a direction toward the terminal (500) and come into contact with a portion of the terminal (500). The vaporizer (400) and the terminal (500) may be electrically connected by the above-described contact structure of the first electrode body (410).

In one example, an opening is formed in a portion of the first electrode body (410) so that at least a portion of the atomizer (400) can be exposed to the outside of the first electrode body (410). A portion of the atomizer (400) that is exposed to the outside of the first electrode body (410) through the opening of the first electrode body (410) can contact the wick (300) to atomize an aerosol generating material contained in the wick (300).

In one embodiment, the second electrode body (420) includes an electrically conductive material and may be positioned at the bottom of the vaporizer (400) or between the vaporizer (400) and the terminal (500) to electrically connect the vaporizer (400) and the terminal (500). For example, the second electrode body (420) may have one end in contact with the bottom area of the vaporizer (400) and the other end in contact with an area of the terminal (500) facing the vaporizer (400). The vaporizer (400) and the terminal (500) may be electrically connected by the above-described contact structure of the second electrode body (420).

According to one embodiment, the second electrode body (420) may include a conductive material having elasticity, and may not only electrically connect the vaporizer (400) and the terminal (500), but also elastically support the vaporizer (400). For example, the second electrode body (420) may include a conductive spring, but the second electrode body (420) is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the terminal (500) may be located inside the second housing (120). The terminal (500) may be electrically connected to the vaporizer (400) through the first electrode body (410) and the second electrode body (420), and may be electrically connected to the main body (20) of the aerosol generating device (1).

Meanwhile, when power is supplied to the vaporizer (400) or during the process of power supply, unintended noise may occur in the electrical circuit between the vaporizer (400) and the external power source. For example, noise may occur in the voltage signal supplied to the vaporizer (400), and a voltage higher than a specified value may be applied to the vaporizer (400), and as a result, the temperature of the vaporizer (400) may rapidly increase (e.g., increase above the Curie temperature), which may cause damage to the vaporizer (400).

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

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of FIG. 2a.

Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the mouthpiece (10m) of the cartridge (10) is positioned in the open position, and any duplicate description will be omitted below.

According to one embodiment, when a user contacts the mouthpiece (10m) with his or her mouth and performs an inhalation motion, the pressure inside the cartridge (10) becomes lower than atmospheric pressure, allowing outside air to flow into the inside of the cartridge (10).

According to one embodiment, a predetermined gap may be formed at a portion where the first housing (110) and the third housing (130) are joined, and a predetermined gap may be formed at a portion where the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are joined. External air may be introduced into the interior of the cartridge (10) through this gap.

The housing (100) may include at least one inlet (10i) through which external air may be introduced into the interior of the cartridge (10). In one embodiment, the second housing (120) may include the inlet (10i). For example, the inlet (10i) may be located on the lower surface of the second housing (120) where the cartridge (10) is coupled to the body (20).

The aerosol generated in the atomizing space (401) can be mixed with air brought in from the outside through the inlet (10i) and move toward the outlet (10e). The atomizing space (401) is located on one side of the atomizer (400), and the atomizing space (401) and the first airflow passage (151) can be communicated at the top of the atomizer (400). 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, a mesh heater (155) may be arranged in the first airflow passage (151). The aerosol generated from the vaporizer (400) may be heated as it passes through the mesh heater (155).

The mesh heater (155) may include any suitable electrically resistive material to generate heat by electrical resistance. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like.

The mesh heater (155) may include a plurality of pores through which the aerosol passes. The mesh heater (155) may include a single line or a plurality of lines comprising an electrically resistive material. The single line may be bent or the plurality of lines may intersect to form a pore. The pore may be formed in a rectangular shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the shape of the pore may be formed in various ways.

The aerosol can be heated by passing through the gap of the mesh heater (155). The mesh heater (155) can be placed on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) or FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuits Board) and electrically connected to the aerosol generating device (1). The mesh heater (155) can include a contact element that is electrically connected to the aerosol generating device (1).

A specific description of the arrangement of the mesh heater (155) will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow path in a cartridge with the mouthpiece open.

The airflow path illustrated in Fig. 6 indicates the direction of airflow movement when a user inhales using a mouthpiece (10 m).

According to one embodiment, the aerosol atomized by the atomizer (400) may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge (10) through the airflow passage (150 in FIG. 1) and supplied to the user. For example, the aerosol generated by the atomizer (400) may flow along the airflow passage (150) formed to connect or communicate the atomization space (401) and the outlet (10e) of the mouthpiece (10m), and then be discharged to the outside of the cartridge (10) through the outlet (10e).

In one embodiment, the airflow passage (150 of FIG. 1) may be connected along the inlet (10i), the atomizing space (401) where the aerosol is generated, and the outlet (10e). The airflow passage (150 of FIG. 1) may be formed by at least one component of the cartridge (10) (e.g., the first housing (110), the second housing (120), the mouthpiece (10m)). Alternatively, by modifying this, at least a portion of the airflow passage (150 of FIG. 1) may be formed by a tube inserted into the interior of the housing (100).

The airflow can move in a direction from the inlet (10i) through the atomizing space (401) toward the outlet (10e). For example, it can mean a direction from the inlet (10i) toward the atomizing space (401) and a direction from the atomizing space (401) toward the outlet (10e).

According to one embodiment, the airflow passage (150 in FIG. 1) may include a first airflow passage (151) extending from the inlet (10i) through the atomizing space (401) to the connecting port (111) connecting the body part (10b) and the mouthpiece (10m), and a second airflow passage (152) located inside the mouthpiece (10m).

The first airflow passage (151) can be connected from the inlet (10i) to the connection port (111) through the atomizing space (401) along the internal structure of the second housing (120) and the first housing (110).

The first airflow passage (151) may be connected to the second airflow passage (152). The second airflow passage (152) may refer to a passage inside the mouthpiece (10 m).

The second airflow passage (152) can be connected to the first airflow passage (151) when the mouthpiece (10 m) is in the open position. The second airflow passage (152) can be disconnected from the first airflow passage (151) when the mouthpiece (10 m) is in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (10m) may include a second airflow passage (152) for discharging aerosol generated inside the cartridge (10) to the outside of the cartridge (10). For example, the second airflow passage (152) may have one side (e.g., an outlet (10e)) connected to the outside, and the other side connected to the first airflow passage (151) in an open position. A user may receive aerosol discharged to the outside through the second airflow passage (152) and the outlet (10e) of the mouthpiece (10m) by contacting the mouthpiece (10m) with the user's mouth and inhaling.

Meanwhile, the cartridge (10) according to one embodiment can generate an aerosol at a relatively low temperature compared to a method of heating an aerosol generating material with a heater by atomizing the aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic method. Accordingly, a burnt taste in the aerosol can be minimized.

However, when generating aerosol using an ultrasonic method, there is a possibility that the aerosol particles will be formed relatively large since the aerosol is generated at a relatively low temperature. In addition, some of the atomized aerosol may be liquefied inside the airflow passage (150 in Fig. 1) to generate droplets. Or, some of the aerosol generating materials may not be sufficiently atomized, resulting in relatively large droplets. This phenomenon may reduce the user's convenience and satisfaction with smoking.

A cartridge (10) according to one embodiment includes a mesh heater (155) within an airflow passage (150 of FIG. 1), thereby preventing relatively large droplets from passing through, thereby improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

Specifically, the mesh heater (155) may be arranged in a direction that crosses the direction in which the airflow passage (150 of FIG. 1) extends within the airflow passage (150 of FIG. 1). Accordingly, the airflow may pass through the gap of the mesh heater (155) and flow toward the mouthpiece (10 m). That is, the direction in which the aerosol and/or droplets pass may intersect the mesh heater (155). However, the mesh heater (155) may be arranged in various ways and is not limited thereto.

As an example, the mesh heater (155) may include a plurality of pores having a short side length of 0.5 μm to 5 μm. The short side length of the pores of the mesh heater (155) may be 0.5 μm to 8 μm, or 0.5 μm to 3 μm, or 0.5 μm to 1 μm.

The diameter of the aerosol formed by the atomizer (400) including the vibrator according to one embodiment may be 0.2 μm to 15 μm. As the aerosol passes through the pores of the mesh heater (155) and is heated, the particles of the aerosol may be atomized.

As an example, the mesh heater (155) may be placed within the first airflow passage (151). The mesh heater (155) placed within the first airflow passage (151) may heat the aerosol that has been atomized to some extent through the atomizer (400). Since the mesh heater (155) is placed within the first airflow passage (151), even if a relatively small amount of heat is applied, the aerosol can be atomized into small particles.

The mesh heater (155) may be formed as a multilayer structure in which each layer is arranged in the direction in which the first airflow passage (151) extends. Each mesh heater (155) may be formed as a multilayer by bending a single metal wire, or may be formed as a separate metal wire for each layer. Each layer of the mesh heater (155) may be electrically connected to a power source such as a battery (600 in FIG. 1) and heated individually, or may be connected to a single power source and heated collectively.

As an example, if the mesh heater (155) has one or more layers, they may all be placed in the first airflow passage (151). The mesh heater (155) can efficiently atomize aerosols of relatively large particles by heating them in both directions, and minimize the escape of aerosols of large particles to the mouthpiece (10 m). However, if formed in a multi-layer structure, it is not limited to the case where they are all placed in the first airflow passage (151).

In another embodiment, the cartridge (10) may further include an absorbent (152a) for absorbing droplets generated in the airflow passage (150). By absorbing the droplets, the absorbent (152a) can prevent the inner wall of the airflow passage (150) from being narrowed or blocked by the droplets, thereby improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

The absorbent (152a) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of felt, cotton, cloth, and activated carbon that absorbs or adsorbs liquid or solid residues.

As an example, the absorber (152a) may be placed in the second airflow passage (152). By placing the mesh heater (155) in the first airflow passage (151) and the absorber (152a) in the second airflow passage (152), the aerosol generating material can be used efficiently. The mesh heater (155) is placed in the first airflow passage (151), thereby further atomizing the aerosol that has been atomized to some extent through the atomizer (400), thereby increasing the atomization efficiency, and the absorber (152a) is placed in the second airflow passage (152), thereby minimizing the amount that is not inhaled by the user but absorbed by the absorber (152a). However, the position and number of the absorbers (152a) are not limited.

In another embodiment, one or more absorbers (152a) may be arranged on the inner wall of the second airflow passage (152). By arranging the absorbers (152a) on the inner wall of the second airflow passage (152), the droplets can be absorbed without affecting the smooth flow of the aerosol. For example, the absorbers (152a) may be arranged on the inner wall of the second airflow passage (152) at a portion adjacent to the outlet (10e) of the mouthpiece (10m).

The operation of the mesh heater (155) can be controlled by the control unit (700). The control unit (700) can analyze the result sensed by at least one sensor included in the aerosol generating device (1) and control the processes to be performed subsequently. The control unit (700) can control whether the mesh heater (155) operates, the operation time, the heating temperature, etc., according to the result sensed by at least one sensor.

For example, when the control unit (700) recognizes that smoking has ended, the control unit (700) can operate the mesh heater (155) for a predetermined period of time to dry the droplets remaining in the airflow passage (150 in FIG. 1). That is, the mesh heater (155) that has been operated to atomize the aerosol after smoking has started can continue to operate for a preset period of time even after smoking has ended. When the control unit (700) recognizes that smoking has ended, the control unit (700) can control the heating temperature of the mesh heater (155) after smoking has ended to be lower than the heating temperature of the mesh heater (155) during smoking.

In another embodiment, when the control unit (700) recognizes that smoking is over and operates the mesh heater (155) for a preset period of time, the control unit (700) may control the heating temperature of the mesh heater (155) to gradually decrease as the preset period of time elapses. For example, the control unit (700) may control the heating temperature of the mesh heater (155) to decrease by 3°C every 30 seconds after smoking is over, but the control is not limited thereto and may be controlled in various forms. In addition, when the heating temperature decreases by a certain temperature or more, the operation of the mesh heater (155) may be controlled to end.

According to one embodiment, the main body (20) of the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an input means (not shown) that can manually control the heating temperature of the mesh heater (155). The user can increase or decrease the heating temperature of the mesh heater (155) through the input means, thereby improving the satisfaction of smoking.

For example, input means may include, but are not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, touch panels, etc.

Figure 7 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and at least one atomizer (18). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that shown in Fig. 7. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 7 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the vaporizer (18), restricting smoking, determining whether a cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (131), a puff sensor (132), a cartridge detection sensor (135), a cap detection sensor (136), and a movement detection sensor (137).

The temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature of the atomizer (18). The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the atomizer (18), or the atomizer (18) itself may serve as a temperature sensor.

The temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the vaporizer (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the vaporizer (18). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that uses the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the vaporizer (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the vaporizer (18). At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the vaporizer (18) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the vaporizer (18).

The temperature sensor (131) may be placed around the power source (11) to monitor the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor (131) may be placed adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

A temperature sensor (131) is placed inside the body and can detect the internal temperature of the body.

The puff sensor (132) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (132) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (132) can be arranged corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

The cartridge detection sensor (135) can detect the mounting and/or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (135) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

The cap detection sensor (136) can detect the attachment and/or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body, the cartridge (19) and a part of the body covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (136) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

The motion detection sensor (137) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (137) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

In addition to the sensors (131 to 137) described above, the sensor (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by a person skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The output unit (14) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (14) can include at least one of a display (141), a haptic unit (142), and an audio output unit (143), but is not limited thereto. When the display (141) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (141) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display (141) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can mean various information such as the charging/discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the insertion/removal status of the cartridge (19), the mounting/removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display (141) can output the information to the outside. For example, the display (141) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (141) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

The haptic unit (142) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit (142) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when the initial power is supplied to the atomizer (18) for a set time. The haptic unit (142) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit (143) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (143) can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The power source (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can supply power so that the vaporizer (18) can operate. In addition, the power source (11) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1), such as a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), and a memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (11) and may include a switching element.

The power protection circuit can block the power path to the power source (11) according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power path to the power source (11) when the voltage level of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power path to the power source (11) when the voltage level of the power source (11) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

The atomizer (18) can receive power from the power source (11) and atomize the aerosol generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 7, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., DC/DC converter) that converts power from the power source (11) and supplies it to the atomizer (18).

The control unit (12), the sensor (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the memory (17) can receive power from the power supply (11) and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 7, a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the power supply (11) and supplies it to each component, may be further included. The input unit (15) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (15) may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects a touch. For example, the touch sensor may include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

The display (141) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted (on-cell type or in-cell type) into the display (141). For example, the touch panel may be added-on (add-on type) on the display (141) panel.

Meanwhile, the input unit (15) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

The memory (17) is a hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). The memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, an SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (random access memory), a SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (16) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, 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, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

Although not shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (11) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface, such as a USB interface.

The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs that the processor can be implemented as other types of hardware.

The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (11) between the power supply (11) and the atomizer (18). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (12) may control the power supply circuit.

The control unit (12) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (11) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

The control unit (12) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (11) to the vaporizer (18). The control unit (12) can turn off the switching element so that power supply to the vaporizer (18) is cut off. The control unit (12) can control the current supplied from the power source (11) by controlling the frequency and/or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

The control unit (12) can control the voltage output from the power source (11) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented through a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

The control unit (12) can control the on/off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (11). The duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source (11). As the duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The vaporizer (18) can be operated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

The control unit (12) can control power to be supplied to the firearm (18) by using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the vaporizer (18) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the vaporizer (18) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

The control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the power supply (11). The control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power supply (11) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (131).

When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1), the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking charging of the power source (11). When the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to be charged based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11).

When the power of the aerosol generating device (1) is turned on, the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking discharge of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control to use the power stored in the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using the power stored in the power source (11).

The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on the voltage and/or current sensing values of the power source (11).

The control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and/or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (135). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and/or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

The control unit (12) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (132). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (132). If the number of puffs reaches the preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the vaporizer (18).

The control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and/or removed through the cap detection sensor (136). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and/or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

The control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor (13). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (132) reaches a preset number, the control unit (12) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (141), the haptic unit (142), and the sound output unit (143). For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the judgment that the cartridge (19) and/or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (12) can transmit information on the temperature of the vaporizer (18) or the frequency of ultrasonic vibration to the user through the output unit (14).

The control unit (12) can store and update the history of the event that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event can include operations such as puff detection, puff termination, overheat detection of the vaporizer (18), overvoltage application detection to the vaporizer (18), power on/off of the aerosol generating device (1), start of charging of the power source (11), overcharge detection of the power source (11), and end of charging of the power source (11), performed in the aerosol generating device (1). The history of the event can include the time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, and the like. For example, when the predetermined event is overheat detection of the vaporizer (18), the log data corresponding to the event can include data on the temperature of the vaporizer (18), the voltage applied to the vaporizer (18), the current flowing in the vaporizer (18), and the like.

The control unit (12) can control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number indicating the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authority of the aerosol generating device (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1) based on the data regarding the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of the function of supplying power to the firearm (18) when user authentication is completed.

The control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the external device through a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operation mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

The external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (12) can control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit (142) can generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display (141) can output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (12) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1) when receiving a new version of the firmware data.

The control unit (12) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (13) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (16), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (12) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (12) can store, in the memory (17), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (13) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (17) can store a database for each component equipped in the aerosol generating device (1) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming the artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (12) can learn data on the sensing values of at least one sensor (13), the user's suction pattern, temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory (17), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

Any of the embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any of the embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and/or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes coming within the equivalent scope of the invention are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

In an aerosol generating device, A cartridge comprising a storage portion for storing an aerosol generating substance, a wick for absorbing the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage portion, an atomizer for atomizing the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick into an aerosol by generating ultrasonic vibrations, an airflow passage through which the aerosol passes, a mouthpiece including an outlet for discharging the aerosol passing through the airflow passage to the outside, and a mesh-shaped heater arranged in a direction transverse to the direction in which the airflow passage extends within the airflow passage; and An aerosol generating device comprising a control unit and a body including a coupling unit to which the cartridge is detachably coupled. In the first paragraph, The above airflow passage is, A first airflow passage having one end connected to the firearm and the other end connected to the mouthpiece, and An aerosol generating device comprising a second airflow passage formed within the mouthpiece, one end of which is connected to the first airflow passage and the other end of which is connected to the outside. In the second paragraph, The above mouthpiece is movable between an open position and a closed position, An aerosol generating device, wherein the second airflow passage is connected to the first airflow passage at the open position. In the second paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the mesh-shaped heater is positioned within the first airflow passage. In the fourth paragraph, The above cartridge further comprises one or more absorbents for absorbing the droplets, An aerosol generating device, wherein the absorbent is disposed within the second airflow passage. In clause 5, An aerosol generating device, wherein the absorbent is disposed on the inner wall of the second airflow passage. In the fourth paragraph, An aerosol generating device in which the above mesh-type heater is formed as a multilayer structure in which each layer is arranged in the direction in which the first airflow passage extends. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the mesh heater comprises a plurality of pores having a short side length of 0.5 μm to 5 μm. In the first paragraph, The above wick is, A delivery member disposed adjacent to the storage unit and receiving an aerosol generating material from the storage unit; and An aerosol generating device comprising an absorption plate positioned between the transfer member and the atomizer and transmitting an aerosol generating material supplied to the transfer member to the atomizer. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the above-mentioned connecting member includes a connecting terminal electrically connected to the atomizer and the mesh-type heater. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit operates the mesh heater for a preset period of time when it is recognized that smoking has ended, thereby drying the droplets remaining in the airflow passage. In Article 11, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls the temperature of the mesh heater to decrease as the preset time elapses. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the body further includes an input means capable of manually controlling the temperature of the mesh-type heater.

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