Atomization assembly, cigarette cartridge, and aerosol generating device including the cigarette cartridge

Abstract

The present application provides an atomization assembly for an aerosol generating device, a cigarette cartridge, and an aerosol generating device including the cigarette cartridge, wherein the atomization assembly includes: an atomizer, the atomizer is configured to atomize an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol; a first liquid transport element, the first liquid transport element is configured to absorb the aerosol generating substance from a reservoir for storing the aerosol generating substance; and a second liquid transport element, the second liquid transport element is arranged between the first liquid transport element and the atomizer and is configured to transport the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element to the atomizer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to an atomization assembly, a cartridge, and an aerosol generating device including the cartridge, and more particularly, to an atomization assembly, a cartridge, and an aerosol generating device including the cartridge that are capable of generating aerosol by using ultrasonic vibration. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for technologies that replace methods of providing aerosols by burning ordinary cigarettes. For example, research has been conducted to provide aerosols with flavors by generating aerosols from a liquid or solid aerosol-generating substance and then passing the aerosols through a solid flavoring agent medium. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] Aerosol generating devices generally generate aerosols by heating a liquid or solid aerosol generating substance using a heater. It is important to heat the aerosol generating substance to a suitable temperature to provide the user with an aerosol having a good taste. However, aerosol generating devices using heaters often heat the aerosol generating substance to an excessively high temperature (e.g., about 200° C. or higher). In this case, the user may taste a burnt taste when smoking.

[0005] Problems to be solved according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain may clearly understand undescribed problems through the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device including a cartridge capable of generating aerosol by using ultrasonic vibration, thereby generating aerosol at a relatively low temperature (e.g., about 100° C. to about 160° C.) compared to an aerosol generating device using a heater.

[0008] According to one embodiment, an atomization assembly for an aerosol generating device includes: a nebulizer, which is configured to atomize an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol; a first liquid transport element, which is configured to absorb the aerosol generating substance from a reservoir for storing the aerosol generating substance; and a second liquid transport element, which is arranged between the first liquid transport element and the nebulizer, and is configured to transport the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element to the nebulizer.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a cigarette cartridge includes: a shell; a reservoir, which is located inside the shell and stores a liquid aerosol-generating substance; an atomizer, which is located inside the shell and generates ultrasonic vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating substance into an aerosol; and a plurality of liquid transport elements, which are configured to absorb the aerosol-generating substance stored in the reservoir and transport the absorbed aerosol-generating substance to the atomizer.

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes: the above-mentioned cartridge; a main body connected to the cartridge; a battery arranged inside the main body and supplying power to the cartridge; and a processor, which is arranged inside the main body and controls the power supplied from the battery to the cartridge.

[0011] Beneficial Effects

[0012] Compared with a method of heating an aerosol generating substance by a heater, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment may generate aerosol at a relatively low temperature, and thus may improve a user's smoking experience.

[0013] Furthermore, the cigarette cartridge and the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiments can prevent droplets from splashing toward the user during atomization of the aerosol, thereby improving the user's smoking experience.

[0014] Furthermore, the cartridge and the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can prevent leakage of the aerosol generating substance, so that malfunction or abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device can be reduced.

[0015] Effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above-described effects, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain may clearly understand undescribed effects from the present specification and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 View of an aerosol generating device shown in .

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It shows that Figure 4 A view of the structure of the cartridge, the first support member, and the process of connecting the first shell shown in FIG.

[0021] Figure 5C and Figure 5D It shows that Figure 4 A view of the process of connecting the first shell of the cigarette cartridge and the cigarette holder shown in FIG.

[0022] Figure 5E , Fig. 5F and Figure 5G It shows that Figure 4 A view of the process of coupling the first housing, multiple liquid transport elements, atomizer, and second support member of the cartridge shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 5H and Fig.5I It shows that Figure 4 A view of the process of connecting the first shell and the second shell of the cigarette cartridge shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the interior of a partial area of ​​a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the cigarette cartridge shown in FIG. 1 taken along direction AA′.

[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the cigarette cartridge shown in FIG. 1 taken along direction BB′.

[0027] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an atomization assembly for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0028] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of an atomization assembly for an aerosol generating device taken along direction CC'.

[0029] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 An exploded perspective view of some constituent elements of an atomization assembly for an aerosol generating device.

[0030] Fig. 12A is a perspective view showing a first liquid transporting member according to an embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 12B It shows Fig. 12A A perspective view of a state in which a first liquid transport element and a second liquid transport element are connected to each other.

[0032] Fig. 12C is a perspective view showing a first liquid transport element according to another embodiment.

[0033] Fig.12D It shows Fig. 12C A perspective view of a state in which a first liquid transport element is connected to a second liquid transport element.

[0034] Fig.13 It is an exploded perspective view of a cigarette cartridge according to another embodiment.

[0035] Fig.14 is a schematic perspective view of an atomization assembly for an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0036] Fig.15 is a perspective view showing the interior of a partial area of ​​a cigarette cartridge according to another embodiment.

[0037] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of the cigarette cartridge shown in FIG. 1 taken along direction DD′. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] With regard to the terms used to describe various embodiments, the functions of the structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure are considered to select the currently widely used general terms. However, the meaning of these terms can be changed according to intention, judicial precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in some cases, terms that are not commonly used can be selected. In this case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail at the corresponding parts in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used to describe the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the description provided herein.

[0039] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the term "include" and variations such as "include" and "comprising" will be understood to mean including the stated elements but not excluding any other elements. In addition, the terms "-device", "-unit" and "module" described in the application documents refer to units for processing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0040] As used herein, expressions such as "at least one of..." when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements in the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be understood to mean: only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

[0041] The term "aerosol" described in this specification refers to a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating substance are mixed with air.

[0042] In addition, the term "aerosol generating device" described in the specification refers to a device that generates aerosol by using an aerosol generating substance so that the aerosol can be directly inhaled into the lungs of the user through the user's mouth.

[0043] The term "inhalation" described in the specification refers to inhalation by a user, and inhalation refers to a situation where an aerosol is inhaled into the mouth, nasal cavity or lungs of a user through the mouth or nose of the user.

[0044] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “above,” “over,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, the element or layer is directly above, over, over, connected to or coupled to the other element or layer, or there are intervening components or layers between the element or layer.

[0045] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so that those having ordinary skill in the art can easily practice the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 1000 may include an atomizer 400, a battery 510, a sensor 520, a user interface 530, a memory 540, and a processor 550. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to Figure 1 According to the design of the aerosol generating device 1000, a person skilled in the art can understand that Figure 1 Some of the components shown in the drawings may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0048] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be constituted by only a main body, in which case the components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 are located in the main body.

[0049] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be composed of a body and a cartridge, in which case the components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 are respectively located in the body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of the components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 may be respectively located in the body and the cartridge.

[0050] Hereinafter, the operation of each of the components is described without being limited to the position of the components in a specific space in the aerosol generating device 1000 .

[0051] The atomizer 400 receives power from the battery 510 under the control of the processor 550. The atomizer 400 may receive power from the battery 510 and atomize the aerosol generating substance stored in the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0052] The atomizer 400 may be located in the body of the aerosol generating device 1000. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 1000 is composed of a body and a cartridge, the atomizer 400 may be located in the cartridge. When the atomizer 400 is located in the cartridge, the atomizer 400 may receive power from a battery 510 located in at least one of the body and the cartridge. In addition, when the atomizer 400 is located in the body and the cartridge alone, the components of the atomizer 400 that require power supply may receive power from a battery 510 located in at least one of the body and the cartridge.

[0053] The atomizer 400 generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge. Aerosol can mean a gas in which vaporized particles generated by an aerosol-generating substance are mixed with air. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 means a gas in which vaporized particles generated by an aerosol-generating substance are mixed with air. For example, the atomizer 400 performs the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge 20 into a gas phase. In addition, the atomizer 400 generates an aerosol by discharging an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid phase and / or a solid phase into fine particles.

[0054] For example, the atomizer 400 generates aerosol from the aerosol generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance through ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

[0055] although Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the atomizer 400 may optionally include a heater, which is capable of heating the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat. The aerosol-generating substance may be heated by the heater, so that an aerosol may be generated.

[0056] The heater may be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, a suitable resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nickel-chromium alloy. In addition, the heater may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate arranged with an electrically conductive trace, or a ceramic heating element, but not limited to this.

[0057] In an embodiment, the heater may be a component included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include a heater 130, a liquid delivery element, and a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-generating substance contained in the liquid reservoir may move to the liquid delivery element, and the heater may heat the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the liquid delivery element, thereby generating an aerosol. For example, the heater may include a material such as nickel-chromium and may be wrapped around the liquid delivery element or arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element.

[0058] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a housing space for housing an aerosol generating product. The heater 130 may heat the aerosol generating product inserted into the housing space of the aerosol generating device 1000. Since the aerosol generating product is housed in the housing space of the aerosol generating device 1000, the heater may be located inside and / or outside the aerosol generating product. Therefore, the heater may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance in the aerosol generating product.

[0059] Meanwhile, the heater may include an induction heater. The heater may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol-generating article by induction heating, and the aerosol-generating article or the cartridge may include a base that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0060] The battery 510 supplies power for operating the aerosol generating device 1000. In other words, the battery 510 can supply power so that the heater can be heated. In addition, the battery 510 can supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1000, namely, the sensor 520, the user interface 530, the memory 540, and the processor 550. The battery 510 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0061] For example, the battery 510 is a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-based battery (e.g., a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a cobalt-lithium battery, a lithium phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). However, the type of battery 510 that can be used for the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the above description. If necessary, the battery 510 may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

[0062] The aerosol generating device 1000 may include at least one sensor 520. The result sensed by the at least one sensor 520 is transmitted to the processor 550, and the processor 550 may control the aerosol generating device 1000 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (or a cigarette cartridge) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0063] For example, at least one sensor 520 may include a suction sensor. The suction sensor may detect the user's suction based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change. The suction sensor may detect the start time and end time of the user's suction, and the processor 550 may determine the suction period and the non-suction period according to the detected start time and end time of the suction.

[0064] In addition, at least one sensor 520 may include a user input sensor. The user input sensor may be a sensor capable of receiving a user's input, such as a switch, a physical button, or a touch sensor. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor that can detect a user's input by detecting a change in capacitance when a user touches a predetermined area formed by a metal material. The processor 550 may determine whether the user's input has occurred by comparing the values ​​before and after the capacitance change received from the capacitive sensor. When the values ​​before and after the capacitance change exceed a preset threshold, the processor 550 may determine that the user's input has occurred.

[0065] In addition, at least one sensor 520 may include a motion sensor. The aerosol generating device 1000 may obtain information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 1000, such as the inclination, movement speed, and acceleration of the aerosol generating device 1000, through the motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor may detect information about the following states: a state in which the aerosol generating device 1000 is moving, a state in which the aerosol generating device 1000 is stopped, a state in which the aerosol generating device 1000 is tilted at an angle within a predetermined range for puffing, and a state in which the aerosol generating device 1000 is tilted at a measurable angle different from the angle during the puffing operation between each puffing operation. The motion sensor may detect the motion information of the aerosol generating device 1000 using various methods known in the art. For example, the motion sensor may include an acceleration sensor capable of measuring acceleration in three directions of the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis, and a gyroscope sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in three directions.

[0066] In addition, at least one sensor 520 may include a proximity sensor. A proximity sensor refers to a sensor that can detect the presence or distance of an approaching object or an object appearing nearby without mechanical contact using the force of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays, etc. The aerosol generating device 1000 can detect whether a user is close to the aerosol generating device 1000 by using a proximity sensor.

[0067] In addition, at least one sensor 520 may include an image sensor. For example, the image sensor may include a camera for acquiring an image of an object. The image sensor may recognize an object based on the image acquired by the camera. The processor 550 may determine whether the user is in a situation of using the aerosol generating device 1000 by analyzing the image acquired by the image sensor. For example, when the user brings the aerosol generating device 1000 close to the lips to use the aerosol generating device 1000, the image sensor may acquire an image of the lips. The processor 550 may determine that the user is in a situation of using the aerosol generating device 1000 based on the determination that the acquired image is lips. Through the above-mentioned operation of the processor 550, the aerosol generating device 1000 may operate the atomizer 400 or preheat the heater in advance.

[0068] In addition, at least one sensor 520 may include a consumable removal sensor that can detect the installation or removal of consumables (e.g., cigarette cartridges, aerosol generating products, etc.) that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the consumable removal sensor can detect whether the consumable is in contact with the aerosol generating device 1000 or determine whether the consumable is removed by the image sensor. In addition, the consumable removal sensor can be an inductive sensor that detects a change in the inductance value of a coil that can interact with a mark of the consumable, or the consumable removal sensor can be a capacitive sensor that detects a change in the capacitance value of a capacitor that can interact with a mark of the consumable.

[0069] In addition, at least one sensor 520 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect the temperature at which the heater of the atomizer 400 (or aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater, or the heater itself may be used as a temperature sensor without including a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, a separate temperature sensor may be additionally included in the aerosol generating device 1000, and the heater is used as a temperature sensor. In addition, the temperature sensor may sense the temperature of internal components, such as a battery and a heater of a printed circuit board (PCB) and the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0070] In addition, the at least one sensor 520 may include various sensors that measure information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the at least one sensor 520 may include a temperature sensor that can measure the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the surrounding environment, and an atmospheric pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the surrounding environment.

[0071] The at least one sensor 520 that can be provided in the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to the above-mentioned types, and may also include various sensors. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 includes: a fingerprint sensor capable of acquiring fingerprint information from a user's finger for user authentication and security; an iris recognition sensor capable of analyzing an iris pattern of a pupil; a blood vessel recognition sensor that detects the amount of infrared absorption of hemoglobin based on an image of a palm; a facial recognition sensor that recognizes feature points such as eyes, nose, mouth, and facial contours in a 2D or 3D method, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor, etc.

[0072] Only some of the examples of the various sensors exemplified above may be selected and implemented in the aerosol generating device 1000. In other words, the aerosol generating device 1000 may combine and utilize information sensed by at least one of the above-mentioned sensors.

[0073] The user interface 530 may provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1000. The user interface 530 may include various interface devices, such as a display or light emitter for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, an input / output (I / O) interface device (e.g., a button or a touch screen) for receiving information input from the user or outputting information to the user, a terminal for performing data communication or receiving charging power, and a communication interface module for wireless communication with an external device (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.).

[0074] However, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be implemented by selecting only some of the above-described examples of the various user interfaces 530 .

[0075] The memory 540, as a hardware component configured to store various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1000, can store data processed by the processor 550 or to be processed by the processor. The memory 540 may include various types of memories: random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM), etc.; read-only memory (ROM); electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

[0076] The memory 540 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 1000 , the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, and the like.

[0077] The processor 550 may generally control the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. The processor 550 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs executable in the microprocessor. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the processor 550 may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0078] The processor 550 analyzes the result sensed by the at least one sensor 520 and controls a process to be subsequently performed.

[0079] The processor 550 may control the power supplied to the atomizer 400 based on the result sensed by the at least one sensor 520 to start or terminate the operation of the atomizer 400. In addition, based on the result sensed by the at least one sensor 520, the processor 550 may control the amount of power supplied to the atomizer 400 and the time for supplying the power so that the atomizer 400 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a suitable temperature. For example, the processor 550 may control the power or voltage supplied to the atomizer 400 so that the vibrator of the atomizer 400 may vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

[0080] In an embodiment, the processor 550 may start the operation of the atomizer 400 after receiving a user input to the aerosol generating device 1000. In addition, the processor 550 may start the operation of the atomizer after detecting the user's puff by using the puff sensor. In addition, the processor 550 may stop supplying power to the atomizer 400 when the number of puffs reaches a preset number after counting the number of puffs by using the puff sensor.

[0081] Processor 550 may control user interface 530 based on the result sensed by at least one sensor 520. For example, after counting the number of puffs by using a puff sensor, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number, processor 550 may notify the user that aerosol generating device 1000 is about to terminate by using at least one of a light emitter, a motor, or a speaker.

[0082] Although in Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 1000 may form an aerosol generating system together with another cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 510 of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, when the aerosol generating device 1000 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the cradle, the aerosol generating device 1000 may receive power from the battery of the cradle, so that the battery 510 of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be charged.

[0083] Figure 2 is a view schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0084] exist Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 1000 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a cartridge 10 and a body 20 supporting the cartridge 10 , and the cartridge 10 includes an aerosol generating substance.

[0085] The cartridge 10 may be coupled to the body 20 in a state where the aerosol generating substance is contained in the cartridge 10. For example, the cartridge 10 may be coupled to the body 20 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 10 into the body 20. In another example, the cartridge 10 may be coupled to the body 20 by inserting at least a portion of the body 20 into the cartridge 10.

[0086] The cartridge 10 may be coupled to the body 20 by using at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a threaded coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, and an interference fitting method, and the coupling method of the cartridge 10 and the body 20 is not limited to the above examples.

[0087] In one embodiment, the cartridge 10 may include a mouthpiece 160 that is inserted into the user's oral cavity during the user's inhalation. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 may be located in an area opposite to the area of ​​the cartridge 10 that is coupled to the body 20. The mouthpiece 160 may include an outlet 160e for discharging an aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substance to the outside.

[0088] The user's inhalation or suction can generate a pressure difference between the outside and the inside of the cartridge 10, which can cause the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 10 to be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e. That is, the user can inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e.

[0089] In one embodiment, the cartridge 10 may be arranged in the housing 100 and include a reservoir 200 for storing an aerosol generating substance. In other words, the reservoir 200 may be used as a reservoir for storing an aerosol generating substance. The reservoir 200 may include an element containing an aerosol generating substance, such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure.

[0090] The cigarette cartridge 10 may include an aerosol-generating substance in any state such as a liquid, solid, gaseous or gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or the liquid composition may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0091] The liquid composition may include any component of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, flavoring agent, flavoring agent and vitamin mixture, or may include a mixture of these components. The flavoring agent may include menthol, mint, spearmint oil, various fruity ingredients, etc., but is not limited thereto. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or fragrances to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol former, such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0092] For example, the liquid composition may include a solution of glycerol and propylene glycol in any weight ratio with added nicotine salts. The liquid composition may include two or more nicotine salts. Nicotine salts may be generated by adding a suitable acid to nicotine, including an organic acid or an inorganic acid. Nicotine is naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0093] The acid used to form the nicotine salt can be appropriately selected by considering the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1000, the aroma or flavor, the solubility, etc. For example, the acid used to form 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, saccharinic acid, malonic acid and malic acid; or two or more acids selected from the group, but are not limited thereto.

[0094] The aerosol generating device 1000 may include an atomizer 400 that generates an aerosol by converting the phase of an aerosol generating substance in the cartridge 10 .

[0095] In one example, the aerosol generating substance stored or contained in the reservoir 200 may be supplied to the atomizer 400 through the liquid transport element 300, and the atomizer 400 may generate an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance supplied from the liquid transport element 300. The liquid transport element 300 may be, for example, a core including at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the atomizer 400 of the aerosol generating device 1000 may convert the phase of the aerosol generating substance by atomizing the aerosol generating substance using ultrasonic vibration.

[0097] For example, the atomizer 400 may include a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations, and the vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations may be about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0098] The aerosol-generating substance supplied from the reservoir 200 to the nebulizer 400 may be atomized into an aerosol by the short-period vibration generated by the vibrator.

[0099] The vibrator may include, for example, piezoelectric ceramics, and the piezoelectric ceramics may include a functional material capable of converting mechanical force (e.g., pressure) into electricity (e.g., voltage) or converting electricity (e.g., voltage) into mechanical force (e.g., pressure). That is, when electricity is applied to the vibrator, short-period vibrations may be generated, and the generated vibrations may split the aerosol-generating substance into smaller particles and atomize the aerosol-generating substance.

[0100] The vibrator may be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device 1000 through an electrical connection member. For example, the vibrator may be electrically connected to at least one of the battery 510, the processor 550, or the circuit of the aerosol generating device 1000 through an electrical connection member. The components connected to the vibrator are not limited to the above examples.

[0101] The vibrator may receive current or voltage from the battery 510 through the electrical connection member to generate ultrasonic vibrations, or the operation of the vibrator may be controlled by the processor 550 .

[0102] The electrical connection member may include, for example, at least one of a pogo pin and a C-clip, and the electrical connection member is not limited to the above examples. In another example, the electrical connection member may also include at least one of a cable and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0103] In another embodiment (not shown), the atomizer 400 may also be implemented by a vibration receiver having a mesh shape or a plate shape, which performs the following functions: absorbing the aerosol generating substance and keeping the aerosol generating substance in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol; and generating an aerosol by transmitting vibration to the aerosol generating substance. In this case, a separate liquid transport element 300 may not be required.

[0104] The drawings may only show an embodiment in which the liquid transport element 300 and the atomizer 400 are arranged in the cartridge 10 , but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the liquid transport element 300 may be located in the cartridge 10 , and the atomizer 400 may be located in the body 20 .

[0105] The cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 may include an outlet channel 150. The outlet channel 150 may provide fluid communication between the atomizer 400 and the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 may flow along the outlet channel 150 and may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 through the outlet 160e to be delivered to the user.

[0106] For example, the outlet channel 150 may be disposed inside the cartridge 10 to be surrounded by the reservoir 200 , but is not limited thereto.

[0107] Although not shown in the drawings, the cartridge 10 of the aerosol generating device 1000 may include at least one air inlet channel for introducing air (ie, external air from the outside) into the aerosol generating device 1000 .

[0108] External air may be introduced into the outlet channel 150 of the cartridge 10 or into the space where the aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 is located through at least one air inlet channel. The introduced external air may be mixed with vaporized particles generated by the aerosol generating substance, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0109] In the aerosol generating device 1000, the cross-section of the cartridge 10 taken along the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 10 (or the body 20) may be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, or one of various polygonal shapes. However, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to the above shapes. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to a linear extension structure.

[0110] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be formed in a streamline shape to be easily held by a user's hand, or the aerosol generating device 1000 may be bent at a preset angle in a specific area. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 1000 may change along the longitudinal direction.

[0111] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0112] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cigarette cartridge 10 shown can be used Figure 2 Therefore, the repeated description of the cigarette cartridge 10 is omitted.

[0113] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4The cartridge 10 according to the embodiment may include a housing 100 forming an overall appearance of the cartridge 10 and a mouthpiece 160 connected to one area of ​​the housing 100 .

[0114] The constituent elements of the cigarette cartridge 10 are not limited to the above examples. According to the implementation, at least one configuration may be added or any configuration (eg, the mouthpiece 160) may be omitted.

[0115] The housing 100 may include an internal space and may form the overall appearance of the cartridge 10, in which the constituent elements of the cartridge 10 may be arranged. The accompanying drawings only show an embodiment in which the housing 100 as a whole has a cylindrical shape, but the shape of the housing 100 is not limited thereto. According to another embodiment (not shown), the housing 100 as a whole may also have the shape of a polygonal column (e.g., a triangular column or a quadrangular column).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the housing 100 may include a first housing 110 and a second housing 120 coupled to each other, and the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may protect constituent elements of the cartridge 10 disposed in the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 .

[0117] For example, the second housing 120 (or “lower housing”) may be coupled to a lower end portion (eg, an end portion in the −z direction) of the first housing 110 (or “upper housing”), but is not limited thereto.

[0118] In the present disclosure, “the lower end portion of the first shell” may refer to the end portion of the first shell 110 in the −z direction, and “the upper end portion of the first shell” may refer to the end portion of the first shell 110 in the +z direction.

[0119] The mouthpiece 160 can be inserted into the user's oral cavity. The mouthpiece 160 can be coupled to an area of ​​the housing 100. For example, the mouthpiece 160 can be coupled to an area of ​​the first housing 100 opposite to the area of ​​the first housing 110 coupled to the second housing 120 (e.g., an upper area of ​​the first housing 110).

[0120] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 may be detachably coupled to one region of the housing 100 , but the mouthpiece 160 and the housing 100 may be integrally formed according to an embodiment.

[0121] The mouthpiece 160 may include at least one outlet 160e for discharging aerosol generated inside the cartridge 10 to the outside of the cartridge 10. A user may contact the user's oral cavity with the mouthpiece 160 to inhale aerosol discharged through the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160.

[0122] The cartridge 10 may include a reservoir 200 (e.g., Figure 2The reservoir 200 and the atomization assembly 20 are arranged in the internal space of the housing 100.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the reservoir 200 may be located inside the first housing 110, and the aerosol generating substance may be stored in the reservoir 200. For example, a liquid aerosol generating substance may be stored in the reservoir 200, and the liquid aerosol generating substance stored in the reservoir 200 may be transferred to the atomizer 400 through the liquid transfer element 300.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the atomizing assembly 20 may include a liquid transport element 300 (e.g., Figure 2 The liquid transport element 300) and the atomizer 400 (e.g., Figure 2 A nebulizer 400 is provided in the container 200 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance stored in the reservoir 200.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the liquid transport element 300 may receive the aerosol generating substance from the reservoir 200 and transmit the received aerosol generating substance to the atomizer 400. For example, the liquid transport element 300 may absorb the aerosol generating substance moving from the reservoir 200 in the direction of the liquid transport element 300, and the absorbed aerosol generating substance may move along the liquid transport element 300 to be supplied to the atomizer 400.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the liquid transport element 300 may include a plurality of liquid transport elements. For example, the liquid transport element 300 may include a first liquid transport element 310 and a second liquid transport element 320 .

[0127] The first liquid transport element 310 can be adjacent to the reservoir 200 to receive the liquid aerosol generating substance from the reservoir 200. For example, the first liquid transport element 310 can receive the aerosol generating substance from the reservoir 200 by absorbing at least a portion of the aerosol generating substance discharged from the reservoir 200.

[0128] The second liquid transport element 320 may be disposed between the first liquid transport element 310 and the atomizer 400 , and transport the aerosol supplied to the first liquid transport element 310 to the atomizer 400 .

[0129] For example, the first liquid transport element 310 may be in contact with the second liquid transport element 320. In addition, the second liquid transport element 320 may be in contact with the atomizer 400.

[0130] That is, the atomizer 400, the second liquid transport element 320 and the first liquid transport element 310 can be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction (e.g., +z direction) of the cartridge 10 or the shell 100, and therefore, the second liquid transport element 320 and the first liquid transport element 310 can be sequentially stacked on the atomizer 400.

[0131] At least a portion of the aerosol generating material supplied from the reservoir 200 to the first liquid transport element 310 may move to the second liquid transport element 320 in contact with the first liquid transport element 310. Furthermore, the aerosol generating material moved to the second liquid transport element 320 may reach the atomizer 400 in contact with the second liquid transport element 320.

[0132] The drawings only show an embodiment in which the liquid transport element 300 includes two liquid transport elements, but the liquid transport element 300 may also include one or three or more liquid transport elements depending on the embodiment.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the atomizer 400 may generate an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating substance supplied from the liquid transport element 300 .

[0134] For example, the atomizer 400 may include a vibrator that generates ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator may be about 100 kHz to about 10 MHz, and preferably, the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator may be about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz. The vibrator may vibrate along the longitudinal direction (or "up and down direction") of the cartridge 10 or the housing 100 according to the above frequency.

[0135] The aerosol generated by the atomizer 400 according to the ultrasonic method may have a relatively low temperature compared to the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating substance. In the heating method of heating the aerosol generating substance by using a heater, the aerosol generating substance may be unintentionally heated to a temperature of 200° C. or higher, and thus the user may feel a burnt smell in the aerosol.

[0136] On the other hand, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment can generate aerosol at a temperature range of about 100° C. to about 160° C., which is lower than the temperature in the heating method, by an ultrasonic method. Therefore, the cartridge 10 can reduce the burnt smell in the aerosol.

[0137] According to one embodiment, air outside the cartridge 10 (hereinafter referred to as “external air”) may be introduced into the cartridge 10 through an air inlet 130 i formed in the housing 100 .

[0138] The aerosol introduced into the housing 100 through the air inlet 130i can flow along the air inlet passage (see Figure 8 The air inlet passage 130i flows through the atomizer 400 and reaches the atomizer 400, and the air inlet passage provides fluid communication between the air inlet 130i and the atomizer 400. The external air reaching the atomizer 400 can be mixed with the vaporized particles generated by the atomizer 400 to generate an aerosol.

[0139] The aerosol generated by mixing external air with the particles generated by the nebulizer 400 can be dispersed along an outlet passage (e.g., Figure 2 The aerosol flows through the outlet channel 150 in the mouthpiece 160 to be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160, thereby being supplied to the user. A detailed description of the flow direction of the aerosol will be provided below.

[0140] The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may further include a structure 140 for preventing liquid droplets splashing from the atomizer 400 from being supplied to a user, and a first supporting member 141 for fixing or supporting the structure 140 .

[0141] When the aerosol generating substance is atomized by the ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400, a portion of the aerosol generating substance may not be atomized, and thus droplets may be generated. The generated droplets may splash due to the ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400 and may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e. In this regard, the structure 140 may be located adjacent to the outlet channel 150 to limit the movement or flow of the ejected droplets in the direction toward the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160.

[0142] For example, the structure 140 may include a material (eg, a felt material) capable of absorbing droplets splashed from the atomizer 400 to restrict movement or flow of the droplets toward the outlet 160 e , but is not limited thereto.

[0143] When the droplets splashed from the atomizer 400 are discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e and transmitted to the user, the user may feel uncomfortable, and thus the user's smoking experience may be deteriorated. In the present disclosure, "smoking experience" may refer to the feeling that the user feels during smoking.

[0144] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 10 can limit the movement of un-atomized droplets splashed from the atomizer 400 in the direction toward the outlet 160e by the structure 140, so that the user's smoking experience will not be deteriorated due to the splashing of droplets. In the present disclosure, "droplet splashing" may refer to the phenomenon that un-atomized droplets are splashed by the vibration generated by the atomizer 400 and transmitted to the user.

[0145] The first support member 141 may accommodate at least one region of the structure 140 and fix the accommodated structure 140 in the first housing 110. For example, the first support member 141 may hold or fix the structure 140 to a region (e.g., an upper region) adjacent to the mouthpiece 160 of the first housing 110, but is not limited thereto.

[0146] In one embodiment, the first support member 141 may be arranged to surround at least one area of ​​the structure 140 , and when the first support member 141 accommodating the structure 140 is coupled to an area of ​​the first shell 110 , the structure 140 may be fixed to the area of ​​the first shell 110 .

[0147] The first support member 141 that accommodates the structure 140 may be coupled to the first housing 110 so that at least a portion of the first support member 141 is press-fitted to the first housing 110. However, the coupling method of the first housing 110 and the first support member 141 is not limited to the above example. In another example, the first housing 110 may be coupled to the first support member 141 by using at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a threaded coupling method, and a magnetic coupling method.

[0148] The first support member 141 may include a material having rigid and waterproof properties (e.g., rubber) so as not only to fix the structure 140 to the first housing 110 but also to prevent leakage of the aerosol generating substance generated in the reservoir 200. For example, the first support member 141 may prevent leakage of the aerosol generating substance by blocking an area of ​​the reservoir 200 facing the mouthpiece 160.

[0149] The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may further include a second support member 340 for holding the liquid transport element 300 and / or the atomizer 400 inside the first housing 110 .

[0150] The second supporting member 340 may accommodate the first liquid transport element 310, the second liquid transport element 320, and / or the atomizer 400. The second supporting member 340 accommodating the first liquid transport element 310, the second liquid transport element 320, and / or the atomizer 400 may be coupled to the first housing 110, so that the first liquid transport element 310, the second liquid transport element 320, and / or the atomizer 400 may be fixed to the first housing 110.

[0151] For example, the second support member 340 may be coupled to a region (eg, a lower region) of the first housing 110 opposite to another region of the first housing 110 coupled to the first support member 141 , but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The second support member 340 may be coupled to the first housing 110 so that at least a portion of the second support member 340 is press-fitted to the first housing 110, but the coupling method of the first housing 110 and the second support member 340 is not limited to the above example. In another example, the first housing 110 may also be coupled to the second support member 340 by using at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a threaded coupling method, and a magnetic coupling method.

[0153] The second support member 340 may include a material having rigid and waterproof properties (e.g., rubber) so as not only to fix the liquid transport element 300 and the atomizer 400 to the first housing 110 but also to prevent leakage of the aerosol generating substance generated in the reservoir 200. For example, the second support member 340 may prevent leakage of the aerosol generating substance by blocking an area of ​​the reservoir 200 adjacent to the liquid transport element 300 or the atomizer 400.

[0154]

Table 1

[0155]

[0156] Table 1 shows the results of an experiment for comparing the initial weight (before evaluation) of a cartridge 10 according to one embodiment with the weight (after evaluation) of the cartridge 10 measured after storing the cartridge 10 in an environment having a temperature of about 60° C. and a humidity of about 80% for 96 hours and then storing it at room temperature for another two hours. If the aerosol-generating substance leaks from the cartridge 10, the weight of the cartridge 10 decreases over time.

[0157] However, as shown in Table 1, the weight of the cartridge 10 according to the embodiment increased by about 0.321 g on average compared to the weight before the evaluation. Therefore, it can be seen that no leakage occurred in the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment.

[0158] Here, the reason why the weight of the cartridge 10 increases may be due to moisture generated when the environment changes to room temperature after the cartridge 10 is stored at a relatively high humidity (80%).

[0159] That is, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment can prevent the aerosol generating material in the reservoir 200 from leaking through the first support member 141 and / or the second support member 340 , thereby reducing malfunction or abnormal operation of the cartridge 10 due to leakage.

[0160] In the following, reference will be made to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D To describe the connection method of the constituent elements of the cigarette cartridge 10.

[0161] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D It shows that Figure 3 A view of the process of connecting the constituent elements of the cigarette cartridge 10.

[0162] Specifically, Figure 5A and Figure 5B It shows that Figure 4 The illustrated diagram is a view of the process of connecting the structure 140 , the first support member 141 and the first shell 110 of the cigarette cartridge 10 . Figure 5C and Figure 5D Shows the Figure 4 The process of connecting the first shell 110 and the mouthpiece 160 of the cigarette cartridge 10 is shown.

[0163] Figure 5E , Fig. 5F and Figure 5G It shows that Figure 4 The illustrated diagram is a view of the process of coupling the first housing 110 , the plurality of liquid transport elements 300 , the atomizer 400 , and the second support member 340 of the cigarette cartridge 10 . Figure 5H and Fig.5I It shows that Figure 4 The diagram shows a process of connecting the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 of the cigarette cartridge 10.

[0164] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the structure 140 and the first support member 141 may be coupled to one region of the first housing 110 .

[0165] The first support member 141 may accommodate the structure 140 by surrounding at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the structure 140. The first support member 141 accommodating the structure 140 may be coupled to one region (eg, an upper region) of the first housing 110, and thus the structure 140 may be fixed to the first housing 110.

[0166] The first support member 141 may be coupled to the first housing 110 so that at least a portion of the first support member 141 is press-fitted into the inner space of the first housing 110, but is not limited thereto. Although not shown in the drawings, the first support member 141 may be coupled to the first housing 110 by using at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a threaded coupling method, and a magnetic coupling method.

[0167] Reference Figure 5C and Figure 5D , the mouthpiece 160 may be coupled to the first housing 110. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 160 may be coupled to a region of the first housing 110 adjacent to the structure 140 and the first support member 141. For example, the mouthpiece 160 may be coupled to an upper region of the first housing 110.

[0168] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing 110 may be inserted into the mouthpiece 160 such that the mouthpiece 160 surrounds a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the housing 110 , but the coupling method of the first housing 110 and the mouthpiece 160 is not limited thereto.

[0169] In another embodiment, a first groove 111 is formed in one area of ​​the first housing 110, and at least one protrusion (or "hook") (not shown) protruding from the inner wall of the mouthpiece 160 may be formed in the mouthpiece 160. When at least a portion of the first housing 110 is inserted into the mouthpiece 160, at least one protrusion of the mouthpiece 160 may be inserted into the first groove 111 of the first housing 110, and thus the mouthpiece 160 may be coupled to the first housing 110.

[0170] Reference Figure 5E , Fig. 5F and Figure 5G , the liquid transport element 300, the atomizer 400, and the second support member 340 may be coupled to the first housing 110. For example, the liquid transport element 300, the atomizer 400, and the second support member 340 may be coupled to a region of the first housing 110 opposite to another region of the first housing 110 to which the structure 140 and the first support member 141 are coupled.

[0171] The second supporting member 340 may surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first liquid transport element 310 , the second liquid transport element 320 , and the atomizer 400 , such that the liquid transport element 310 , the second liquid transport element 320 , and the atomizer 400 are accommodated in the second supporting member 340 .

[0172] The second support member 340 accommodating the first liquid transport element 310 , the second liquid transport element 320 and the atomizer 400 may be connected to an area (eg, a lower area) of the first shell 110 , and thus, the first liquid transport element 310 , the second liquid transport element 320 and the atomizer 400 may be fixed to the first shell 110 .

[0173] The second support member 340 may be coupled to the first housing 110 so that at least a portion of the second support member 340 is press-fitted into the inner space of the first housing 110, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Although not shown in the drawings, the second support member 340 may be coupled to the first housing 110 by using at least one of a snap-fit ​​method, a threaded coupling method, and a magnetic coupling method.

[0174] Reference Figure 5H and Fig.5I, the second housing 120 may be coupled to the first housing 110. In one embodiment, the second housing 120 may be coupled to a region of the first housing 110 that is adjacent to another region of the first housing 110 to which the liquid transport element 300, the atomizer 400, and / or the second support member 340 are coupled. For example, the second housing 120 may be coupled to a lower region of the first housing 110.

[0175] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing 110 may be inserted into the second housing 120 such that the second housing 120 surrounds a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first housing 110 , but the coupling method of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is not limited thereto.

[0176] In another embodiment, a second groove 112 may be formed in the first housing 110, and at least one protrusion (not shown) protruding from the inner wall of the second housing 120 may be formed in the second housing 120. When at least a portion of the first housing 110 is inserted into the second housing 120, the at least one protrusion of the second housing 120 may be inserted into the second groove 112 of the first housing 110, and thus the second housing 120 may be coupled to the first housing 110.

[0177] For example, the second groove 112 may include a first portion 112a formed along the longitudinal direction of the first shell 110 and a second portion 112b transverse to the first portion 112a. The second portion 112b may be formed to extend from the upper end of the first portion 112a in a horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first shell 110, but is not limited thereto.

[0178] In the process of coupling the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, at least one protrusion of the second housing 120 may first be inserted into the first portion 112a of the second groove 112. In a state where the at least one protrusion of the second housing 120 is inserted into the first portion 112a of the second groove 112, when the second housing 120 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the first housing 110, the at least one protrusion may move from the first portion 112a to the second portion 112b, and thus the first housing 110 may be coupled to the second housing 120.

[0179] The second shell 120 coupled to the first shell 110 may surround the liquid transport element 300 , the atomizer 400 and / or the second support member 340 coupled to the first shell 110 , so that the liquid transport element 300 , the atomizer 400 and / or the second support member 340 are not exposed to the outside of the cartridge 10 .

[0180] Through the above-described arrangement structure, the liquid conveying element 300 , the atomizer 400 , and / or the second supporting member 340 may be protected from external impact or foreign matter from the outside by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 .

[0181] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 6 to 8 Describe in detail the process of generating and emitting aerosols.

[0182] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the interior of a partial area of ​​a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment, Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the cigarette cartridge shown in FIG. 1 taken along the direction A-A', and Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the cigarette cartridge shown in FIG. 1 taken along direction BB′.

[0183] exist Figures 6 to 8 In the figure, the alternating long and short dashed lines represent the movement path of the aerosol-generating substance, the dashed line represents the movement path of the external air, and the solid line represents the movement path of the aerosol.

[0184] The cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may include a housing 100 , an air inlet channel 130 , a structure 140 , a first support member 141 , an outlet channel 150 , a mouthpiece 160 , a reservoir 200 , a first liquid transport element 310 , a second liquid transport element 320 , a second support member 340 , and an atomizer 400 .

[0185] Referenced above Figure 3 and Figure 4 Described in Figures 6 to 8 Some constituent elements of the cigarette cartridge 10 are shown in the figure, so their repeated description is omitted below.

[0186] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the liquid transport element 300 may transport the liquid aerosol generating substance stored in the reservoir 200 to the atomizer 400 , and the atomizer 400 may atomize the aerosol generating substance transported from the liquid transport element 300 into smaller particles.

[0187] The aerosol generating substance stored in the reservoir 200 may be supplied to the liquid transport element 300 through the connecting channel 210 , which provides fluid communication between the interior space of the reservoir 200 and the liquid transport element 300 .

[0188] The liquid transport element 300 may be disposed in the lower end portion of the reservoir 200 (eg, Figure 6 and Figure 7The aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir 200 may be moved by gravity along the connecting passage 210 in a downward direction (e.g., Figure 6 and Figure 7 The liquid transport element 300 moves in the -z direction of the liquid transport element 300. In the present disclosure, the "-z direction" may refer to the direction of gravity.

[0189] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating substance stored in the reservoir 200 may move along the connecting channel 210 to reach the first liquid transport element 310, and the first liquid transport element 310 may absorb the aerosol generating substance.

[0190] In one example, the first liquid transport element 310 may extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the housing 100. For example, the first liquid transport element 310 may extend in a horizontal direction (e.g., y-axis direction) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0191] A region of the first liquid transport element 310 adjacent to the connection channel 210 of the reservoir 200 may have a larger area than other regions of the first liquid transport element 310. For example, both ends of the first liquid transport element 310 may be formed to have a larger area than other regions of the first liquid transport element 310, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0192] Since the region of the first liquid transport element 310 adjacent to the connection channel 210 is formed to have a larger area than other regions of the first liquid transport element 310, the first liquid transport element 310 can absorb the aerosol generating substance through a larger area. As a result, the amount of the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element 310 can be increased, and thus the amount of the aerosol generating substance delivered to the atomizer 400 can be increased.

[0193] The aerosol generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element 300 may move in a horizontal direction (eg, y-axis direction) along the first liquid transport element 310 , and then may be transported to the second liquid transport element 320 disposed below the first liquid transport element 310 .

[0194] In one embodiment, the second liquid transport element 320 may be in contact with the first liquid transport element 310 and the atomizer 400. For example, one surface of the second liquid transport element 320 facing the first liquid transport element 310 (e.g., a surface facing the +z direction) may be in contact with the first liquid transport element 310, and the other surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z direction) may be in contact with the atomizer 400, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0195] The second liquid transport element 320 may be disposed between the first liquid transport element 310 and the atomizer 400 and may be in contact with the first liquid transport element 310 and the atomizer 400. Therefore, the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element 310 may be transferred to the atomizer 400.

[0196] For example, the aerosol generating substance transferred from the first liquid transport element 310 to the second liquid transport element 320 may move in the −z direction along the second liquid transport element 320 to reach the atomizer 400 .

[0197] The second liquid transport element 320 may be formed in a cylindrical shape having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the atomizer 400, but the shape and size of the second liquid transport element 320 are not limited thereto. For example, the second liquid transport element 320 may be formed in a polygonal column. In addition, the second liquid transport element 320 may have substantially the same cross-sectional area as the atomizer 400.

[0198] The nebulizer 400 can vaporize (i.e., atomize) the aerosol-generating substance delivered by the first liquid delivery element 310 and the second liquid delivery element 320 into smaller particles. For example, the nebulizer 400 can generate ultrasonic vibrations in the +z direction and / or the -z direction, and the aerosol-generating substance delivered to the nebulizer 400 can be atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations.

[0199] A portion of the aerosol generating substance delivered to the atomizer 400 may not be atomized by the ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400, and thus droplets may splash from the atomizer 400 into the user's mouth, which may deteriorate the user's smoking experience.

[0200] However, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment limits the splashing of liquid droplets by using the first liquid transport element 310 and / or the second liquid transport element 320. Therefore, the smoking experience of the user is not deteriorated due to the liquid droplets.

[0201] In one embodiment, the first liquid transport element 310 and / or the second liquid transport element 320 may block liquid droplets splashing toward the outside of the cartridge 10. To this end, the first liquid transport element 310 and the second liquid transport element 320 may be disposed between the atomizer 400 and the outlet channel 150.

[0202] In one embodiment, the first liquid transport element 310 may be formed in a shape extending longer than the second liquid transport element 320 in a horizontal direction (eg, a y-axis direction).

[0203] A free space v may be formed between the second liquid transport element 320 and the second supporting member 340 in which the second liquid transport element 320 is accommodated, and liquid droplets may splash in the free space v.

[0204] In the cartridge 10 according to the embodiment, the first liquid transport element 310 may be longer than the second liquid transport element 320 in the horizontal direction, and thus the first liquid transport element 310 may extend beyond the second liquid transport element 320 .

[0205] Due to the above arrangement, the first liquid transport element 310 may cover at least a portion of the free space v between the second liquid transport element 320 and the second support member 340 , so that the first liquid transport element 310 may prevent liquid droplets in the free space v from splashing toward the outlet channel 150 .

[0206] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 , external air may be introduced into the cartridge 10 through at least one air inlet channel 130 formed in the housing 100. For example, external air may be introduced into the cartridge 10 through an air inlet 130i formed on an outer peripheral surface of the housing 100.

[0207] The at least one air inlet channel 130 may provide fluid communication between the atomizer 400 and the outside of the cartridge 10. Thus, external air may move to the atomizer 400 in the cartridge 10 through the at least one air inlet channel 130. The external air moving to the atomizer 400 may mix with vaporized particles generated by the atomizer 400, and thus an aerosol may be generated.

[0208] In one embodiment, the at least one air inlet passage 130 may be arranged adjacent to the reservoir 200 in the first housing 110 , but the arrangement structure of the at least one air inlet passage 130 and the reservoir 200 is not limited to the embodiment described above.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the at least one air inlet passage 130 may include a first air inlet passage 131 and a second air inlet passage 132 .

[0210] In the first housing 110, the first air inlet passage 131 may be spaced apart from the second air inlet passage 132. For example, the first air inlet passage 131 may be located on the right side of the interior space of the first housing 110, and the second air inlet passage 132 may be located on the left side of the interior space of the first housing 110.

[0211] like Figure 8As shown, external air can be introduced into the cartridge 10 through the first air inlet 131i of the first air inlet channel 131, and then move along the first air inlet channel 131 in a direction toward the atomizer 400. In addition, external air can be introduced into the cartridge 10 through the second air inlet 132i of the second air inlet channel 132, and then move along the second air inlet channel 132 in a direction toward the atomizer 400.

[0212] External air moving to the atomizer 400 through the first air inlet passage 131 and / or the second air inlet passage 132 may be mixed with vaporized particles generated by the atomizer 400 to generate aerosol.

[0213]

Table 2

[0214]

[0215] Table 2 shows the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the air inlet channels according to different diameters T of the first air inlet channel 131 and the second air inlet channel 132 and the inhalation resistance. The inhalation resistance of the aerosol can be changed according to the proportion of the external air contained in the aerosol. As shown above, if the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment includes a first air inlet channel 131 and / or a second air inlet channel 132 having a diameter T of about 1.0 mm to about 1.3 mm, the inhalation resistance of the aerosol can be maintained in the range of about 30 mmH2O to about 70 mmH2O.

[0216] When the inhalation resistance of the aerosol is less than 30 mmH2O, the user may not feel the inhalation of the aerosol. On the other hand, when the inhalation resistance of the aerosol is greater than 70 mmH2O, the user may feel that it is difficult to inhale the aerosol due to the large inhalation resistance.

[0217] The cigarette cartridge 10 according to one embodiment maintains the inhalation resistance at about 30 mmH2O to about 70 mmH2O through the first air inlet channel 131 and the second air inlet channel 132, thereby improving the smoking experience of the user.

[0218] The aerosol generated by mixing external air with vaporized particles generated by the atomizer 400 may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet channel 150 to be supplied to the user.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the outlet channel 150 may provide fluid communication between the atomizer 400 and the outlet 160e of the mouthpiece 160. Thus, the aerosol may move or flow along the outlet channel 150 and may then be discharged to the exterior of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e.

[0220] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the outlet channel 150 may be arranged to be surrounded by the reservoir 200 , but the arrangement structure of the outlet channel 150 and the reservoir 200 is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0221] In one embodiment, the outlet channel 150 may be divided into a first outlet channel 151 and a second outlet channel 152 .

[0222] The outlet channel 150 may be divided at a region P of the outlet channel 150 adjacent to the mouthpiece 160. Aerosol reaching one region P of the outlet channel 150 may move to the first outlet channel 151 and / or the second outlet channel 152, and may then be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet 160e.

[0223] Although the first liquid transport element 310 and the second liquid transport element 320 are disposed on the atomizer 400 , liquid droplets splashed from the atomizer 400 may be introduced into the outlet channel 150 and may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 .

[0224] In the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment, the outlet channel 150 may be divided into a first outlet channel 151 and a second outlet channel 152 at a region P adjacent to the mouthpiece 160 , thereby blocking droplets splashed from the atomizer 400 from being discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 .

[0225] For example, the liquid droplets introduced into the outlet channel 150 may collide with the top at the region P, and then may be absorbed by the structure 140 adjacent to the region P. Therefore, the liquid droplets are not discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10.

[0226] That is, the cigarette cartridge 10 according to one embodiment can first block the droplets delivered to the user by using the first liquid transport element 310 and the second liquid transport element 320, and secondly block the droplets not blocked by the first liquid transport element 310 and / or the second liquid transport element 320 by using the separation structure and structure 140 of the outlet channel 150.

[0227] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an atomization assembly according to one embodiment, Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the atomizing assembly taken along the direction C-C', and Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 An exploded perspective view of some of the components of the atomization assembly.

[0228] Reference Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 According to one embodiment, the atomizing assembly 20 is configured to store the liquid in a reservoir (e.g., FIG. 5 and FIG. Figure 6 The aerosol generating material in the reservoir 200) is atomized to generate an aerosol. The atomizing assembly 20 according to one embodiment may be included in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 1000 and / or is included in Figure 3 to Figure 4 as well as Figures 6 to 8 In the cigarette cartridge 10, therefore, repeated description thereof is omitted below.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the atomization assembly 20 includes: a nebulizer 400, which atomizes an aerosol-generating substance to generate an aerosol; a first liquid transport element 310, which is connected to a reservoir (i.e., directly in contact with or fluidically connected to the reservoir) to absorb the aerosol-generating substance; and a second liquid transport element 320, which is located between the first liquid transport element 310 and the nebulizer 400 to transport the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element 310 to the nebulizer 400.

[0230] An aerosol generating device (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 1000) has the following features and advantages.

[0231] First, the second liquid transport element 320 can cover the atomizer 400, thereby acting as a physical barrier to prevent particles that have not yet vaporized from being directly inhaled into the user's oral cavity. Therefore, the atomization assembly 20 according to one embodiment can improve the taste of the aerosol.

[0232] Secondly, the atomizer assembly 20 according to one embodiment can smoothly transfer the aerosol generating material stored in the reservoir to the atomizer 400 through the arrangement structure of the first liquid transport element 310 and the second liquid transport element 320. Therefore, the atomizer assembly 20 according to one embodiment can increase the atomization rate of generating aerosol.

[0233] Hereinafter, the atomizer 400 , the first liquid transport element 310 , and the second liquid transport element 320 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0234] The nebulizer 400 is used to generate an aerosol by converting the phase of an aerosol-generating substance. The nebulizer 400 may be disposed in a housing (e.g., Figure 4 The housing 100).

[0235] In one example, the nebulizer 400 may generate the aerosol from the aerosol generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating the aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance using ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

[0236] In another example, the atomizer 400 may further include a heating element for atomizing the aerosol-generating substance. In this case, the atomizer 400 may include a flat-shaped heating element.

[0237] The atomizer 400 may include a heater capable of heating the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat. The heater may include an electrically conductive trace and may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive trace. However, the heater is not limited to the above examples, and any heater may be used without limitation as long as the heater can be heated to a desired temperature. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the liquid transport element may be heated by the heater to generate an aerosol.

[0238] The heater may be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may include metals such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nickel-chromium alloys or metal alloys thereof, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the heater may be implemented by a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate arranged with an electrically conductive trace, a ceramic heating element, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0239] The first liquid transport element 310 can transfer or deliver the aerosol generating substance to the atomizer 400. The first liquid transport element 310 can be connected to the reservoir to absorb the aerosol generating substance. The first liquid transport element 310 can also be in contact with the second liquid transport element 320. Therefore, the first liquid transport element 310 can transfer or deliver the aerosol generating substance stored in the reservoir to the second liquid transport element 320.

[0240] The first liquid transport element 310 may be arranged along a second direction (eg, Fig. 9 The second direction extends in the x-axis direction in the atomizer 400, and the second direction is transverse to the first direction (eg, Fig. 9 In this case, one end and the other end of the first liquid transport element 310 may be connected to the reservoir. In the present disclosure, the “first direction” may refer to a direction in which the aerosol is discharged and an outlet channel (e.g., Figure 6 The direction in which the outlet channel 150) extends.

[0241] The first liquid transport element 310 may be formed of a material capable of absorbing an aerosol generating substance. The first liquid transport element 310 may include a core including at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto. The first liquid transport element 310 may maintain the aerosol generating substance in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol.

[0242] For example, the first liquid transport element 310 may include at least one of SPL30(H), SPL50(H)V, NP100(V8), SPL60(FC), and melamine. In the present disclosure, "SPL" and "NP" are codes indicating resin types.

[0243] The first liquid transport element 310, the second liquid transport element 320, and the atomizer 400 may be sequentially arranged along the transport direction of the aerosol generating substance. In this case, in the atomizer assembly 20 according to one embodiment, the aerosol generating substance may be transported along the gravity direction (e.g., -z direction), so the aerosol generating substance may be more smoothly transported to the atomizer 400. The transport direction of the aerosol generating substance may refer to a direction opposite to the first direction in which the aerosol is discharged, or may refer to a direction from the mouthpiece (e.g., Figure 6 The mouthpiece of the device is facing the direction of the atomizer 400.

[0244] The first liquid transport element 310 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, but the shape of the first liquid transport element 310 is not limited thereto. Although not shown in the drawings, the first liquid transport element 310 may also be formed in other shapes, such as a ring shape, as long as the first liquid transport element can transport the aerosol generating substance.

[0245] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.11 , the first liquid transport element 310 may include an absorption portion 311 and a transport portion 312 .

[0246] The absorption portion 311 may be a portion of the first liquid transport element 310 that is connected to the reservoir to receive the aerosol generating substance. For example, the absorption portion 311 may be in contact with the reservoir or may be disposed below the reservoir without contacting it. The absorption portion 311 may be connected to the reservoir accordingly. The absorption portion 311 may be connected to the transport portion 312. The absorption portions 311 may be one end and the other end of the first liquid transport element 310, respectively. The cross section of the absorption portion 311 taken along the second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) may have a circular shape as a whole. However, the shape of the absorption portion 311 is not limited thereto, and may have other shapes as long as the absorption portion 311 is capable of receiving the aerosol generating substance.

[0247] The conveying portion 312 may be connected to the absorption portion 311 and the second liquid transport element 320. The conveying portion 312 may be a portion of the first liquid transport element 310 for conveying the aerosol generating substance to the second liquid transport element 320. To this end, the conveying portion 312 may be in contact with the second liquid transport element 320. The conveying portion 312 may be formed integrally with the absorption portion 311. A cross section of the conveying portion 312 taken along the second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) may have a rectangular shape as a whole, but the shape of the conveying portion 312 is not limited thereto. The conveying portion 312 may have another shape as long as the conveying portion 320 can convey the aerosol generating substance to the liquid transport element 320.

[0248] Reference Fig.11 , the width 312w of the transmission portion 312 may be smaller than the width 311w of the absorption portion 311. That is, the absorption portion 311 may have a greater width than the transmission portion 312. The width 312w of the transmission portion 312 and the width 311w of the absorption portion 311 may be measured along a third direction (e.g., a y-axis direction) that is transverse to the first direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and the second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0249] In the present disclosure, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are not limited to being orthogonal to each other such as the z-axis direction, the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, and the first direction to the third direction may be directions that intersect each other but are not orthogonal to each other.

[0250] The atomizing assembly 20 according to one embodiment may include an absorption portion 311 having a width greater than that of the delivery portion 312, thereby increasing an area for absorbing the aerosol generating material. Therefore, the absorption capacity of the first liquid delivery element 310 may be increased.

[0251] In addition, the delivery portion 312 has a smaller width than the absorption portion 311 , and thus the atomization assembly 20 according to one embodiment can deliver the aerosol generating material to the second liquid delivery element 320 in a concentrated manner.

[0252] The second liquid transport element 320 may face one side 400a of the atomizer 400. In the present disclosure, the expression that the first element "faces" or "is connected to" the second element means that the first element may be in contact with the second element; or the first element may be in fluid communication with the second element without contact. In view of this, the second liquid transport element 320 may be in contact with the atomizer 400, or the surface of the second liquid transport element 320 may be slightly separated from the surface of the atomizer 400.

[0253] In one example, when the surface of the second liquid transport element 320 contacts the surface of the atomizer 400 , the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the second liquid transport element 320 may be directly transferred to the atomizer 400 .

[0254] In another example, when the surface of the second liquid transport element 320 is spaced apart from the surface of the atomizer 400, the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the second liquid transport element 320 may be transported to the atomizer 400 after passing through the space between the second liquid transport element 320 and the atomizer 400. The second liquid transport element 320 may face one side portion 400a of the atomizer 400, so that the second liquid transport element 320 may cover or shield at least a portion of the one side portion 400a of the atomizer 400.

[0255] Therefore, liquid splashed from the atomizer 400 may be blocked by the second liquid transport element 320 and thus the liquid does not move to the outlet channel.

[0256] In one example, one side 400a of the nebulizer 400 may face the first direction along which the aerosol is discharged. That is, one side 400a of the nebulizer 400 may face the outlet channel 150. In another example, another side 400b of the nebulizer 400 may face the opposite direction (e.g., -z direction).

[0257] When the second liquid transport element 320 faces one side 400a of the atomizer 400, at least a portion of the first liquid transport element 310 may overlap with the second liquid transport element. That is, the second liquid transport element 320 and the first liquid transport element 310 may be sequentially stacked along a first direction (eg, z-axis direction) to overlap each other.

[0258] Therefore, the atomizing assembly 20 according to one embodiment may have a physical double barrier (i.e., the first liquid transport element 310 and the second liquid transport element 320) for preventing non-vaporized particles from being directly inhaled into the user's oral cavity. Therefore, the aerosol generating assembly 20 may effectively prevent droplet splashing.

[0259] According to one embodiment, the second liquid transport element 320 may be formed in a disk shape as a whole. However, this is an example, and the second liquid transport element 320 may also be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as long as it can function as a physical barrier to prevent splashing of liquid droplets.

[0260] The second liquid transport element 320 may be disposed between the first liquid transport element 310 and the atomizer 400. Thus, the second liquid transport element 320 may receive the aerosol generating substance from the first liquid transport element 310 and transmit the aerosol generating substance to the atomizer 400.

[0261] The second liquid transport member 320 may have one surface in contact with the atomizer 400 and another surface in contact with the transport portion 312. The second liquid transport member 320 may be supported by the atomizer 400 by making one surface in contact with the atomizer 400.

[0262] One surface of the second liquid transport element 320 contacting the atomizer 400 may have a smaller size than one side portion 400a of the atomizer 400. However, according to one embodiment, one surface 320 of the second liquid transport element may have the same size as one side portion 400a of the atomizer 400 or may be larger than one side portion 400a of the atomizer 400.

[0263] The second liquid transport element 320 may be formed of a material capable of absorbing the aerosol generating substance. Therefore, both the first liquid transport element 310 and the second liquid transport element 320 may absorb the aerosol generating substance, and thus the overall absorption capacity of the atomizing assembly 20 according to one embodiment may be increased. Therefore, the atomizing assembly 20 according to one embodiment may effectively prevent the aerosol generating substance from leaking to the outside.

[0264] The second liquid transport element 320 may include a core including at least one of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto. The second liquid transport element 320 may maintain the aerosol generating substance in an optimal state for conversion into aerosol.

[0265] For example, the second liquid transport element 320 may include any one of SPL30(H), SPL50(H)V, NP100(V8), SPL60(FC), and melamine.

[0266] According to one embodiment, the second liquid transport element 320 may include a material different from that of the first liquid transport element 310 , but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the second liquid transport element 320 may also include the same material as that of the first liquid transport element 310 .

[0267] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the first liquid transport element 310 and the second liquid transport element 320 will be described.

[0268] In the first embodiment, the first liquid transport element 310 may have a greater absorption capacity than the second liquid transport element 320. Therefore, the atomizer assembly 20 according to one embodiment may increase the absorption capacity and the transport capacity of the aerosol generating substance.

[0269] This can be demonstrated by Experiment 1 as described below.

[0270] Experiment 1

[0271] First, the test piece was placed in an experimental space under conditions of 20.0° C. and 65.0% relative humidity for 24 hours. Here, the test piece may be the first liquid transport element 310 or the second liquid transport element 320 .

[0272] Next, the mass of the affected test piece is measured.

[0273] Next, the test piece is immersed in a liquid, which may be an aerosol-generating substance (such as water).

[0274] Next, the immersed test piece is held vertically until no liquid drips for more than 30 seconds.

[0275] Next, when no liquid dripped for more than 30 seconds, the mass of the test piece was measured.

[0276] Next, the above process was repeated after changing the material of the test piece, and the mass increase rate of the material was recorded.

[0277] Table 3 below shows the results of Experiment 1.

[0278]

Table 3

[0279]

[0280] In the above Table 3, the mass increase rate of the material may be proportional to the absorption capacity of the test piece. As can be seen from the above Table 3, when the sample is SPL 60, the highest mass increase rate of the material occurs. Therefore, when the first liquid transport element 310 includes the SPL 60 material, the overall absorption capacity of the atomizing assembly 20 is improved. In addition, when the first liquid transport element 310 has a higher absorption capacity than the second liquid transport element 320, there may be a difference in the density of the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element 310 and the second liquid transport element 320.

[0281] According to the atomizer assembly 20 according to an embodiment, the aerosol generating material can be smoothly transferred from the first liquid transport element 310 to the second liquid transport element 320 due to the difference in density. Therefore, the atomizer assembly 20 according to one embodiment can increase the atomization rate by increasing the transfer capability of the aerosol generating material.

[0282] In one example, when the first liquid transport element 310 comprises an SPL 60 material, the second liquid transport element 320 may comprise a melamine material. In another example, when the first liquid transport element 310 comprises an SPL 60 material, the second liquid transport element 320 may comprise an SPL 50(H) material.

[0283] Embodiments in which the first liquid transport element 310 has a higher absorption capacity than the second liquid transport element 320 may be implemented by combinations of other materials besides the above two combinations.

[0284] In the second embodiment, the first liquid transport element 310 may include a material having a higher absorptivity than the second liquid transport element 320. Therefore, the atomization assembly 20 according to one embodiment may increase the atomization rate at which the aerosol generating material is atomized and the transport capability of the aerosol generating material.

[0285] This can be demonstrated by Experiments 2 and 3 as described below.

[0286] Experiment 2

[0287] First, prepare a test piece of 2.5 cm (width) x 13.0 cm (length) and a beaker containing 180 ml of immersion liquid. Here, the test piece may be the first liquid transport element 310 or the second liquid transport element 320. The immersion liquid may be an aerosol generating substance (eg, water).

[0288] Next, by gripping a portion of the test piece 1 cm from the top using tweezers or the like, a portion of the test piece 1 cm from the bottom is immersed in the immersion liquid.

[0289] Next, after the test piece was immersed for 5 minutes, the height of the test piece that had absorbed the immersion liquid was measured.

[0290] Next, the above process is repeated after changing the material of the test piece, and the height of the test piece that absorbs the immersion liquid is recorded.

[0291] Table 4 below shows the results of Experiment 2.

[0292]

Table 4

[0293]

[0294] The height of the test piece that has absorbed immersion liquid may be proportional to the absorption rate of the aerosol forming substance absorbed by the test piece.

[0295] Experiment 3

[0296] First, prepare a test piece of 2.5 cm (width) x 13.0 cm (length) and a beaker containing 180 ml of immersion liquid. Here, the test piece may be the first liquid transport element 310 or the second liquid transport element 320. In addition, the immersion liquid may be an aerosol generating substance (eg, water).

[0297] Next, by gripping the portion of the test piece 1 cm from the top with tweezers, the portion of the test piece 1 cm from the bottom was immersed in the immersion liquid.

[0298] Next, after the test piece was immersed for 5 minutes, the time taken for the immersion liquid to rise 1 cm above the test piece (up to 2 cm from the bottom of the test piece) was measured.

[0299] Next, the above process was repeated after changing the material of the test piece, and the time taken for the immersion liquid to be absorbed was recorded.

[0300] Table 5 below shows the results of Experiment 3.

[0301]

Table 5

[0302]

[0303] The time taken for the immersion liquid to be absorbed may be inversely proportional to the absorption rate of the aerosol generating substance by the test piece. That is, the shorter the time for the aerosol generating substance to be absorbed by the test piece, the faster the absorption rate. As can be seen from Tables 4 and 5 above, the highest absorption rate occurs when the test piece is SPL 60 (FC). Therefore, as can be seen from Tables 4 and 5 above, if the first liquid transport element 310 includes SPL 60 material, the overall absorption rate of the atomization assembly 20 can be improved. Therefore, the atomization rate at which the aerosol generating substance is atomized can be increased. In addition, when the first liquid transport element 310 has a higher absorption rate than the second liquid transport element 320, there may be a difference in the density of the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element 310 and the second liquid transport element 320. Therefore, in the atomization assembly 20 according to one embodiment, the aerosol generating substance can be smoothly transferred from the first liquid transport element 310 to the second liquid transport element 320 due to the density difference.

[0304] In one example, when the first liquid transport element 310 comprises an SPL 60 material, the second liquid transport element 320 may comprise a melamine material. In another example, when the first liquid transport element 310 comprises an SPL 60 material, the second liquid transport element 320 may also comprise an SPL 50(H) material.

[0305] The embodiment in which the first liquid transport element 310 has a higher absorbency than the absorbency of the second liquid transport element 320 may be implemented by other combinations besides the above two combinations.

[0306] The atomization assembly 20 according to one embodiment may further include a second supporting member 340 .

[0307] The second supporting member 340 accommodates the atomizer 400, the first liquid transport element 310, and the second liquid transport element 320. The second supporting member 340 may completely surround the atomizer 400, the first liquid transport element 310, and the second liquid transport element 320. The second supporting member 340 may protect the atomizer 400, the first liquid transport element 310, and the second liquid transport element 320 from external influences. The atomizer 400, the first liquid transport element 310, and the second liquid transport element 320 may be accommodated in the second supporting member 340 and may be supported by the second supporting member 340.

[0308] For example, the second support member 340 may include a soft rubber material having a hardness of about 20 N / mm2 or more and about 85 N / mm2 or less. In this case, the hardness of the second support member 340 may be measured by a Shore A durometer, which is a hardness measuring instrument for measuring the hardness of non-metallic materials such as soft rubber materials or soft plastic materials.

[0309] The second support member 340 may have a hollow cylindrical shape as a whole, but this is only an example. The second support member 340 may have other shapes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped shape that can accommodate the atomizer 400, the first liquid transport element 310, and the second liquid transport element 320.

[0310] The second supporting member 340 may include an accommodation space 340a for accommodating the atomizer 400, the first liquid transport element 310, and the second liquid transport element 320. The accommodation space 340a may be formed inside the accommodation body 341. The accommodation body 341 may form an outer shape of the second supporting member 340.

[0311] The accommodation space 340a may include a first accommodation space for accommodating the first liquid transport element 310, a second accommodation space for accommodating the second liquid transport element 320, and a third accommodation space for accommodating the atomizer 400. For example, the third accommodation space, the second accommodation space, and the first accommodation space may be fluidly connected to each other. In addition, the shape of the third accommodation space, the shape of the second accommodation space, and the shape of the first accommodation space may correspond to the shape of the atomizer 400, the shape of the second liquid transport element 320, and the shape of the first liquid transport element 310, respectively.

[0312] The second supporting member 340 may include a separation space 340 b .

[0313] The partition space 340b may be formed between the accommodation body 341 and the second liquid transport element 320. In this case, one end and the other end of the first liquid transport element 310 may protrude from the second liquid transport element 320 to cover the partition space 340b. That is, the first liquid transport element 310 may extend longer than the second liquid transport element 320 in the second direction.

[0314] Therefore, the atomization assembly 20 according to one embodiment can prevent unvaporized particles from escaping the partition space 340b, thereby reducing the possibility of droplet splashing. The partition space 340b can be a part of the second accommodating space.

[0315] Reference Fig.10 , the second supporting member 340 may include a connection space 340c.

[0316] The connection space 340c is a space in which the aerosol generating material is transferred or delivered from the reservoir to the first liquid transport element 310 accommodated in the second supporting member 340. The connection space 340c may provide fluid communication between the reservoir and the first liquid transport element 310. The connection space 340c may be formed in the accommodation body 341 at a portion where the absorption portion 311 is located. The connection space 340c may have a shape corresponding to the absorption portion 311.

[0317] According to one embodiment, the second supporting member 340 may further include a first supporting surface 341 a .

[0318] The first supporting surface 341a supports the first liquid transport element 310. The first liquid transport element 310 may have one end and the other end supported by the first supporting surface 341a. Therefore, the second liquid transport element 320 may be held between the atomizer 400 and the first liquid transport element 310 to stably prevent droplets from splashing.

[0319] The first supporting surface 341a may support one end portion and the other end portion of the first liquid transport member 310. For example, the first supporting surface 341a may support the absorbing portion 311.

[0320] The first support surface 341 a may face the first accommodation space. The first support surface 341 a may be formed inside the accommodation body 341 .

[0321] Reference Fig.10 , the second supporting member 340 may further include a second supporting surface 341b.

[0322] The second supporting surface 341b may support the atomizer 400. The second supporting surface 341b may face the third housing space. The second supporting surface 341b may be formed inside the housing body 341 at a position spaced apart from the first supporting surface 341a.

[0323] Reference Fig.10 , the second supporting member 340 may further include a protrusion 343 .

[0324] The protrusion 343 may be formed on the outer surface of the accommodating body 341. The protrusion 343 may contact the inner surface of the housing. In the atomizing assembly 20 according to one embodiment, the protrusion 343 may prevent the aerosol generating substance from leaking between the second supporting member 340 and the housing.

[0325] The protrusion 343 may extend along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the receiving body 341. A plurality of protrusions 343 may be formed along the first direction. The protrusion 343 may be formed integrally with the receiving body 341.

[0326] The protrusion 343 may be formed on a lower surface (ie, a bottom surface) of the receiving body 341. A plurality of protrusions 343 may be formed on the lower surface of the receiving body 341.

[0327] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D are views showing various embodiments of a liquid transport element.

[0328] Fig. 12A is a perspective view showing a first liquid transport element according to one embodiment, Fig. 12B It shows Fig. 12A A perspective view of a state where a first liquid transport element is connected to a second liquid transport element. Fig. 12C is a perspective view showing a first liquid transport element according to another embodiment, Fig.12D It shows Fig. 12C A perspective view of a state in which a first liquid transport element is connected to a second liquid transport element.

[0329] According to the shape and material of the liquid transport element, the following Table 6 shows the following experimental results: The experimental results represent the progress of atomization, the amount of atomization, and the degree of droplet splashing. The following Table 6 shows the experimental results in the case where the second liquid transport element 320 includes a melamine material and the second liquid transport element 320 has a disc shape as a whole.

[0330]

Table 6

[0331]

[0332] In Table 6 above, the atomization progress indicates the time taken for the aerosol generating substance to generate the aerosol, and the atomization amount (g) indicates the amount of aerosol generated in the same time (e.g., 3 seconds). Droplet splashing indicates whether the user will feel unvaporized particles when smoking. In the first embodiment, the atomization assembly 20 may include only the first liquid transport element 310. In addition, in the first embodiment, the first liquid transport element 310 may have a circular ring shape as a whole. In the second embodiment, the atomization assembly 20 may include a first liquid transport element 310 and a second liquid transport element 320. In addition, in the second embodiment, the first liquid transport element 310 may have a circular ring shape as a whole and may be arranged to overlap with the edge of the second liquid transport element 320.

[0333] In the third and fifth embodiments, the atomizing assembly 20 may include only the first liquid transport element 310. In addition, in the third and fifth embodiments, the first liquid transport element 310 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole and may extend in the second direction.

[0334] In the fourth and sixth embodiments, the atomizing assembly 20 may include a first liquid transport element 310 and a second liquid transport element 320. In addition, in the fourth and sixth embodiments, the first liquid transport element 310 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole and may extend in the second direction. In this case, the first liquid transport element 310 may be arranged to overlap with the central portion of the second liquid transport element 320.

[0335] The experimental results of the above-mentioned embodiments are reviewed in sequence as follows.

[0336] First, referring to Table 6 above, it can be seen that the atomization progress of the fourth embodiment and the sixth embodiment is relatively fast.

[0337] In addition, referring to Table 6 above, it can be seen that the atomization progress of the sixth embodiment is faster than that of the fourth embodiment due to the different materials of the first liquid transport element 310. This means that the atomization progress is related to the absorption rate proved by Experiments 2 and 3.

[0338] Secondly, referring to Table 6 above, it can be seen that the atomization amount of the second embodiment, the fourth embodiment and the sixth embodiment is relatively large. This may be due to the fact that the atomization assembly 20 according to the second embodiment, the fourth embodiment and the sixth embodiment has a higher absorption capacity than the embodiment including only the first liquid transport element 310.

[0339] In addition, referring to Table 6 above, it can be seen that the atomization amount of the sixth embodiment is greater than that of the fourth embodiment, which may be due to the different materials of the first liquid transport element 310. That is, when the first liquid transport element 310 includes the SPL 60 material, a larger atomization amount can be generated compared to the case where the first liquid transport element 310 includes the melamine material.

[0340] Third, referring to Table 6 above, it can be seen that the extent of droplet splashing in the second, fourth and sixth embodiments is relatively low. This may be due to the fact that the atomization assembly 20 according to the second, fourth and sixth embodiments covers a larger area where droplet splashing occurs compared to the embodiment including only the first liquid transport element 310.

[0341] In addition, referring to Table 6 above, it can be seen that the droplet splashing degree of the fourth and sixth embodiments is smaller than that of the second embodiment. This may be due to the fact that the first liquid transport element 310 extends in the second direction and is arranged at the central portion 320b of the second liquid transport element 320.

[0342] That is, according to the second embodiment, the first liquid transport element 310 is located at the edge portion 320a of the second liquid transport element 320 (see Fig. 12B ), so the aerosol generating substance can be concentrated on the edge 320a of the second liquid transport element 320. Therefore, the second embodiment can increase the possibility of the aerosol generating substance leaking into the edge portion 320a of the second liquid transport element 320 and the possibility of droplets splashing through the edge portion 320a of the second liquid transport element 320.

[0343] In contrast, according to the fourth and sixth embodiments, the first liquid transport element 310 extends in the second direction and is arranged at the central portion 320b of the second liquid transport element 320. Therefore, the aerosol generating substance can be concentrated in the central portion 320b of the second liquid transport element 320. Therefore, the fourth and sixth embodiments can reduce the possibility of the aerosol generating substance leaking into the edge portion 320a of the second liquid transport element 320 and the possibility of liquid droplets splashing through the edge portion 320a of the second liquid transport element 320.

[0344] Fig.13 is an exploded perspective view of a cigarette cartridge according to another embodiment. Fig.14 is a schematic perspective view of an atomization assembly according to another embodiment.

[0345] in addition, Fig.15 is a perspective view showing the interior of a partial area of ​​a cigarette cartridge according to another embodiment, Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of the cigarette cartridge taken along direction D-D'.

[0346] exist Fig.13 , Fig.15 and Fig.16 In the figure, the alternating long and short dashed lines represent the movement path of the aerosol-generating substance, the dashed line represents the movement path of the external air, and the solid line represents the movement path of the aerosol.

[0347] Reference Figures 13 to 16 The cartridge 10 according to the embodiment may include an atomization assembly 20 , a housing 100 , an air inlet channel 130 , a structure 140 , a first support member 141 , an outlet channel 150 , a mouthpiece 160 , and a reservoir 200 .

[0348] The atomizing assembly 20 may include a first liquid transport element 310 , a second liquid transport element 320 , a vibration transmitting pad 330 , a second support member 340 (or “support member”), and an atomizer 400 .

[0349] According to the embodiment, the cigarette cartridge 10 includes Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The illustrated cigarette cartridge 10 may further include a vibration transfer pad 330 in addition to the atomizer assembly 20. Therefore, redundant descriptions of other elements are omitted below.

[0350] The vibration transfer pad 330 may be disposed between the liquid transport element 300 and the atomizer 400 and serve as a medium for transferring ultrasonic vibrations generated by the atomizer 400 to the liquid transport element 300. The vibration transfer pad 330 may include, for example, a material having a certain hardness to operate as a medium for transferring ultrasonic vibrations, but is not limited thereto.

[0351] One surface (e.g., the surface facing the z direction) of the vibration transfer pad 330 may be in contact with the second liquid transport element 320, while the other surface (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction) may be in contact with the atomizer 400, thereby transferring the ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400 to the second liquid transport element 320.

[0352] According to one embodiment, the liquid aerosol generating substance stored in the reservoir 200 may move along the connecting passage 210 in a direction toward the first liquid transport element 310 , and the first liquid transport element 310 may absorb the aerosol generating substance supplied from the reservoir 200 .

[0353] The aerosol generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element 310 may move in a horizontal direction (e.g., y-axis direction) along the first liquid transport element 310, and then may be transferred to the second liquid transport element 320 in contact with the first liquid transport element 310. In other words, the aerosol generating substance stored in the reservoir 200 may be transferred to the second liquid transport element 320 via the first liquid transport element 310.

[0354] The aerosol generating substance supplied from the first liquid transport element 310 to the second liquid transport element 320 may be separated into fine particles by the ultrasonic vibration transmitted from the vibration transmission pad 330 .

[0355] The fine particles may be mixed with external air introduced into the atomizer 400 from outside the cartridge 10 through the air inlet passage 130 to generate aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 10 through the outlet passage 150 to be supplied to the user.

[0356] According to one embodiment, the vibration transfer pad 330 may minimize the loss of ultrasonic vibration and may have substantially the same area as the atomizer 400 to effectively transfer the ultrasonic vibration generated by the atomizer 400 to the second liquid transport element 320. For example, when viewed along the z-axis direction, the vibration transfer pad 330 may correspond to the atomizer 400.

[0357] However, the shape of the vibration transfer pad 330 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. In another embodiment, the vibration transfer pad 330 may have an area smaller or larger than that of the atomizer 400.

[0358] According to one embodiment, the vibration transfer pad 330 may also be used to prevent the liquid aerosol generating material supplied to the second liquid transport element 320 from directly contacting the atomizer 400 .

[0359] When the liquid aerosol generating substance is in direct contact with the nebulizer 400, some of the aerosol generating substance may flow into the body (eg, Figure 2 In the electrical connection components (such as spring pins) of the main body 20), this may cause malfunction or abnormal operation of the cigarette cartridge 10.

[0360] As described above, the cartridge 10 according to one embodiment may minimize malfunction or abnormal operation of the cartridge 10 that may occur when the liquid aerosol generating material is in direct contact with the atomizer 400 by using the vibration transfer pad 330 .

[0361] According to one embodiment, the vibration transfer pad 330 may be disposed inside the second support member 340. For example, the vibration transfer pad 330 may be accommodated in an accommodation space (eg, Fig.10 In the accommodating space 340a).

[0362] According to one embodiment, the vibration transfer pad 330 may be larger than the atomizer 400 and the second liquid transport element 320. Therefore, the atomization assembly 20 according to another embodiment may increase the area blocking the direct contact between the atomizer 400 and the second liquid transport element 320.

[0363] In addition, the vibration transfer pad 330 may have a disk shape as a whole. However, this is only an example, and the vibration transfer pad 330 may have other shapes as long as the vibration transfer pad 330 is located between the atomizer 400 and the second liquid transport element 320 .

[0364] For example, the vibration transfer pad 330 may include a stainless steel material, but is not limited thereto.

[0365] Compared with the aerosol generated when the aerosol generating material is vaporized using a heater, the cartridge and the aerosol generating device including the cartridge according to the above embodiment can generate aerosol at a relatively low temperature by using ultrasonic vibration. Therefore, the smoking experience of the user can be improved.

[0366] In addition, the cigarette cartridge and the aerosol generating device including the cigarette cartridge according to the above-mentioned embodiment can prevent droplets from splashing and reaching the user's mouth, thereby improving the user's smoking experience.

[0367] Furthermore, the cartridge and the aerosol generating device including the cartridge according to the above-described embodiment can prevent leakage of an aerosol generating substance, and thus can reduce malfunction or abnormal operation of the cartridge or the aerosol generating device.

[0368] An embodiment can also be implemented in the form of a recording medium, which includes instructions that can be executed by a computer, such as a program module that can be executed by a computer. Computer-readable recording media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, including volatile media and non-volatile media, as well as removable media and non-removable media. In addition, computer-readable recording media can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include all of the following: volatile media and non-volatile media and removable media and non-removable media for storing information implemented by any method or technology, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission media.

[0369] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the above features. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from a descriptive perspective rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and any differences within the equivalent scope of the appended claims should be interpreted as included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An atomizing assembly for an aerosol generating device, wherein: The atomizing assembly comprises: a nebulizer configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to nebulize an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol; a first liquid transport element configured to absorb the aerosol generating substance from a reservoir for storing the aerosol generating substance; and a second liquid transport element, the second liquid transport element being arranged between the first liquid transport element and the atomizer, the second liquid transport element being configured to transport the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element to the atomizer, The first liquid conveying element and the second liquid conveying element are configured to prevent liquid droplets from splashing from the atomizer toward the outside of the atomization assembly.

2. The atomizer assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the aerosol generated by the nebulizer is discharged from the nebulizer in a first direction, and The first liquid transport element and the second liquid transport element are stacked in the first direction such that at least a portion of the first liquid transport element overlaps the second liquid transport element.

3. The atomizer assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first liquid transport element extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction and is arranged to overlap with a central portion of the second liquid transport element.

4. The atomizer assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first liquid transport element comprises: an absorbent portion configured to receive the aerosol-generating substance from the reservoir; and A transfer portion is configured to transfer the aerosol generating substance from the absorbent portion to the second liquid transport element, the transfer portion having a smaller width than the absorbent portion.

5. The atomizing assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A supporting member includes an accommodation space for accommodating the atomizer, the first liquid transport element, and the second liquid transport element.

6. The atomizer assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The supporting member further includes a housing body having the housing space formed therein. A separation space is formed between the accommodating body and the second liquid transport element, and The first liquid transport element extends beyond the second liquid transport element to cover the separation space.

7. The atomizing assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The supporting member further includes a protrusion disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the accommodating body.

8. A cigarette cartridge for an aerosol generating device, wherein: The cigarette cartridge comprises: case; a reservoir located inside the housing and configured to store an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state; a nebulizer located inside the housing and configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations to nebulize the aerosol-generating substance into an aerosol; and a plurality of liquid transport elements configured to absorb the aerosol generating substance stored in the reservoir and to transport the absorbed aerosol generating substance to the atomizer, Wherein, the plurality of liquid transport elements include: a first liquid transport element configured to absorb the aerosol generating substance from the reservoir; and a second liquid transport element, the second liquid transport element being disposed between the first liquid transport element and the atomizer, and the second liquid transport element being configured to transport the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the first liquid transport element to the atomizer, Wherein, the first liquid conveying element and the second liquid conveying element are configured to prevent liquid droplets from splashing from the atomizer toward the outside of the cigarette cartridge.

9. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising: a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece comprising an outlet for discharging the aerosol to the outside; as well as an outlet passage arranged to provide fluid communication between the atomizer and the outlet, Wherein, the aerosol generated by the nebulizer moves along the outlet channel toward the outlet.

10. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising: A vibration transfer pad is located between the second liquid transport element and the atomizer, and is configured to transfer vibration generated by the atomizer to the second liquid transport element.

11. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising: At least one air inlet passage is in fluid communication with an exterior of the housing such that external air is introduced into the housing through the air inlet passage.

12. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 11, wherein: The at least one air inlet channel comprises: a first air inlet passage including a first air inlet hole formed in one area of ​​the housing; and a second air inlet passage, the second air inlet passage comprising a second air inlet hole formed in a further area of ​​the housing, The first air inlet passage and the second air inlet passage are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the housing.

13. An aerosol generating device, wherein: The aerosol generating device comprises: The cigarette cartridge according to claim 8; A body connected to the cigarette cartridge; A battery, which is arranged inside the main body and supplies power to the cigarette cartridge; and A processor is arranged inside the main body, and the processor controls the power supplied from the battery to the cigarette cartridge.

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