Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device includes: a first container configured to contain an aerosol-generating substance; a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance; a second container configured to be rotatable about its rotation axis and including a plurality of compartments; a first sensor configured to output a signal indicating the rotation of the second container; and a controller configured to determine whether the plurality of compartments are located in preset correct positions based on the signal received from the first sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may contain multiple components. The substances contained in the medium may be multi-component flavoring substances. For example, the substances contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, a traditional Chinese medicine component, and / or a coffee component. Recently, various studies have been conducted on aerosol-generating devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-referenced and other problems.

[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of providing a medium, optimal quality or being maintained.

[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can provide various media to users without having to replace cigarette cartridges.

[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that enables a user to select an appropriate medium in a state where a cartridge is installed in the device.

[0008] Technical Solution

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure for achieving the above and other purposes may include: a first container, which is configured to contain an aerosol generating substance; a heater, which is configured to heat the aerosol generating substance; a second container, which is configured to be rotatable about its rotation axis and includes a plurality of compartments; a first sensor, which is configured to output a signal indicating the rotation of the second container; and a controller, which is configured to determine whether the plurality of chambers are located in a preset correct position based on the signal received from the first sensor.

[0010] Beneficial effects

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a medium while maintaining its optimal quality.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, various media can be provided to users without having to replace the tobacco cartridge.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can select an appropriate medium in a state where the cigarette cartridge is mounted to the main body.

[0014] Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments (including the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure) are given only as examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figures 1 to 44 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 45 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 46 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 47 and Figure 48 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device; and

[0020] Figure 49 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Now, a detailed description will be given according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of simplicity of description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or equivalent components are represented by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0022] Generally, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. These suffixes are used herein only to facilitate the description of this specification and do not have any special meanings or functions.

[0023] In this disclosure, for the sake of brevity, content familiar to those skilled in the relevant art is generally omitted. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the various technical features, but it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, this disclosure should be construed as extending to any modifications, equivalents, and alternatives, in addition to those specifically illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0025] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, intervening elements may be present. In contrast, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “directly connected to” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0026] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a singular expression may include a plural expression.

[0027] In the following, the direction of the aerosol generating device is based on Figures 1 to 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 . In the orthogonal coordinate system shown, the x-axis direction can be defined as the rightward and leftward directions of the aerosol generating device. Here, based on the origin, the +x-axis direction can be referred to as the leftward direction, and the -x-axis direction can be referred to as the rightward direction. In addition, the y-axis direction can be defined as the forward and backward directions of the aerosol generating device. Here, based on the origin, the +y-axis direction can be referred to as the forward direction, and the -y-axis direction can be referred to as the backward direction. In addition, the z-axis direction can be defined as the upward and downward directions of the aerosol generating device. Here, based on the origin, the +z-axis direction can be referred to as the upward direction, and the -z-axis direction can be referred to as the downward direction.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a receiving space 11 may be provided in the housing 10 and may be open at one surface thereof. The upper shell 20 may be mounted on an upper portion of the housing 10 (hereinafter referred to as the upper shell 13). The upper shell 20 may surround the upper shell 13. The upper shell 20 may be vertically perforated to define an opening O therein. The opening O may be in communication with the receiving space 11. The cigarette cartridge 30 may be assembled into the receiving space 11 defined in the housing 10. Aerosol may be generated in the cigarette cartridge 30 and may be discharged to the outside through the interior of the cigarette cartridge 30.

[0029] The opening O may be formed in the upper surface 21 of the upper shell 20. The upper surface 21 of the upper shell 20 may be disposed above the outer shell 10. The side surface 22 of the upper shell 20 may extend along the outer circumference of the upper surface 21. The head cover 23 may be a portion of the upper surface 21 of the upper shell 20. The head cover 23 may cover the upper portion of the container head 33.

[0030] The mounting groove 27 may be formed in the side surface of the upper case 20. The mounting groove 27 may be formed at an inner side of the side surface 22.

[0031] The mounting protrusion 17 may protrude outward from the upper housing 13. The mounting protrusion 17 may protrude outward from a side surface of the upper housing 13.

[0032] The mounting protrusion 27 may be fitted into the mounting groove 27. The mounting protrusion 17 and the mounting groove 27 may be formed at positions corresponding to each other. Each of the mounting protrusion 17 and the mounting groove 27 may include a plurality of mounting protrusions or grooves.

[0033] The cigarette cartridge 30 may be disposed in the receiving space 11. The cigarette cartridge 30 may include a first container 31 and a second container 32. For example, the first container 31 may have a chamber configured to hold a liquid. The second container 32 may have a chamber configured to hold a medium.

[0034] The second container 32 may include a chamber configured to receive a medium. The second container 32 may be connected or coupled to the first container 31. The second container 32 may be disposed above the first container 31.

[0035] The second container 32 may be rotatably connected or coupled to the first container 31. The second container 32 may be disposed on the first container 31. The first container 31 and the second container 32 may have approximately the same diameter.

[0036] The first guide slit 316 may be formed in the outer circumferential surface of the first container 31. The first guide slit 316 may be recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface of the first container 31. The first guide slit 316 may be formed to extend vertically. The first guide slit 316 may extend from the upper end to the lower end of the outer circumferential surface of the first container 31. Hereinafter, the first guide slit 316 may be referred to as the first guide rail 316.

[0037] A second guide slit 326 may be formed in the outer circumferential surface of the second container 32. The second guide slit 326 may be recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface of the second container 32. The second guide slit 326 may be formed to extend vertically. The second guide slit 326 may extend from its predetermined vertical position to the lower end of the outer circumferential surface of the second container 32. Hereinafter, the second guide slit 326 may be referred to as a second guide rail 326.

[0038] When the second container 32 is rotated to a predetermined position, the second guide slit 326 may be aligned with the first guide slit 316. In this position, the lower end of the second guide slit 326 may be connected to the upper end of the first guide slit 316.

[0039] The second guide slit 326 may include a portion that becomes increasingly wider as it extends downward. The second guide slit 326 may be widest at the lower end of the second container 32. The width of the second guide slit 326 may increase upward from the lower end of the second guide slit 326 and may be maintained at a specific value starting from a predetermined height. The width of the lower end of the second guide slit 326 may be the same as the width of the upper end of the first guide slit 316. The width of the first guide slit 316 may be greatest at its lower end and / or upper end.

[0040] The first guide slits 316 may include a plurality of first guide slits arranged along the outer circumference of the first container 31 . The second guide slits 326 may include a plurality of second guide slits arranged along the outer circumference of the second container 32 .

[0041] Each of the first guide slot 316 and the second guide slot 326 may be referred to as a guide rail, a guide channel, or a guide groove.

[0042] The retaining groove 317 may be formed in the outer peripheral surface of the first container 31. The retaining groove 317 may be formed to be recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface of the first container 31. The retaining groove 317 may be formed at a position spaced apart from the first guide slit 316. The retaining groove 317 may be formed at a position spaced outward from the first guide slit 316. The retaining protrusion 117 provided at the lower portion of the receiving space 11 may be fitted into the retaining groove 317 (see Figure 3 ).

[0043] The holding groove 317 may extend in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 310. The length of the holding groove 317 may be greater than the width thereof. The holding protrusion 117 may have a length and a width corresponding to the length and the width of the holding groove 317.

[0044] The retaining groove 317 may include a plurality of retaining grooves. The retaining groove 317 may include a first retaining groove 317 located at a lower level and a second retaining groove 317 located at a higher level. The second retaining groove 317 may be provided closer to the second container 32 than the first retaining groove 317. The first retaining groove 317 and the second retaining groove 317 may be provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0045] The first retaining groove 317 may include a plurality of first retaining grooves. The second retaining groove 317 may include a plurality of second retaining grooves.

[0046] Alternatively, a retaining protrusion may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first container 31, and a retaining groove may be formed in the lower portion of the receiving space 11. The retaining protrusion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first container 31 may be fitted into the retaining groove in the lower portion of the receiving space 11.

[0047] Hereinafter, the retaining groove or retaining protrusion 317 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first container 31 may be referred to as a first rotation limiter 317 , and the retaining protrusion or retaining groove 117 formed at the lower portion of the receiving space 11 may be referred to as a second rotation limiter 117 .

[0048] The cigarette cartridge 30 may include a container head 33 located on the second container 32. The container head 33 may extend upward from the outer peripheral surface of the second container 32. The container head 33 may be configured so that its upper portion is open. The container head 33 may be open at a portion of its side surface. The container head 33 may be configured so that its upper surface portion and side surface portion are continuously open to form an "L"-shaped opening.

[0049] The assembly protrusion 337 may be formed in the outer surface of the container head 33. The assembly protrusion 337 may protrude from the outer surface of the container head 33. The assembly protrusion 337 may protrude outward from one side surface of the container head 33. The assembly protrusion 337 may be assembled into the assembly groove 137 formed in the upper portion of the receiving space 11 (see Figure 5 ).

[0050] The cigarette cartridge 30 may include a mouthpiece 34 that is pivotally connected or coupled to the container head 33. The mouthpiece 34 may have a suction channel 343 formed therein (see Figure 3 The suction channel 343 may be in communication with both the second inlet 341 and the second outlet 342 (see Figure 5 For convenience of description, the suction channel 343 may be referred to as the channel 343 or the second channel 343 .

[0051] The mouthpiece 34 may be exposed to the outside from the open portion of the container head 33. When the mouthpiece 34 is inserted into the receiving space 11, the mouthpiece 34 may be exposed to the outside through the opening O in the upper housing 20. The mouthpiece 34 may have a shape corresponding to the opening O. The mouthpiece 34 may pivot in the opening O.

[0052] The sealing cap 35 may protrude outwardly from the mouthpiece 34. The sealing cap 35 may be coupled to one side of the mouthpiece 34. The sealing cap 35 may be oriented to protrude in the direction in which the mouthpiece 34 pivots.

[0053] The seating portion 14 may be formed in the upper housing 13. The seating portion 14 may be recessed downward from the upper housing 13. The seating portion 14 may have a shape corresponding to the mouthpiece 34. When the mouthpiece 34 is pivoted to a specific position while the cigarette cartridge 30 is placed in the receiving space 11, the mouthpiece 34 may be seated and received in the seating portion 14.

[0054] The retaining groove 347 may be formed so as to be recessed inward from the side surface of the mouthpiece 34. The retaining protrusion 147 may protrude inward from the side surface of the seating portion 14. The retaining protrusion 147 may be removably fitted into the retaining groove 347. When the mouthpiece 34 is pivoted and seated in the seating portion 14, the retaining protrusion 147 may be fitted into the retaining groove 347, so that the mouthpiece 34 is retained in the seated position. When the mouthpiece 34 is pivoted in the opposite direction, the retaining protrusion 147 may be disengaged from the retaining groove 347, so that the mouthpiece 34 becomes detachable from the seating portion 14.

[0055] The dial 43 may be rotatably disposed in the housing 10. At least a portion of the dial 43 may be exposed to the outside from the housing 10. The dial 43 may be disposed adjacent to the upper housing 13. The dial 43 may be rotatable to rotate the second container 32.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 The cigarette cartridge 30 can be vertically inserted into the receiving space 11 in the housing 10 (see Figure 2 ). The battery 50 may be received in the housing 10 so as to be arranged parallel to the receiving space 11. The gear assembly 40 may be received in the housing 10 so as to be arranged above the battery 50. The seating portion 14 may be oriented parallel to the receiving space 11. The seating portion 14 may be arranged above the battery 50.

[0057] The first container 31 may include a liquid chamber 311 and an evaporation chamber 312. Pre-evaporated aerosol material may be received in the liquid chamber 311. The pre-evaporated aerosol material may be a liquid. A wick 313 may be disposed in the evaporation chamber 312. The wick 313 may be formed to extend in forward and backward directions. A heater 314 may be disposed in the evaporation chamber 312. The heater 314 may be disposed around the wick 313 to heat the wick 313. The heater 314 may be configured in the form of a coil surrounding the wick 313.

[0058] The pre-evaporated aerosol material may be absorbed from the liquid chamber 311 into the wick 313 and then may be introduced into the evaporation chamber 312. The heater 314 may heat the wick 313, thereby evaporating the pre-evaporated aerosol material absorbed in the wick 313, thereby generating aerosol.

[0059] The evaporation channel 318 may be in communication with the evaporation chamber 312. The evaporation channel 318 may be formed above the evaporation chamber 312. The evaporation channel 318 may be located above the wick 313 and the heater 314. The evaporation channel 318 may be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the vertically disposed container axis 325. The evaporation channel 318 may be located on a line extending from the container axis 325.

[0060] The second container 32 may include a plurality of chambers 321 and 322 that are isolated from one another. The plurality of chambers 321 and 322 may be referred to as a first granulation chamber 321 and a second granulation chamber 322, respectively. Hereinafter, although only the first granulation chamber 321 and the second granulation chamber 322 will be described for ease of explanation, the second container 32 may include a plurality of chambers 321, 322, ... that are isolated from one another, without limiting the number thereof. For example, the plurality of chambers 321, 322, ... may include four chambers.

[0061] The second container 32 can rotate about a vertically oriented container axis 325. The container axis 325 can be located at the center of the second container 32. The container axis 325 can be vertically oriented. The container axis 325 can rotatably support the second container 32. The second container 32 can rotate about the container axis 325.

[0062] The container shaft 325 may include a vertically extending rotation shaft 3251. The container shaft 325 may include a first plate 3253 disposed above the first container 31. The rotation shaft 3251 and the first plate 3253 may be connected to each other. The rotation shaft 3251 and the first plate 3253 may be integrally formed with each other. The first plate 3253 may be referred to as a first flange 3253.

[0063] The container shaft 325 may be coupled or combined to the first container 31. The container 325 may be fixed to the first container 31. The first tray 3253 may be disposed above the first container 31. The first tray 3253 may be coupled or combined to the first container 31. The first tray 3253 may be fixed to the first container 31.

[0064] A first disk hole 3259 may be formed in the first disk 3253. The first disk hole 3259 may be connected to or communicate with the first connection channel 319. The first disk hole 3259 may communicate with the lower chamber hole 323 according to a rotational position of the second container 32.

[0065] The rotation axis 3251 may be provided in the second container 32. The rotation axis 3251 may be provided between the plurality of chambers 321 and 322. The rotation axis 3251 may be provided at the center of the second container 32. The second container 32 may rotate around the rotation axis 3251.

[0066] The rotation shaft 3251 may extend vertically. The rotation shaft 3251 may protrude upward from the first plate 3253.

[0067] The second plate 327 may be disposed on an upper portion of the second container 32. The second plate 327 may cover an upper portion of the second container 32. The second plate 327 may be disposed above the plurality of chambers 321 and 322. The second plate 327 may be referred to as a second flange 327.

[0068] The second disk 327 may be coupled to the container shaft 325. The second disk 327 may be coupled to the rotation shaft 3251. The second disk 327 may be fixed to the rotation shaft 3251.

[0069] The second disc 327 may be coupled or joined to the container head 33. The second disc 327 may be fixed to the container head 33.

[0070] The first container 31 and the container head 33 may be connected to each other via the container shaft 325. The first container 31 and the container head 33 may be held in a rotational position relative to each other. The first container 31, the container head 33, and the container shaft 325 may be fixed to each other.

[0071] The second container 32 is rotatable about the container axis 325. The second container 32 is rotatable relative to the first container 31. The second container 32 is rotatable relative to the container head 33.

[0072] The plurality of chambers 321 and 322 may be arranged in a rotation direction of the second container 32. A medium may be received in the plurality of chambers 321 and 322. The container axis 325 may be referred to as a rotation axis of the second container 32.

[0073] The lower chamber hole 323 may be formed at the lower portion of the first granulation chamber 321. The lower chamber hole 323 may be formed at the lower portion of the second granulation chamber 322. The upper chamber hole 324 may be formed at the upper portion of the first granulation chamber 321. The upper chamber hole 324 may be formed at the upper portion of the second granulation chamber 322.

[0074] The first container 31 and the second container 32 may be connected to each other via a first connection channel 319. The first connection channel 319 may be located between the first container 31 and the second container 32. The first connection channel 319 may be located above the evaporation channel 318 to communicate with the evaporation channel 318.

[0075] The first connecting channel 319 may be connected to one of the plurality of chambers 321 and 322 in the second container 32. The first connecting channel 319 may be selectively connected to one of the plurality of chambers 321 and 322 in the second container 32. When the second container 32 rotates, the first connecting channel 319 may be connected to one of the plurality of chambers 321 and 322 in the second container 32. The first connecting channel 319 may be connected to a lower chamber hole 323 formed at a lower portion of the first granulation chamber 321. The first connecting channel 319 may be connected to a lower chamber hole 323 formed at a lower portion of the second granulation chamber 322.

[0076] Among the plurality of chambers, one or more remaining chambers (hereinafter, referred to as remaining chambers) not connected to the first connection channel 319 may be sealed to prevent external air from entering. Chamber holes in the remaining chambers may be closed.

[0077] The first entrance 301 (see Figure 4 ) may be formed at the lower portion of the first container 31, and the first outlet 302 may be formed at the upper portion of the second container 32. The first inlet 310 may be in communication with the evaporation chamber 312. The evaporation chamber 312 may be located above the first inlet 301. The first outlet 302 may be in communication with the upper chamber hole 324. The first outlet 302 may be located above the upper chamber hole 324. The second connecting channel 329 (see Figure 5 ) may be connected to the first outlet 302 and the upper chamber hole 324. The second connecting channel 329 may be located between the first outlet 302 and the upper chamber hole 324. The first outlet 302 may face the second inlet 341 to communicate with the suction channel 343. The user may inhale air through the mouthpiece 34. Air may be discharged upward through the first outlet 302. The channel formed in the cigarette cartridge 30 may be referred to as a first channel or a cigarette cartridge channel. The first channel may be connected to the first inlet 301 and the first outlet 302. Air introduced through the first inlet 301 may be discharged from the first outlet 302 through the first channel. The first channel may be formed by connecting one of the multiple chambers in the second container 32 to a channel formed in the first container 31.

[0078] When the cigarette cartridge 30 is inserted into the receiving space 11, the head cover 23 of the upper housing 20 may be disposed above the container head 33. The head cover 23 may cover an upper portion of the container head 33.

[0079] Therefore, the cigarette cartridge 30 can be prevented from escaping outward from the receiving space 11.

[0080] The retaining protrusion 117 may be provided at the lower portion of the receiving space 11 and may protrude toward the interior of the receiving space 11. When the cigarette cartridge 30 is inserted into the receiving space 11, the retaining protrusion 117 may be fitted into the retaining groove 317 (see FIG. Figure 2 ).

[0081] Therefore, when the second container 32 is rotated in the receiving space 11 , the first container may be held in place without rotating together with the second container 32 .

[0082] The fitting groove 137 may be formed on the upper side of the receiving space 11. When the cigarette cartridge 30 is inserted into the receiving space 11, the fitting protrusion 337 may be fitted into the fitting groove 137 (see FIG. Figure 5 ).

[0083] Therefore, when the cigarette cartridge 30 is inserted into the receiving space 11 , the user can place the cigarette cartridge 30 in the correct position.

[0084] Therefore, when the second container 32 is rotated in the receiving space 11 , the container head 33 may be held in place without rotating together with the second container 32 .

[0085] The gear assembly 40 may rotate the second container 32. The gear assembly 40 may be installed in the housing 10. The gear assembly 40 may include at least one of a cartridge gear 41, a dial gear 42, and a dial 43.

[0086] The dial gear 42 may be mounted in the housing 10. The dial gear 42 may include a rotational axis parallel to the rotational axis of the second container 32. The rotational axis of the dial gear 42 and / or the rotational axis of the dial 43 may be referred to as a dial axis 45. The dial axis 45 of the dial gear 42 may be oriented parallel to the container axis 325. The dial gear 42 may be positioned above the battery 50. The dial gear 42 may be positioned adjacent to a side surface of the cigarette cartridge 30. The dial gear 42 may be positioned adjacent to a side surface of the second container 32.

[0087] The dial gear 42 may be rotated by rotating the dial 43. The dial gear 42 may be rotated by receiving power from a motor (not shown).

[0088] The dial gear 42 may rotate while being engaged with the second container 32. The dial gear 42 may rotate while being directly engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the second container 32.

[0089] The cartridge gear 41 may be rotatably mounted in the housing 10. The cartridge gear 41 may be coaxially disposed with the second container 32.

[0090] The cartridge gear 41 may be configured as a ring with a space defined within its inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface of the cartridge 41 may be configured to surround the receiving space 11. The inner circumferential surface of the cartridge gear 41 may mesh with the outer circumferential surface of the second container 32 for rotation therewith. The dial gear 42 may mesh with the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge gear 41 for rotation therewith.

[0091] The dial 43 may be mounted in the housing 10. At least a portion of the dial 43 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 10. The dial 43 may be coaxially disposed with the dial gear 42. The dial 43 may rotate together with the dial gear 42 about a dial shaft 45. The dial shaft 45 may be disposed parallel to the container axis 325.

[0092] Therefore, the user can rotate the second container 32 by rotating the dial 43 outside the housing 10 .

[0093] The dial 43 may be mounted to the upper housing 13. The dial 43 may be mounted above the battery 50.

[0094] Therefore, the user can conveniently rotate the dial 43 while gripping the aerosol generating device.

[0095] The rotary switch 44 may be coaxially mounted with the dial gear 42 and / or the dial 43. The rotary switch 44 may be disposed above the battery 50. The rotary switch 44 may detect the rotational position of the dial gear 42 and / or the dial 43, and thus may detect the position of the second container 32.

[0096] The controller 70 may use the rotary switch 44 to determine which of the plurality of granulation chambers the first connection passage 319 and the first outlet 302 communicate with.

[0097] The battery 50 may be disposed on a side surface of the receiving space 11. The battery 50 may be disposed parallel to the receiving space 11 and / or the cigarette cartridge 30. The battery 50 may be disposed adjacent to the dial gear 42 and the receiving space 11 in the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis of the dial gear 42.

[0098] Therefore, even when the volume of the battery 50 is increased in order to increase the capacity of the battery 50 , the aerosol generating device can have a compact structure suitable for handholding by a user without unnecessarily increasing its length.

[0099] Therefore, it is possible to ensure spaces above and below the battery 50 for accommodating the gear assembly 40 , the seating portion 14 , the flow sensor 60 , the vibration motor, and the like.

[0100] The flow sensor 60 may be provided below the battery 50. The flow sensor 60 may be provided to face the side surface of the lower portion of the receiving space 11. A sensing hole 61 may be formed between the flow sensor 60 and the receiving space 11. The flow sensor 60 may detect the flow of air introduced into the cartridge 30 through the first inlet 301.

[0101] The seating portion 14 may be formed in the upper housing 13 above the battery 50. The seating portion 14 may be located above the dial gear 42 and the dial 43. The seating portion 14 may be located above the dial gear 42 and / or the dial 43 in the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis of the dial gear 42.

[0102] The socket 80 may be installed on one surface of the housing 10. The socket 80 may be connected to a charging terminal to supply power to the battery 50 and the like.

[0103] The vibration motor 90 may be received in the housing 10. The vibration motor 90 may be disposed at a lower portion of the housing 10. The vibration motor 90 may be disposed adjacent to the controller 70. The controller 70 may be disposed below the battery 50.

[0104] The controller 70 may be received in the lower portion of the housing 10. The controller 70 may be disposed below the receiving space 11. The controller 70 may be electrically connected to components such as the heater 314, the rotary switch 44, the battery 50, the flow sensor 60, the socket 80, the vibration motor 90, and the like. The controller 70 may control the operation of the components electrically connected thereto.

[0105] The controller 70 can control the heater 314 to heat the core 313, thereby generating an aerosol. The controller 70 can also operate the flow sensor 60. The controller 70 can control the operation of internal components based on information corresponding to the airflow detection result. The controller 70 can receive an electrical signal from the rotary switch 44. The controller 70 can control the operation of components based on the electrical signal received from the rotary switch 44. The controller 70 can also operate the vibration motor 90 to transmit vibrations to the user.

[0106] Reference Figure 4 The first container 31 may include a cylinder 310 defining its exterior. A liquid chamber 311 may be formed in the cylinder 310. An evaporation channel 318 may be formed in the cylinder 310. The evaporation channel 318 may be formed in a vertically extending evaporation tube 3180. The evaporation tube 3180 may be surrounded by the liquid chamber 311.

[0107] The evaporation housing 3120 may extend downward from the evaporation pipe 3180. A lower portion of the evaporation housing 3120 may expand radially outward to be connected to the cylinder 310. The evaporation chamber 312 may be formed in the evaporation housing 3120. The evaporation chamber 312 may be connected to the evaporation channel 318 in a vertical direction.

[0108] The wick 313 may be disposed in the evaporation housing 3120. The heater 314 may be disposed in the evaporation housing 3120. The heater 314 may be wound around the wick 313 to surround the wick 313. The heater 314 may be configured to have a coil form surrounding the wick 313. The heater 314 may include a coil. The heater 314 may be referred to as a coil heater 314. The coil of the heater 314 may be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the wick 313.

[0109] A wick hole 3121 may be formed in the evaporation housing 3120 to connect the liquid chamber 311 to the evaporation chamber 312. The wick 313 may be inserted into the wick hole 3121. Pre-evaporated aerosol material may be introduced through the wick hole 3121 to wet the wick 313.

[0110] The cap 36 may define the bottom surface of the cartridge 30. The cap 36 may be provided at the lower portion of the first container 31. The cap 36 may cover the lower portion of the cylinder 310. The outer surface of the cap 36 may be rounded upward to be connected to the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 310.

[0111] The first inlet 301 may be formed through the cap 36. The first inlet 301 may be connected to the evaporation chamber 312.

[0112] The first extension 362 may protrude upward from the bottom 361 of the cap 36 around the first inlet 301. The first extension 362 may extend upward from the bottom 361 of the cap 36 to surround the first inlet 301. The first extension 362 may define a step relative to the bottom 361 of the cap 36.

[0113] Therefore, the pre-vaporized aerosol material leaking from the liquid chamber 311 can be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the cartridge 30 through the first inlet 301 .

[0114] The connector 365 may extend upward from a circumferential portion of the cap 36. The connector 365 may be fitted into an inner circumferential surface of a lower portion of the cylinder 310.

[0115] The rim 367 may extend upward from the connector 365. The rim 367 may be spaced inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 310.

[0116] A lower sealant or lower seal 37 may be disposed between the cap 36 and the evaporation chamber 312. The lower seal 37 may be combined with the evaporation housing 3120 to define the evaporation chamber 312. A body 373 of the lower seal 37 may be disposed below the evaporation housing 3120. An evaporation inlet 371 may be vertically formed through the lower seal 37. The evaporation inlet 371 may be formed in the body 373 of the lower seal 37. The evaporation inlet 371 may be located between the first inlet 301 and the evaporation chamber 312, and may be connected to the first inlet 301 and the evaporation chamber 312.

[0117] The second extension 372 may extend upward from the lower seal 37. The second extension 372 may surround the evaporation inlet 371. The second extension 372 may protrude from the body 373 of the lower seal 37 around the evaporation inlet 371. The second extension 372 may define a step relative to the bottom surface of the lower seal 37.

[0118] Therefore, the pre-evaporation aerosol material absorbed in the core 313 can be minimized from leaking downward through the evaporation inlet 371. The pre-evaporation aerosol material leaking from the liquid chamber 311 can be prevented from being discharged outside the cartridge 30 through the evaporation inlet 371 and the first inlet 301.

[0119] The upper rim 375 may extend upward from the outer peripheral portion of the lower seal 37. The upper rim 375 may extend upward from the outer peripheral portion of the body 373 of the lower seal 37. The rib 3122 may extend downward from the evaporation housing 3120. The upper rim 375 may be fitted between the rib 3122 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 310.

[0120] The lower rim 377 may extend downward from the outer peripheral portion of the lower seal 37. The lower rim 377 may be fitted between the rim 367 of the cap 36 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 310.

[0121] The outer peripheral surfaces of the upper edge 375 and the lower edge 377 may define a continuous surface. The upper edge 375 and the lower edge 377 may contact the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 310.

[0122] Below, we will refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Describes the flow of air and aerosol when a user inhales air through the mouthpiece 34.

[0123] When a user inhales air through the mouthpiece 34, air may be introduced from outside the housing 10 and may pass through the receiving space 11 between the housing 10 and the cigarette cartridge 30. The air that has passed through the receiving space 11 between the housing 10 and the cigarette cartridge 30 may be introduced into the evaporation chamber 312 in the first container 31 through the first inlet 301. The introduced air may pass through the evaporation channel 318 together with the aerosol contained in the evaporation chamber 312. The aerosol that has passed through the evaporation channel 318 may be introduced into the second granulation chamber 322 in sequence through the first connecting channel 319 and the lower chamber hole 323. The aerosol may pass through the medium in the second granulation chamber 322, the upper chamber hole 324, and the first outlet 302 in sequence. The aerosol that has passed through the first outlet 302 may be discharged upward through the second inlet 341, the suction channel 343, and the second outlet 342.

[0124] Reference Figure 5 , the second disk 327 can be coupled or fixed to the container shaft 325. The second disk 327 can be coupled or fixed to the rotation shaft 3251.

[0125] A coupling hole 3271 may be formed in the second disk 327. The coupling hole 3271 may be formed at the center of the second disk 327. A coupling member 3278 may extend through the coupling hole 3271. The coupling member 3278 may be assembled into the rotating shaft 3251. The coupling member 3278 may be threadedly engaged with the rotating shaft 3251. The coupling member 3278 may couple the second disk 327 to the container shaft 325.

[0126] A second disk hole 3279 may be formed in the second disk 327. The second disk hole 3279 may be formed at a position spaced apart from the center of the second disk 327. The second disk hole 3279 may be connected to (or may be in communication with) the upper chamber hole 324. The second disk hole 3279 may be connected to or in communication with the upper chamber hole 324 formed at the upper portion of one of the plurality of granulation chambers 321 and 322. One of the plurality of granulation chambers 321 and 322 may be in communication with the connection channel via the upper chamber hole 324 and the second disk hole 3279.

[0127] A second connection channel 329 may be formed between the second disk 327 and the container head 33 .

[0128] The container head 33 may be coupled or joined to the second tray 327. The container head 33 may be fixed to the second tray 327.

[0129] The first outlet 302 may be formed in the container head 33. The first outlet 302 may communicate with the second connection channel 329.

[0130] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cartridge gear 41 may include an inner circumferential protrusion 416 that fits into the second guide slit 326. The inner circumferential protrusion 416 may protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cartridge gear 41. The inner circumferential protrusion 416 may fit into the second guide slit 326. The inner circumferential protrusion 416 may mesh with the second guide slit 326. The inner circumferential protrusion 416 may mesh with the second guide slit 326, allowing the cartridge gear 41 to rotate together with the second container 32.

[0131] The second guide slit 326 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis of the second container 32. The second guide slit 326 may vertically guide the tobacco cartridge 30 along the inner peripheral protrusion 416. When the tobacco cartridge 30 is inserted into the receiving space 11, the inner peripheral protrusion 416 may be caught at the upper end of the second guide slit 326. The upper end of the second guide slit 326 may serve as a stopper configured to prevent further downward movement of the tobacco cartridge 30.

[0132] The first guide slit 316 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the second guide slit 326. The first guide slit 316 and the second guide slit 326 may define a continuous surface such that the cartridge 30 is vertically guided along the inner peripheral protrusion 416.

[0133] The mouthpiece 34 may be pivotally connected or coupled to the container head 33 . Figure 5 The mouthpiece 34 is shown in a state where it is pivoted to be located in the first position. Figure 6 The mouthpiece 34 is shown in a state where it is pivoted to be located in the second position.

[0134] Below, we will refer to Figure 5 A state in which the mouthpiece 34 is pivoted to be located at the first position will be described.

[0135] When the mouthpiece 34 is pivoted to be located at the first position, the mouthpiece 34 may be seated in the seating portion 14 to close the upper portion of the housing 10. The mouthpiece 34 may close the opening O in the upper case 20. One surface of the mouthpiece 34 may be exposed to the outside through the opening O.

[0136] The suction channel 343 in the mouthpiece 34 may be provided in the upper housing 20. The suction channel 343 may be oriented so as not to be aligned with the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 30.

[0137] The sealing cap 35 may protrude downward from the mouthpiece 34 . The sealing cap 35 may be configured to have a hook form. The sealing cap 35 may close the first outlet 302 .

[0138] Thus, the medium and pre-vaporized aerosol material contained in the cartridge and internal components can be protected from the external environment.

[0139] The sealing cap 35 may have an outer surface that is rounded in the direction in which the mouthpiece 34 pivots. Therefore, when the mouthpiece 34 pivots to be located in the first position, the sealing cap 35 does not get stuck on the surface around the first outlet 302.

[0140] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 A state in which the mouthpiece 34 is pivoted to be located at the second position will be described.

[0141] When the mouthpiece 34 is pivoted to be located at the second position, the mouthpiece 34 can be separated from the seating portion 14. The sealing cap 35 can be separated from the first outlet 302 to open the first outlet 302.

[0142] The first outlet 302 may contact the second inlet 341. The suction channel 343 in the mouthpiece 34 may communicate with the first outlet 302. The suction channel 343 in the mouthpiece 34 may communicate with the space in the first container 31 and the space in the second container 32 through the first outlet 302.

[0143] The suction channel 343 may be oriented to extend in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette cartridge 30. The suction channel 343 may be oriented to extend vertically. The sealing cap 35 may be oriented to protrude toward the seating portion 14.

[0144] The following is based on Figures 7 to 9The directions of the mouthpiece 34 are defined using an orthogonal coordinate system as shown. In the orthogonal coordinate system, a forward direction FD may be defined as the forward direction of the mouthpiece 34. A rearward direction RD may be defined as the rearward direction of the mouthpiece 34. A lateral direction LD may be defined as the rightward and leftward directions, or the lateral direction, of the mouthpiece 34. An upward direction UD may be defined as the upward direction of the mouthpiece 34. A downward direction DD may be defined as the downward direction of the mouthpiece 34.

[0145] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The mouthpiece 34 may be configured to be elongated in the forward and rearward directions of the mouthpiece 34. The mouthpiece 34 may be configured to have a flat shape. A second inlet (or introduction inlet) 341 may be formed at the rear of the mouthpiece 34. A second outlet 342 may be formed at the front of the mouthpiece 34.

[0146] Suction channel 343 (see Figure 6 ) may be formed in the mouthpiece 34 and may extend in the forward and rearward directions. The second inlet 341 may be located at one end of the suction channel 343. The second outlet 342 may be located at the other end of the suction channel 343. The distance between the pivot 355 and the second outlet 342 may be greater than the distance between the pivot 355 and the second inlet 341. The suction channel 343 may be referred to as the second channel 343.

[0147] Therefore, the user can inhale air while holding part of the second outlet 342 in his / her mouth.

[0148] The retaining groove 347 may be formed as a depression in the side surface of the mouthpiece 34. The retaining groove 347 may include two retaining grooves formed in both side surfaces of the mouthpiece 34. The retaining groove 347 may be closer to the second outlet 342 than to the second inlet 341.

[0149] The mouthpiece 34 may include a sealing cap 35. The sealing cap 35 may protrude outward from the mouthpiece 34. The sealing cap 35 may protrude downward from the mouthpiece 34. The sealing cap 35 may be integrally formed with the mouthpiece 34. The sealing cap 35 may be coupled to the mouthpiece 34. The sealing cap 35 may be disposed closer to the second inlet 341 than to the second outlet 342.

[0150] The mouthpiece 34 can pivot about a pivot 355. The pivot 355 can be considered the center of the pivoting action or pivot center of the mouthpiece 34. The pivot 355 can protrude from both side surfaces of the mouthpiece 34 or the sealing cap 35 in the rightward and leftward directions. The pivot 355 can be arranged perpendicular to the vertical direction. The pivot 355 can be closer to the second inlet 341 than to the second outlet 342.

[0151] The sealing cap 35 may include an extension 352 extending downward from the mouthpiece 34. The sealing cap 35 may include a first sealing surface 356 extending from a lower end of the extension 352 in a rearward direction of the mouthpiece 34. The first sealing surface 356 may define an outer surface of a lower end of the sealing cap 35.

[0152] When the mouthpiece 34 is pivoted, the first sealing surface 356 can contact the area around the first outlet 302. When the mouthpiece 34 is in the first position, the first sealing surface 356 is disposed above the first outlet 302 to close the first outlet 302 (see FIG. Figure 5 When the mouthpiece 34 is in the first position, the first sealing surface 356 can engage with the gasket 331 disposed around the first outlet 302 (see FIG. Figure 11 Alternatively, the gasket 331 may be referred to as a docking member or a docking ring.

[0153] The first sealing surface 356 may include a portion extending while being rounded in the direction in which the mouthpiece 34 pivots. The first sealing surface 356 may include a first planar portion 356a formed to have a planar surface and a first rounded portion 356b rounded in the direction in which the mouthpiece 34 pivots.

[0154] The first planar portion 356a may define a lower surface of the extension 352. The first rounded portion 356b may define a surface extending from the first planar portion 356a toward the second inlet 341 while being rounded. The first rounded portion 356b may have a curvature radius whose center is adjacent to the pivot center of the mouthpiece 34.

[0155] Therefore, when the mouthpiece 34 pivots, the mouthpiece 34 can smoothly pivot between the first position and the second position without the first sealing surface 356 of the sealing cap 35 being caught on the surface around the first outlet 302. The sealing surface 356 and / or the end of the sealing cap 35 can be spaced apart from the lower surface of the mouthpiece 34 to define a space S between the mouthpiece 34 and the end. The front and lower sides of the space S can be surrounded by the extension 352 and the first sealing surface 356. The extension 352 and the first sealing surface 346 of the sealing cap 35 can define a hook-shaped cross-section.

[0156] The sealing cap 35 can be made of an elastic material. For example, the sealing cap 35 can be made of a plastic material.

[0157] Therefore, when the mouthpiece 34 is located at the first position, the first sealing surface 356 may come into contact with the first outlet 302 and may press the first outlet 302 while being pushed toward the space S.

[0158] The mouthpiece 34 may include a second sealing surface 346 that constitutes a rear surface of the mouthpiece 34 and surrounds the second inlet 341. The second sealing surface 346 may define an outer surface of the mouthpiece 34 around the second inlet 341.

[0159] When the mouthpiece 34 is pivoted, the second sealing surface 346 may contact the area around the first outlet 302. When the mouthpiece 34 is in the second position, the second sealing surface 346 may be arranged to surround the first outlet 302, and the second inlet 341 may be in communication with the first outlet 302 (see FIG. Figure 6 When the mouthpiece 34 is in the second position, the second sealing surface 346 can engage with the gasket 331 disposed around the first outlet 302 (see FIG. Figure 11 ) close contact.

[0160] The second sealing surface 346 may include a portion extending while being rounded in the direction in which the mouthpiece 34 pivots. The second sealing surface 346 may include a second planar portion 346b formed to have a planar surface and a second rounded portion 346a rounded in the direction in which the mouthpiece 34 pivots. The second planar portion 346b may be formed to be higher than the second rounded portion 346a.

[0161] The second circular portion 346a may constitute a surface extending while being rounded in the direction in which the mouthpiece 34 pivots. The second circular portion 346a may have a predetermined curvature. The center of curvature of the second circular portion 346a may be adjacent to the pivot center of the mouthpiece 34. The second planar portion 346b may extend upward from the second circular portion 346a to define a planar surface.

[0162] Therefore, when the mouthpiece 34 pivots, the second sealing surface 346 of the mouthpiece 34 can smoothly pivot between the first position and the second position without getting stuck on the surface around the first outlet 302 .

[0163] The spring 344 may be connected to the mouthpiece 34. The spring 344 may be exposed to the outside of the mouthpiece 34 through a slit 354 formed in the sealing cap 35. A portion of the spring 344 may be exposed downward from the mouthpiece 34.

[0164] Reference Figure 9 The sealing cap 35 may include an inwardly protruding assembly protrusion 359. The assembly protrusion 359 may include two assembly protrusions formed on both inner side surfaces of the sealing cap 35. The mouthpiece 34 may have an inwardly recessed assembly groove 349. The assembly groove 359 may include two assembly grooves formed in both side surfaces of the mouthpiece 34. The assembly protrusion 359 may be fitted into the assembly groove 349. The sealing cap 35 may be assembled with the mouthpiece 34 to protrude downward from the mouthpiece 34.

[0165] The mouthpiece 34 may include a spring coupling shaft 345 protruding outward from a side surface thereof. The spring coupling shaft 345 may be formed coaxially with the pivot shaft 355. The spring 344 may be wound around the spring coupling shaft 345 to extend in the longitudinal direction of the spring coupling shaft 345. One end of the spring 344 may be in contact with the mouthpiece 34, and the other end of the spring 344 may be exposed from the mouthpiece 34.

[0166] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the mouthpiece 34 may be pivotally connected or coupled to the container head 33. Axial holes 335 may be formed in both side surfaces of the container head 33. A pivot 355 may be fitted into the axial hole 335. The mouthpiece 34 may pivot around the pivot 355 fitted into the axial hole 335.

[0167] The container head 33 may be configured to have a cylindrical form extending upward from the outer peripheral surface of the second container 32. An axial hole 335 may be formed in both side surfaces of the upper portion of the container head 33. The container head 33 may be open at its upper surface so that the mouthpiece 34 is disposed therein. A portion of one side surface of the container head 33 may be open. The container head 33 may be configured so that its upper and side surface portions are continuously open to form an "L" shape. The mouthpiece 34 may be pivotable within the open area of ​​the container head 33.

[0168] The first outlet 302 may be formed in the bottom surface of the container head 33. The first outlet 302 may be connected to a connection channel 329 formed at the upper portion of the second container 32. Aerosol generated from the cartridge 30 may be discharged from the first outlet 302 through the connection channel 329.

[0169] A gasket 331 may be formed around the first outlet 302. The gasket 331 may surround the first outlet 302 at the bottom surface of the container head 33. The gasket 331 may protrude upward from the bottom surface of the container head 33. The gasket 331 may be fixed to the bottom surface of the container head 33. The gasket 331 may have a shape corresponding to the circumference of the second inlet 341 to surround the second inlet 341. The gasket 331 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone.

[0170] When the mouthpiece 34 is in the first position, the gasket 331 can be in close contact with the first sealing surface 356 of the sealing cap 35. When the mouthpiece 34 is in the second position, the gasket 331 can be in contact with the second sealing surface 346 constituting the rear surface of the mouthpiece 34 around the second inlet 341.

[0171] The container head 33 may have a spring mounting hole 334 therein. The spring mounting hole 334 may be formed in the inner surface of the container head 33. The spring mounting hole 334 may extend upward and may be open at its upper portion. The end of a spring 344 exposed downward from the mouthpiece 34 may be mounted and secured in the spring mounting hole 334. The spring 344 may be secured in the container head 33 and connected to the mouthpiece 34 to bias the mouthpiece 34 toward the second position. The spring 344 may move the mouthpiece 34 to the second position due to its restoring force.

[0172] The container head 33 may be coupled to an upper side of the second container 32. An assembling hole 338 may be formed in a bottom surface of the container head 33. The assembling screw 328 may be engaged with an upper portion of the second container 32 through the assembling hole 338.

[0173] Reference Figure 12 , an inner wall 12 may be provided in the housing 10. The inner wall 12 may be formed separately from the housing 10 and may be coupled (or bonded) to the inner surface of the housing 10, or may be formed integrally with the housing 10. The inner wall 12 may surround the receiving space 11. A groove 121 may be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall 12 in an outward direction.

[0174] The connector 110 may be provided in the housing 10. The connector 110 may be provided on the inner surface of the inner wall 12. The connector 110 may be provided on the lower side of the cartridge gear 41. The connector 110 may be configured to have a vertically extending cylindrical form.

[0175] The connector 110 may surround the receiving space 11. The connector 110 may define the receiving space 11. The connector 110 may define a portion of the receiving space 11. The diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the connector 110 may be equal to the diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the cartridge gear 41. The inner circumferential surface of the connector 110 may define an extension of the inner circumferential surface of the cartridge gear 41.

[0176] The connector 110 may include a cylindrical connector body 111. The connector body 111 may surround the receiving space 11. The connector body 111 may define the receiving space 11. The connector body 111 may define a portion of the receiving space 11. An inner circumferential surface 112 of the connector body 111 may define the receiving space 11. The inner circumferential surface 112 of the connector body 111 may define a portion of the receiving space 11. The connector body 111 may extend vertically.

[0177] The connector 110 may be coupled to the housing 10. The connector 110 may be fixed to the housing 10. An outer protrusion 113 may be formed at a position corresponding to the groove 121 in the inner wall 12 of the housing 10. The outer protrusion 113 may be fitted into the groove 121. The outer protrusion 113 may be located at an upper portion of the connector 110. The outer protrusion 113 may be positioned higher than the center of the connector 110 in the vertical direction. The outer protrusion 113 may be positioned higher than the retaining protrusion 117.

[0178] The outer protrusion 113 may protrude outward from the connector 110. The outer protrusion 113 may protrude outward from the connector body 111. The outer protrusion 113 may be inclined outward while moving from bottom to top.

[0179] The retaining protrusion 117 may extend inwardly from the connector 110. The retaining protrusion 117 may protrude inwardly from the connector body 111. The retaining protrusion 117 may fit into the retaining groove 317 (see Figure 14 ).

[0180] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the cartridge gear 41 can be rotatably mounted in the housing 10. The cartridge gear 41 can be configured to have a ring form (see Figure 15 The gear assembly hole 411 may define a cavity in the cartridge gear 41. The gear assembly hole 411 may be defined by the inner circumferential surface of the cartridge gear 41. The gear assembly hole 411 may be arranged so that its inner circumferential surface surrounds the receiving space 11. The gear assembly hole 411 may be located in the receiving space 11.

[0181] The inner circumferential protrusion 416 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the cartridge gear 41 toward the receiving space. The inner circumferential protrusion 416 may include a plurality of inner circumferential protrusions 416. The plurality of inner circumferential protrusions 416 may be arranged in a circumferential direction. The plurality of inner circumferential protrusions 416 may be arranged in a circumferential direction of the cartridge gear 41 around the axis of the receiving space 11 (an imaginary vertically extending line). The plurality of inner circumferential protrusions 416 may be arranged in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis of the cartridge gear 41. The inner circumferential protrusion 416 may be elongated vertically to fit into the first guide slit 316 and the second guide slit 326.

[0182] The receiving space 11 may be elongated. The receiving space 11 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette cartridge 30. The receiving space 11 may extend vertically.

[0183] The inner peripheral protrusion 416 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the receiving space 11. The inner peripheral protrusion 416 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the first guide slit 316. The inner peripheral protrusion 416 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the second guide slit 326.

[0184] The receiving space 11 may be open at one surface thereof.The receiving space 11 may be open at an upper side thereof.

[0185] The gear assembly hole 411 may be open on a surface facing the open surface of the receiving space 11. The gear assembly hole 411 may also be open on a surface opposite to one of the open surfaces. One surface and the other surface of the gear assembly hole 411 may be open. The gear assembly hole 411 may be open on the side where the cigarette cartridge 30 is inserted. The gear assembly hole 411 may be open on the side where the cigarette cartridge 30 is removed. The gear assembly hole 411 may be open on both the upper and lower sides.

[0186] The inner circumferential protrusion 416 may include inclined surfaces 416a and 416b. The inner circumferential protrusion 416 may have a length greater at its outer side than at its inner side. The inner circumferential protrusion 416 may be configured to have a trapezoidal form.

[0187] Inclined surfaces 416a and 416b may be located at both ends of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 in the longitudinal direction thereof. The inclined surfaces 416a and 416b may include a first inclined surface 416a and a second inclined surface 416b located at both ends of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

[0188] The first inclined surface 416a may be located at one end of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 in the longitudinal direction. The first inclined surface 416a may be located at an end of the open surface of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 provided with the receiving space 11. The first inclined surface 416a may be located at an end of the surface of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 provided with the gear assembly hole 411. The first inclined surface 416a may be located at an upper portion of the inner peripheral protrusion 416.

[0189] The second inclined surface 416b may be located at the other end of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 in the longitudinal direction. The second inclined surface 416b may be located at the other end of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 having a surface opposite to the open surface of the receiving space 11. The second inclined surface 416b may be located at the other end of the other surface (opposite to the one surface) of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 having the gear assembly hole 411. The second inclined surface 416b may be located at a lower portion of the inner peripheral protrusion 416.

[0190] The first inclined surface 416a may face the open surface of the receiving space 11. The first inclined surface 416a may face both the open surface of the receiving space 11 and the central axis of the receiving space 11. The first inclined surface 416a may be inclined toward the central axis of the receiving space 11 while moving in the direction in which the cigarette cartridge 30 is inserted into the receiving space 11. The first inclined surface 416a may be inclined toward the central axis of the receiving space 11 while moving downward.

[0191] The first inclined surface 416a may face the open surface of the gear assembly hole 411. The first inclined surface 416a may face both the open surface of the gear assembly hole 411 and the central axis of the gear assembly hole 411. The first inclined surface 416a may be inclined toward the central axis of the gear assembly hole 411 while moving in the direction in which the cigarette cartridge 30 is inserted into the gear assembly hole 411. The first inclined surface 416a may be inclined toward the central axis of the gear assembly hole 411 while moving downward.

[0192] The upper end of the second guide slit 326 may face the first inclined surface 416a (see Figure 5 The upper end of the second guide slit 326 may be inclined to be parallel to the first inclined surface 416a (see Figure 5 ).

[0193] The second inclined surface 416b may face a direction opposite to the direction faced by the open surface of the receiving space 11. The second inclined surface 416b may face a direction opposite to the direction faced by the open surface of the receiving space 11 and may face the central axis of the receiving space 11. The second inclined surface 416b may be inclined toward the central axis of the receiving space 11 while moving in the direction in which the cigarette cartridge 30 is removed from the receiving space 11. The second inclined surface 416b may be inclined toward the central axis of the receiving space 11 while moving upward.

[0194] The second inclined surface 416b may face a direction opposite to the direction faced by the open surface of the gear assembly hole 411. The second inclined surface 416b may face the other open surface of the gear assembly hole 411. The second inclined surface 416b may face a direction opposite to the direction faced by the open surface of the gear assembly hole 411 and may face the central axis of the gear assembly hole 411. The second inclined surface 416b may be inclined toward the central axis of the gear assembly hole 411 while moving in the direction in which the cigarette cartridge 30 is removed from the gear assembly hole 411. The second inclined surface 416b may be inclined toward the central axis of the receiving space 11 while moving upward.

[0195] Therefore, the cigarette cartridge 30 can be easily inserted into the receiving space 11 .

[0196] Therefore, the cigarette cartridge 30 can be easily taken out from the receiving space 11 .

[0197] Therefore, the cigarette cartridge 30 can be easily inserted into the gear assembly hole 411 .

[0198] Therefore, the cigarette cartridge 30 can be easily removed from the gear assembly hole 411.

[0199] Therefore, even when the first guide slit 316 and the inner peripheral protrusion 416 are not aligned with each other, the cigarette cartridge 30 can be easily inserted into the receiving space 11 .

[0200] Therefore, even when the first guide slit 316 and the second guide slit 326 are not aligned with each other, the cartridge 40 can be easily inserted and removed.

[0201] Reference Figures 14 to 16 The cigarette cartridge 30 may be assembled into the gear assembly hole 411 formed in the cigarette cartridge gear 41. The cigarette cartridge 30 may be assembled in the direction of the rotation axis of the cigarette cartridge gear 41. The direction of the rotation axis of the cigarette cartridge gear 41 may be a vertical direction.

[0202] The inner circumferential protrusion 416 can be fitted into the first guide slit 316 and the second guide slit 326. The inner circumferential protrusion 416 can guide the cigarette cartridge 30 to be fitted into the receiving space 11 by sliding along the first guide slit 316 and the second guide slit 326. The first guide slit 316 and the second guide slit 326 can contact the inner circumferential protrusion 416 in sequence.

[0203] The first guide slits 316 may include a plurality of first guide slits arranged in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 30. The second guide slits 326 may include a plurality of second guide slits arranged in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 30. The inner circumferential protrusions 416 may include a plurality of inner circumferential protrusions arranged in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 41. The plurality of inner circumferential protrusions 416 may be arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of second guide slits 326. Each of the plurality of inner circumferential protrusions 416 may be fitted into a corresponding one of the plurality of second guide slits 326.

[0204] The circumferential direction of the cigarette cartridge 30 may be the same as the rotational direction of the second container 32. The circumferential direction of the cigarette cartridge gear 41 may be the same as the rotational direction of the cigarette cartridge gear 41. The rotational direction of the second container 32 may be the same as the rotational direction of the cigarette cartridge gear 41.

[0205] When the cigarette cartridge 30 is fully assembled into the receiving space 11, the retaining protrusion 117 (see Figure 12 ) can be assembled into the retaining groove 317, thereby holding the first container 31 in place. When the cigarette cartridge 30 is fully assembled into the receiving space 11, the assembly protrusion 337 can be assembled into the assembly groove 137 (see Figure 6 ), thereby holding the container head 33 in place. When the cigarette cartridge 30 is fully assembled into the receiving space 11, the inner peripheral protrusion 416 can be located at the upper end of the second guide slit 326.

[0206] Therefore, when the cartridge gear 41 rotates, the second container 32 can rotate because the inner peripheral protrusion 416 engages with the second guide slit 326. When the second container 32 rotates, the position of the first container 31 can be maintained. When the second container 32 rotates, the position of the container head 33 and the position of the mouthpiece 34 can be maintained.

[0207] The second guide slit 326 may include a portion that becomes increasingly wider as it moves downward. The second guide slit 326 may have a maximum width at the lower end of the second container 32. The width w2 of the second guide slit 326 may continuously decrease as it moves upward from the lower end and may maintain a constant value w1 from a predetermined height to its upper end. The width w2 of the lower portion of the second guide slit 326 may be greater than the width w1 of the upper portion of the second guide slit 326.

[0208] The width w3 of the first guide slit 316 may become equal to the width w2 of the lower end of the second guide slit 326 at a portion thereof abutting the lower end of the second guide slit 326. The width w3 of the first guide slit 316 may be equal to or greater than the width w1 of the upper portion of the second guide slit 326.

[0209] The second guide slit 326 may have a portion with the same width as the width of the inner peripheral protrusion 416. The width w1 of the upper portion of the second guide slit 326 may be equal to the width w0 of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 (see FIG. Figure 13 The width w2 of the lower portion of the second guide slit 326 may be greater than the width w0 of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 . The width w3 of the first guide slit 316 may be greater than the width w0 of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 .

[0210] Therefore, even when the cigarette cartridge 30 is assembled into the gear assembly hole 411 in a state where the first guide slit 316 and the second guide slit 326 are not aligned, the inner peripheral protrusion 416 slides along the side surfaces of the first guide slit 316 and the second guide slit 326, thereby aligning the first guide slit 316 with the second guide slit 326.

[0211] Therefore, since the first connection passage 319 is accurately communicated with the lower chamber hole 323, it is possible to prevent the aerosol flow efficiency from being reduced.

[0212] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 The cigarette cartridge gear 41 can be engaged with the dial gear 41 to rotate therewith. The rotation axis of the cigarette cartridge 41 and the rotation axis of the dial gear 42 can be oriented parallel to each other.

[0213] The first gear teeth 412 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge gear 41. The second gear teeth 422 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the dial gear 42. The first gear teeth 412 and the second gear teeth 422 may mesh with each other to rotate together. The height of the first gear teeth 412 may be equal to the height of the second gear teeth 422.

[0214] The dial 43 may be connected to the dial gear 42 so as to rotate therewith. The dial 43 and the dial gear 42 may be coaxially arranged.

[0215] The irregular portion 432 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the dial 43. The height of the irregular portion 432 may be lower than the height of the first gear teeth 412 and the height of the second gear teeth 412.

[0216] The user can rotate the dial 43 on the outside of the housing 10 (see Figure 1 When the dial 43 is rotated by the user, the dial gear 42 and the cigarette cartridge gear 41 rotate in sequence, thereby rotating the second container 32.

[0217] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 18 The cap 36 may form the bottom surface of the cartridge 30. The cap 36 may be referred to as a plug 36. The cap 36 may also be referred to as a lower cap 36. The cap 36 may be disposed below the cylinder 310 (see FIG. Figure 4 ). The cap 36 may be coupled or combined to the cylinder 310. The cap 36 may be fixed to the cylinder 310. A fitting hole 307 may be formed in the cap 36 by recessing the lower surface of the cap 36 upward. The fitting hole 307 may be provided spaced apart from the center of the cap 36. The fitting hole 307 may be spaced apart from a line extending from the rotation axis of the second container 32. Hereinafter, the fitting hole 307 may be referred to as the fitting hole 307.

[0218] The base 16 may be configured to surround the lower portion of the receiving space 11. A fitting protrusion 167 may protrude upward from a bottom surface 168 of the base 16. The fitting protrusion 167 may be provided to be spaced apart from the center of the base 16. The fitting protrusion 167 may be spaced apart from a line extending from the rotation axis of the second container 32.

[0219] The assembly hole 307 may be located at a position corresponding to the assembly protrusion 167. When the cigarette cartridge 30 is assembled into the receiving space 11, the assembly protrusion 167 may be assembled into the assembly hole 307.

[0220] The fitting protrusion 167 may be configured to have a cylindrical form extending upward. The upper portion of the fitting protrusion 167 may become narrower while moving upward. The upper end of the fitting protrusion 167 may be rounded.

[0221] Therefore, the first container 31 and the cigarette cartridge 30 can be set at designated positions.

[0222] Therefore, even when the assembly protrusion 167 is not precisely aligned with the assembly hole 307, the upper end of the assembly protrusion 167 can be guided into the assembly hole 307, thereby guiding the cigarette cartridge to the correct position.

[0223] Therefore, even when the second container 32 is rotated, the first container 31 can be maintained in place.

[0224] The first terminal 164 may protrude upward from the bottom surface 168 of the base 16. The first terminal 164 may be composed of a pair of terminals and may be spaced the same distance from the center of the base 16. The first terminal 164 may be configured to have an upwardly extending cylindrical form. The first terminal 164 may receive power from the battery 50.

[0225] The second terminal 304 may be formed on the bottom surface of the cap 36. The second terminal 304 may consist of a pair of terminals and may be spaced the same distance apart from the center of the cap 36. The second terminal 304 may be electrically connected to the heater 314.

[0226] The second terminal 304 can be located at a position corresponding to the first terminal 164. When the cigarette cartridge 30 is assembled into the receiving space 11, the second terminal 304 can contact the first terminal 164 and thus be electrically connected thereto. The first terminal 164 can transmit power to the second terminal 304, causing the heater 314 to heat the core 313.

[0227] Reference Figure 19 Combine Figure 2 , the connector 110 may include a cylindrical connector body 111. The connector body 111 may extend vertically.

[0228] The connector 110 may have a structure configured to maintain a rotational position of the cartridge 30. A retaining protrusion 117 may protrude from an inner circumferential surface 112 of the connector 110.

[0229] Grooves 114 and 115 may be formed in the connector 110. The grooves 114 and 115 may be formed through the connector body 111.

[0230] Necks 116 and 118 may be located in grooves 114 and 115, respectively, and may extend. Necks 116 and 118 may extend from connector body 111 into grooves 114 and 115. Necks 116 and 118 may be located on the same surface of connector body 111 and may extend vertically.

[0231] The retaining protrusions 117 and 119 may protrude from the necks 116 and 118, respectively, toward the interior of the connector 110. Hereinafter, the retaining protrusions 117 and 119 may be referred to as heads 117 and 119. The heads 117 and 119 may be fitted into the retaining grooves 317.

[0232] The heads 117 and 119 can hold the first container 31 in place. When the cigarette cartridge 30 is fitted into the receiving space 11, the heads 117 and 119 can hold the first container 31 in place. Since the heads 117 and 119 fit into the retaining groove 317, the first container 31 cannot rotate even when the second container 32 rotates.

[0233] The groove 114 may be formed at a lower portion of the connector 110. The lower groove 114 may be formed at a lower end of the connector 110.

[0234] The first neck portion 116 may be located in the lower groove 114 . The first neck portion 116 may extend from the connector 111 into the lower groove 114 .

[0235] The first head portion 117 may protrude from the first neck portion 116 toward the inside of the connector 110. The first head portion 117 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a holding groove 317 located at a relatively low level among a plurality of holding grooves 317 formed in the first container 31.

[0236] The first head portion 117 may include a plurality of first heads 117. The plurality of heads 117 may be arranged circumferentially at regular intervals. Each of the first neck portion 116 and the lower groove 114 may include a plurality of neck portions 116 or lower grooves 114. The plurality of neck portions 116 may be arranged at regular intervals. The plurality of lower grooves 114 may be arranged at regular intervals.

[0237] The middle groove 115 may be formed at a position higher than the lower groove 114. The middle groove 115 may be formed at a position spaced apart from the lower groove 114 in the circumferential direction.

[0238] The second neck portion 118 can be positioned in the intermediate recess 115. The second neck portion 118 can extend from the connector body 111 into the intermediate recess 115.

[0239] The second head 119 may protrude from the second neck 118 toward the inside of the connector 110. The second head 119 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a holding groove 317 located at a relatively high level among the plurality of holding grooves 317 formed in the first container 31.

[0240] The second head portion 119 may include a plurality of second heads 119. The plurality of second heads 119 may be arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the second neck portion 118 and the intermediate groove 115 may include a plurality of second neck portions 118 or intermediate grooves 115. The plurality of second neck portions 118 may be arranged at regular intervals. The plurality of intermediate grooves 115 may be arranged at regular intervals.

[0241] The connector body 111 may be configured to have a cylindrical form.The connector body 111 may extend vertically.

[0242] Reference Figure 20 , the receiving space 11 may be formed in the housing 10 and the upper housing 13. The upper housing 13 may define an upper portion of the receiving space 11.

[0243] The upper housing 20 may include a side surface 22 opened at its upper and lower sides and an upper surface 21 provided on the upper side of the side surface 22. The upper housing 20 may be provided above the housing 10 and outside the upper housing 13. An opening O may be formed in the upper surface 21. The opening O may be vertically formed through the upper surface 21. The upper side of the receiving space 11 may be open.

[0244] Mounting groove 137 (see Figure 3 ) may be recessed outward from the housing 10 from the receiving space 11. The fitting groove 137 may be open at its upper side. The fitting protrusion 337 may be fitted into the fitting groove 137.

[0245] The inclined surface 143 may be inclined downward from the seating portion 14 and toward the cartridge. The inclined surface 143 may provide a seal cap 35 (see Figure 2 ) space for rotation (pivot).

[0246] The fitting protrusion 137 may be recessed downward from the inclined surface 143 .

[0247] Reference Figure 21 and Figure 22 , the cylinder 310 may be open on its upper side. A cylindrical cap 310C may be assembled to the open upper side of the cylinder 310. The cylindrical cap 310C may include an inner portion 3101, an outer portion 3102, and a rim 3103. The inner portion 3101 may be an annular plate. The outer portion 3102 may be an annular plate and may be located outside the inner portion 3101. The outer portion 3102 may be combined with the inner portion 3101 to form a single circular plate. The rim 3103 may isolate the inner portion 3101 from the outer portion 3102. The rim 3103 may be an annular wall protruding from the outer surfaces of the outer portion 3102 and the inner portion 3101. The evaporation channel 318 may be formed in the inner portion 3101. The evaporation channel 318 may be formed through the inner portion 3101.

[0248] Seal 3104 may cover interior 3101. Seal 3104 may be an annular plate. Seal 3104 may contact interior 3101, and an outer peripheral surface of seal 3104 may contact an inner peripheral surface of rim 3103. Seal 3104 may include an elastomer. For example, seal 3104 may include rubber.

[0249] Reference Figures 23 to 26 , the first container 31 may be rotatable relative to the second container 32 and may be coupled or connected to the second container 32. A coupling disc 38 may be located between the first container 31 and the second container 32. The coupling disc 38 may be fixed to the first container 31 and may be rotatable relative to the second container 32.

[0250] The coupling disc 38 may include a body 381, a central hole 382, ​​a coupling groove 383, and a pipe 384. The body 381 may be configured to have an overall circular plate shape. The central hole 382 may be formed through the center of the body 381. The coupling groove 383 may be formed in one surface of the coupling disc 38. The coupling groove 383 may face the second container 32.

[0251] The duct 384 may include a first duct portion 384a and a second duct portion 384b. The first duct portion 384a may be disposed adjacent to the central hole 382. The first duct portion 384a may be configured to have an overall elongated conduit or barrel shape. The first duct portion 384a may be closed at one end and open at the other end. The second duct portion 384b may be configured to have a hollow wall having an overall fan-shaped shape. The second duct portion 384b may be in communication with the other open end of the first duct portion 384a. The second duct portion 384b of the duct 384 may face the coupling groove 383, with the central hole 382 interposed therebetween.

[0252] A coupling protrusion 3253P may be formed on the outer surface of the first plate 3253. The coupling protrusion 3253P may include a plurality of coupling protrusions. The number of coupling protrusions 3253P may correspond to the number of coupling grooves 383 in the coupling plate 38. When the coupling plate 38 is assembled into the second container 32, the coupling protrusion 3253P may fit into the coupling groove 383. The second duct portion 384b of the duct 384 may fit into the duct hole 3259 in the first plate 3253. Gas flowing through the evaporation channel 318 may flow to the second container 32 via the first duct portion 384a and the second duct portion 384b.

[0253] Reference Figures 27 to 29 The second container 32 may include a plurality of chambers 321 and 322. The plurality of chambers 321 and 322 may be divided into a first chamber 321a, a second chamber 321b, a third chamber 322a, and a fourth chamber 322b. A rotation axis 325 may extend between the plurality of chambers 321 and 322. The first chamber 321a may face the third chamber 322a across the rotation axis 325, and the second chamber 321b may face the fourth chamber 322b across the rotation axis 325. The plurality of chambers 321 and 322 may be open at their upper and lower ends.

[0254] The first chamber bottom 3211a blocks the open lower end of the first chamber 321a. The second chamber bottom 3211b blocks the open lower end of the second chamber 321b. The third chamber bottom 3221a blocks the open lower end of the third chamber 322a. The fourth chamber bottom 3221b blocks the open lower end of the fourth chamber 322b.

[0255] The chamber tubes 3212a, 3212b, 3222a, and 3222b may be formed at the bottoms of the respective chambers 3211a, 3211b, 3221a, and 3221b. Each of the chamber tubes 3212a, 3212b, 3222a, and 3222b may be configured to have an overall hollow funnel shape. The chamber tubes 3212a, 3212b, 3222a, and 3222b may disperse the gas flowing therethrough.

[0256] The chamber cover CC may have holes 323 therein corresponding to the chamber tubes 3212a, 3212b, 3222a, and 3222b, and may rotate along with the chambers 321 and 322 about the rotation axis 325. Holes 323 may be referred to as lower chamber holes 323. The chamber cover CC may be fixed to the chambers 321 and 322. A first disk 3253 may be coupled to the chamber cover CC and may be fixed to the rotation axis 325. First disk holes 3259 may be aligned with the chamber tubes 3212a, 3212b, 3222a, and 3222b and holes 323 by rotating the chambers 321 and 322.

[0257] Reference Figure 30 and Figure 31 , the chamber top 3241 can cover the upper open ends of chambers 321 and 322 (see Figure 27 ). The chamber top 3241 may be an annular plate. The chamber top 3241 may be rotatably coupled to the rotation shaft 325. The chamber top 3241 may be fixed to the chambers 321 and 322 and may rotate together with the chambers 321 and 322. Alternatively, the chamber top 3241 may be fixed to the rotation shaft 325, and the chambers 321 and 322 may rotate while contacting the chamber top 3241. Upper chamber holes 324 may be formed in the chamber top 3241. The number and / or position of the upper chamber holes 324 may correspond to the number and / or position of the lower chamber holes 323.

[0258] The chamber cover 3242 may face the chamber ceiling 3241. The chamber tubes 3243 may be located between the chamber cover 3242 and the chamber ceiling 3241. Each chamber tube 3243 may be configured to have a hollow cylindrical shape or a funnel shape. The diameter of each chamber tube 3243 near the chamber ceiling 3241 may be smaller than the diameter of each chamber tube 3243 near the chamber cover 3242. Therefore, the gas can be dispersed while passing through the chamber tubes 3243.

[0259] Reference Figure 32 The second tray 327 may include an upper plate 327a and a lower plate 327b. The lower plate 327b may be coupled to the upper portion of the second container 32. The upper plate 327a may be coupled to the lower plate 327b. A second tray hole 3279 may be formed in the second tray 327 through the upper plate 327a and the lower plate 327b.

[0260] The seal 3244 may be provided on the chamber cover 3241 (see Figure 31) and the second disc hole 3279 between the lower plate 327b to seal the second disc hole 3279. The seal 3244 can be fixed to the lower plate 327b and can rotate and contact the chamber cover 3242.

[0261] The second container 32 may rotate relative to the second disk 327. The upper chamber hole 324 may move relative to the second disk hole 3279. The gas flowing through the upper chamber hole 324 and the second disk hole 3279 may pass through the first outlet 302 formed in the container head 33.

[0262] Hereinafter, a cigarette cartridge according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figures 1 to 32 The same description will be omitted.

[0263] Reference Figure 33 The cigarette cartridge 300 may be assembled into the receiving space 11 defined in the housing 10. Aerosol may be generated in the cigarette cartridge 300 and may be discharged to the outside through the interior of the cigarette cartridge 300.

[0264] The cigarette cartridge 300 may be disposed in the receiving space 11. The cigarette cartridge 300 may include a first container 39 and a second container 32. The first container 39 may have a chamber therein configured to contain a liquid.

[0265] The second container 32 may be connected or coupled to the first container 39. The second container 32 may be disposed above the first container 39.

[0266] The second container 32 may be rotatably connected or coupled to the first container 39. The second container 32 may be disposed above the first container 39. The first container 39 and the second container 32 may have approximately the same diameter.

[0267] A first guide slit 3916 may be formed in the outer circumferential surface of the first container 39. The first guide slit 3916 may be recessed inward from the outer circumferential surface of the first container 39. The first guide slit 3916 may be formed to extend vertically. The first guide slit 3916 may extend from the upper end to the lower end of the outer circumferential surface of the first container 39. Hereinafter, the first guide slit 3916 may be referred to as a first guide rail 3916.

[0268] When the second container 32 is rotated to a predetermined position, the second guide slit 326 may be aligned with the first guide slit 3916. In this position, the lower end of the second guide slit 326 may be connected to the upper end of the first guide slit 3916.

[0269] The width of the lower end of the second guide slit 326 may be the same as the width of the upper end of the first guide slit 3916. The first guide slit 3916 may be widest at its lower end and / or upper end.

[0270] The first guide slit 3916 may include a plurality of first guide slits arranged along the circumference of the first container 39 .

[0271] The first guide slit 3916 may be referred to as a guide rail, a guide channel, or a guide groove.

[0272] The retaining groove 3917 may be formed in the outer peripheral surface of the first container 39. The retaining groove 317 may be recessed inward from the outer peripheral surface of the first container 31. The retaining groove 3917 may be formed at a position spaced apart from the first guide slit 3916. The retaining groove 3917 may be formed at a position spaced outward from the first guide slit 3916. The retaining protrusion 117 (see FIG. 11 ) provided at the lower portion of the receiving space 11 may be provided at the lower portion of the receiving space 11. Figure 3 ) can be assembled into the retaining groove 3917 (see Figure 3 )middle.

[0273] The retaining groove 3917 can be formed in the cylinder 391 (see Figure 35 ) extends in the circumferential direction of the retaining groove 3917. The length of the retaining groove 3917 may be greater than its width. The retaining protrusion 117 may have a length and width corresponding to the retaining groove 3917.

[0274] The retaining groove 3917 may include a plurality of retaining grooves. The retaining groove 3917 may include a first retaining groove 3917 located at a lower level and a second retaining groove 3917 located at a higher level. The second retaining groove 3917 may be provided closer to the second container 32 than the first retaining groove 3917. The first retaining groove 3917 and the second retaining groove 3917 may be provided at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0275] The first retaining groove 3917 may include a plurality of first retaining grooves. The second retaining groove 3917 may include a plurality of second retaining grooves.

[0276] Alternatively, a retaining protrusion may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first container 39, and a retaining groove may be formed in the lower portion of the receiving space 11. The retaining protrusion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first container 39 may be fitted into the retaining groove in the lower portion of the receiving space 11.

[0277] Hereinafter, the retaining groove or retaining protrusion 3917 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first container 39 may be referred to as a first rotation limiter 3917 , and the retaining protrusion or retaining groove 117 formed at the lower portion of the receiving space 11 may be referred to as a second rotation limiter 117 .

[0278] Heads 117 and 119 (see Figure 19) can hold the first container 39 in place. When the cigarette cartridge 300 is fitted into the receiving space 11, the heads 117 and 119 can hold the first container 39 in place. Even when the second container 32 rotates, the first container 39 cannot rotate because the heads 117 and 119 are fitted into the retaining grooves 3917.

[0279] The first head 117 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a holding groove 3917 located at a lower level among the plurality of holding grooves 3917 formed in the first container 39. The second head 119 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a holding groove 3917 located at a higher level among the plurality of holding grooves 3917 formed in the first container 39.

[0280] The cigarette cartridge 300 can be vertically assembled into the receiving space 11 in the housing 10 (see Figure 2 )middle.

[0281] The cigarette cartridge 300 may include a container head 33 located above the second container 32 .

[0282] The cartridge 300 may include a mouthpiece 34 pivotally connected or coupled to the container head 33. The cartridge 300 may include a sealing cap 35.

[0283] When the cigarette cartridge 300 is assembled into the receiving space 11 , the head cover 23 of the upper housing 20 may be disposed above the container head 33 .

[0284] The flow sensor 60 may detect the flow of air introduced into the cartridge 300 via the first inlet 3901 .

[0285] Reference Figure 34 The cigarette cartridge 300 can be assembled into the gear assembly hole 411 formed in the cigarette cartridge gear 41. The cigarette cartridge 300 can be assembled in the direction of the rotation axis of the gear assembly hole 411.

[0286] The inner circumferential protrusion 416 can be assembled into the first guide slit 3916 and the second guide slit 326. The inner circumferential protrusion 416 can guide the cigarette cartridge 300 so that the inner circumferential protrusion 416 slides along the first guide slit 3916 and the second guide slit 326 while the cigarette cartridge 300 is assembled into the receiving space 11. The first guide slit 3916 and the second guide slit 326 can contact the inner circumferential protrusion 416 in sequence.

[0287] The first guide slit 3916 may include a plurality of first guide slits 3916 arranged in a circumferential direction of the cartridge 300 .

[0288] The circumferential direction of the cigarette cartridge 300 may be the same as the rotation direction of the second container 32 .

[0289] When the cigarette cartridge 300 is fully assembled into the receiving space 11, the retaining protrusion 117 (see Figure 12 ) can be fitted into the retaining groove 9317, thereby holding the first container 39 in place. When the second container 32 is rotated, the first container 39 can be held in place.

[0290] The width w3 of the first guide slit 3916 may become equal to the width w2 of the lower end of the second guide slit 326 at the portion where the first guide slit 3916 abuts against the lower end of the second guide slit 326. The width w3 of the first guide slit 3916 may be equal to or greater than the width w1 of the upper portion of the second guide slit 326. The width w3 of the first guide slit 316 may be greater than the width w0 of the inner peripheral protrusion 416 (see Figure 13 ).

[0291] Therefore, even when the cigarette cartridge 300 is assembled into the gear assembly hole 411 in a state where the first guide slit 3916 and the second guide slit 326 are not aligned, the inner peripheral protrusion 416 slides along the side surfaces of the first guide slit 3916 and the second guide slit 326, thereby aligning the first guide slit 3916 with the second guide slit 326.

[0292] Therefore, since the first disc hole 3259 is accurately communicated with the lower chamber hole 323, it is possible to prevent the aerosol flow efficiency from being reduced.

[0293] The cap 396 may form the bottom surface of the cartridge 300. The cap 396 may be referred to as a plug 396. The cap 396 may be referred to as a lower cap 396. The cap 396 may be disposed on the cylinder 391 (see Figure 35 ) below. Cap 396 may be coupled or incorporated to cylinder 391. Cap 396 may be fixed to cylinder 391. An assembly hole 3907 may be formed in cap 396 to be recessed upward. Assembly hole 3907 may be spaced apart from the center of cap 396. Assembly hole 3907 may be spaced apart from a line extending from the rotation axis of second container 32. Hereinafter, assembly hole 3907 may be referred to as an assembly groove 3907.

[0294] The assembly hole 3907 can be located in the same position as the assembly protrusion 167 (see Figure 18 When the cigarette cartridge 300 is assembled into the receiving space 11, the assembly protrusion 167 can be assembled into the assembly hole 3907.

[0295] The second terminal 3904 may be provided on the bottom surface of the cap 396. The second terminal 3904 may be composed of a pair of second terminals spaced the same distance from the center of the cap 396. The second terminal 3904 may be electrically connected to the heater 394.

[0296] The first terminal 164 can be positioned at a position corresponding to the second terminal 3304. When the cigarette cartridge 300 is assembled into the receiving space 11, the second terminal 3904 can contact the first terminal 164, thereby establishing an electrical connection therebetween. The first terminal 164 can transmit power to the second terminal 3904, causing the heater 394 to heat the core 393.

[0297] The first inlet 3901 may be formed at the bottom of the cartridge 300. The first inlet 3901 may be formed in the cap 396. The first inlet 3901 may be formed at the bottom 3961 of the cap 396. The first inlet 3901 may include a plurality of first inlets.

[0298] Reference Figure 35 The cigarette cartridge 300 can be vertically assembled into the receiving space 11 in the housing 10 (see Figure 2 )middle.

[0299] The first container 39 may include a longitudinally extending cylinder 391. The cylinder 391 may define the outer surface of the first container 39. The cylinder 391 may have a liquid chamber 3911 therein (see Figure 36 ). The cylinder 391 may be open at its lower side.

[0300] A cap 396 may be coupled to a lower portion of the cylinder 391. The cap 396 may cover the open lower side of the cylinder 391.

[0301] A seal 398 may be provided between the cylinder 391 and the cap 396. A groove may be formed in the cap, and the seal 398 may be fitted in the groove.

[0302] The evaporation housing 392 may be provided in the first container 39. The evaporation housing 392 may be provided in the cylinder 391.

[0303] The evaporation housing 392 may partition the inner space in the cylinder 391 into a liquid chamber 3911 and an air chamber 3921. The liquid chamber 3911 may be formed between the evaporation housing 392 and the cylinder 391. The air chamber 3921 may be formed between the evaporation housing 392 and the cap 396.

[0304] The pre-vaporized aerosol material may be received in the liquid chamber 311. The pre-vaporized aerosol material may be a liquid.

[0305] The evaporation housing 392 may accommodate a wick 393. A wick receiving space may be provided in the evaporation housing 392. The wick 393 may be disposed in the wick receiving space. The wick receiving space may be connected to the liquid chamber 3911. The wick receiving space may communicate with the liquid chamber 3911. The wick receiving space may have a shape corresponding to that of the wick 393. The wick receiving space may open downward.

[0306] The core 393 may be provided in the first container 39. The core 393 may be provided in the cylinder 391. The core 393 may be provided at the center of the cylinder 391. The core 393 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391.

[0307] The wick 393 may be provided in the evaporation housing 392. The wick 393 may be fitted into the evaporation housing 392.

[0308] The wick 393 can absorb the pre-evaporated aerosol material. The wick 393 can include a porous ceramic material. The wick 393 can be made of a ceramic material. The wick 393 can be porous. The wick 393 can be made of a porous ceramic material. The wick 393 can absorb the pre-evaporated aerosol material introduced into the evaporation housing 392.

[0309] The core 393 may have a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity may be formed through the core 393 in the longitudinal direction of the core 393. The hollow cavity may be formed in the center of the cylinder 391. The hollow cavity may be connected to the air chamber 3921. The hollow cavity may be referred to as an evaporation channel 3935 (see Figure 36 ).

[0310] The heater 394 may heat the pre-evaporated aerosol material. The heater 394 may evaporate the pre-evaporated aerosol material. The heater 394 may heat the pre-evaporated aerosol material absorbed in the wick 393. The heater 394 may heat the wick 313 to evaporate the pre-evaporated aerosol material absorbed in the wick 393, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0311] The heater 394 may heat the core 393. The heater 394 may be assembled into the core 393. The heater 394 may be connected to the second terminal 3904.

[0312] The heater 394 may be electrically connected to the controller 70 (see Figure 3 ). The controller 70 may control the operation of the heater 394. The controller 70 may control the heater 394 to heat the core 393 to generate the aerosol.

[0313] The support member 397 may be disposed below the wick 393. The support member 397 may support the wick 393. The support member 397 may be disposed below the evaporation housing 392. The support member 397 may be disposed between the evaporation housing 392 and the cap 396.

[0314] The container shaft 325 may be disposed above the first container 39. The container shaft 325 may be coupled or incorporated to the first container 39. The container shaft 325 may be fixed to the first container 39.

[0315] The first plate 3253 may be disposed above the first container 39. The first plate 3253 may be coupled or bonded to the first container 39. The first plate 3253 may be fixed to the first container 39.

[0316] The first container 39 and the container head 33 may be connected to each other via the container shaft 325. The first container 39 and the container head 33 may be maintained in a relative rotational position. The first container 39, the container head 33, and the container shaft 325 may be fixed to each other.

[0317] The second container 32 is rotatable relative to the first container 39 .

[0318] The first container 39 and the second container 32 may be connected to each other via a first connection channel 319. The first connection channel 319 may be located between the first container 39 and the second container 32. The first connection channel 319 may be located above the evaporation channel 3935. The first connection channel 319 may communicate with the evaporation channel 3935.

[0319] First entrance 3901 (see Figure 37 ) may be formed at a lower portion of the first container 39. The first inlet 3901 may be in communication with the air chamber 3921. The air chamber 3921 may be located above the first inlet 3901.

[0320] The user can inhale air through the mouthpiece 34. The air can be discharged upward through the first outlet 302. The channel formed in the cigarette cartridge 300 can be referred to as a first channel or a cigarette cartridge channel. The first channel can communicate with the first inlet 301 and the first outlet 302. Air introduced through the first inlet 3901 can be discharged from the first outlet 302 through the first channel. The first channel can be formed by connecting one of the multiple chambers in the second container 32 to the channel formed in the first container 39.

[0321] Reference Figure 36 and Figure 37 , the cylinder 391 may include a cylindrical outer wall 3910. The outer wall 3910 may be open at its upper and lower sides.

[0322] An upper cap 3912 may be provided on the upper portion of the cylinder 391. The upper cap 3912 may be provided on the open upper side of the outer wall 3910. The upper cap 3912 may be provided in the width direction of the cylinder 391. The upper cap 3912 may cover the open upper side of the outer wall 3910. The upper cap 3912 may be provided above the liquid chamber 3911. The upper cap 3912 may serve as the upper surface of the liquid chamber 3911.

[0323] The connecting pipes 3913 and 3914 may extend from the upper cap 3912 in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391. The connecting pipes 3913 and 3914 may be disposed on the central axis of the cylinder 391. The connecting pipes 3913 and 3914 may be located at the center of the upper cap 3912. The connecting pipes 3913 and 3914 may be coupled to the coupler 3927 of the evaporation housing 392. The connecting pipes 3913 and 3914 may be assembled into the coupler 3927 of the evaporation housing 392.

[0324] The first connection pipe 3913 may protrude upward from the upper cap 3912 .

[0325] The second connection pipe 3914 may protrude downward from the upper cap 3912. The second connection pipe 3914 may be coupled to the coupler 3927 of the evaporation housing 392. The second connection pipe 3914 may be fitted into the coupler 3927 of the evaporation housing 392.

[0326] The exhaust passage 3915 may be formed in the connecting pipes 3913 and 3914. The exhaust passage 3915 may communicate with the evaporation passage 3935. The exhaust passage 3915 may be connected to the evaporation passage 3935. The exhaust passage 3915 may communicate with the first connecting passage 319. The exhaust passage 3915 may be connected to the first connecting passage 319. The exhaust passage 3915 may guide the aerosol discharged from the evaporation passage 3935 toward the first connecting passage 319.

[0327] The upper end 3918 of the cylinder 391 may extend from the outer wall 3910 in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391. The upper end 3918 of the cylinder 391 may extend from the outer periphery of the upper cap 3912 in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391. The upper end 3918 of the cylinder 391 and the outer wall 3910 may form a continuous surface. The upper end 3918 of the cylinder 391 may be referred to as an upper rim 3918.

[0328] The core housing 3920 may be provided in the cylinder 391. The core housing 3920 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 3910. The core housing 3920 may have a core receiving space therein. The core housing 3920 may surround the core 393.

[0329] The introduction inlet 3922 may be formed in the core housing 3920. The introduction inlet 3922 may be formed at a lower portion of the core housing 3920.

[0330] The introduction inlet 3922 may extend in the radial direction of the cylinder 391. The introduction inlet 3922 may be connected to the wick receiving space. The introduction inlet 3922 may be connected to the liquid chamber 3911. The introduction inlet 3922 may connect the wick receiving space with the liquid chamber 3911.

[0331] The protrusion 3924 may protrude inward from the upper portion of the core housing 392. The protrusion 3924 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the core housing 3924. The protrusion 3924 may be configured to have a ring shape.

[0332] The protrusion 3924 may be provided below the connection pipes 3913 and 3914. The protrusion 3924 may be provided below the second connection pipe 3914. The protrusion 3924 may be provided above the core 393. The protrusion 3924 may be provided between the core 393 and the connection pipes 3913 and 3914.

[0333] The connection channel 3925 may be formed at the center of the protrusion 3924. The connection channel 3925 may be connected to the exhaust channel 3915. The connection channel 3925 may be connected to the evaporation channel 3935. The connection channel 3925 may connect the evaporation channel 3935 with the exhaust channel 3915.

[0334] The connection channel 3925 may communicate with the exhaust channel 3915. The connection channel 3925 may communicate with the evaporation channel 3935. The connection channel 3925 may allow the evaporation channel 3935 to communicate with the exhaust channel 3915.

[0335] The coupler 3927 may extend from the core housing 3920 in the longitudinal direction of the core housing 3920. The coupler 3927 may be coupled to the connection pipes 3913 and 3914. The coupler 3927 may be coupled to the second connection pipe 3914. The coupler 3927 may surround the second connection pipe 3914. The second connection pipe 3914 may be fitted into the coupler 3927.

[0336] A partition 3928 may be provided in the cylinder 391. The partition 3928 may be provided below the core housing 3920.

[0337] The partition 3928 may extend in the radial direction of the cylinder 391. The partition 3928 may extend in the radial direction of the cylinder 391 below the lower portion of the core housing 3920. The outer surface of the partition 3928 may be in contact with the inner surface of the cylinder 391.

[0338] The partition 3928 can separate the liquid chamber 3911 from the air chamber 3921. The partition 3928 can separate the internal space in the cylinder 391 into the liquid chamber 3911 and the air chamber 3921.

[0339] The upper surface of the partition 3928 may define the lower end of the liquid chamber 3911. The upper surface of the partition 3928 may be inclined in the radial direction of the cylinder 391. The upper surface of the partition 3928 may be inclined upward while moving from the core 393 toward the cylinder 391.

[0340] The introduction inlet 3922 may abut against the upper surface of the partition plate 3928. A lower portion of the introduction inlet 3922 may be located on the upper surface of the partition plate 3928.

[0341] Therefore, the liquid in the liquid chamber 3911 can easily flow into the introduction inlet 3922 .

[0342] The outer rim 3929 may protrude downward from the outer periphery of the partition 3928. The outer rim 3929 may extend in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 391. The outer rim 3929 may be configured to have a ring shape.

[0343] An outer rim 3929 may be disposed between the cylinder 391 and the rim 3967 of the cap 396. The outer rim 3929 may contact the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 391. The outer rim 3929 may contact the rim 3967. The rim 3957 may be spaced apart from the cylinder 391 to define a groove therebetween, thereby allowing the outer rim 3929 to fit into the groove.

[0344] The core 393 may be disposed in a core housing 3920 .

[0345] The evaporation channel 3935 may be formed in the wick 393. The evaporation channel 3935 may be formed through the wick 393. The evaporation channel 3935 may extend in a longitudinal direction of the wick 393.

[0346] The evaporation passage 3935 may be connected to the air chamber 3921. The evaporation passage 3935 may communicate with the air chamber 3921. The evaporation passage 3935 may be connected to the inlet passage 3975. The evaporation passage 3935 may communicate with the air chamber 3921 via the inlet passage 3975.

[0347] The evaporation channel 3935 may be connected to the exhaust channel 3915. The evaporation channel 3935 may communicate with the exhaust channel 3915. The evaporation channel 3935 may be connected to the connection channel 3925. The evaporation channel 3935 may be connected to the inlet channel 3975 via the connection channel 3925.

[0348] The heater 394 may include a coil 3941 surrounding the evaporation channel 3953. The coil 3941 may heat the core 393. The coil 3941 may be assembled into the core 393. The coil 3941 may be configured to have a spiral shape and may extend in the longitudinal direction of the core 393. The coil 3941 may be configured to have a spiral shape surrounding the evaporation channel 3945.

[0349] The lead wire 3944 may be connected to the coil 3941. The lead wire 3944 may be connected to the second terminal 3904. The lead wire 3944 may connect the coil 3941 to the second terminal 3904. The lead wire 3944 may extend through the support member 397.

[0350] The support member 397 may be disposed below the core 393. The support member 397 may be disposed below the partition 3928.

[0351] The support member 397 may include a plate 3971 disposed below the diaphragm 3928. The support member 397 may include a ring 3973 disposed above the bottom 3961 of the cap 396. The support member 397 may include a bridge 3972 connecting the plate 3971 to the ring 3973.

[0352] The plate 3971 can be positioned below the spacer 3928. The plate 3971 can be positioned within the rim 3967 of the cap 396. The plate 3971 can support the leads 3944.

[0353] The inlet channel 3975 may be formed through the support member 397. The inlet channel 3975 may be formed through the plate 3971. The inlet channel 3975 may be connected to the air chamber 3921. The inlet channel 3975 may be connected to the evaporation channel 3935. The inlet channel 3975 may connect the air chamber 3921 with the evaporation channel 3935.

[0354] The inlet passage 3975 may communicate with the air chamber 3921. The inlet passage 3975 may communicate with the evaporation passage 3935. The inlet passage 3975 may allow the air chamber 3921 to communicate with the inlet passage 3975.

[0355] The inlet channel 3975, the evaporation channel 3935, the connection channel 3925, and the exhaust channel 3915 may define a single channel 395. The inlet channel 3975, the evaporation channel 3935, the connection channel 3925, and the exhaust channel 3915 may be connected to each other to connect the air chamber 3921 to the first connection channel 319. The inlet channel 3975, the evaporation channel 3935, the connection channel 3925, and the exhaust channel 3915 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391. The inlet channel 3975, the evaporation channel 3935, the connection channel 3925, and the exhaust channel 3915 may have substantially the same width.

[0356] The container channel 395 may connect the air chamber 3921 to the first connecting channel 319. The container channel 395 may be located at the central axis of the cylinder 391 and may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391. The container channel 395 may include an evaporation channel 3935. The container channel 395 may include a discharge channel 3915. The container channel 395 may include a connecting channel 3925. The container channel 395 may include an inlet channel 3975.

[0357] The ring 3973 may extend in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 391. The ring 3973 may be disposed within the connector 3965 of the cap 396. The ring 3973 may be in contact with the connector 3965 of the cap 396.

[0358] The ring 3973 can be disposed over the cap 396. The ring 3973 can be disposed over the base 3961.

[0359] The bridge 3972 may connect the ring 3973 to the plate 3971. The bridge 3972 may be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391. The bridge 3972 may include a plurality of bridges. The plurality of bridges 3972 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the ring 3973.

[0360] The protrusion 3978 may protrude outward from the plate 3971. The groove 3968 may be formed as a depression in the inner surface of the cap 396. The groove 3968 may be formed as a depression in the inner surface of the connector 3965 or the rim 3967. The protrusion 3978 may fit into the groove 3968.

[0361] The cap 396 may define a bottom 3961 of the cartridge 300. The cap 396 may define a bottom 3961 of the first container 39. The bottom 3961 may be disposed below the cylinder 391. The bottom 3961 may be coupled to a lower portion of the cylinder 391. The bottom 3961 may cover the open underside of the cylinder 391.

[0362] The boss 3964 may protrude upward from the bottom 3961. The boss 3964 may protrude from the bottom 3961 in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391. The boss 3964 may surround the second terminal 3904. The boss 3964 may fix the second terminal 3904 to the cap 396.

[0363] The second terminal 3904 may extend through the cap 396. The second terminal 3904 may extend through the boss 3964. The second terminal 3904 may be coupled to the boss 3964. The second terminal 3904 may be fixed to the boss 3964. The second terminal 3904 may be exposed to the exterior of the cartridge 300.

[0364] The first extension portion 3962 may protrude upward from the bottom portion 3961. The first extension portion 3962 may protrude from the bottom portion 3961 in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391. The first extension portion 3962 may surround the first inlet 3901.

[0365] The first inlet 3901 may be formed through the cap 396. The first inlet 3901 may be formed through the bottom 3961. The first inlet 3901 may be formed through the first extension 3962. The first inlet 3901 may be connected to the air chamber 3922. The first inlet 3901 may communicate with the air chamber 3922.

[0366] The cap 396 may include a connector 3965 protruding upward from the bottom 3961. The connector 3965 may extend in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 391. The connector 3965 may be fitted into the cylinder 391. The connector 3965 may be fitted to the open lower side of the cylinder 391. The connector 3965 may contact the inner surface of the cylinder 391.

[0367] The groove may be formed to be recessed in the outer surface of the connector 3965. The groove may extend in the circumferential direction of the connector 3965. The groove may have a ring shape.

[0368] The seal 398 can be fitted into the groove. The seal 398 can be configured to have a ring shape. The seal 398 can prevent air from entering through the gap between the cylinder 391 and the cap 396. The seal 398 can prevent the liquid in the liquid chamber 3911 from leaking downwardly from the cigarette cartridge 300.

[0369] The cap 396 may include a rim 3967 protruding upward from the connector 3965. The rim 3967 may extend in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 391. The rim 3967 may be spaced apart from the cylinder 391. The lower rim 3929 may be fitted into the cap between the rim 3967 and the cylinder 391.

[0370] Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view of coil 3941.

[0371] Reference Figure 38 The core 393 may have a hollow cavity 3935 therein and may extend in the longitudinal direction. The core 393 may be configured to have a hollow cylindrical form. The core 393 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391.

[0372] The hollow cavity 3935 may also be referred to as an evaporation channel 3935. The evaporation channel 3935 may be defined by the inner surface 393i of the wick 393.

[0373] The heater 394 may be located between the inner surface 393 i and the outer surface 393 o of the core 393 .

[0374] The groove 3934 may be formed by removing a portion of the inner surface 393i of the core 393. The groove 3934 may expose the heater 394 to the inside of the core 393.

[0375] The groove 3934 may be formed as a depression in the inner peripheral surface of the core 393. The groove 3934 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the core 393.

[0376] The outer portion 3931 of the core 393 may be configured to have a cylindrical form. The outer portion 3931 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 391. The outer portion 3931 may surround the evaporation channel 3935. The outer portion 3931 may surround the heater 394. The outer portion 3931 may surround the coil 3941.

[0377] The inner portion 3933 of the wick 393 may protrude inward from the outer portion 3931. The inner portion 3933 may protrude from the outer portion 3931 toward the evaporation channel 3935. The inner portion 3933 may extend in a longitudinal direction of the wick 393.

[0378] The groove 3934 can be formed as a depression in the inner portion 3933.

[0379] The inner portion 3933 may include a plurality of inner portions 3933. The plurality of inner portions 3933 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the core 393. The groove 3934 may be defined between the plurality of inner portions 3933 spaced apart from each other.

[0380] The core 393 may be divided into an outer portion 3931 and an inner portion 3933. The heater 394 may be located between the outer portion 3931 and the inner portion 3933. The coil 3941 may be located between the outer portion 3931 and the inner portion 3933.

[0381] The heater 394 may be embedded in the core 393. A first portion 3942 of the heater 394 may not be exposed to the groove 3934. A second portion 3943 of the heater 394 may be exposed to the groove 3934. The second portion 3943 of the heater 394 may be exposed to the evaporation channel 3935 via the groove 3934.

[0382] The heater 394 may surround the evaporation channel 3935. The heater 394 may surround the inner portion 3933. The heater 394 may be provided outside the inner portion 3933.

[0383] The coil 3941 may surround the evaporation channel 3935. The coil 3941 may surround the inner portion 3933. The coil 3941 may be disposed outside the inner portion 3933. The coil 3941 may be disposed inside the outer portion 3941.

[0384] The first portion 3942 may be disposed outside the inner portion 3933. The first portion 3942 may be disposed inside the outer portion 3931. The first portion 3942 may be disposed between the inner portion 3933 and the outer portion 3931.

[0385] The second portion 3943 may be disposed inside the outer portion 3931. The second portion 3943 may be located at the groove 3934.

[0386] Therefore, the aerosol can easily flow along the evaporation channel 3935.

[0387] Reference Figure 39 , the coil 3941 can be configured to have a shape surrounding the evaporation channel 3935 (see Figure 36 ) in a spiral shape. The coil 3941 may extend like a spiral and may extend in the longitudinal direction of the core 393.

[0388] The coil 3941 may be located on the upper portion of the core 393. The coil 3941 may be connected to the outlet 3937 in the evaporation channel 3935 (see Figure 37 ) are arranged adjacent to each other. The coil 3941 may be arranged closer to the outlet 3937 of the evaporation channel 3935 than to the inlet 3936 of the evaporation channel 3935 (see Figure 37 ).

[0389] Therefore, the aerosol heated to a high temperature can be introduced into the second container 32 .

[0390] Reference Figure 40 , the coil 3941 can be configured to have a shape surrounding the evaporation channel 3935 (see Figure 36 ) in a spiral shape. The coil 3941 may extend like a spiral and may extend in the longitudinal direction of the core 393.

[0391] The coil 3941 may be located adjacent to the inlet 3936 in the evaporation channel 3935 (see Figure 37 ) and may be close to the outlet 3937 in the evaporation channel 3935 (see Figure 37 The coil 3941 may extend in the longitudinal direction from a position adjacent to the inlet 3936 through the middle of the core 393 to a position adjacent to the outlet 3937. The end of the coil 3941 adjacent to the inlet 3936 may be closer to the inlet 3936 than to the middle. The other end of the coil 3941 adjacent to the outlet 3937 may be closer to the outlet 3937 than to the middle.

[0392] Thus, the heated area of ​​the core 393 may be increased, thereby increasing the amount of aerosol generated.

[0393] In addition, the aerosol heated to a high temperature may be introduced into the second container 32 .

[0394] Reference Figure 41 and Figure 42 , the cylinder 391 may be open at its upper side. The cylinder cap 310C may be fitted to the open upper side of the cylinder 391. The discharge passage 3915 may be formed in the interior 3101. The discharge passage 3915 may be formed through the interior 3101.

[0395] Reference Figure 43 and Figure 44 , the first container 39 can rotate relative to the second container 32 and can be coupled or connected to the second container 32. The coupling disk 38 can be located between the first container 39 and the second container 32. The coupling disk 38 can be fixed to the first container 39 and can rotate relative to the second container 32.

[0396] Figure 45 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0397] Reference Figure 45 The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a communication interface 1010, an input / output interface 1020, an aerosol generating module 1030, a memory 1040, a sensor module 1050, a battery 1060 (eg, Figure 3The battery 50 shown) and / or the controller 1070 (e.g., Figure 3 Controller 70 shown).

[0398] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may consist solely of a body (e.g., Figure 1 In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 may be located in the body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may be composed of a cartridge (e.g., Figure 2 The cigarette cartridge 30 shown) and the main body (eg, Figure 2 In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 1000 may be located in at least one of the main body or the cartridge.

[0399] The communication interface 1010 may include at least one communication module for communicating with an external device and / or a network. For example, the communication interface 1010 may include a communication module for wired communication, such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 1010 may include a communication module for wireless communication, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), ZigBee, or near field communication (NFC).

[0400] The input / output interface 1020 may include an input device (not shown) for receiving commands from a user and / or an output device (not shown) for outputting information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device may include: a display device for outputting visual information, such as a display or a light-emitting diode (LED); an audio device for outputting auditory information, such as a speaker or a buzzer; a motor for outputting tactile information such as a tactile effect (e.g., a haptic effect); Figure 3 The vibration motor 90 shown) etc.

[0401] The input / output interface 1020 may transmit data corresponding to a command input by a user through an input device to another component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 1000 , and may output information corresponding to data received from another component (or other components) of the aerosol generating device 1000 through an output device.

[0402] The aerosol generating module 1030 may generate aerosol from an aerosol generating substance. Here, the aerosol generating substance may be a liquid, solid, or gel-state substance capable of generating aerosol, or a combination of two or more aerosol generating substances.

[0403] According to an embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming substance can be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component. According to another embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming substance can be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. For example, the liquid aerosol-forming substance can include water, a solvent, nicotine, a plant extract, flavor essence, flavoring, a vitamin mixture, etc.

[0404] The solid aerosol generating material can comprise a solid material based on tobacco raw material, for example reconstituted tobacco sheet, shredded tobacco or granular tobacco. In addition, the solid aerosol generating material can comprise a solid material with a taste control agent and a flavoring material. For example, the taste control agent can comprise calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide etc. For example, the flavoring material can comprise a natural material such as herbal granules, or can comprise a material (for example, silicon dioxide, zeolite or dextrin) comprising an aromatic component.

[0405] Additionally, the aerosol-forming substance may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0406] The aerosol generating module 1030 may include at least one heater (e.g., Figure 3 Heater 314 shown).

[0407] The aerosol generating module 1030 may include a resistive heater. For example, the resistive heater may include at least one conductive track and may be heated as current flows through the conductive track. In this case, the aerosol generating substance may be heated by the heated resistive heater.

[0408] The conductive track may include a resistive material. In one example, the conductive track may be formed of a metallic material. In another example, the conductive track may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0409] The resistance heater may include a conductive track formed in any of various shapes. For example, the conductive track may be formed in any of a tube shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

[0410] The aerosol generating module 1030 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, the induction heater may include a conductive coil and may generate an alternating magnetic field that periodically changes direction by regulating the current flowing through the conductive coil. When the alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnet, energy may be lost in the magnet due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and this lost energy may be released as heat. As a result, an aerosol-generating substance positioned adjacent to the magnet may be heated. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

[0411] Furthermore, the aerosol generating module 1030 may generate ultrasonic vibrations to generate aerosol from the aerosol generating substance.

[0412] The aerosol generating module 1030 may be referred to as a cartomizer, a nebulizer, or a vaporizer.

[0413] The memory 1040 may store therein a program for processing and controlling various signals in the controller 1070 , and may store processed data and data to be processed.

[0414] For example, the memory 1040 may store therein applications designed to perform various tasks that may be processed by the controller 1070 , and some of the stored applications may be selectively provided in response to a request from the controller 1070 .

[0415] For example, the memory 1040 may store data regarding the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1000, the maximum number of inhalations, the current number of inhalations, at least one temperature profile, at least one power profile, and the user's inhalation pattern. Here, "inhalation" refers to the user's inhalation, and "inhalation" refers to the user's action of allowing air or other substances to enter the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0416] The memory 1040 may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM)), a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0417] The sensor module 1050 may include at least one sensor.

[0418] For example, the sensor module 1050 may include a sensor for sensing inhalation (hereinafter referred to as “inhalation sensor”). In this case, the inhalation sensor may be implemented as a pressure sensor or a flow sensor 60.

[0419] For example, the sensor module 1050 may include a voltage sensor for sensing a voltage applied to a component provided in the aerosol generating device 1000 (eg, the battery 1060 ) and / or a current sensor for sensing a current.

[0420] For example, the sensor module 1050 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a "temperature sensor") for sensing the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generating module 1030 and the temperature of the aerosol generating substance. In this case, the heater included in the aerosol generating module 1030 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the resistance material of the heater may be a material having a predetermined temperature coefficient of resistance. The sensor module 1050 may measure the resistance of the heater, which changes with temperature, thereby sensing the temperature of the heater.

[0421] For example, in the case where the body of the aerosol generating device 1000 is formed to allow a cigarette to be inserted therein, the sensor module 1050 may include a sensor for sensing the insertion of the cigarette (hereinafter referred to as a "cigarette detection sensor").

[0422] For example, when the aerosol generating device 1000 includes a cartridge, the sensor module 1050 may include a sensor for sensing the installation and removal of the cartridge to and from the body and the position of the cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a "cartridge detection sensor").

[0423] For example, in the case where the second container 32 of the cartridge is rotatable, the sensor module 1050 may include a sensor for outputting a signal indicating the rotation of the second container 32 (hereinafter referred to as a “rotation detection sensor”).

[0424] The cigarette detection sensor, the smoke cartridge detection sensor, and / or the rotation detection sensor may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (or Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0425] The first terminal 164 included in the body of the aerosol generating device 1000 and transmitting power to the cigarette cartridge can be used as a cigarette cartridge detection sensor. For example, the sensor module 1050 can sense the installation and removal of the cigarette cartridge from the body based on the current flowing through the first terminal 164 or the voltage applied to the first terminal 164.

[0426] A rotation switch 44 , which is coaxially mounted with the dial gear 42 and / or the dial 43 and outputs an electric signal indicating the rotation of the dial gear 42 and / or the dial 43 , may be used as a rotation detection sensor.

[0427] The battery 1060 may supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000 under the control of the controller 1070. The battery 1060 may supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generating device 1000 (e.g., a communication module included in the communication interface 1010, an output device included in the input / output interface 1020, and a heater included in the aerosol generating module 1030).

[0428] Battery 1060 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 1060 may be a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-polymer) battery. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when battery 1060 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of battery 1060 may be 10C, and the discharge rate (C-rate) thereof may be 10C to 20C. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, battery 1060 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity can be ensured even when charging / discharging 2000 times.

[0429] The aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM) (not shown), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 1060. The battery protection circuit module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 1060. For example, to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 1060, the battery protection circuit module (PCM) may cut off the electrical path to the battery 1060 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 1060, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 1060, or when an overcurrent flows through the battery 1060.

[0430] The aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a charging terminal (not shown) for inputting externally supplied power. For example, a power cord may be connected to the charging terminal provided on one side of the main body of the aerosol generating device 1000, and the aerosol generating device 1000 may charge the battery 1060 using power supplied via the power cord connected to the charging terminal. In this case, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication.

[0431] The aerosol generating device 1000 can wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 1010. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 can wirelessly receive power using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication and charge the battery 1060 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0432] The controller 1070 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. The controller 1070 may be connected to various components provided in the aerosol generating device 1000, and may transmit and / or receive signals to and / or from the various components, thereby controlling the overall operation of the various components.

[0433] The controller 1070 may include at least one processor and may use the processor included therein to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. Here, the processor may be a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be any other hardware-based processor.

[0434] The controller 1070 may execute any one of the plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the controller 1070 may execute any one of the plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 1000 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, and a cleaning function) according to the states of the various components provided in the aerosol generating device 1000 and a user command received through the input / output interface 1020.

[0435] The controller 1070 may control the operation of various components provided in the aerosol generating device 1000 based on the data stored in the memory 1040. For example, the controller 1070 may control the supply of a predetermined amount of power from the battery 1060 to the aerosol generating module 1030 based on the data regarding the temperature profile, the power profile, and the user's inhalation pattern stored in the memory 1040.

[0436] The controller 1070 may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of inhalation using the inhalation sensor included in the sensor module 1050. For example, the controller 1070 may check temperature changes, flow changes, pressure changes, and voltage changes in the aerosol generating device 1000 based on the values ​​sensed by the inhalation sensor, and may determine the occurrence or non-occurrence of inhalation based on the check results.

[0437] The controller 1070 may control the operations of various components provided in the aerosol generating device 1000 according to the occurrence or non-occurrence of inhalation and / or the number of inhalations.

[0438] When it is determined that inhalation has occurred, the controller 1070 may control the heater to be supplied with a predetermined amount of power according to the power profile stored in the memory 1040. For example, the controller 1070 may supply power to the heater at a preset amount per unit time during a predetermined heating time based on the power profile stored in the memory 1040.

[0439] The controller 1070 may perform control such that the temperature of the heater is changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 1040 .

[0440] For example, the controller 1070 may control the heater to supply a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty cycle using a pulse width modulation (PWM) method. In this case, the controller 1070 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulse.

[0441] For example, the controller 1070 may determine a target temperature to be controlled based on a temperature curve. In this case, the controller 1070 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) method, which is a feedback control method using a difference between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference with respect to time.

[0442] Although the PWM method and the PID method are described as examples of methods of controlling the power supply to the heater, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any of various control methods such as a proportional-integral (PI) method or a proportional-derivative (PD) method may be employed.

[0443] The controller 1070 may control the power supply to the heater to be interrupted according to predetermined conditions. For example, the controller 1070 may control the power supply to the heater to be interrupted when the cigarette is removed, when the cigarette cartridge is disassembled, when the number of inhalations reaches a preset maximum number of inhalations, when no inhalation is sensed for a preset period of time or longer, or when the remaining capacity of the battery 1060 is less than a predetermined value.

[0444] The controller 1070 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 1060 based on values ​​sensed by a voltage sensor and / or a current sensor included in the sensor module 1050.

[0445] The controller 1070 may update data on the cartridge stored in the memory 140. For example, in a state where any one of the plurality of granulation chambers is determined as an application chamber, the controller 1070 may update data on the use of the granulation chamber determined as the application chamber based on the number of inhalations sensed by the inhalation sensor included in the sensor module 1030.

[0446] The controller 1070 may determine a plurality of pelletizing chambers (e.g., Figure 3 The granulation chamber (hereinafter referred to as the "application chamber") through which the aerosol generated by the heater passes among the granulation chambers 321 and 322 (shown in FIG. 1 ). That is, the application chamber may be the granulation chamber connected to the first connection channel 319 among the plurality of granulation chambers. For example, the controller 1070 may determine whether the second container 32 is rotating based on a signal received from the rotation detection sensor, and determine the granulation chamber through which the aerosol passes among the plurality of granulation chambers based on the rotation of the second container 32.

[0447] The controller 1070 may determine whether the plurality of granulation chambers are located at the correct position based on the signal received from the rotation detection sensor. Here, the correct position of the plurality of granulation chambers may be a position where one of the plurality of granulation chambers is selectively connected to the first connection channel 319 and another one of the plurality of granulation chambers is sealed to block air from flowing into it from the outside.

[0448] When the plurality of granulation chambers are not located in the correct position, the controller 1070 may interrupt the power supply to the heater.

[0449] The controller 1070 may determine the extent to which the cartridge is used. For example, the controller 1070 may determine the extent to which the cartridge is used based on the number of inhalations, the temperature of the heater, the power supplied to the heater, the flow rate change during inhalation, and the pressure change during inhalation.

[0450] The cartridge includes a liquid chamber (e.g., Figure 3In the case of a liquid chamber 311 shown in FIG. 1 and a granulation chamber, the controller 1070 can determine the extent to which the liquid chamber is used and the extent to which the granulation chamber is used. On the other hand, in the case where the cartridge includes multiple granulation chambers, the controller 1070 can independently determine the extent to which each granulation chamber is used.

[0451] The controller 1070 may store data about the cartridge in the memory 1040. In the case where the cartridge includes a liquid chamber and a granulation chamber, the controller 1070 may store data about the liquid chamber and data about the granulation chamber in the memory 1040. For example, the controller 1070 may store data about the extent to which the liquid chamber is used and data about the extent to which the granulation chamber is used in the memory 1040.

[0452] On the other hand, in the case where the cartridge includes a plurality of granulation chambers, the controller 1070 may independently store data on each granulation chamber in the memory 1040 .

[0453] The controller 1070 may update the data stored in the memory 1040 based on the installation / detachment of the cartridge. For example, when the detachment of the cartridge is sensed, the controller 1070 may initialize the data stored in the memory 1040.

[0454] When installation of the cartridge is sensed, the controller 1070 may determine the order of the plurality of granulation chambers based on the signal received from the rotary switch 44 and may independently store data on the respective granulation chambers in the memory 1040 in the determined order.

[0455] When the dial gear 42 is connected to a motor, the controller 1070 may control the operation of the motor to rotate the second container 32. Here, the motor for rotating the dial gear 42 may be a stepping motor. For example, when a user input for selecting any one of the plurality of granulation chambers is received through the input device, the controller 1070 may rotate the motor so that the selected granulation chamber is connected to the first connection channel 319.

[0456] In this case, when the detachment of the cartridge is sensed, the controller 1070 may perform control so that the position of the dial gear 42 is fixed. That is, in a state where the cartridge is detached from the housing 10, even when a user input for rotating the dial gear 42 is received through the input device, the controller 1070 may omit control of the operation of the motor for rotating the dial gear 42.

[0457] Figure 46 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0458] Reference Figure 46, the aerosol generating device 1000 may check a signal output from a rotation detection sensor included in the sensor module 1030 in operation S4601. This will refer to Figure 47 and Figure 48 describe.

[0459] Reference Figure 47 As an example of a rotation detection sensor, the rotation switch 44 may include a shaft 4710 rotatable around a rotation axis 4705, a fixed contact 4720, and a plurality of variable contacts 4730 arranged in a circular shape.

[0460] When the shaft 4710 of the rotary switch 44 rotates in response to the rotation of the dial gear 42 and / or the dial 43, the fixed contact 4720 can be electrically connected to one selected from the variable contacts 4730 through the shaft 4710, and the rotary switch 44 can output an electrical signal corresponding to the electrical connection between the fixed contact 4720 and the selected one of the variable contacts 4730.

[0461] The aerosol generating device 1000 may determine the first variable contact 4731 corresponding to the electrical signal output from the rotary switch 44 at the time of initial setting among the plurality of variable contacts 4730 as the reference contact. The number of variable contacts 4730 may be equal to or greater than the number of granulation chambers included in the second container 32.

[0462] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine the variable contact points corresponding to the respective granulation chambers included in the second container 32 based on the position of the first variable contact point 4731 determined as the reference contact point.

[0463] Reference Figure 48 When the number of granulation chambers included in the second container 32 is two, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine the first variable contact 4731 among the variable contacts arranged in a circular shape and the second variable contact 4737 arranged opposite to the first variable contact 4731 as variable contacts corresponding to the respective granulation chambers included in the second container 32.

[0464] When the number of granulation chambers included in the second container 32 is three, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine the first variable contact 4731 and multiple third variable contacts 4735 and 4739 that divide the circle into three equal parts among the variable contacts arranged in a circular shape as variable contacts corresponding to the respective granulation chambers included in the second container 32.

[0465] When the number of granulation chambers included in the second container 32 is four, the aerosol generating device 1000 may set a first variable contact 4731 that divides the circle into four equal parts and a plurality of fourth variable contacts 4734, 4737 and 4740 among the variable contacts arranged in a circular shape as variable contacts corresponding to the respective granulation chambers included in the second container 32.

[0466] Refer again Figure 46 In operation S4602, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine whether the signal output from the rotation detection sensor is a signal corresponding to any one of the plurality of granulation chambers. For example, when the number of granulation chambers included in the second container 32 is four, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine whether the rotation switch 44 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to electrical connection between the fixed contact 4720 and any one of the variable contacts 4731, 4734, 4737, and 4740 corresponding to each granulation chamber.

[0467] When the signal output from the rotation detection sensor is a signal corresponding to any one of the plurality of granulation chambers, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine that the granulation chamber is located at the correct position in operation S4603. For example, when the signal output from the rotation detection sensor is an electrical signal corresponding to the electrical connection between the first variable contact 4731 and the fixed contact 4720, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine that the granulation chamber corresponding to the first variable contact 4731 is selectively connected to the first connection channel 319 and the remaining chambers are sealed to block air from flowing in from the outside.

[0468] When the signal output from the rotation detection sensor is a signal different from signals corresponding to the plurality of granulation chambers, the aerosol generating device 1000 may monitor whether the signal output from the rotation detection sensor changes within a predetermined period of time in operation S4604.

[0469] When the signal output from the rotation detection sensor changes within a predetermined period of time, the process proceeds to operation S4601, whereupon the aerosol generating device 1000 may check the signal output from the rotation detection sensor. As the second cigarette cartridge 32 is rotated by the user, the signal output from the rotation detection sensor may continuously change. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1000 may check the signal output from the rotation detection sensor until the signal output from the rotation detection sensor remains constant for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0470] In a state where the signal output from the rotation detection sensor is a signal different from the signals corresponding to the plurality of granulation chambers, when the signal output from the rotation detection sensor does not change during a predetermined time period or longer, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine in operation S4605 that the granulation chamber is not located in the correct position, that is, the granulation chamber is located at an arbitrary position.

[0471] Here, the arbitrary position may be a position of the plurality of granulation chambers 321 and 322 where two or more of the plurality of granulation chambers 321 and 322 are connected to the first connection channel 319 or the plurality of granulation chambers 321 and 322 are all sealed to block the inflow of air.

[0472] On the other hand, when the signal output from the rotation detection sensor is a signal corresponding to any one of the plurality of granulation chambers, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine that the granulation chamber is located at a correct position in operation S4605.

[0473] Figure 49 is a flow chart showing an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 46 to 48 A detailed description of the same content described.

[0474] Reference Figure 49 , the aerosol generating device 1000 may check a signal output from the rotation detection sensor included in the sensor module 1030 in operation S4901.

[0475] The aerosol generating device 1000 may determine whether a signal output from the rotation detection sensor is a signal corresponding to any one of the plurality of granulation chambers in operation S4902.

[0476] When the signal output from the rotation detection sensor is a signal corresponding to any one of the plurality of granulation chambers, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine that the granulation chamber is located at a correct position in operation S4903.

[0477] The aerosol generating device 1000 may determine, in operation S4904, an application chamber through which the aerosol generated in the first container 31 passes among the plurality of granulation chambers included in the second container 32. For example, when the signal output from the rotation detection sensor is an electrical signal corresponding to an electrical connection between the first variable contact 4731 and the fixed contact 4720, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine the granulation chamber corresponding to the first variable contact 4731 as the application chamber.

[0478] In operation S4905, the aerosol generating device 1000 may check the usage of the granulation chamber determined as the application chamber, and may determine whether the usage of the granulation chamber is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference. Here, the predetermined reference may be set based on the maximum number of inhalations preset for each granulation chamber and the maximum time period for supplying power to the heater 314 at a preset amount per unit time for each granulation chamber.

[0479] For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may check the use of the granulation chamber determined as the application chamber based on the data on the use of the granulation chamber stored in the memory 1040 .

[0480] When it is determined that the usage of the granulation chamber of the application chamber is less than the predetermined reference, the aerosol generating device 1000 may supply power to the heater 314 based on the temperature profile and / or power profile stored in the memory 1040 in operation S4906 .

[0481] The aerosol generating device 1000 may determine whether inhalation is sensed using an inhalation sensor included in the sensor module 1050. In this case, when inhalation is sensed, the aerosol generating device 1000 may supply power to the heater 314 at a preset amount per unit time based on a power profile stored in the memory 1040.

[0482] For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may supply power to the heater 314 at a preset amount per unit time during a preset time period starting when inhalation is sensed.

[0483] For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may supply power to the heater 314 at a preset amount per unit time from when inhalation is sensed to when inhalation ends.

[0484] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 may update the data on the use of the granulation chamber determined as the application chamber stored in the memory 1040. For example, when inhalation is sensed, the aerosol generating device 1000 may increase the current number of inhalations corresponding to the granulation chamber determined as the application chamber.

[0485] When the signal output from the rotation detection sensor is a signal different from signals corresponding to the plurality of granulation chambers, the aerosol generating device 1000 may monitor whether the signal output from the rotation detection sensor changes within a predetermined period of time in operation S4907.

[0486] When the signal output from the rotation detection sensor changes within the predetermined period of time, the process proceeds to operation S4901 , and thus the aerosol generating device 1000 may check the signal output from the rotation detection sensor.

[0487] In a state where the signal output from the rotation detection sensor is a signal different from the signals corresponding to the plurality of granulation chambers, when the signal output from the rotation detection sensor does not change during a predetermined time period or longer, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine in operation S4908 that the granulation chamber is not located in the correct position, that is, the granulation chamber is located at an arbitrary position.

[0488] When the granulation chamber is not located at the correct position, or when the usage of the granulation chamber determined as the application chamber is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference, the aerosol generating device 1000 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 314 in operation S4909. For example, when the current number of inhalations corresponding to the granulation chamber determined as the application chamber reaches a preset maximum number of inhalations, the aerosol generating device 1000 may interrupt the power supply to the heater 314.

[0489] When the granulation chamber is not in the correct position, the aerosol generating device 1000 may output a message via an output device prompting the user to adjust the position of the granulation chamber. For example, when the granulation chamber is not in the correct position, the aerosol generating device 1000 may control the operation of the vibration motor to generate vibrations for a preset time period and a preset number of times. In this case, the user can sense the vibrations generated by the vibration motor and immediately recognize that the granulation chamber is not in the correct position.

[0490] In addition, when the usage of the granulation chamber determined as the application chamber is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference, the aerosol generating device 1000 may output a message prompting to change the application chamber through the output device.

[0491] For example, when a granulation chamber other than the granulation chamber determined as the application chamber has a usage less than a predetermined reference, the aerosol generating device 1000 may output a message prompting the user to change the application chamber to the corresponding granulation chamber through the display.

[0492] For example, when there are a plurality of granulation chambers used less than a predetermined reference, the aerosol generating device 1000 may output a message prompting to change the application chamber to a granulation chamber located adjacent to the granulation chamber currently determined as the application chamber among the corresponding granulation chambers.

[0493] In addition, based on the positions of the variable contacts corresponding to the respective granulation chambers included in the rotation switch 44, the aerosol generating device 1000 may output a message (including the rotation direction and rotation angle) prompting the application chamber to be changed through the output device.

[0494] The aerosol generating device 1000 may determine whether the usage of all the plurality of granulation chambers is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference in operation S4910. For example, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine whether any of the current inhalation times corresponding to each of the plurality of granulation chambers included in the second container 32 has reached a preset maximum inhalation time.

[0495] When there is at least one granulation chamber whose usage is less than the predetermined reference, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine whether a signal output from the rotation detection sensor changes, that is, whether the second cartridge 32 rotates, in operation S4911.

[0496] When the signal output from the rotation detection sensor does not change, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine whether the granulation chamber is located at a correct position in operation S4912.

[0497] When the granulation chamber is located at the correct position, the process proceeds to operation S4905 and thus the aerosol generating device 1000 may control the power supply to the heater 314 according to the use of the granulation chamber determined as the application chamber.

[0498] When the granulation chamber is located at any position, the process proceeds to operation S4909 , and thus the aerosol generating device 1000 may continuously interrupt the power supply to the heater 314 .

[0499] When the usage of all the granulation chambers is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference, the aerosol generating device 1000 may determine that it is impossible for the user to use the granulation chambers to generate aerosol in operation S4913. In this case, the aerosol generating device 1000 may output a message indicating that the granulation chambers are unavailable through the output device.

[0500] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1000 may continuously monitor whether the signal output from the rotation detecting sensor changes throughout its operation. When the signal output from the rotation detecting sensor changes, the process proceeds to operation S4901, and the aerosol generating device 1000 may check the signal output from the rotation detecting sensor.

[0501] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the use of multiple granulation chambers can be considered to ensure optimal media quality. Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the granulation chamber through which the aerosol passes can be changed, thereby providing a variety of media to the user without having to replace the cartridge 30. Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the cartridge 30 installed in the main body, the user can use the dial 43 or the like to appropriately select the desired media in response to a message output via an output device.

[0502] Reference Figures 1 to 49 , an aerosol generating device 1000 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a first container 31, which is configured to contain an aerosol generating substance; a heater 314, which is configured to heat the aerosol generating substance; a second container 32, which is configured to be rotatable around its rotation axis and includes a plurality of compartments; a first sensor (e.g., a rotation detection sensor) which is configured to output a signal indicating the rotation of the second container 32; and a controller 1070 which is configured to determine whether the plurality of chambers are located at preset correct positions based on the signal received from the first sensor.

[0503] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the correct position may be a position where the aerosol generated in the first container 31 passes through any one of the plurality of chambers, and the remaining chambers other than the chamber through which the aerosol passes are sealed.

[0504] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the signal received from the first sensor is a signal corresponding to any one of the plurality of chambers, the controller 1070 may determine that the plurality of chambers are located at the preset correct positions. When the signal received from the first sensor is a signal different from the signals corresponding to the plurality of chambers, the controller 1070 may determine that the plurality of chambers are not located at the preset correct positions.

[0505] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when a signal different from the signals corresponding to the plurality of chambers is received, the controller 1070 may monitor whether the signal received from the first sensor changes within a predetermined time period. In a state where a signal different from the signals corresponding to the plurality of chambers is received, if the signal received from the first sensor does not change during the predetermined time period, the controller 1070 may determine that the plurality of chambers are not located at the preset correct positions.

[0506] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the plurality of chambers are located at the preset correct positions, the controller 1070 may control the heater 314 to be supplied with power. When the plurality of chambers are not located at the preset correct positions, the controller 1070 may control the heater 314 to be supplied with power.

[0507] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the plurality of chambers are located at preset correct positions, the controller 1070 may determine a chamber through which the aerosol generated in the first container 31 passes among the plurality of chambers based on a signal received from the first sensor.

[0508] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include an output device configured to output a message. When the multiple chambers are not located at the preset correct positions, the controller 1070 may output a message prompting the adjustment of the positions of the chambers through the output device.

[0509] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the output device may include a vibration motor. When the plurality of chambers are not located at the preset correct positions, the controller 1070 may control the operation of the vibration motor to generate vibration according to a preset time period and a preset number of times.

[0510] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a first gear (e.g., a cartridge gear 41) configured so that its inner circumference contacts the outer circumference of the second container 32, and a second gear (e.g., a dial gear 42) meshed with the outer circumference of the first gear for rotation. The first sensor may be a rotary switch 44 mounted coaxially with the second gear.

[0511] Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of chambers may be arranged in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis of the second container 32 .

[0512] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined with each other in terms of configuration or function.

[0513] For example, configuration "A" described in one embodiment and the accompanying drawings of the present disclosure and configuration "B" described in another embodiment and the accompanying drawings of the present disclosure may be combined with each other. That is, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except for the case where the combination is described as impossible.

[0514] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various changes and modifications are possible in the component parts and / or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a first container configured to contain an aerosol-generating substance; a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance; a second container configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis and comprising a plurality of compartments; a first sensor configured to output a signal corresponding to the rotation of the second container; as well as a controller configured to determine whether the plurality of compartments are located at preset correct positions based on a signal received from the first sensor, and Wherein, the controller is configured as follows: Based on the plurality of compartments being located at the preset correct positions, performing control so that power is supplied to the heater, Wherein, the aerosol generating device further comprises: a first gear coupled to the second container; and a second gear configured to mesh with the first gear for rotation, Wherein, the first sensor is a rotary switch installed coaxially with the second gear.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein When the plurality of compartments are located at the preset correct positions, aerosol generated in the first container can pass through one compartment among the plurality of compartments, and the remaining compartments except the one compartment are sealed.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to: determining that the plurality of compartments are located at the preset correct positions based on the received signal corresponding to any one of the plurality of compartments, and Based on the received signal being different from the signal corresponding to any one of the plurality of compartments, it is determined that the plurality of compartments are not located at the preset correct positions.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: Based on the received signal being different from the signal corresponding to any one of the plurality of compartments, the controller is configured to monitor whether the received signal changes within a predetermined period of time before determining that the plurality of compartments are not located at the preset correct positions.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to: Based on the fact that the plurality of compartments are not located at the preset correct positions, control is performed such that power supply to the heater is interrupted.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein Based on the plurality of compartments being located at the preset correct positions, the controller is configured to determine a compartment among the plurality of compartments through which the aerosol generated in the first container can pass based on the signal received from the first sensor.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: an output device configured to output information, Wherein, based on the fact that the plurality of compartments are not located at the preset correct positions, the controller is configured to output an instruction to adjust the positions of the compartments via the output device.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The output device includes a vibration motor, and The output indication includes vibration according to a preset time period and a preset number of times.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of compartments are arranged around the rotation axis of the second container.

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