Cartridge and aerosol generating device comprising same

Abstract

The cartridge includes: a housing including a storage space for storing an aerosol-generating substance; a sealing part that includes one or more discharge ports through which the aerosol-generating substance passes, and that seals a part of the storage space; a generating unit that generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance; an accommodating part which accommodates the generating part, is in contact with the sealing part inside the housing, and forms, together with the sealing part, a generating space for generating an aerosol; and a cover that supports the accommodating part so as to pressurize the accommodating part and the sealing part in a direction toward the storage space, and that closes one end of the case.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cartridge and an aerosol-generating device including the same, and more particularly, to a cartridge having an improved sealing structure and an aerosol-generating device including the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods for overcoming the disadvantages of a conventional cigarette is increasing. For example, the demand for a system that heats a cigarette or an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol, which is not a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette, is increasing. Accordingly, research on a heating-type aerosol-generating device is being actively conducted.

[0003] In addition, in the field of an aerosol-generating device using an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state, research on the leakage prevention and sealing of the liquid is being actively conducted. SUMMARY

[0004] TECHNICAL PROBLEM A cartridge of an aerosol-generating device generally includes a storage portion storing a liquid substance (hereinafter, the liquid substance can be used as the same meaning as "aerosol-generating material" and abbreviated as "liquid" to be described), and a generating portion generating an aerosol from the liquid. The liquid stored in the storage portion can be delivered to the generating portion, and can be atomized into an aerosol by the generating portion.

[0005] In a structure in which the liquid is delivered from the storage portion to the generating portion, the storage portion and the generating portion can be separated from each other by being surrounded by a surrounding structure. Although the internal structures included in the cartridge are firmly combined with each other, the liquid can flow out through a gap between the structures due to the characteristics of the liquid.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need to prevent the liquid from flowing out to other paths, other structures, and the outside of the cartridge, which are not originally intended to move. In the case of a general cartridge, in order to prevent this, a sealing element is arranged inside the cartridge, but in order to maximize the sealing effect, the entire cartridge needs to be improved in structure.

[0007] Embodiments provide a cartridge in which a constituent element is interference-fitted to a housing of the cartridge, and an aerosol-generating device including the same.

[0008] Embodiments provide a cartridge in which a sealing element is integrated with a constituent element that is interference-fitted to a housing, and an aerosol-generating device including the same.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments are not limited to the above-described technical problems, and a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong can clearly understand the technical problems not mentioned from the present specification and the attached drawings.

[0010] Technical solution A cartridge according to an embodiment can include a housing including a storage space for storing an aerosol generating material; a sealing portion including one or more discharge ports through which the aerosol generating material passes, and sealing a portion of the storage space; a generating portion generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material; a receiving portion receiving the generating portion and forming a generation space for the aerosol generation together with the sealing portion in contact with the sealing portion inside the housing; and a cap supporting the receiving portion in a manner of pressurizing the receiving portion and the sealing portion in a direction of the storage space, and closing one end of the housing.

[0011] Technical effects According to the cartridge and the aerosol generating device including the same according to an embodiment, since a material having strong adhesion is not additionally used, manufacturing of the cartridge can be simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0012] In addition, according to the cartridge and the aerosol generating device including the same according to an embodiment, a sealing effect of the inside of the cartridge is improved, and thus leakage of the aerosol generating material can be prevented.

[0013] Effects according to an embodiment are not limited to the effects described above, and those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiment pertains can clearly understand the effects not mentioned from the specification and the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is an exploded side view schematically illustrating an external appearance of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5a FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5b FIG. 6 is a front exploded perspective view of the cartridge illustrated in FIG. 5. Figure 5a

[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge illustrated in FIG. 5, taken along a plane parallel to the yz plane. Figure 6a Figure 5a

[0021] Figure 6b ​​It is cut along a plane parallel to the zx plane Figure 5a A cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown.

[0022] Figure 6c It is cut along a plane parallel to the xy plane Figure 5a A cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown.

[0023] Figure 7a It is a front perspective view of the lower structure of the cigarette cartridge involved in one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7b yes Figure 7a A rear exploded perspective view of the lower portion of the cigarette cartridge shown.

[0025] Figure 8a This is an exploded perspective view of a state in which a sealing portion is separated from a structure composed of a sealing portion, a generating portion, and a storage portion, which is applied to a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8b Viewed from below in the +z direction Figure 8a A three-dimensional diagram of the combined state of the structure shown.

[0027] Figure 8c It is cut along a plane parallel to the zx plane Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of the structure shown in the bonding state.

[0028] Figure 9a This is a perspective view of a sealing portion of a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment, viewed from below in the +z direction.

[0029] Figure 9b It is cut along a plane parallel to the zx plane. Figure 9a The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a structure in which a sealing portion and a generating portion are combined.

[0030] Figure 10a It is a front perspective view of a structure composed of a generating portion, a clearance adjusting portion, and a cover applied to a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10b It is shown in Figure 10a The structure shown is an exploded perspective view in which the generating portion is omitted and the clearance adjusting portion and the cover are separated from each other.

[0032] Figure 10c Viewed from below in the +z direction Figure 10a The structure shown is a perspective view in which the generating portion is omitted.

[0033] Figure 11 It is used to illustrate the protrusion of the cover. Figure 6c A cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the cartridge is shown.

[0034] Figure 12 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used in the following description of the components are given or used interchangeably for ease of writing the description, and do not have mutually distinguishing meanings or functions.

[0037] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to obscure the main purpose of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided solely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the accompanying drawings and should be understood to encompass all variations, equivalents, and even substitutes within the scope of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein.

[0038] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0039] When a component is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or directly coupled to the other component, but other components may also be present between them. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another component, it should be understood that no other components are present between them.

[0040] An expression in the singular includes an expression in the plural form unless it is clear that it means differently from the context.

[0041] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Reference Figure 1The aerosol-generating device 1 can include at least one of a power supply 11, a control portion 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18, and a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the control portion 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 18 can be disposed inside the main body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. The main body 10 can provide a space open to an upward side for insertion of a stick S (hereinafter, can be used as the same meaning as "aerosol-generating article") as an aerosol-generating article. The space open to the upward side can be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space can be formed to be recessed toward the inside of the main body 10 by a predetermined depth to enable at least a portion of the stick S to be inserted therein. The depth of the insertion space can be the length of a region in which an aerosol-generating material and / or a medium are contained in the stick S. A lower end of the stick S can be inserted into the inside of the main body 10, and an upper end of the stick S can protrude to the outside of the main body 10. A user can hold the upper end of the stick S exposed to the outside in the mouth and inhale air.

[0043] The heater 18 can heat the stick S. The heater 18 can extend longer on the upper side along the periphery of the space into which the stick S is inserted. For example, the heater 18 can be in the form of a tube including a hollow inside. The heater 18 can be disposed around the periphery of the insertion space. The heater 18 can be disposed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 18 can heat the insertion space or the stick S inserted into the insertion space. The heater 18 can include a resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0044] For example, the heater 18 can be a resistance heater. For example, the heater 18 can include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 18 can be heated as an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 can be electrically connected with the power supply 11. The heater 18 can directly generate heat from the electric current received from the power supply 11.

[0045] For example, the aerosol-generating device 1 can include an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil can cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 as a susceptor, the heater 18 can be heated by a magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field can pass through the heater 18 and generate eddy currents within the heater 18. The electric current can generate heat in the heater 18.

[0046] In addition, a susceptor can be included inside the stick S, and the susceptor inside the stick S can be heated by a magnetic field generated by the AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0047] The cartridge 19 can contain an aerosol generating material having one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state, etc. inside. The aerosol generating material can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid including a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0048] The cartridge 19 can be formed integrally with the main body 10, or can be detachably coupled to the main body 10.

[0049] For example, referring to Figure 1 , the cartridge 19 can be formed integrally with the main body 10, and can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow passage CN.

[0050] For example, referring to Figure 2 , a space can be formed at one side of the main body 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 can be inserted into the space formed at one side of the main body 10 to mount the cartridge 19 to the main body 10. The airflow passage CN can be defined by a portion of the cartridge and / or a portion of the main body 10, and the cartridge 19 can communicate with the insertion space through the airflow passage CN.

[0051] The main body 10 can be formed in a structure capable of allowing external air to flow into the inside of the main body 10 in a state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted. At this time, the external air flowing into the main body 10 can flow toward the user's mouth through the cartridge 19.

[0052] The cartridge 19 can include a storage portion C0 containing an aerosol generating material and / or a cartridge heater 24 heating the aerosol generating material of the storage portion C0. A liquid delivery member impregnated with the aerosol generating material can be disposed inside the storage portion C0. Here, the liquid delivery member can include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, a porous ceramic, or the like. The conductive trace of the cartridge heater 24 can be formed in a structure in which a coil is wound around the liquid delivery member or a structure in which one side of the liquid delivery member is in contact. The cartridge heater 24 can be referred to as a heater 24.

[0053] The cartridge 19 can generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery member is heated by the cartridge heater 24, the aerosol can be generated. The aerosol can be generated by heating the stick S with the heater 18. During the passage of the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 through the stick S, a tobacco substance can be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol to which the tobacco substance is added can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

[0054] The aerosol-generating device 1 can be equipped only with the cartridge heater 24, while the main body 10 is not equipped with the heater 18. At this time, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 can be added with tobacco material while passing through the stick S and inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0055] The aerosol-generating device 1 can include a cap (not illustrated). The cap can be detachably coupled to the main body 10 in a manner of covering at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the main body 10. The stick S can be inserted into the main body 10 through the cap.

[0056] The power supply 11 can supply power to cause the constituent elements of the aerosol-generating device to operate. The power supply 11 can be referred to as a power source. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the control portion 12, the sensor 13, the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18. In the case where the aerosol-generating device 1 includes an induction coil, the power supply 11 can supply power to the induction coil.

[0057] The control portion 12 can control the operation of the entire aerosol-generating device. The control portion can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control portion 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, the heater 18, the cartridge 19. The control portion 12 can control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. provided to the aerosol-generating device. The control portion 12 can determine whether the aerosol-generating device is in an operable state by confirming the state of each of the constituents of the aerosol-generating device.

[0058] The control portion 12 can analyze the result detected by the sensor 13 and control the process to be subsequently performed. For example, the control portion 12 can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the result detected by the sensor 13, so that the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is started or ended. For example, the control portion 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 and the time of supplying the power based on the result detected by the sensor 13, so that the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0059] The sensor 13 can include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puffing sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 can sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 18, the temperature of the power supply 11, the temperature of the inside and outside of the main body 10. For example, the sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor 13 can sense whether the cap is mounted.

[0060] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0061] Referring to Figure 3 , an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a cap 1000 and a main body 1100. At this time, the main body 1100 can be the same as or similar to the main body 10 of Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0062] The cap 1000 can be coupled to one side end of the main body 1100, and thus the main body 1100 and the cap 1000 can together form an appearance of the aerosol generating device 100. The cap 1000 can include an opening 1000h, through which an aerosol generating article S can be inserted, on an upper surface of the cap 1000.

[0063] The main body 1100 can form a part of the appearance of the aerosol generating device 100 and perform a function of housing and protecting constituent elements of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, a power supply, a control portion, and / or a heater can be housed inside the main body 1100, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, the main body 1100 can house the aerosol generating article S inserted through the opening 1000h.

[0064] The main body 1100 and the cap 1000 can be made of a plastic material that does not easily transfer heat or a metal material coated with a heat insulating substance on a surface. The main body 1100 and the cap 1000 can be manufactured by, for example, an injection molding method or a 3D printing method or a method of assembling a small accessory manufactured by injection molding.

[0065] A holding device (not shown) for maintaining a coupled state of the main body 1100 and the cap 1000 can be provided between the main body 1100 and the cap 1000. As an example, the holding device can include a protrusion and a groove. As another example, the holding device can include a magnet and a metal part attracted to the magnet.

[0066] Figure 4 is an exploded side view schematically showing an appearance of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0067] Referring to Figure 4 , an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment can include a cap 1000, a main body 1100, a button 1200, and a cartridge 200.

[0068] At this time, the aerosol generating device 100 and the cartridge 200 can be the same as or similar to the aerosol generating device 1 and the cartridge 19 of Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Hereinafter, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0069] The cap 1000 can be separated from the main body 1100 by being released from the coupling with the main body 1100. For example, the cap 1000 can be separated from the main body 1100 in the +z direction. If the cap 1000 is separated from the main body 1100, the upper portion of the main body 1100, the button 1200, and the cartridge 200 can be exposed to the outside.

[0070] The button 1200 can be disposed such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside of the main body 1100, and can perform an action of releasing the fastening relationship between the main body 1100 and the cartridge 200 according to a user's input. For example, if a user's input is applied to the button 1200, the cartridge 200 can be detached from the main body 1100.

[0071] The cartridge 200 can store an aerosol generating material, and can be detachably coupled to one side end of the main body 1100. At this time, the cartridge 200 is schematically illustrated, and the structure and shape of the cartridge 200 are not limited to Figure 4 the structure and shape illustrated.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 200 can be coupled with the main body 1100 including a power supply and / or a control portion to serve as a constituent element of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, a cartridge heater included in the cartridge 200 can be electrically connected with the main body 1100 to receive power from the power supply, and the power supply thereof can be controlled by the control portion.

[0073] In the aerosol generating device including the cartridge 200, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 in a liquid or gel state by supplying power to the heating element and controlling the same.

[0074] According to another example, the cartridge 200 can be coupled with the main body 1100 further including a receiving space to receive an aerosol generating article and a heater to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0075] The aerosol generating device including the cartridge 200 can not only generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200, but also generate an aerosol by heating the inserted aerosol generating article. Thus, a hybrid type aerosol generating device can be implemented.

[0076] Figure 4 The cartridge 200 is illustrated as approaching the main body 1100 from the side surface of the main body 1100 and being coupled with the main body 1100, but the coupling manner of the cartridge 200 with the main body 1100 is not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge 200 can approach the main body 1100 in the -z direction from a position spaced apart from the main body 1100 in the +z direction like the cap 1000 and be coupled with the main body 1100.

[0077] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a structure in which the cartridge 200 approaches and combines with the side surface of the main body 1100 will be explained as a center, and reference will be made to Figure 5a and Figure 5b The cartridge 200 will be explained in detail.

[0078] Figure 5a is a front perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment, Figure 5b is Figure 5a is a front exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1A.

[0079] Referring to Figure 5a The cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a housing 2100 and a head 2200.

[0080] Generally, the cartridge 200 is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion, and after storing an aerosol generating material in the upper portion which functions as a liquid container, the cartridge 200 can be manufactured by bonding the upper portion and the lower portion in order to seal the container.

[0081] The cartridge 200 manufactured in this way must go through a bonding step of the upper portion and the lower portion in a process step, and thus there is a problem in that the manufacturing process is complicated. In addition, even if the bonding is firm, there is a possibility that the aerosol generating material or the aerosol flows to the outside of the cartridge through a gap between the upper portion and the lower portion which is inevitably present.

[0082] To solve the above-described technical problem, the cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a housing 2100 which extends to both ends of the cartridge 200 in the length direction of the cartridge 200 without being divided into an upper portion and a lower portion.

[0083] The housing 2100 can form the appearance of the cartridge 200 and can store an aerosol generating material. The housing 2100 can include a hollow cylindrical shape. Constituent elements of the cartridge 200 can be disposed inside the housing 2100 through one end (for example, a lower portion) of both ends of the housing 2100 which are open in the length direction of the housing 2100.

[0084] The constituent elements of the cartridge 200 can be pressurized toward the inside of the housing 2100 in the length direction of the housing 2100. For example, the constituent elements of the cartridge 200 can be pressurized from the lower portion of the housing 2100 which is spaced apart from the housing 2100 in the -z direction toward the +z direction. The pressurized constituent elements can be interference-fitted in the inside of the housing 2100. At this time, "interference-fitting" can be used as the same meaning as press-fitting or interference fit.

[0085] The components of the cartridge 200 can be supported by the housing 2100, which is pressurized toward the inside of the housing 2100 and is fitted to the components of the housing 2100 with an interference fit. Due to the interference fit of the components, the components can be firmly fixed inside the housing 2100 without using an adhesive, and a gap between the inner wall of the housing 2100 and the components can be effectively prevented.

[0086] The housing 2100 can include a discharge port 2110 for discharging an aerosol generated in the inside of the cartridge 200 to the outside of the cartridge 200. A portion of the discharge port 2110 can be inserted into a body (e.g., the body 1100) of an aerosol generating device. Figure 4 The portion of the discharge port 2110 inserted into the body can be connected with an air flow passage of the body.

[0087] The portion of the discharge port 2110 connected with the air flow passage of the body can be sealed. The discharge port 2110 is connected with the air flow passage of the body in a sealed manner, so that the aerosol can be prevented from leaking to other spaces other than the air flow passage of the body during movement of the aerosol.

[0088] The cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a head 2200 for closing the other end (e.g., the upper portion) of the two open ends of the housing 2100.

[0089] The head 2200 can perform the role of a cover of the housing 2100 that prevents the aerosol generating material stored in the storage space of the housing 2100 from overflowing to the outside of the housing 2100.

[0090] The head 2200 can be adhered by applying an adhesive that reacts with ultraviolet rays to the upper portion of the housing 2100 and using ultraviolet (UV) rays. The head 2200 adhered to and combined with the housing 2100 can be fixed to the upper portion of the housing 2100, so as not to be separated from the housing 2100 even if an impact is applied to the cartridge 200 and to prevent the aerosol generating material from overflowing from the housing 2100. However, embodiments are not limited to the manner in which the head 2200 is adhered to the upper portion of the housing 2100.

[0091] As still another example, the housing 2100 and the head 2200 can not be manufactured as separate components, but can be integrally molded using, for example, an injection molding method or the like.

[0092] The head 2200 can include an air flow inlet 2200h through which air from the outside of the cartridge 200 flows in. The air flowing into the air flow inlet 2200h can pass through the air flow passage of the cartridge 200 to reach the accommodation portion and mix with the vaporized particles generated by the aerosol generating material being atomized.

[0093] Referring to Figure 5bThe internal configuration of the cartridge 200 located inside the housing 2100 is illustrated along the length direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the housing 2100.

[0094] The cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a housing 2100, a head 2200, a seal 2300, a generation portion 2400, a receiving portion 2500, a play adjustment portion 2600, and a cap 2700.

[0095] The illustrated constituent elements can be combined along the length direction of the housing 2100 with the housing 2100 as the center. For example, in the lower portion of the housing 2100, the seal 2300 can be disposed inside the housing 2100 by being pressurized toward the housing 2100.

[0096] The generation portion 2400 can be received in the receiving portion 2500, and the receiving portion 2500 can be disposed in the lower portion of the seal 2300 by being pressurized toward the housing. Thereafter, the play adjustment portion 2600 and the cap 2700 can be sequentially disposed inside the housing 2100 by being pressurized toward the housing 2100. At least a portion or the entirety of the cap 2700 can be inserted into the housing 2100 and close one end of the housing 2100.

[0097] After the assembly of the lower portion of the housing 2100 is completed, in the upper portion of the housing 2100, an aerosol generating material can be filled into the storage space of the housing 2100. Thereafter, the head 2200 can close the other end of the housing 2100 by being combined with the upper portion of the housing 2100, thereby finally completing the assembly of the cartridge 200. However, the assembly order of the cartridge 200 is not limited to the above-described order.

[0098] The housing 2100 can include a discharge port 2110 at one surface thereof, and can include a groove recessed in a direction opening to the discharge port 2110 at another surface of the housing 2100 facing the one surface.

[0099] The recessed groove of the housing 2100 can extend along the length direction of the housing 2100. In order to shield the recessed groove of the housing 2100 at the side surface of the housing 2100, the housing 2100 can include a plate 2120 extending along the length direction of the housing 2100.

[0100] The plate 2120 can approach the +x direction from a position spaced apart from the case 2100 in the -x direction and be ultrasonically welded to the case 2100. As a result, the plate 2120 can be firmly fixed to the case 2100, and even if an impact is applied to the case 2100, the plate 2120 does not come off from the case 2100. The ultrasonic welding can refer to a manufacturing method in which at least one of the plate 2120 and the case 2100 is instantaneously melted using ultrasonic vibration to bond the plate 2120 and the case 2100. However, the embodiment is not limited to the ultrasonic welding, and can include various ways capable of combining the plate 2120 with the case 2100.

[0101] The plate 2120 combined with the recessed groove can form the intermediate air flow passage 2100p together with the groove. Since the recessed groove and the plate 2120 are included in the case 2100, the intermediate air flow passage 2100p can be regarded as a constitution included in the case 2100.

[0102] The intermediate air flow passage 2100p can be connected with the air flow inlet 2200h at a position corresponding to the air flow inlet 2200h of the head 2200. The intermediate air flow passage 2100p can be connected with one end (for example, a lower portion) of the air flow inlet 2200h and accommodate air moving along the air flow inlet 2200h.

[0103] The intermediate air flow passage 2100p can extend along the length direction (for example, the z-axis direction) of the case 2100, but the embodiment is not limited to the arrangement of the passage. Air flowing into the intermediate air flow passage 2100p can move along the intermediate air flow passage 2100p in the -z direction, and the moving air can flow into the inside of the accommodation portion 2500 through the groove formed in the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500.

[0104] The intermediate air flow passage 2100p can be arranged not to meet the storage space 2100s storing the aerosol generating material inside the case 2100. Thereby, a path to transport the aerosol generating material from the case 2100 to the accommodation portion 2500 and a path to transport air can be separated and arranged individually.

[0105] In an embodiment, the intermediate air flow passage 2100p can be formed between the plate 2120 and the recessed groove of the case 2100 by combining the plate 2120 with the side surface of the case 2100. As another example, the plate 2120 can be formed in one body with the case 2100 so that the intermediate air flow passage 2100p is formed as a region inside the case 2100.

[0106] The case 2100 can include a storage space 2100s storing the aerosol generating material. However, since the inside of the case 2100 is hollow and both ends of the case 2100 are open, the case 2100 itself cannot store the aerosol generating material.

[0107] To store the aerosol generating material, a sealing portion 2300 can be disposed inside the housing 2100. The sealing portion 2300 can perform a bottom wall role of the storage space 2100s. At this time, the thickness of the sealing portion can be 0.75 mm to 2 mm.

[0108] The sealing portion 2300 can include at least one discharge port 2310 through which the aerosol generating material passes to move outside the storage space 2100s. In an embodiment, two discharge ports 2310 are disposed, but the embodiment is not limited to the number of discharge ports.

[0109] Since the housing 2100 has a hollow cylindrical shape, both ends of the housing 2100 are exposed to the outside, but the sealing portion 2300 in which the discharge ports 2310 are formed can block and seal a portion of the inside of the housing (for example, a portion of the lower portion of the storage space 2100s). The aerosol generating material stored in the storage space 2100s can move outside the storage space 2100s (i.e., the generating portion 2400) only through the discharge ports 2310 formed in the sealing portion 2300. At this time, the discharge ports 2310 can be distinguished from the end of the intermediate airflow passage 2100p adjacent to the accommodation portion 2500.

[0110] The sealing portion 2300 can be pressurized to the inside of the housing 2100 through the open end portion (for example, the lower portion) of the housing 2100, and thus be interference-fitted to the inside of the housing 2100. The sealing portion 2300 pressurized toward the upper portion can move to be in contact with the inner wall of the housing 2100 facing the lower portion, and the sealing portion 2300 in contact with the inner wall of the housing 2100 can no longer move and be supported by the inner wall.

[0111] The interference fitting of the sealing portion 2300 achieved by pressurization can prevent a gap from being formed between the edge of the sealing portion 2300 and the inner wall of the housing 2100. At least a portion or the entire sealing portion 2300 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone to avoid the gap through which the aerosol generating material leaks, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] The sealing portion 2300 interference-fitted to the housing 2100 can prevent the aerosol generating material stored in the storage space 2100s from leaking outside the storage space 2100s through a gap other than the discharge ports 2310.

[0113] The generating portion 2400 can be disposed at a lower portion of the sealing portion 2300 and generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance moving to the outside of the storage space 2100s. The aerosol refers to a float in which liquid and / or solid fine particles are dispersed in a gas. Accordingly, the aerosol generated from the generating portion 2400 can refer to a state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance are mixed with air.

[0114] The generating portion 2400 can convert a phase of the aerosol generating substance into a gas phase by vaporization and / or sublimation. For example, the generating portion 2400 can finely particulate the aerosol generating substance of a liquid and / or solid phase and discharge the same, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0115] Specifically, the generating portion 2400 can include a wick 2410 and an atomizing element 2420. At this time, the wick 2410 and the atomizing element 2420 can be the same as or similar to the liquid delivery member and the cartridge heater 24 of the aerosol generating device 2000, respectively. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The wick 2410 and the atomizing element 2420 can be the same as or similar to the liquid delivery member and the cartridge heater 24 of the aerosol generating device 2000, respectively.

[0116] The wick 2410 can receive the aerosol generating substance supplied from the storage space 2100s through the sealing portion 2300 and absorb the aerosol generating substance. The wick 2410 can have an elongated shape. For example, the wick 2410 can be a cylindrical shape extending in one direction. Specifically, the wick 2410 can be a cylindrical shape, a quadrangular prism shape, a triangular prism shape, or the like, but is not limited to the above-described examples, and the wick 2410 can have a substantially rod shape or a needle shape.

[0117] The wick 2410 can absorb the aerosol generating substance at a portion thereof. The aerosol generating substance absorbed at the portion of the wick 2410 can move to another portion of the wick 2410 according to a capillary phenomenon. For example, the wick 2410 can absorb the aerosol generating substance supplied from the storage space 2100s through both end portions, and the absorbed aerosol generating substance can move to a central portion of the wick 2410. In this way, the wick 2410 can deliver the aerosol generating substance to the atomizing element.

[0118] The atomizing element 2420 can generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance absorbed from the wick 2410. As an example, the atomizing element 2420 can be a heating element that heats the aerosol generating substance by generating heat. If the aerosol generating substance in contact with the heating element is heated by the heating element, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating substance.

[0119] The heating element can be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. The heating element can include a resistor having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR).

[0120] The heating element can be configured with an electrically conductive wire such as a nichrome wire, and can be heated by a current supply. In addition, the heating element can be formed with a susceptor substance that is heated by an induced magnetic field, and can be heated by an induced magnetic field generated by an induction coil arranged separately from the heating element.

[0121] As another example, the atomizing element 2420 can be an ultrasonic vibrator that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method can refer to a method of atomizing an aerosol generating substance using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator to thereby generate an aerosol.

[0122] The aerosol generating method of the atomizing element 2420 is not limited to the above-described examples, and can include various methods of generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance.

[0123] The atomizing element 2420 can be arranged adjacent to the wick 2410 and combined according to structural characteristics like being wound around the outer circumferential surface of the central portion of the wick 2410, and in addition thereto, can be arranged at the wick 2410 by being permanently or reversibly attached to the wick 2410 through coating, spraying, depositing, plating, dipping, painting, printing, 3D printing, use of a mechanism substance, etc. In addition, the atomizing element 2420 can be arranged at the wick 2410 using a method of sintering the atomizing element 2420 together in the process of manufacturing the wick 2410, etc.

[0124] The arrangement of the atomizing element 2420 is not limited to the above-described examples, and can include various methods capable of being arranged at the wick 2410 while maintaining the function of the atomizing element 2420.

[0125] The aerosol generated by the atomizing element 2420 can move along an airflow passage of a main body (for example, Figure 4 of the main body 1100). The aerosol moving along the airflow passage of the main body can pass through the aerosol generating article to be delivered to a user.

[0126] The cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a housing portion 2500 that accommodates the generating portion 2400. In a state in which the cartridge 200 is disassembled, Figure 5b the generating portion 2400 can be accommodated inside the housing portion 2500 and mounted to the housing portion 2500.

[0127] The accommodation portion 2500 in which the generating portion 2400 is installed can be pressurized to the inside of the case 2100 through an open one end portion (for example, a lower portion) of the case 2100, and thus can be interference-fitted to the inside of the case 2100. The accommodation portion 2500 interference-fitted to the inside of the case 2100 can be engaged with the sealing portion 2300 at a portion thereof.

[0128] The interference fitting of the accommodation portion 2500 achieved by pressurization can prevent a gap from being formed between an edge of the accommodation portion 2500 and an inner wall of the case 2100. At least a portion or the entire accommodation portion 2500 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone to avoid the gap through which aerosol generating material can leak, but is not limited thereto.

[0129] The cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a play adjustment portion 2600. The play adjustment portion 2600 is a configuration disposed between the accommodation portion 2500 and the cover 2700 and used to remove a play existing between the accommodation portion 2500 and the cover 2700.

[0130] If the cover 2700 is tightly attached toward the play adjustment portion 2600, the play adjustment portion 2600 can be tightly attached toward the accommodation portion 2500. Ultimately, the play adjustment portion 2600 can allow the cover 2700 spaced apart from the accommodation portion 2500 to support the accommodation portion 2500 through the play adjustment portion 2600. At this time, the play adjustment portion 2600 can include a ring shape, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0131] The cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a cover 2700. The cover 2700 can be disposed at an open one end portion of the case 2100 to close one end portion of the case 2100. A portion of the cover 2700 can be inserted into the inside of the case 2100.

[0132] Specifically, the cover 2700 can be pressurized toward one end portion of the case 2100, as a result of which a portion of the cover 2700 can be interference-fitted to the inside of the case 2100 and supported by the case 2100. The cover 2700 interference-fitted to the inside of the case 2100 can be in contact with the play adjustment portion 2600.

[0133] The disposition of the cover 2700 can prevent a phenomenon in which the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500 disposed in the inside of the case 2100 are not supported by the inner wall of the case 2100 and slide downward. Specifically, if the cover 2700 is firmly coupled to the case 2100 and supported by the case 2100, the cover 2700 can pressurize the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500 in a direction (for example, a +z direction or an upper portion) toward the storage space 2100s of the case 2100.

[0134] This can be achieved in such a way that, if the cap 2700 is in contact with the play adjustment portion 2600 and presses the play adjustment portion 2600, the play adjustment portion 2600 presses the housing portion 2500 in contact with itself, and the housing portion 2500 presses the sealing portion 2300 in contact with itself. The sealing portion 2300, which is located at the uppermost portion in the configuration that is pressed, can be pressed in the opposite direction by the inner wall of the housing 2100 facing the lower portion as described above so as not to move any more.

[0135] Thus, the sealing portion 2300 and the housing portion 2500, in addition to being supported at a predetermined position by the housing 2100 due to interference fitting, are pressed upward by the cap 2700 and downward by the inner wall of the housing 2100 facing the lower portion, so that they can be supported immovably.

[0136] Further, since a portion of the cap 2700 is interference-fitted, and the cap 2700 closes one end portion of the housing 2100, the cap 2700 can prevent leakage of the aerosol generating material and the aerosol that the interference fitting of the sealing portion 2300 and the housing portion 2500 also fails to prevent. That is, double sealing can be achieved by the cap 2700. In addition, the play adjustment portion 2600 is disposed between the housing portion 2500 and the cap 2700, so that triple sealing can be achieved.

[0137] Hereinafter, a description will be given of the internal configuration of the cartridge 200 with reference to Figure 6a to Figure 6c A description will be given of the state in which the internal configuration of the cartridge 200 is combined in its entirety.

[0138] Figure 6a to Figure 6c is a sectional view of the cartridge 200 taken along a plane parallel to the yz plane. Figure 5a is a sectional view of the cartridge 200 taken along a plane parallel to the zx plane.

[0139] Specifically, Figure 6a is a sectional view of the cartridge 200 taken along a plane parallel to the xy plane. Figure 6b is a sectional view of the cartridge 200 taken along a plane parallel to the zx plane. Figure 6c is a sectional view of the cartridge 200 taken along a plane parallel to the xy plane.

[0140] With reference to Figure 6a to Figure 6c , the cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a housing 2100, a head 2200, a sealing portion 2300, a generating portion 2400, a housing portion 2500, a play adjustment portion 2600, and a cap 2700.

[0141] Figure 6a to 6c At least one of the constituent elements of the cartridge 200 illustrated in Figure 5a and Figure 5b may be the same as or similar to at least one of the constituent elements of the cartridge 200 illustrated in , and a repeated description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0142] Referring to Figure 6a to Figure 6c The inner space of the housing 2100 can include a first region A1 in which the storage space 2100s and the head 2200 are disposed, a second region A2 in which the seal part 2300, the generation part 2400, and the accommodation part 2500 are disposed, and a third region A3 in which the play adjustment part 2600 and the cover 2700 are disposed.

[0143] Since the inner diameters of the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region A3 of the housing 2100 are different, a step can be formed inside the housing 2100. The inner diameter of a portion connected from the first region A1 to the second region A2 can be enlarged. The inner diameter of a portion connected from the second region A2 to the third region A3 can also be enlarged.

[0144] In the present specification, an inner wall of the housing 2100 facing a lower portion in a portion connected from the first region A1 to the second region A2 is described as a first end 2101, and an inner wall facing a lower portion in a portion connected from the second region A2 to the third region A3 is described as a second end 2102. That is, the inner wall of the housing 2100 can include the first end 2101 and the second end 2102.

[0145] A region adjacent to an edge at an upper portion of the seal part 2300 can be engaged with and supported by the first end 2101 of the housing 2100. Even if the seal part 2300 is pressurized toward the upper portion, the seal part 2300 cannot further move toward the upper portion due to the first end 2101, and can be located at a portion in contact with the first end 2101.

[0146] Other regions of the upper portion of the seal part 2300, which are not in contact with the first end 2101, can protrude toward the first region A1 of the housing 2100 and be inserted into the inner wall of the housing 2100 even with an interference fit, so that the seal part 2300 can be firmly coupled to the inside of the housing 2100.

[0147] A region adjacent to an edge at a lower portion of the accommodation part 2500 can be arranged substantially side by side with the second end 2102 of the housing 2100. However, it is not limited thereto, and a step can exist between the second end 2102 and the region of the lower portion of the accommodation part 2500 adjacent to the edge.

[0148] The play adjustment part 2600 can be disposed at an upper portion of the cover 2700 and in contact with the region of the accommodation part 2500 adjacent to the edge and the second end 2102, so that the cover 2700 can not directly contact the step existing between the second end 2102 and the accommodation part 2500, but pressurize the accommodation part 2500 through the play adjustment part 2600.

[0149] Further, the gap adjustment portion 2600 blocks a gap that can occur between the inner wall of the housing 2100 at the circumference of the second end 2102 and the accommodation portion 2500 according to a difference in inner diameter of the second region A2 and the third region A3 of the housing 2100, and thus leakage of the aerosol moving from the accommodation portion 2500 to the discharge port 2110 can be prevented.

[0150] The sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500 can be firmly coupled to each other by interference fitting and pressurization. If the sealing portion 2300 is engaged with the accommodation portion 2500, a generation space 2510 surrounding the generation portion 2400 can be formed.

[0151] The sealing portion 2300 can be disposed at the upper portion of the generation space 2510, and the accommodation portion 2500 can be disposed at the side portion and the lower portion. The aerosol generating substance stored in the storage space 2100s can flow into the generation space 2510 through the discharge port 2310 of the sealing portion 2300.

[0152] In the generation space 2510, the aerosol generating substance can be atomized, and thus vaporized particles generated thereby can be mixed with air to become an aerosol. At this time, in order for air to flow into the generation space 2510, air outside the cartridge 200 needs to move to the generation space 2510 along an air flow passage disposed inside the cartridge 200.

[0153] As described above, air outside the cartridge 200 can flow into the inside of the cartridge 200 through the air flow inlet 2200h of the head 2200, and the air passing through the air flow inlet 2200h can move along the intermediate air flow passage 2100p surrounded by the inner wall of the housing 2100 and the plate 2120.

[0154] Thereafter, the air can pass through a first lower passage formed by the first air flow groove 2320 formed in the sealing portion 2300 and the inner wall of the housing 2100 and a second lower passage formed by the second air flow groove 2520 formed in the accommodation portion 2500 and the inner wall of the housing 2100, and thus reach the generation space 2510. The first lower passage and the second lower passage can be connected in the z-axis direction, and thus form a lower air flow passage together.

[0155] In addition, a recessed portion 2330 and a protruding portion 2530 for preventing leakage through a gap between the two components can be disposed between the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500.

[0156] The protruding portion 2530 engaged with the recessed portion 2330 can prevent the aerosol generating substance or the aerosol generated in the generation space from flowing out through the gap between the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500.

[0157] Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference toFigure 7a to Figure 7b The lower constituent elements of the cartridge 200 arranged in the second region A2 and the third region A3 inside the housing 2100 will be described.

[0158] Figure 7a and Figure 7b is a perspective view of a lower portion of a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0159] Specifically, Figure 7a is a front perspective view of a lower portion of a cartridge, Figure 7b is a rear exploded perspective view of a lower portion of a cartridge.

[0160] Referring to Figure 7a and Figure 7b the cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a sealing portion 2300, a generating portion 2400, a housing portion 2500, a play adjustment portion 2600, and a cap 2700.

[0161] Figure 7a and Figure 7b At least one of the constituent elements of the cartridge 200 shown in Figure 6a to Figure 6c may be the same as or similar to at least one of the constituent elements of the cartridge 200 shown in

[0162] With the housing portion 2500 as a reference, the generating portion 2400 can be housed inside the housing portion 2500, the sealing portion 2300 can be coupled to an upper portion of the housing portion 2500, and the play adjustment portion 2600 and the cap 2700 can be coupled to a lower portion of the housing portion 2500.

[0163] With the length direction (for example, the z-axis direction) of the cartridge 200 as a reference, the ratio of the length of the lower portion of the cartridge 200 to the length of the cartridge 200 can be 1:3.5 to 1:4. For example, the length of the lower portion of the cartridge 200 can be 8 mm to 10 mm, and the length of the cartridge 200 can be 28 mm to 40 mm. At this time, the starting point of the length measurement can be the lower surface of the cap 2700, and the end point of the length measurement can be the upper surface of the uppermost portion of the sealing portion 2300 and the upper surface of the head (for example, the head 2200 of Figure 6a to Figure 6c ).

[0164] The two discharge ports 2310 of the sealing portion 2300 can be arranged at positions corresponding to the housing grooves of the housing portion 2500 that house the generating portion 2400. For example, the discharge ports 2310 can be arranged at the upper portion of the generating space 2510 so that the aerosol-generating material passing through the discharge ports 2310 can directly flow into the housing grooves of the housing portion 2500.

[0165] The sealing portion 2300 can include a first air flow groove 2320, and the accommodation portion 2500 can include a second air flow groove 2520. Specifically, in a state in which the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500 are not inserted into the inside of the case 2100, the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500 can include air flow grooves that simply guide the movement of air, rather than air flow passages.

[0166] As the open portions of the first air flow groove 2320 and the second air flow groove 2520 are closed by the inner wall of the case 2100, a lower air flow passage that is open only in the z-axis direction can be formed around the first air flow groove 2320 and the second air flow groove 2520 and the inner wall of the case 2100.

[0167] Since the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500 form air flow grooves rather than air flow passages, and the air flow grooves form air flow passages with the inner wall of the case 2100, the inner diameter of the air flow passages can be expanded, thereby allowing more air flow to flow into the generation space 2510.

[0168] The accommodation portion 2500 can include a flow inlet 2540 for allowing air flow to flow into the generation space 2510. At this time, the second air flow groove 2520 can be in fluid communication with the flow inlet 2540, expand from the flow inlet 2540, and guide air to move toward the flow inlet 2540, thereby enabling air to smoothly flow into the generation space 2510. At this time, "fluid communication" can mean that elements are connected or communicated to pass and flow a fluid such as air.

[0169] The accommodation portion 2500 can include a flow outlet 2550 for discharging an aerosol generated in the generation space 2510 to the outside of the accommodation portion 2500. The flow outlet 2550 can be disposed at a position corresponding to a discharge outlet (for example, the discharge outlet 2110 of the case 2100) and connected with the discharge outlet. The aerosol can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 200 through the flow outlet 2550 and the discharge outlet. Figure 6a to Figure 6c

[0170] Hereinafter, the sealing portion 2300, the generation portion 2400, and the accommodation portion 2500 disposed in the second region A2 of the inside of the case 2100 will be described with reference to Figure 8a to Figure 8c

[0171] Figure 8a to Figure 8c is a view for explaining a structure body in which a sealing portion, a generation portion, and an accommodation portion are combined, applied to a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0172] Specifically, Figure 8a is a front exploded perspective view showing a state in which the sealing portion 2300 is separated from the structure body. Figure 8b is a perspective view in which the structure body is viewed from the lower portion toward the +z direction. Figure 8c ​​is a cross-sectional view of the structure cut along a plane parallel to the zx plane.

[0173] Referring to Figure 8a to Figure 8c The cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a sealing portion 2300, a generating portion 2400, and a housing portion 2500.

[0174] Referring to Figure 8a The sealing portion 2300 can include a peripheral portion 2301 in which two discharge ports 2310 are arranged and a central portion 2302 between the two discharge ports 2310. The peripheral portion 2301 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, but the central portion 2302 can be made of a material that is relatively rigid compared to the peripheral portion 2301, like plastic. The peripheral portion 2301 and the central portion 2302, which are different in material, can be formed as one sealing portion 2300 by double injection molding through a double injection molding process.

[0175] The housing portion 2500 that houses the generating portion 2400 and forms a generating space 2510 can have a shape in which the width (e.g., the length in the x-axis direction) of the groove of the central portion of the housing portion 2500 is greater than the width of the groove of the peripheral portion. Thereby, the upper portion of the housing portion 2500 can support a greater area in the peripheral portion in which the groove is smaller than in the central portion in which the groove is larger.

[0176] According to this structure, in the central portion 2302 of the sealing portion 2300, the lower portion has no separate support structure and is not arranged with the discharge port 2310, so that the aerosol generating material can be located in the upper portion of the central portion 2302, and thus, the central portion 2302 of the sealing portion 2300 can sag downward more than the peripheral portion 2301.

[0177] At this time, if the sealing portion 2300 is formed by double injection molding using materials different from each other, the rigidity of the central portion 2302 of the sealing portion 2300 is greater than the rigidity of the peripheral portion 2301, and thus, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon in which the center of the main sealing portion sags downward.

[0178] However, the embodiment is not limited to the materials of the peripheral portion 2301 and the central portion 2302. The sealing portion 2300 can be formed of various materials that satisfy the condition that the rigidity of the central portion 2302 of the sealing portion 2300 is greater than the rigidity of the peripheral portion 2301.

[0179] Referring to Figure 8a and Figure 8bThe aerosol generating substance passing through the discharge hole 2310 of the sealing portion 2300 can flow into the peripheral portion of the accommodation groove of the accommodation portion 2500. If the aerosol generating substance moves from the peripheral portion of the wick 2410 disposed in the peripheral portion to the central portion of the wick 2410, the atomizing element 2420 wound around the central portion of the wick 2410 can be heated.

[0180] The atomizing element 2420 can be a heating coil. The both ends of the coil can pass through the hole formed in the lower portion of the accommodation portion 2500 to be connected to the terminal disposed in the cap (for example, the cap 2700) of the cartridge 200. Figure 6a to Figure 6c

[0181] A portion of the lower portion of the accommodation portion 2500 can protrude toward the cap to be inserted into the internal space formed in the cap. The protruding portion of the accommodation portion 2500 can be inserted into the internal space of the cap and supported, and the both ends of the coil can pass through the protruding portion of the accommodation portion 2500 to be connected to the terminal of the cap.

[0182] Referring to Figure 8a to Figure 8c A protruding portion 2530 can be disposed in the upper portion of the accommodation portion 2500. In order to improve the leakproof effect of the protruding portion 2530, the protruding portion 2530 can be disposed in the upper portion of the accommodation portion 2500 in a portion adjacent to the edge, and can be disposed in the upper portion of the accommodation portion 2500 in a closed loop shape.

[0183] In an embodiment, the protruding portion 2530 is expressed in a sharp shape, but the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the recessed portion 2330 and the protruding portion 2530. The protruding portion 2530 can include various shapes protruding toward the opposite portion thereof, and the recessed portion 2330 can include a shape corresponding to the protruding portion 2530 to engage with the protruding portion 2530.

[0184] Further, the embodiment is not limited to the arrangement of the recessed portion 2330 and the protruding portion 2530. In an embodiment, the recessed portion 2330 is disposed in the sealing portion 2300, and the protruding portion 2530 is disposed in the accommodation portion 2500, but as long as a person of ordinary skill in the art can easily grasp that the recessed portion 2330 can be disposed in the accommodation portion 2500 and the protruding portion 2530 can be disposed in the sealing portion 2300.

[0185] The protruding portion 2530 can be formed in one body with the sealing portion 2300 or the accommodation portion 2500. For example, the protruding portion 2530 can be formed in one body with the accommodation portion 2500 by injection molding. Since it is formed in one body, the leakproof effect of the recessed portion 2330 and the protruding portion 2530 can be increased, and the constitution included in the inside of the cartridge 200 can be simplified. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the protruding portion 2530 can be separated as a separate constitution rather than the constitution included in the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500.​

[0186] Referring to Figure 8c The sealing portion 2300 can include an extension portion 2340 extending toward the generation space 2510. The extension portion 2340 can be supported by the inner wall 2511 of the accommodation portion 2500 forming the generation space 2510.

[0187] As the extension portion 2340 engages with the inner wall 2511 of the accommodation portion 2500, compared to a case in which the extension portion 2340 is not disposed and the lower portion of the sealing portion 2300 is flat, it is possible to prevent the aerosol generating material or the aerosol from flowing out through a gap between the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion 2500.

[0188] Additionally, in the portion in which the extension portion 2340 is disposed, the thickness (e.g., the length in the z-axis direction) of the sealing portion 2300 also increases, and thus it is possible to alleviate the phenomenon in which the central portion of the sealing portion 2300 sags downward due to the weight of the aerosol generating material.

[0189] The extension portion 2340 can extend to a position not in contact with the generation portion 2400. That is, the extension portion 2340 does not interfere with the arrangement of the generation portion 2400, and can allow the generation portion 2400 to be arranged inside the generation space 2510.

[0190] Further, the extension portion 2340 can extend to a position not obstructing at least a portion of the flow inlet 2540 and the flow outlet 2550. Thereby, even if the extension portion 2340 is present, the external airflow or the aerosol can move without being interfered with by the extension portion 2340 when moving along the first airflow groove 2320, the second airflow groove 2520, the flow inlet 2540, the generation space 2510, and the flow outlet 2550.

[0191] In addition, the lower portion of the second airflow groove 2520 can include an inclined surface 2521 inclined with respect to a direction in which the flow inlet 2540 is open. The inclined surface 2521 can extend toward the lower portion of the flow inlet 2540, and thus a micro space 2522 can be formed in the second airflow groove 2520 at the lower portion of the flow inlet 2540.

[0192] In the micro space 2522, a turbulent flow can be formed according to the flow of air moving along the second airflow groove 2520 or even the airflow passage. As the turbulent flow is formed in the micro space 2522, it is possible to increase the amount of aerosol atomization.

[0193] Figure 9a and Figure 9b is a view for explaining a sealing portion applied to a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0194] Specifically, Figure 9a is a perspective view of the sealing portion viewed from the lower portion toward the +z direction. Figure 9bis a cross-sectional view of a structure in which a generating portion is combined with a sealing portion, taken along a plane parallel to the zx plane.

[0195] Referring to Figure 9a and Figure 9b , the sealing portion 2300 can include a discharge port 2310, a first airflow groove 2320, a recessed portion 2330, an extension portion 2340, and a contact portion 2350.

[0196] The recessed portion 2330 can be formed with a groove in a shape corresponding to a shape of a protruding portion (for example, the protruding portion 2530) of the generating portion 2400. As the protruding portion is engaged with the recessed portion 2330, leakage of the aerosol generating material and the aerosol through a gap between the sealing portion 2300 and the accommodation portion can be prevented. Figure 8a to Figure 8c

[0197] The contact portion 2350 can extend toward an accommodation groove of the accommodation portion 2500 that accommodates the generating portion 2400 to support the wick material 2410 of the generating portion 2400. A contact surface of the contact portion 2350 that contacts the wick material 2410 can have a shape corresponding to a shape of the wick material 2410 to surround a portion of the wick material 2410.

[0198] The contact portion 2350 can be disposed between the discharge port 2310 and the extension portion 2340. The contact portion 2350 can be disposed in two to be able to support two peripheral portions of the cylindrical wick material 2410. At this time, the two contact portions 2350 can be disposed to be sufficiently spaced apart from each other to the extent of not interfering with the atomizing element 2420 that is wound around a central portion of the wick material 2410.

[0199] The contact portion 2350 can be extended longer than the extension portion 2340 to the extent of extending toward the generating space 2510 to support the wick material 2410.

[0200] Hereinafter, the play adjustment portion 2600 and the cap 2700 disposed in the third region A3 of the inside of the housing 2100 will be described with reference to Figure 10a to Figure 10c

[0201] Figure 10a to Figure 10c is a view for explaining a structure in which a generating portion, a play adjustment portion, and a cap are combined, applied to a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0202] Specifically, Figure 10a is a front perspective view of the structure. Figure 10b is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the generating portion 2400 is omitted from the structure and the play adjustment portion 2600 and the cap 2700 are separated from each other. Figure 10c is a perspective view of the structure shown in Figure 10a , in which the generating portion 2400 is omitted, viewed from the lower portion toward the +z direction.

[0203] ​​Referring to Figure 10a to Figure 10c The cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include the generating portion 2400, the play adjustment portion 2600, and the cover 2700.

[0204] The play adjustment portion 2600 can be coupled to the upper portion of the cover 2700. The cover 2700 can include a guide protruding in the +z-axis direction in order to guide the coupling of the play adjustment portion 2600. The guide can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the hole formed in the annular play adjustment portion 2600. If the play adjustment portion 2600 is coupled to the cover 2700, the guide can be disposed inside the hole of the play adjustment portion 2600.

[0205] The cover 2700 can be open toward the upper portion to accommodate a portion (e.g., the lower portion) of the accommodation portion (e.g., the accommodation portion 2500). Figure 8a to Figure 8c The cover 2700 can support the accommodation portion by engaging with the accommodation portion through the open portion. Also, the cover 2700 can pressurize the accommodation portion in contact with the play adjustment portion 2600.

[0206] The cover 2700 can include a terminal 2710 for receiving power from the outside of the cartridge 200. For example, the terminal 2710 connected to a power source or a control portion outside the cartridge 200 can contact both ends of the coil 2420 wound around the core material 2410 of the generating portion 2400 to supply power to the coil 2420.

[0207] The terminal 2710 can be insert injection-molded in the cover 2700 in a manner of penetrating the cover 2700. That is, by forming the cover 2700 and the terminal 2710 as one body, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process and to simplify the configuration of the inside of the cartridge 200. However, the manner in which the terminal 2710 is disposed in the cover 2700 is not limited to the above-described example.

[0208] In addition to being pressurized toward the open end of the housing 2100 and being press-fitted to be supported by the housing 2100, the cover 2700 can include one or more protruding portions 2720 that can be coupled to the housing 2100.

[0209] The protruding portion 2720 can be inserted into one or more insertion holes formed in the lower portion of the housing 2100. The protruding portion 2720 inserted into the insertion hole is supported by the insertion hole so as not to move, so that the cover 2700 can be firmly coupled to the housing 2100. The number of insertion holes can be the same as the number of protruding portions.

[0210] Hereinafter, the protruding portion of the cover 2700 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 11

[0211] Figure 11 is a view for explaining the protruding portion of the cover​Figure 6c a cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the cartridge.

[0212] Referring to Figure 11 The cover 2700 of the cartridge 200 according to an embodiment can include a terminal 2710 and a protrusion 2720.

[0213] As described above with reference to Figure 10a to Figure 10c The housing 2100 can include an insertion hole 2130, and the protrusion 2720 of the cover 2700 can be inserted into the insertion hole 2130.

[0214] In a case in which the cover 2700 is pressed by a user from a position spaced apart from one end portion of the housing 2100 toward the upper portion (for example, the +z direction) or the storage space 2100s, if the protrusion 2720 of the cover 2700 is inserted into the insertion hole 2130, the movement of the cover 2700 can be restricted by the protrusion 2720 having a right triangle cross-section.

[0215] In this state, the cover 2700 cannot move toward the lower portion, and the cover 2700 is maintained in a state in which it is pressed toward the upper portion by the engagement of the protrusion 2720 with the insertion hole 2130. Thus, the cover 2700 can be firmly coupled with the housing 2100.

[0216] Thus, even if an impact is applied to the cartridge 200, the cover 2700 can not be separated from the housing 2100, and can firmly close one end portion of the housing 2100 so that components located inside the housing 2100 do not escape to the outside of the housing 2100.

[0217] However, embodiments are not limited to the shape of the protrusion 2720 and the insertion hole 2130. As another example, a protrusion and a groove structure can be used for coupling. As still another example, a component that penetrates the inside of the housing 2100 from the outside of the housing 2100 to press a side surface of the cover 2700 can be used for coupling. As still another example, a bolt and a nut can be used for coupling.

[0218] According to the cartridge 200 according to an embodiment and the aerosol generating device including the same, the cartridge 200 is arranged inside the housing 2100 by pressurization and interference fitting of components, and thus, it is not necessary to additionally use a material having excellent adhesion, and accordingly, the manufacturing of the cartridge 200 can be simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0219] In addition, according to the cartridge 200 according to an embodiment and the aerosol generating device including the same, the sealing effect of the inside of the cartridge 200 is improved by interference fitting, and thus, leakage of the aerosol generating material can be prevented.

[0220] In addition, according to the cartridge 200 and the aerosol generating device including the same according to the embodiment, not only interference fit is performed, but also the cap is arranged to pressurize and double-seal the constituent elements, and thus the sealing effect can be maximized.

[0221] Figure 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0222] The aerosol generating device 1 can include a power supply 11, a control portion 12, a sensor 13, an output portion 14, an input portion 15, a communication portion 16, a storage 17, and at least one heater 18, 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to the internal structure illustrated in Figure 12 . That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, it can be understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in Figure 12 may be omitted or new components can be added.

[0223] The sensor 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device 1, and can transmit the sensed information to the control portion 12. The control portion 12 can control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions based on the sensed information, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, restricting smoking, determining whether the stick S and / or the cartridge 19 is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

[0224] The sensor 13 can include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puffing sensor 132, an insertion detection sensor 133, a reuse detection sensor 134, a cartridge detection sensor 135, a cap detection sensor 136, and a motion detection sensor 137.

[0225] The temperature sensor 131 can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 can include an additional temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 itself can perform the role of the temperature sensor.

[0226] The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in correspondence with a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. This can be implemented by a thermistor or the like as an element that utilizes the property of resistance changing according to temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be configured of a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. At this time, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0227] The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be attached to a surface of a battery that is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be mounted to a surface of a printed circuit board.

[0228] The temperature sensor 131 can be disposed inside the main body 10 to sense the internal temperature of the main body 10.

[0229] The puff sensor 132 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes of the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be disposed in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0230] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect insertion and / or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect a signal change regarding the stick S being inserted and / or removed. The insertion detection sensor 133 can be disposed at the periphery of the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect insertion and / or removal of the stick S according to a change in the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0231] The inductance sensor can include at least one coil. The coil of the inductance sensor can be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, in a case where a magnetic field around the coil through which a current flows is changed, a characteristic of the current flowing in the coil can be changed according to Faraday's law. Here, the characteristic of the current flowing in the coil can include a frequency of an alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an electrical impedance value, etc.

[0232] The inductance sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristic of the current flowing in the coil. For example, the inductance sensor can output a signal corresponding to an inductance value of the coil.

[0233] The capacitance sensor can include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor can be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor can output a signal corresponding to an electromagnetic characteristic of the periphery (e.g., a capacitance of the periphery of the conductor). For example, in a case where the stick S including the wrapper of the metallic material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristic of the periphery of the conductor can be changed by the wrapper of the stick S.

[0234] The reuse detection sensor 134 can detect whether the stick S is reused or not. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect a color of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a color of a portion of the wrapper wrapping the outside of the stick S. The color sensor can detect a value regarding an optical characteristic corresponding to a color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be a wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as one constitution with the proximity sensor, and can also be implemented as another constitution different from the proximity sensor.

[0235] A color of at least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S can be changed by the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be disposed to correspond to a position where at least a portion of the wrapper whose color is changed by the aerosol is disposed in a case where the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the user uses the stick S, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper can be a first color. At this time, during a period in which the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the stick S, as at least a portion of the wrapper is wetted by the aerosol, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper can change to a second color. In addition, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper can maintain the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0236] The cartridge detection sensor 135 can detect installation and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using a hall effect, etc.

[0237] The cap detection sensor 136 can detect the installation and / or removal of the cap. In the case where the cap is separated from the main body 10, the portion of the main body 10 and the cartridge 19 covered by the cap can be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

[0238] The motion detection sensor 137 can detect the motion of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor 137 can be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0239] In addition to the aforementioned sensors 131 to 137, the sensor 13 can further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor. Since an ordinary skilled person can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name of the sensor, a detailed description is omitted.

[0240] The output 14 can output and provide information on the state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. The output 14 can include at least one of a display 141, a haptic 142, and a sound output 143, but is not limited thereto. In the case where the display 141 and the touch panel form a layered structure to constitute a touch screen, the display 141 can also function as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0241] The display 141 can visually provide information on the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information on the aerosol generating device 1 can refer to various information on the charging / discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generating device 1, the preheating state of the heater 18, the insertion / removal state of the stick S and / or the cartridge 19, the installation / removal state of the cap, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (for example, the detection of an abnormal article), etc., and the display 141 can output the same to the outside. For example, the display 141 can be in the form of an LED light emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be an LCD, an OLED, etc.

[0242] The haptic 142 can haptically provide information on the aerosol generating device 1 to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus. For example, in the case where initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 during a set time, the haptic 142 can generate a vibration corresponding to the end of the initial preheating. The haptic 142 can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0243] The sound output portion 143 can audibly provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to a user. For example, the sound output portion 143 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0244] The power supply 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 can supply power to enable the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to be heated. Also, the power supply 11 can supply power required for the operation of the other components, such as the sensor 13, the output portion 14, the input portion 15, the communication portion 16, and the memory 17, provided in the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a primary battery. For example, the power supply 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0245] Although not shown in FIG. 1, Figure 12 The aerosol generating device 1 can further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit can be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and can include a switching element.

[0246] The power supply protection circuit can cut off the circuit for the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the circuit for the power supply 11 in a case where the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power supply protection circuit can cut off the circuit for the power supply 11 in a case where the voltage level of the power supply 11 is less than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging.

[0247] The heater 18 can receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the medium or the aerosol generating material within the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 1, Figure 12 The aerosol generating device 1 can further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power supply 11 and supplies the same to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18. Also, in a case where the aerosol generating device 1 generates an aerosol in an induction heating manner, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power supply 11 into alternating current power.

[0248] The control portion 12, the sensor 13, the output portion 14, the input portion 15, the communication portion 16, and the memory 17 can perform functions by receiving power from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 1, Figure 12 The aerosol generating device 1 can further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit) that converts the power of the power supply 11 and supplies the same to each component. Also, although not shown in FIG. 1, Figure 12A noise filter can be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18, although not shown. The noise filter can be a low pass filter. The low pass filter can include at least one inductor and capacitor. The cut-off frequency of the low pass filter can correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. By the low pass filter, the high-frequency noise component can be prevented from being applied to the sensor 13 such as the insertion detection sensor 133.

[0249] In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material can be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, the heater 18 can be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0250] In another embodiment, the heater 18 can be a heater of an induction heating type. For example, the heater 18 can include a susceptor that is heated by a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0251] The input 15 can receive information input from a user, or can output information to the user. For example, the input 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor for detecting a touch. For example, the touch sensor can include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0252] The display 141 and the touch panel can be implemented as one panel. For example, the touch panel can be embedded in (on-cell type or in-cell type) the display 141. For example, the touch panel can be attached to the display panel (add-on type).

[0253] In addition, the input 15 can include a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0254] The memory 17 is hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed in the control portion 12 and data to be processed. The memory 17 can include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) or an extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 17 can store data of an operation time of the aerosol generating device 1, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a smoking pattern of a user, etc.

[0255] The communication portion 16 can include at least one constituent element for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication portion 16 can include at least one of a short-range communication portion and a wireless communication portion.

[0256] The short-range wireless communication unit can include a Bluetooth communication portion, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication portion, a near field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)) communication portion, a Zigbee communication portion, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication portion, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication portion, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication portion, an Ant+ communication portion, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0257] The wireless communication portion can include a cellular network communication portion, an Internet communication portion, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication portion, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0258] Although not shown in the drawings, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a user interface portion for receiving a user input and outputting a user feedback.Figure 12 The aerosol generating device 1 can include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0259] The control portion 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In an embodiment, the control portion 12 can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented by an array of a plurality of logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, it can be implemented in other forms of hardware as long as it is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains.

[0260] The control portion 12 can control the temperature of the heater 18 by controlling the power supply 11 to supply power to the heater 18. The control portion 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control portion 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. For example, the control portion 12 can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0261] The aerosol generating device 1 can include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The power supply circuit can be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit can include at least one switching element. The switching element can be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effective transistor (FET), or the like. The control portion 12 can control the power supply circuit.

[0262] The control portion 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit can be an inverter that converts the direct current power output from the power supply 11 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter can be configured as a full-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements, or can be configured as a half-bridge circuit.

[0263] The control section 12 can turn on the switching element to supply electric power from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control section 12 can turn off the switching element to cut off the supply of electric power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18. The control section 12 can adjust the electric current supplied from the power supply 11 by adjusting the frequency and / or the duty ratio of the electric current pulse input to the switching element.

[0264] The control section 12 can control the voltage output from the power supply 11 by controlling the switching of the switching element of the electric power supply circuit. The electric power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the electric power conversion circuit can include a Buck-converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the electric power conversion circuit can be implemented by a Buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0265] The control section 12 can adjust the level of the voltage output from the electric power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of the switching element included in the electric power conversion circuit. In a case where the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the electric power conversion circuit can correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the electric power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. The level of the voltage output from the electric power conversion circuit can decrease as the duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element decreases. The heater 18 can be heated based on the voltage output from the electric power conversion circuit.

[0266] The control section 12 can control the manner in which electric power is supplied to the heater 18 in at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) manner and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) manner.

[0267] For example, the control section 12 can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a duty ratio to be supplied to the heater 18 in a pulse width modulation (PWM) manner. The control section 12 can control the electric power supplied to the heater 18 by adjusting the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0268] For example, the control section 12 can determine a target temperature that is a target of the control based on a temperature profile. The control section 12 can control the electric power supplied to the heater 18 in a PID manner that is a feedback control manner based on a difference between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0269] The control section 12 can prevent the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the control section 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to interrupt the supply of power to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on a case where the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a set limit temperature. For example, the control section 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by a predetermined ratio based on a case where the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 exceeds a set limit temperature. For example, the control section 12 can determine that the aerosol generating material housed in the cartomizer 19 is depleted based on a case where the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the cartomizer heater 24.

[0270] The control section 12 can control charging / discharging of the power supply 11. The control section 12 can confirm the temperature of the power supply 11 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0271] In a case where the power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control section 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature that is a reference for cutting off charging of the power supply 11. The control section 12 can control to charge the power supply 11 based on a set charging current in a case where the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the first limit temperature. The control section 12 can cut off charging of the power supply 11 in a case where the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature.

[0272] In a case where the power supply of the aerosol generating device 1 is in an on state, the control section 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature that is a reference for cutting off discharging of the power supply 11. The control section 12 can control to use the power stored in the power supply 11 in a case where the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the second limit temperature. The control section 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11 in a case where the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature.

[0273] The control section 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control section 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the sensed values of the voltage and / or current of the power supply 11.

[0274] The control section 12 can determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor 133. The control section 12 can determine that the stick S has been inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. The control section 12 can control to supply power to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 in a case where it is determined that the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the control section 12 can supply power to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

[0275] The control section 12 can determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control section 12 can determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space by the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the control section 12 can determine that the stick S is removed from the insertion space in a case where the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than the limit temperature or in a case where the temperature change slope of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than the set slope. The control section 12 can interrupt the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 in a case where it is determined that the stick S is removed from the insertion space.

[0276] The control section 12 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 18 according to the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The control section 12 can confirm the level range of the level of the signal including the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control section 12 can determine the moisture amount of the stick S according to the confirmed level range.

[0277] In a case where the stick S is in the over-wet state, the control section 12 can control the power supply time to the heater 18, so that the preheating time of the stick S can be increased compared to a case of a normal state.

[0278] The control section 12 can determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is reused or not by the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control section 12 compares the sensed value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range including a first color, and in a case where the sensed value is included in the first reference range, it can be determined that the stick S is not used. For example, the control section 12 compares the sensed value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range including a second color, and in a case where the sensed value is included in the second reference range, it can be determined that the stick S is used. In a case where it is determined that the stick S is used, the control section 12 can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0279] The control section 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed by the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the control section 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0280] The control unit 12 can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is depleted. For example, the control unit 12 preheats the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 by applying power, and determines whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature in a preheating interval, so that in the case where the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, it can be determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is depleted. In the case where it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge 19 is depleted, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0281] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cartridge 19 is usable. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 is not usable based on data stored in the memory 17, in the case where the current number of puffs is greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19. For example, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge 19 is not usable in the case where the total time for which the cartridge heater 24 is heated is greater than the maximum time set, or the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is greater than the maximum amount of power set.

[0282] The control unit 12 can perform determination regarding inhalation of the user through the puffing sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether puffing occurs based on the sensed value of the signal of the puffing sensor. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the strength of the puffing based on the sensed value of the signal of the puffing sensor 132. In the case where the number of puffs reaches the maximum number of puffs set, or in the case where puffing is not detected for a time set, the control unit 12 can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18.

[0283] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is coupled and / or removed through the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cap is coupled and / or removed based on the sensed value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0284] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the result detected by the sensor 13. For example, if the number of puffs counted by the puffing sensor 132 reaches the number set, the control unit 12 can give a user a warning that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to end through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, and the sound output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the stick S is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on the determination that the cartridge 19 and / or the cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can deliver information regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and / or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

[0285] The control portion 12 can store and update the history of events occurring in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events can include operations of detecting insertion of the stick S, starting heating of the stick S, detecting puffing, ending puffing, detecting overheating of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, detecting overvoltage applied to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, ending heating of the stick S, power on / off of the aerosol generating device 1, etc. performed in the aerosol generating device 1, starting charging of the power supply 11, detecting overcharging of the power supply 11, ending charging of the power supply 11, etc. The history regarding the events can include the date and time of the occurrence of the events, log data corresponding to the events, etc. For example, in the case where the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event can include data regarding the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor 133, etc. For example, in the case where the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event can include data regarding the temperature of the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, the current flowing in the cartomizer heater 24 and / or the heater 18, etc.

[0286] The control portion 12 can control to form a communication link with an external device such as a mobile terminal of a user. If data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control portion 12 can release the use restriction on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication regarding the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform the user authentication through the external device. The external device can judge whether the user data is valid based on the birthday of the user, an inherent number indicating the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authority of the aerosol generating device 1 from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of the user authentication to the aerosol generating device 1 based on the data regarding the use authority. In the case where the user authentication is completed, the control portion 12 can release the use restriction on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the control portion 12 can release the use restriction on the heating function of supplying power to the heater 18 in the case where the user authentication is completed.

[0287] The control portion 12 can transmit data regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link formed with the external device. The external device can output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11, the operation mode, etc. of the aerosol generating device 1 through the display of the external device based on the received state data.

[0288] The external device can transmit a location search request to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on an input to start a location search of the aerosol-generating device 1. In the case where the location search request is received from the external device, the control portion 12 can control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic portion 142 can generate a vibration corresponding to the location search request. For example, the display 141 can output an object corresponding to the location search and completion of the search corresponding to the location search request.

[0289] If the firmware data is received from the external device, the control portion 12 can control to perform the firmware update. The external device can confirm a current version of the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1, and can determine whether there is a new version of the firmware. In the case where an input to request download of the firmware is received, the external device can receive firmware data of the new version, and transmit the firmware data of the new version to the aerosol-generating device 1. The control portion 12 can control to perform the firmware update of the aerosol-generating device 1 as the firmware data of the new version is received.

[0290] The control portion 12 can transmit data on the sensed value of the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not illustrated) through the communication portion 16, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control portion 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform an operation of determining the inhalation pattern of the user, an operation of generating the temperature profile, etc. The control portion 12 can store the sensed value data of the at least one sensor 13, data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), etc. in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 can store a database for learning an artificial neural network (ANN) equipped with each configuration of the aerosol-generating device 1, a weight configuring an artificial neural network (ANN) structure, a bias. The control portion 12 can learn the data on the sensed value of the at least one sensor 13, the inhalation pattern of the user, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory 17, and thus can generate at least one of the learning model used to determine the inhalation pattern of the user, the temperature profile, etc.

[0291] The certain embodiment or other embodiment of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinguished from each other. The certain embodiment or other embodiment of the disclosure described above can be used or combined with each configuration or function.

[0292] For example, it means that a configuration of A described in a certain embodiment and / or drawing goes well with a configuration of B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, it means that even when a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination can be made unless the combination is described as impossible.

[0293] The foregoing detailed description has been stated in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present application should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the scope of equivalents of the present application are included in the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A cigarette cartridge, comprising: a housing comprising a storage space for storing an aerosol-forming substance; a sealing portion comprising one or more discharge ports for allowing the aerosol-generating substance to pass therethrough and sealing a portion of the storage space; a generating unit for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance; a receiving portion for receiving the generating portion, contacting the sealing portion within the housing to form a generating space for generating aerosol together with the sealing portion; as well as The cover supports the receiving portion in a manner of pressurizing the receiving portion and the sealing portion toward the storage space and closes one end portion of the housing.

2. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: a protrusion disposed at one of the sealing portion and the generating portion; as well as A recessed portion is provided on the other of the sealing portion and the generating portion in such a manner as to engage with the protruding portion.

3. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The protruding portion is formed integrally with the one of the sealing portion and the generating portion.

4. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The protrusion has a function of preventing leakage of the aerosol-generating substance or aerosol.

5. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing portion further includes a peripheral portion where the discharge port is arranged and a central portion arranged between the peripheral portions. The peripheral portion and the central portion of the sealing portion are integrally formed by double injection molding using materials different from each other.

6. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing portion further includes an extending portion extending toward the generating space. The extending portion is supported by an inner wall of the receiving portion that forms the generating space.

7. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the sealing portion and the receiving portion is interference-fitted inside the housing and supported by the housing.

8. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The receiving portion includes: an inlet for allowing airflow to flow into the generating space; and The air flow groove is communicated with the inlet and expands from the inlet to guide air toward the inlet.

9. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 8, wherein: The air flow groove forms an air flow passage for moving air together with the inner wall of the housing.

10. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 8, wherein: The lower portion of the air flow groove includes an inclined surface inclined relative to the direction in which the inlet is opened. The inclined surface extends toward the lower portion of the inlet to form a micro space.

11. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: A ring-shaped clearance adjusting portion is arranged between the receiving portion and the cover and is used to remove the clearance between the receiving portion and the cover.

12. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing portion, the receiving portion and the cover are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the housing. A portion of the cover is interference-fitted inside the housing and supported by the housing.

13. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: Terminals for receiving power from the outside, The terminal is insert-molded in the cover in a manner of penetrating the cover, so that the cover and the terminal are formed as one body.

14. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The housing further comprises one or more insertion holes, The cover includes a protrusion that is inserted into the insertion hole and engaged with the housing.

15. An aerosol generating device comprising: The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14; a main body for the aerosol generated in the cigarette cartridge to flow into and including a receiving space for receiving aerosol-generating articles; a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article housed in the main body; a power supply for supplying power to the generating unit and the heater; and The control unit controls the power supplied to the generating unit and the heater.

Images