Vaporizer and aerosol generating device including the same

Abstract

To provide a vaporizer having improved structure for airflow in the vaporizer to proceed smoothly, and an aerosol generating device including the vaporizer.SOLUTION: A vaporizer 5 includes: a storage 10 for storing an aerosol generating material; a generator 30 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material; and an accommodating unit 40 including a chamber to accommodate the generator, and an inlet to introduce air into the chamber, where the accommodating unit includes a plurality of walls 42 surrounding the chamber, and at least some of the walls include an inclined surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vaporizer and an aerosol generating device including the same, and more particularly to a vaporizer with improved atomization performance and an aerosol generating device including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying aerosols by burning a conventional cigarette. For example, research is being conducted into methods of supplying a flavored aerosol by generating aerosols from a liquid or solid aerosol generating material, or by generating vapor from a liquid aerosol generating material and then passing the generated vapor through a solid flavor carrier.

[0003] Recently, an aerosol generating device capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-producing material has been proposed as an alternative to the method of supplying an aerosol by burning a cigarette. For example, an aerosol generating device refers to a device capable of generating an aerosol by heating a liquid or solid aerosol-producing material to a predetermined temperature using a heater.

[0004] Research into aerosol generating devices is gradually increasing because they can improve smoking convenience for users, such as allowing users to smoke without additional equipment such as a lighter and allowing users to smoke as much as they want.

[0005] When an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer is used, the outside air of the aerosol generating device is introduced into the vaporizer, and the airflow containing the aerosol generated from the vaporizer is delivered to the user's oral cavity.

[0006] In order to increase the airflow velocity and improve the atomization rate, the structure of the part where the airflow path is formed inside the aerosol generator must be improved. One goal of the structural improvement is to eliminate dead zones where no airflow is formed and to form a smooth airflow without generating turbulence.

[0007] Meanwhile, in order to automate the assembly process of components in a series of processes for manufacturing a product, the structure of the components must be simple, i.e., the structure of the mold used to manufacture the sub-components of the product in the manufacturing process that precedes the assembly process must be simple.

[0008] In the field of aerosol generating devices, vaporizers are generally used as consumables. Vaporizers used as consumables need to be mass-produced more than the aerosol generating device itself. The need for mass production is linked to the automation of assembly processes and simplification of mold structures in terms of product production, as mentioned above.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for an improved internal structure of the vaporizer while keeping the mold structure simple. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vaporizer having an improved structure for smooth airflow inside the vaporizer, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0011] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A vaporizer according to one embodiment includes a storage section for storing an aerosol-generating material; a generation section for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; and a container section including a chamber for accommodating the generation section and an inlet for introducing air into the chamber; wherein the container section includes a plurality of walls surrounding the chamber, and at least some of the walls may include inclined surfaces.

[0013] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a vaporizer according to one embodiment, a main body configured to accommodate an aerosol product and including an accommodation space connected to the vaporizer, a heater for heating the aerosol product accommodated in the main body, a battery for supplying power to the generating unit and the heater, and a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the generating unit and the heater. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the vaporizer and the aerosol generating device including the vaporizer according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of turbulence in the vaporizer.

[0015] Furthermore, the vaporizer and the aerosol generating device including the vaporizer according to the embodiment can increase the amount of atomization due to smooth airflow.

[0016] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view schematically illustrating the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an evaporator according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an evaporator according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] 1A-1C are cross-sectional perspective views of a housing of a vaporizer according to different embodiments. [Figure 5B] 1A-1C are cross-sectional perspective views of a housing of a vaporizer according to different embodiments. [Figure 5C] 1A-1C are cross-sectional perspective views of a housing of a vaporizer according to different embodiments. [Figure 5D]1A-1C are cross-sectional perspective views of a housing of a vaporizer according to different embodiments. [Figure 5E] 1A-1C are cross-sectional perspective views of a housing of a vaporizer according to different embodiments. [Figure 5F] 1A-1C are cross-sectional perspective views of a housing of a vaporizer according to different embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a container of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a container of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a container of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a container of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a container of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The terms used in the examples are currently widely used and general terms that have been selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms that the applicant has arbitrarily selected, and In such cases, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, not just the name of the terms.

[0019] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements and that it may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0020] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an element in a sequence, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the sequence. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0021] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates the aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in the interior space.

[0022] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and the heater may be heated when an electric current is passed through the conductive track.

[0023] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0024] Cigarettes may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made in either a sheet or strand form, and the tobacco sheet may be made from shredded tobacco. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil, such as, but not limited to, aluminum foil.

[0025] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out specific components contained in the aerosol.

[0026] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0027] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the body or assembled and fixed so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with the aerosol-generating material contained therein. However, without being limited thereto, the aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0028] The cartridge may hold an aerosol-forming material in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-forming material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may contain a volatile tobacco flavor component. and liquids containing non-tobacco materials.

[0029] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0030] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage can be configured to allow the aerosol to be delivered to the user through the cigarette.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method, which refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0032] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator, and can atomize the aerosol generating material by generating short-period vibrations through the vibrator. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a region of the transducer or to contact at least a region of the transducer.

[0034] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick can be converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0035] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core is reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating material is broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to this.

[0036] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using induction heating.

[0037] The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and generates heat when a magnetic field is applied, the aerosol product can be heated. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cradle. It may also include.

[0039] The aerosol generating device may be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol generating device when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be embodied in a form that can be implemented by the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer according to an embodiment.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a battery 1100 , a control unit 1200 , a heater 1300 , and a vaporizer 1400 .

[0044] 1 may include a housing including an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol product 2000. The aerosol product 2000 may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 1000, thereby accommodating the aerosol product 2000 in the accommodation space of the housing. Also, although the aerosol generation device 1000 is illustrated as including a heater 1300, the heater 1300 may be omitted if necessary.

[0045] The aerosol generating device 1000 shown in Fig. 1 includes components related to this embodiment. Therefore, in addition to the components shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include other general components.

[0046] 1 illustrates that the vaporizer 1400 and the heater 1300 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG 1. That is, the arrangement of the battery 1100, the control unit 1200, the heater 1300, and the vaporizer 1400 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0047] When the cigarette 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generating device 1000 may activate the heater 1300 and / or the vaporizer 1400 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 1300 and / or the vaporizer 1400 passes through the cigarette 2000 and is delivered to the user.

[0048] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1000 can heat the heater 1300 even when the cigarette 2000 is not inserted in the aerosol generating device 1000 .

[0049] The battery 1100 supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 1000. For example, the battery 1100 can supply power to heat the heater 1300 or the vaporizer 1400, and can supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 1200. The battery 1100 can also supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generation device 1000.

[0050] The control unit 1200 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. Specifically, the control unit 1200 controls the operation of the battery 1100, the heater 1300, and the vaporizer 1400 as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 1000. The unit 1200 can check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 1000 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 1000 is in an operable state.

[0051] The control unit 1200 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, such as a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 1200 may also be implemented by other types of hardware.

[0052] The heater 1300 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 1100. For example, if the aerosol product 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the heater 1300 may be located outside the aerosol product 2000. Thus, the heated heater 1300 may increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol product 2000.

[0053] The heater 1300 may also be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 1300 may include a conductive track, and the heater 1300 may be heated by passing a current through the conductive track. However, the heater 1300 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1000, or may be set to a desired temperature by a user.

[0054] Alternatively, as another example, the heater 1300 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 1300 may include a conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol product, and the aerosol product may include a susceptor heated by the induction heater.

[0055] 1 illustrates the heater 1300 as being located externally to the aerosol product article 2000. For example, the heater 1300 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol product article 2000 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0056] A plurality of heaters 1300 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1000. In this case, the plurality of heaters 1300 may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2000, or may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2000. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 1300 may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2000, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2000. Also, the shape of the heater 1300 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1 and may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0057] The vaporizer 1400 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2000. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 1400 travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1000, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 1400 can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette.

[0058] The vaporizer 1400 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generation device 1000 as separate modules.

[0059] The liquid storage section may store an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage portion can be fabricated so as to be detachable / attachable to / from the vaporizer 1400, and can be fabricated integrally with the vaporizer 1400.

[0060] For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavoring substances include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients. Flavoring substances may include ingredients that provide the user with a variety of flavors or tastes. Vitamin mixtures include, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The aerosol-generating substance may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0061] The liquid transfer means can transfer the aerosol-generating substance in the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0062] The heating element is an element for heating the aerosol-generating material delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element may also be made of a conductive filament such as nichrome wire and arranged in a structure wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element is heated by supplying current and transfers heat to the aerosol-generating material in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the aerosol-generating material. As a result, an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating material.

[0063] The vaporizer 1400 may also be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 1400 is a cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from the aerosol generating device 1000. When the aerosol generating material stored in the vaporizer 1400 is consumed, the vaporizer 1400 can be replenished with new aerosol generating material or replaced with another vaporizer 1400 that stores the aerosol generating material.

[0065] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view schematically illustrating the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a cover 2, a main body 3, a button 4, and a vaporizer 5.

[0067] Here, the aerosol-generating device 1 and the vaporizer 5 are the same as the aerosol-generating device 1000 and the vaporizer 1400 described in FIG. 1, respectively.

[0068] The cover 2 is coupled to one side end of the main body 3, so that the main body 3 and the cover 2 together form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1. An opening 2h is formed on the top surface of the cover 2 coupled to the main body 3, into which an aerosol generating product (not shown) is inserted.

[0069] The main body 3 forms part of the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1 and can perform the function of housing and protecting the components of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, but not limited to, a battery (not shown), a control unit (not shown), and / or a heater (not shown) can be housed inside the main body 3. The main body 3 can also house an aerosol product inserted through an opening.

[0070] The body 3 and cover 2 are made of plastic material that does not conduct heat well or have a heat insulating material on the surface. The main body 3 and the cover 2 can be made of a coated metal material. The main body 3 and the cover 2 can also be made by, for example, injection molding, 3D printing, or assembling small parts made by injection molding.

[0071] A holding device (not shown) for maintaining the connection between the main body 3 and the cover 2 is provided between the main body 3 and the cover 2. The holding device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. The connection between the cover 2 and the main body 3 is maintained by maintaining the protrusion inserted into the groove, and a structure is used in which the protrusion is moved by an operation button applied by the user, and the protrusion is separated from the groove.

[0072] The holding device may also include, for example, a magnet and a metal member attached to the magnet. When a magnet is used in the holding device, the magnet may be provided on one of the main body 3 and the cover 2, and the metal member attached to the magnet may be provided on the other. Alternatively, the magnet may be provided on both the main body 3 and the cover 2.

[0073] The components of the aerosol generation device 1 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment, and the aerosol generation device 1 according to other embodiments does not include the cover 2.

[0074] The cover 2 may be separated from the body 3 by being released from its connection with the body 3. For example, the cover 2 may be separated from the body 3 in the +z direction. When the cover 2 is separated from the body 3, the top of the body 3, the button 4, and the vaporizer 5 may be exposed to the outside.

[0075] The button 4 is disposed so that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside of the main body 3, and serves to release the connection between the main body 3 and the vaporizer 5 in response to a user's input. For example, when a user inputs to the button 4, the vaporizer 5 may be detached from the main body 3.

[0076] The vaporizer 5 stores an aerosol-generating substance and can be detachably coupled to one end of the main body 3 .

[0077] According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 5 may be combined with the main body 3 including a controller and / or a battery to be used as a component of the aerosol generating device. For example, a heating element (not shown) included in the vaporizer 5 may be electrically connected to the main body 3 and supplied with power from the battery, with the power supply being controlled by the controller.

[0078] That is, by supplying and controlling power to a heating element in an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer 5, an aerosol can be generated from a liquid or gel aerosol generating material stored in the vaporizer 5.

[0079] According to another example, the vaporizer 5 may be combined with a main body 3 that further includes a housing (not shown) including a storage space (not shown) in which the aerosol product is stored and a heater for heating the aerosol product stored in the storage space.

[0080] That is, the aerosol generating device including the vaporizer 5 can generate aerosol not only by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the vaporizer 5 but also by heating the inserted aerosol product, thereby realizing a hybrid type aerosol generating device.

[0081] 2 shows the vaporizer 5 being coupled to the main body 3 by being pressed into the side of the main body 3, but the coupling method between the vaporizer 5 and the main body 3 is not limited thereto. For example, the vaporizer 5 may be coupled to the main body 3 by being pressed from the -z direction.

[0082] For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the structure in which the evaporator 5 is closely coupled to the side of the main body 3.

[0083] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an evaporator according to one embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 3, the vaporizer 5 according to one embodiment may include a storage unit 10, a sealing unit 20, a generating unit 30, a receiving unit 40, and a support unit 50.

[0085] Here, the storage unit 10 is the same as the liquid storage unit included in the vaporizer 1400 described with reference to FIG.

[0086] The storage unit 10, the sealing unit 20, the generating unit 30, the receiving unit 40, and the support unit 50 may be combined in the illustrated order. For example, the sealing unit 20 may be combined with the storage unit 10, the generating unit 30 may be combined with the receiving unit 40, and the receiving unit 40 may be combined with the support unit 50. Finally, the storage unit 10 and the support unit 50 may be combined to form the vaporizer 5.

[0087] The storage unit 10 forms part of the exterior of the vaporizer 5 and may store an aerosol-generating material. The storage unit 10 may store an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 10 may be transferred to the generator 30 disposed in the container 40 and converted into an aerosol by the generator 30.

[0088] The storage unit 10 may include at least one outlet (not shown) through which the aerosol-generating material moves. The outlet may be formed in at least a portion of the storage unit 10. For example, the outlet may be located on the bottom surface of the storage unit 10 so that the aerosol-generating material can easily move out of the storage unit 10 by gravity.

[0089] The storage unit 10 may include an inlet passage 11 through which air outside the vaporizer 5 is introduced. The inlet passage 11 may transfer the air outside the vaporizer 5 to the receiving unit 40.

[0090] Inlet passage 11 may be disposed inside storage unit 10 so as not to meet the space in which the aerosol-generating material is stored. As a result, the path through which the aerosol-generating material is transferred from storage unit 10 to receiving unit 40 is different from the path through which air is transferred. In addition, one end of inlet passage 11 adjacent to receiving unit 40 may be distinguished from an outlet.

[0091] The inlet passage 11 may be formed between the storage unit 10 and another component coupled to the side of the storage unit 10 and may be formed inside the storage unit 10 .

[0092] 3, the inlet passage 11 may extend along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the storage portion 10. However, embodiments are not limited to any particular arrangement of the inlet passage.

[0093] The sealing unit 20 can prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating material. The sealing unit 20 is coupled to at least a portion of the storage unit 10 and can prevent the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 10 from leaking to the outside of the storage unit 10 through gaps other than the outlet.

[0094] The sealing part 20 may be made of a material that is tightly coupled to a part of the storage part 10. For example, the sealing part 20 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] The sealing part 20 is tightly coupled to a part of the storage part 10 where the internal space of the storage part 10 is exposed. This can prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating substance. Here, the term "tightly bonded" means that the sealing unit 20 is firmly bonded to the storage unit 10 so that no gaps are formed between the storage unit 10 and other components (e.g., between the storage unit 10 and the receiving unit 40) that would allow leakage of the aerosol-generating substance. In this manner, the sealing unit 20 can be manufactured to be bonded to or separated from the storage unit 10, or can be manufactured integrally with the storage unit 10.

[0096] Meanwhile, at least one outlet 21 may be formed in at least a portion of the sealing unit 20 so that the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 10 can move to the outside of the storage unit 10. For example, a portion or one surface of the storage unit 10 may be exposed to the outside, and the sealing unit 20 having the outlet 21 formed therein may be coupled to a portion or one surface of the storage unit 10, so that the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 10 can move to the outside of the storage unit 10 through the outlet 21 formed in the sealing unit 20.

[0097] The generator 30 may generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material that has moved to the outside of the storage unit 10. An aerosol refers to a suspension in which fine liquid and / or solid particles are dispersed in a gas. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the generator 30 refers to a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0098] For example, the generator 30 may convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material into a gas phase through evaporation and / or sublimation. The generator 30 may also generate an aerosol by converting the liquid and / or solid aerosol-generating material into fine particles and releasing the particles.

[0099] For example, the generator 30 can generate heat to heat the aerosol-generating substance, thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance.

[0100] As another example, the generator 30 may generate the aerosol from the aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method, which refers to a method of generating the aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0101] For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the generation unit 30 that uses a heating method.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 3, the generator 30 may include a wick 31 and a heating element 32 .

[0103] Here, the wick 31 and the heating element 32 are also identical to the liquid transfer means and the heating element, respectively, included in the vaporizer 1400 described in FIG.

[0104] The core 31 can absorb the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage unit 10. The core 31 has an elongated shape. For example, the core 31 can be a columnar shape extending in one direction. Specifically, the core 31 can be a polygonal columnar shape such as a cylinder, a square columnar shape, or a triangular columnar shape, but is not limited to these examples. The core 31 can also be approximately rod-shaped or needle-shaped.

[0105] A portion of the wick 31 can absorb the aerosol-forming substance supplied from the storage unit 10. For example, the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in one portion of the wick 31 can move to another portion of the wick 31 by capillary action.

[0106] In one embodiment, the wick 31 absorbs the aerosol-forming substance supplied from the reservoir 10 through both ends, and the absorbed aerosol-forming substance may migrate to the center of the wick 31 .

[0107] The heating element 32 heats the aerosol-forming material absorbed in the wick 31 to generate the aerosol. Heating element 32 may be disposed adjacent to wick 31. For example, heating element 32 may be a hot wire wrapped around the outer periphery of the center of wick 31. Heating element 32 may heat a liquid aerosol-generating substance transferred to the center of wick 31 to generate an aerosol.

[0108] The accommodation unit 40 may include a chamber 41 that accommodates the generation unit 30. The chamber 41 is also a space in which the aerosol is generated by the generation unit 30 accommodated inside the chamber 41.

[0109] The container 40 may include a plurality of walls 42 surrounding a chamber 41. The plurality of walls 42 also serve as “chamber walls” for realizing the space called the chamber 41.

[0110] The chamber 41 may be open in a direction (for example, the +z direction) toward the sealing portion 20 coupled to the storage portion 40. In this case, the wall 42 may not be disposed in the open portion.

[0111] The receiving unit 40 may include a flow path 43, which is a passage for air movement. The flow path 43 is connected to the inlet path 11 of the storage unit 10 and receives air that has moved along the inlet path 11. The flow path 43 may deliver the received air to the chamber 41.

[0112] The flow channel 43 is bent or curved in an "L" shape and extends longitudinally in a direction toward the chamber 41 and in a direction toward the storage portion 10 and the sealing portion 20. However, the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the flow channel.

[0113] The container 40 may include an inlet 44 for introducing air into the chamber 41 and an outlet 45 for discharging the aerosol generated by the generator 30 to the outside of the vaporizer 5 .

[0114] The inlet 44 may be connected to one end of the flow path 43. Air moving along the inlet passage 11 and the flow path 43 may flow into the chamber 41 through the inlet 44 included in at least a portion of the receiving unit 40. The aerosol generated in the chamber 41 may be discharged to the outside of the vaporizer 5 through the outlet 45 included in at least a portion of the receiving unit 40.

[0115] The outlet 45 may be connected to an airflow passage (not shown) of a main body (e.g., main body 3 in FIG. 2) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 1 in FIG. 2). The aerosol generated inside the vaporizer 5 may flow into the airflow passage of the main body through the outlet 45. The aerosol may be transferred to an aerosol product (not shown) accommodated in a storage space (not shown) through the airflow passage of the main body.

[0116] The inlet 44 and the outlet 45 may be arranged on at least some of the walls 42 surrounding the chamber 41. Referring to Fig. 3, the inlet 44 and the outlet 45 are arranged on two opposing walls 42, respectively, and are opposed to each other. However, the embodiment is not limited to the arrangement of the inlet and the outlet.

[0117] The receiving unit 40 supports the generating unit 30 and may include a receiving groove 46 to receive the aerosol generating substance from the storage unit 10 .

[0118] The storage groove 46 supports at least a portion of the wick 31. The storage groove 46 can also temporarily store the aerosol-generating substance that has migrated to the outside of the storage portion 10.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 3, two receiving grooves 46 are arranged to support both ends of the core 31, but the embodiment is not limited to the number of receiving grooves 46.

[0120] The receiving groove 46 may be arranged in connection with the chamber 41. The two receiving grooves 46 may be arranged in connection with the core 31. The chamber 41 supports both ends of the core 31 and is disposed between the two receiving grooves 46, and is capable of receiving the central portion of the core 31.

[0121] The receiving unit 40 may be coupled to at least a portion of the sealing unit 20. The sealing unit 20 coupled to the receiving unit 40 may form a cavity while shielding the chamber 41 and the receiving groove 46, which are open toward the sealing unit 20. At least a portion of the generating unit 30 may be located in the cavity. The cavity refers to a space surrounded by the receiving unit 40 and the sealing unit 20, in which at least a portion of the generating unit 30 is located. For example, the center of the core 31 around which the heating element 32 is wound may be located in the cavity, and aerosol may be generated in the cavity.

[0122] The support part 50 accommodates the accommodation part 40 and is coupled to the storage part 10 to form the exterior of the vaporizer 5 together with the storage part 10 .

[0123] The support part 50 may include an outlet passage 51 connected to the outlet port 45 of the container part 40. A part of the outlet passage 51 may be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device. The part of the outlet passage 51 inserted into the main body may be connected to the airflow passage of the main body.

[0124] The portion where the outlet passage 51 and the airflow passage are connected may be sealed. By sealingly connecting the outlet passage 51 and the airflow passage, it is possible to prevent the aerosol from leaking into other spaces other than the airflow passage during the process of the aerosol moving from the outlet 45 to the airflow passage via the outlet passage 51.

[0125] Hereinafter, the airflow paths formed inside the evaporator 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0126] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an evaporator according to one embodiment.

[0127] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled disassembled evaporator shown in FIG. 3 cut along the IV-IV direction, illustrating the airflow path formed inside the evaporator.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 4, the vaporizer 5 according to one embodiment may include a storage unit 10, a sealing unit 20, a generating unit 30, a receiving unit 40, and a support unit 50.

[0129] At least one of the components of the evaporator 5 according to the embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the evaporator 5 shown in Fig. 3, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below. Reference numerals not shown in Fig. 4 refer to Fig. 3.

[0130] Within the aerosol generating device (not shown) there may be an airflow path for the aerosol generated from the vaporizer 5 and the aerosol producing article (not shown).

[0131] Through the airflow path, the primary aerosol generated by heating or atomizing the aerosol-generating material of the vaporizer 5 by the generation unit 30 and the secondary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol product by a heater (not shown) are mixed and can be inhaled by the user.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 4, the airflow path starts at the entrance of the inlet passage 11 of the storage section 10 .

[0133] Air outside the vaporizer 5 may be introduced into the inlet passage 11. The air may move along the inlet passage 11 and reach the flow path 43 of the receiving part 40. The air that has passed through the flow path 43 may reach the chamber 41.

[0134] The air that reaches the chamber 41 mixes with vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating material by the generator 30 to become a primary aerosol, which can then pass through the outlet 45 and move to the outside of the vaporizer 5.

[0135] 4, the walls 42 surrounding the chamber 41 may include a first side wall 42-1, a second side wall 42-2, and a bottom wall 42-3. The inlet 44 may be disposed in the first side wall 42-1, and the outlet 45 may be disposed in the second side wall 42-2.

[0136] The first side wall 42-1 and the second side wall 42-2 may face each other. Therefore, the inlet 44 disposed in the first side wall 42-1 may face the outlet 45 disposed in the second side wall 42-2. Therefore, the airflow inside the chamber 41 may be formed in the +x direction, which is basically the direction from the inlet 44 toward the outlet 45.

[0137] However, air and aerosol cannot pass through the generation unit 30 housed in the chamber 41 and must move along the periphery of the generation unit 30. Furthermore, depending on various factors such as the size and shape of the chamber 41 and the arrangement of the inlet 44 and outlet 45, airflow may inevitably be formed in the y-axis and / or z-axis directions.

[0138] The vaporizer 5 may have a structure and shape that allows the airflow to proceed smoothly along the airflow path. In order to realize such a structure and shape, the embodiment may eliminate dead zones that exist around the airflow path. Here, a "dead zone" refers to an area where no airflow is formed.

[0139] Generally, dead zones can occur due to changes in the shape of an object's boundary. Specifically, airflow can form along the boundary of an object. If the shape of the object's boundary suddenly changes in a direction transverse to the direction of the airflow, the airflow may not flow along the changing shape of the boundary and may become separated. This can result in a dead zone. The more abrupt the change in the shape of the boundary, the larger the area in which the dead zone appears.

[0140] In the dead zone, turbulence can occur, which can cause vortices and backflows that disrupt the airflow along the airflow path around the dead zone, reducing the airflow speed and the amount of airflow delivered to the user, which can reduce the amount of atomization.

[0141] To eliminate dead zones, one must eliminate the empty space that the dead zones appear in. This can be done by filling the empty space with the structure and shape of the components.

[0142] For example, referring to FIG. 4, the sealing part 20 may have a lower edge that protrudes toward the receiving part 40 in order to be coupled with the receiving part 40 .

[0143] Such protrusion may result in a dead zone below the sealing portion 20. To eliminate the dead zone, the sealing portion 20 may include a guide surface 22 below the sealing portion 20. In this case, the guide surface 22 may include a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0144] The guide surface 22 is arranged below the sealing part 20 and can guide the airflow flowing into the chamber 41 so that the "airflow from the inlet 44 to the lower part of the sealing part 20" and the "airflow from the lower part of the sealing part 20 to the outlet 45" do not suddenly bend.

[0145] Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in which the structure and shape of the receiving portion 40 are improved to eliminate the dead zone. An example will be explained in detail.

[0146] 5A to 5F are cross-sectional perspective views of different embodiments of the evaporator housing.

[0147] 5A to 5F are cross-sectional perspective views of the evaporator housing according to different embodiments, taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3, illustrating the structure and shape of multiple walls surrounding the chamber of the housing. The illustrated housing has a symmetrical shape based on the cross section.

[0148] 5A to 5F, each embodiment may include a flow path 43, an inlet 44, an outlet 45, and an accommodating groove 46, similar to the accommodating portion 40 of the evaporator 5 according to one embodiment.

[0149] The respective embodiments have in common that the walls include a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall, and the inlet 44 may be disposed in the first side wall and the outlet 45 may be disposed in the second side wall. At least some of the walls may include an inclined surface SP.

[0150] An "inclined surface" refers to a surface that is inclined obliquely. The "reference surface" that serves as the basis for the "gradient of the inclined surface" is also a surface of a second wall that is different from any first wall that includes the inclined surface described above. The reference surface is also a surface of the first wall. In this case, the first wall may include both the reference surface and the inclined surface.

[0151] The term "inclined surface" includes any inclined surface. Therefore, the term "inclined surface" refers not only to a linearly inclined, flat inclined surface, but also to a curved inclined surface.

[0152] Each embodiment has in common that at least some of the walls include an inclined surface SP, and thus an inclined surface can be disposed within the chamber. Within the chamber, dead zones are primarily observed adjacent to corners disposed transverse to the direction of airflow. In this case, a "corner" can also be formed by two intersecting walls among the walls surrounding the chamber.

[0153] To eliminate empty spaces that represent dead zones inside the chamber, a sloped surface SP can be placed where the two walls intersect.

[0154] The following describes the chambers, walls, and inclined surfaces, which have different structures and shapes depending on the embodiment, focusing on the differences between the different embodiments.

[0155] 5A, the receiving portion 40a may include a plurality of walls 42a surrounding a chamber 41a. The plurality of walls 42a may include a first side wall 42a-1, a second side wall 42a-2, and a bottom wall 42a-3.

[0156] The inclined surface SP may be located at the intersection of the second side wall 42a-2 and the bottom wall 42a-3. In this case, the inclined surface SP may be considered to be included in the second side wall 42a-2 and the bottom wall 42a-3.

[0157] 5B, the receiving portion 40b may include a plurality of walls 42b surrounding a chamber 41b. The walls 42b may include a first side wall 42b-1, a second side wall 42b-2, a first bottom wall 42b-31, and a second bottom wall 42b-32.

[0158] While the accommodation unit 40a shown in Fig. 5A includes one bottom wall 42a-3, the accommodation unit 40b shown in Fig. 5B includes two bottom walls 42b-31 and 42b-32, with the first bottom wall 42b-31 protruding in the +z direction compared to the second bottom wall 42b-32. However, the embodiment is not limited to the number of bottom walls and the degree of protrusion of each bottom wall.

[0159] The first inclined surface SP-1 may be located at the intersection of the second side wall 42b-2 and the first bottom wall 42b-31. In this case, the first inclined surface SP can be considered to be included in the second side wall 42b-2 and the first bottom wall 42b-31.

[0160] The second inclined surface SP-2 may be disposed at the intersection of the first side wall 42b-1 and the first bottom wall 42a-31. In this case, the second inclined surface SP-2 can be considered to be included in the first side wall 42a-1 and the first bottom wall 42b-31.

[0161] 5C, the receiving portion 40c may include a plurality of walls 42c surrounding a chamber 41c. The plurality of walls 42c may include a first side wall 42c-1, a second side wall 42c-2, and a bottom wall 42c-3.

[0162] While the receiving portion 40a shown in Fig. 5A includes one inclined surface SP, the receiving portion 40c shown in Fig. 5C includes two inclined surfaces SP-3 and SP-4, although the embodiment is not limited to the number of inclined surfaces.

[0163] The third inclined surface SP-3 may be disposed in the same manner as the "inclined surface SP illustrated in Fig. 5A." That is, the third inclined surface SP-3 has the same inclusive relationship with the second side wall 42c-2 and the bottom wall 42c-3 as the "inclined surface SP illustrated in Fig. 5A."

[0164] The fourth inclined surface SP-4 may be located in a region where the first side wall 42c-1 and the bottom wall 42c-3 intersect. In this case, the fourth inclined surface SP-4 can be considered to be included in the first side wall 42c-1 and the bottom wall 42c-3.

[0165] 5D, the container 40d may include a plurality of walls 42d surrounding a chamber 41d. The walls 42d may include a first side wall 42d-1, a second side wall 42d-2, and a bottom wall 42d-3.

[0166] 5C has the same width (e.g., dimension in the y-axis direction) as the protruding portion of the first side wall 42c-1 including the inlet 44, whereas the fifth inclined surface SP-5 shown in Fig. 5D is disposed over the entire area of ​​the portion where the first side wall 42d-1 and the bottom wall 42d-3 intersect. However, the embodiment is not limited to the width of the inclined surface.

[0167] The third inclined surface SP-3 may be disposed in the same manner as the "inclined surface SP illustrated in FIG. 5A." That is, the third inclined surface SP-3 has the same inclusive relationship with the second side wall 42d-2 and the bottom wall 42d-3 as the "inclined surface SP illustrated in FIG. 5A."

[0168] The fifth inclined surface SP-5 may be disposed over the entire area where the first side wall 42d-1 and the bottom wall 42d-3 intersect. In this case, the fifth inclined surface SP-5 can be considered to be included in the first side wall 42d-1 and the bottom wall 42d-3.

[0169] 5E, the container 40e may include a plurality of walls 42e surrounding a chamber 41e. The walls 42e may include a first side wall 42e-1, a second side wall 42e-2, and a bottom wall 42e-3.

[0170] The third and fifth inclined surfaces SP-3 and SP-5 shown in Fig. 5D are disposed at the intersection of the two side walls 42d-1 and 42d-2 and the bottom wall 42d-3, whereas the sixth and seventh inclined surfaces SP-6 and SP-7 shown in Fig. 5E are disposed at the tops of the two side walls 42e-1 and 42e-2. In this regard, "tops of the two side walls" refers to the portions of the two side walls 42e-1 and 42e-2 facing in the +z direction and adjacent to the top surface of the receiving portion 40e that contacts the sealing portion (not shown). However, the embodiment is not limited to the arrangement of the inclined surfaces.

[0171] The third inclined surface SP-3 may be disposed in the same manner as the "inclined surface SP illustrated in FIG. 5A." That is, the third inclined surface SP-3 has the same inclusive relationship with the second side wall 42e-2 and the bottom wall 42e-3 as the "inclined surface SP illustrated in FIG. 5A."

[0172] The sixth inclined surface SP-6 may be disposed on the upper portion of the first side wall 42e-1, in which case the sixth inclined surface SP-6 can be seen as being included in the first side wall 42e-1.

[0173] The seventh inclined surface SP-7 may be disposed on the upper portion of the second side wall 42e-2. In this case, the seventh inclined surface SP-7 can be considered to be included in the second side wall 42e-2.

[0174] 5F, the container 40f may include a plurality of walls 42f surrounding a chamber 41f. The walls 42f may include a first side wall 42f-1, a second side wall 42f-2, and a bottom wall 42f-3.

[0175] The third inclined surface SP-3 and the fifth inclined surface SP-5 shown in Fig. 5D are disposed at the intersection of the two side walls 42d-1, 42d-2 and the bottom wall 42d-3 and extend in the y-axis direction, whereas the eighth inclined surface SP-8 and the ninth inclined surface SP-9 shown in Fig. 5F are disposed at the intersection of the two side walls 42d-1, 42d-2 and the "wall connected to the receiving groove 46" and extend in the z-axis direction. However, the embodiment is not limited to the arrangement of the inclined surfaces and the extension direction of the inclined surfaces.

[0176] The third inclined surface SP-3 may be disposed in the same manner as the "inclined surface SP illustrated in FIG. 5A." That is, the third inclined surface SP-3 has the same inclusive relationship with the second side wall 42f-2 and the bottom wall 42f-3 as the "inclined surface SP illustrated in FIG. 5A."

[0177] The eighth inclined surface SP-8 may be disposed at the portion where the first side wall 42f-1 and the "wall connected to the storage groove 46" intersect. In this case, the eighth inclined surface SP-8 can be seen as being included in the first side wall 42f-1 and as being included in the wall connected to the storage groove 46.

[0178] The ninth inclined surface SP-9 may be disposed at the intersection of the second side wall 42f-2 and the "wall connected to the storage groove 46." In this case, the ninth inclined surface SP-9 can be considered to be included in the second side wall 42f-2 and the wall connected to the storage groove 46.

[0179] The shape of the inclined surface will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0180] 6A and 6B are cross-sectional side views of a container of a vaporizer according to still another embodiment.

[0181] 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of a evaporator housing according to still another embodiment taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3, respectively, and are views for explaining the shape of an inclined surface disposed in a chamber.

[0182] At least one of the components of the receiving section 140 shown in FIG. 6A and the receiving section 240 shown in FIG. 6B is identical to or similar to at least one of the components of the receiving section 40 shown in FIG. 3 and each of the receiving sections shown in FIGS. 5A to 5F, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0183] 6A and 6B, the receiving portion 140, 240 may include a plurality of walls 142, 242 surrounding a chamber 141, 241. The plurality of walls 142, 242 may include a first side wall 142-1, 242-1, a second side wall 142-2, 242-2, and a bottom wall 142-3, 242-3.

[0184] The receiving portion 140 shown in Figure 6A and the receiving portion 240 shown in Figure 6B differ only in the shape of the inclined surface, so the same parts will be described with reference to Figure 6A.

[0185] 6A, the inclined surface (e.g., the second inclined surface SP-2 in FIG. 5B) may be disposed at the intersection of the first side wall 142-1 and the bottom wall 142-3. In this case, the inclined surface may be considered to be included in both the side wall 142-1 and the bottom wall 142-3.

[0186] The inclined surface shown in FIG. 6A is a linearly inclined inclined surface LP formed of a flat surface with respect to the first side wall 142-1 and the bottom wall 142-3.

[0187] The inclined surface shown in FIG. 6B is also an inclined surface CP that is inclined in a curved shape based on the first side wall 242-1 and the bottom wall 242-3.

[0188] However, embodiments are not limited to the arrangement of the inclined surfaces. As described with reference to Figures 5A to 5F, the inclined surfaces may be arranged in various ways inside the chamber and may be included in at least some of the walls, and in such cases, the inclined surfaces may be flat or curved.

[0189] For convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on the bottom wall, that is, the inclined surface will be described as being disposed on a part of the bottom wall, and the bottom wall will be described as including the inclined surface connected to the first side wall.

[0190] The inclined surface LP disposed inside the chamber 141 has different "inclination start points" and "inclination degrees" depending on the size of the chamber 141 and the arrangement of the inlet 44 and outlet 45.

[0191] To explain the starting point of the slope, the "starting point Ps of the sloped surface LP from the bottom wall 142-3" can be compared with the "midpoint Pm of the maximum width Wm of the chamber 141." In this case, the "maximum width of the chamber" refers to the maximum width Wm of the chamber 141 in the direction in which the inlet 44 disposed in the first side wall 142-1 is opened (e.g., in the x-axis direction).

[0192] Referring to FIG. 6A, the starting point Ps of the inclined surface LP from the bottom wall 142-3 is closer to the inlet 44 than the midpoint Pm of the maximum width Wm of the chamber 141.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 6B, the starting point Ps of the inclined surface CP from the bottom wall 242-3 is closer to the inlet 44 than the midpoint Pm of the maximum width Wm of the chamber 241.

[0194] Meanwhile, the size and arrangement of the inlet can be adjusted to eliminate dead zones present inside the chamber, which will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0195] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a container of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment.

[0196] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a evaporator housing according to yet another embodiment taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3, illustrating the size and arrangement of an inlet for introducing air into the chamber.

[0197] At least one of the components of the accommodating section 340 shown in FIG. 7 is identical to or similar to at least one of the components of the accommodating section 40 shown in FIG. 3 and the accommodating section 140 shown in FIG. 6A, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0198] 7, the receiving portion 340 may include a plurality of walls 342 surrounding a chamber 341. The plurality of walls 342 may include a first side wall 342-1, a second side wall 342-2, and a bottom wall 342-3. The inlet 344 may be disposed in the first side wall 342-1, and the outlet 345 may be disposed in the second side wall 342-2.

[0199] 7 is larger than the inlet 44 of the receiving unit 140 in Fig. 6A and is disposed closer to the bottom wall 342-3, so that the portion where the flow path 343 in Fig. 7 is connected to the inlet 344 is also larger than the portion where the flow path 43 in Fig. 6A is connected to the inlet 44.

[0200] Increasing the size of the inlet 344 while positioning it closer to the bottom wall 342-3 can reduce the size of the dead zone present where the first side wall 342-1 and the bottom wall 342-3 intersect.

[0201] Apart from the effect of eliminating dead zones, increasing the size of inlet 344 may allow more air to enter chamber 341, increasing the amount of atomization.

[0202] Meanwhile, the inlet 344 disposed in the first sidewall 342-1 may be aligned with the generator (not shown) housed in the chamber 341 and the outlet 45 disposed in the second sidewall 342-2. Such an aligned alignment may facilitate smooth airflow.

[0203] Therefore, the inlet 344 needs to be large and positioned close to the bottom wall 342-3, as well as be positioned in a straight line with respect to the generation section and the outlet 45. For such a design, the correlation between the height and the size of the inlet 344 and the outlet 45 can be determined. In this case, "height" refers to the distance measured from the bottom wall 342-3 in a direction toward the bottom wall 342-3.

[0204] 7, the center height h1 of the inlet 344 may be designed to be 0.75 to 1.5 times the center height H2 of the outlet 45. In addition, the diameter d1 of the inlet 344 may be designed to be larger than or equal to the diameter d2 of the outlet 45.

[0205] Meanwhile, dead zones may appear not only in the chamber but also in the flow channel. Hereinafter, the shape of the flow channel for eliminating dead zones that appear in the flow channel will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8A and 8B.

[0206] 8A and 8B are cross-sectional side views of a container of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment.

[0207] 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the evaporator housing according to still another embodiment taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3, illustrating the shape of the flow path.

[0208] At least one of the components of the receiving portion 440 shown in FIG. 8A and the receiving portion 540 shown in FIG. 8B is the same as the components of the receiving portion 40 shown in FIG. 3 and the receiving portion 14 shown in FIG. 6A. 8A and 8B are the same as or similar to at least one of the components of FIG.

[0209] The receiving portion 440 shown in Figure 8A and the receiving portion 540 shown in Figure 8B differ from each other only in the shape of the flow path, so the same parts will be described with reference to Figure 8A.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 8A, as described above, the flow path 443 may be bent or curved in an "L" shape and extend longitudinally in a direction toward the chamber 141 (e.g., the x-axis direction) and in a direction toward the storage section 10 and the sealing section 20 (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0211] That is, the flow path 443 may include a first flow path 443-1 extending in a direction in which the inlet 44 opens to the chamber 141 (e.g., the x-axis direction), and a second flow path 443-2 extending in a direction transverse to the direction in which the first flow path extends (e.g., the z-axis direction) (e.g., the second flow path 443-2 extends in the direction in which the upper surface of the accommodating section 440 faces).

[0212] The flow path 443 may include a connecting flow path 443-3 that connects a first flow path 443-1 extending in the x-axis direction and a second flow path 443-2 extending in the z-axis direction. The connecting flow path 443-3 may include a bent or curved portion of the flow path 443.

[0213] In the "folded or curved portion" mentioned above, the airflow may not follow the folded or curved shape, resulting in separation and dead zones.

[0214] In order to eliminate empty spaces that cause dead zones inside the flow paths, the connecting flow path 443-3 may be provided with a flow path surface 443sp that guides the airflow without any sudden changes in shape.

[0215] 8A, the connecting channel 443-3 may include a channel surface 443sp that is linearly inclined with respect to the opening direction of the inlet 44. In this case, the channel surface 443sp is also a plane that is linearly inclined with respect to the direction in which the upper surface of the receiving portion 440 faces.

[0216] 8B, the flow path 543 of the receiving unit 540 may include a first flow path 543-1, a second flow path 543-2, and a connecting flow path 543-3, similar to the flow path 443 of FIG. 8A. The connecting flow path 543-3 may include a flow path surface 543sp that is curved and inclined with respect to the direction in which the inlet 44 is opened. In this case, the flow path surface 543sp is also a curved surface that is curved and inclined with respect to the direction in which the upper surface of the receiving unit 540 faces.

[0217] 8A and 8B, although flowpath surfaces 443sp, 543sp are shown only on the outer edges of the folded or curved portions, embodiments are not limited to the placement of the flowpath surfaces. For example, flowpath surfaces may also be placed on the inner corners of the folded or curved portions.

[0218] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0219] The aerosol generating device 900 may include a control unit 910, a sensing unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, a heater 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 9. That is, a person skilled in the art related to this embodiment would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 9 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 900.

[0220] The sensing unit 920 senses the state of the aerosol generation device 900 or the aerosol generation device 9 The controller 910 may sense the conditions around the aerosol generating device 900 and transmit the sensed information to the controller 910. Based on the sensed information, the controller 910 may control the aerosol generating device 900 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol generating product (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0221] The sensing unit 920 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 922, an insertion sensor 924, and a puff sensor 926, but is not limited thereto.

[0222] The temperature sensor 922 may sense the temperature to which the heater 950 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be disposed around the battery 940 to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0223] The insertion detection sensor 924 may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 924 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may detect a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product.

[0224] The puff sensor 926 may sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0225] The sensing unit 920 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor in addition to the above-described sensors (temperature sensor 922, insertion sensor 924, and puff sensor 926). The function and structure of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, and therefore detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0226] The output unit 930 may output and provide to a user information related to the status of the aerosol generating device 900. The output unit 930 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 932, a haptic unit 934, and an audio output unit 936. When the display unit 932 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 932 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0227] The display unit 932 visually provides a user with information related to the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 900 may include various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 940 of the aerosol generating device 900, the preheating status of the heater 950, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 900 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 932 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 932 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 932 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0228] The haptic unit 934 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the haptic unit 934 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0229] The acoustic output unit 936 audibly provides the user with information related to the aerosol generation device 900. For example, the acoustic output unit 936 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0230] The battery 940 can supply power used for operating the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 can supply power to heat the heater 950. The battery 940 can also supply power necessary for operating other components included in the aerosol generating device 900 (e.g., the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980). The battery 940 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0231] The heater 950 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 940. Although not shown in Fig. 9, the aerosol-generating device 900 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 940 and supplies the converted power to the heater 950. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 900 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 900 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 940 into AC power.

[0232] The control unit 910, the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980 may perform their functions by receiving power from a battery 940. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the battery 940 and supplies it to each component.

[0233] In one embodiment, heater 950 may be made of any suitable electrically resistive material, such as, but not limited to, a metal or metal alloy, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 950 may be embodied by, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0234] In another embodiment, heater 950 is an induction heater. For example, heater 950 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0235] The user input unit 960 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 960 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a touchpad using a contact capacitance method, a pressure resistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a connection interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and may connect to another external device via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 940.

[0236] The memory 970 is a hardware device for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 900. The memory 970 is hardware that can store data processed by the control unit 910 and data to be processed by the control unit 910. The memory 970 can be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a The memory 970 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of 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 970 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0237] The communication unit 980 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 may include a short-range communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

[0238] The short-range wireless communication unit 982 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0239] The wireless communication unit 984 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 984 may identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0240] The control unit 910 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In one embodiment, the control unit 910 can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, and can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor can also be implemented by other types of hardware.

[0241] The control unit 910 can control the temperature of the heater 950 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 940 to the heater 950. For example, the control unit 910 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 950 in response to a control command from the control unit 910.

[0242] The control unit 910 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 910 may control the power supplied to the heater 950 so that the operation of the heater 950 is started or stopped based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920. As another example, the control unit 910 may control the heater 950 to heat up to a predetermined temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920. The amount and duration of power supplied to the heater 950 can be controlled to achieve or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0243] The control unit 910 can control the output unit 930 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 920. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 926 reaches a preset number, the control unit 910 notifies the user through at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the audio output unit 936 that the aerosol generating device 900 will soon be shut down.

[0244] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and separate and non-separate media. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium may include both a computer recording medium and a communication medium. A computer recording medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium.

[0245] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. a storage section for storing the aerosol-generating material; a generating unit for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; a chamber for accommodating the generating unit; an inlet for introducing air into the chamber; and a receiving unit including a flow path connected to the inlet to receive air and deliver the air to the chamber; The flow path is a first flow path extending in a direction in which the inlet is open to the chamber; a second flow path extending in a direction crossing the direction in which the first flow path extends and opening in a direction facing an upper surface of the storage portion; a connecting flow path that connects the first flow path and the second flow path, The connecting flow passage includes a flow passage surface that is inclined linearly or curvedly with respect to a direction in which the inlet opens into the chamber.

2. the housing includes a plurality of walls surrounding the chamber; The evaporator of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the walls include an inclined surface.

3. the plurality of walls includes a first side wall including the inlet and an inclined surface; The vaporizer of claim 2 , wherein the inclined surface comprises a flat surface or a curved surface.

4. the plurality of walls includes a bottom wall; The evaporator of claim 2 , wherein the bottom wall includes the inclined surface, and the inclined surface includes a flat surface or a curved surface.

5. the plurality of walls further includes a first side wall in which the inlet is disposed; The vaporizer of claim 4 , wherein the sloped surface is located where the bottom wall meets the first side wall.

6. 5. The vaporizer of claim 4, wherein the inclined surface begins at a point on the bottom wall closer to the inlet than the midpoint of the maximum width of the chamber, the width being measured in the direction in which the inlet opens.

7. The vaporizer according to claim 2 , wherein the container further includes an outlet for discharging the aerosol generated by the generator from the chamber to the outside of the vaporizer.

8. the plurality of walls further includes a second side wall in which the outlet is disposed; The evaporator of claim 7 , wherein the second side wall includes the inclined surface, and the inclined surface includes a flat surface or a curved surface.

9. the plurality of walls further includes a bottom wall; The center height of the inlet based on the bottom wall is 0.75 to 1.5 times the center height of the outlet, 8. The vaporizer of claim 7, wherein the diameter of the inlet is greater than or equal to the diameter of the outlet.

10. The vaporizer of claim 1 , wherein the container further includes a container groove that supports the generating unit and receives the aerosol generating material from the storage unit.

11. The vaporizer of claim 1 , wherein the storage section includes an inlet passage for transferring outside air of the vaporizer to the storage section.

12. further comprising a sealing portion disposed between the storage portion and the container portion; The vaporizer of claim 1 , wherein the sealing portion includes a guide surface for guiding the movement of air introduced into the chamber.

13. The vaporizer according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a body configured to contain an aerosol product and including a containment space connected to the vaporizer; a heater for heating the aerosol product contained in the body; a battery that supplies power to the generator and the heater; and a control unit that controls power supplied to the generation unit and the heater.

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