Aerosol Generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided, the aerosol generating device including a body, a first container coupled to the body and including a wick and a heater, a second container detachably coupled to the first container and supplying liquid to the wick, and a sensor disposed in the body and detecting whether the first container and the second container are coupled to each other.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a substance having a variety of components. The substance contained in the medium may be a flavoring substance having a variety of components. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-referenced problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to allow configurations having different purposes and rotation periods to be rotated independently of each other.

[0005] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to reduce replacement costs.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to improve the usable life of the configuration.

[0007] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to prevent liquid leakage.

[0008] It is still another object of the present disclosure to prevent leakage of flowing gas and improve the flow efficiency of the gas.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to reduce the size of aerosol generating devices.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device capable of sensing independently alternating liquid storage configurations.

[0011] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to sense the structure without a separate electrical connection.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to reduce the influence of external sensing noise and improve sensing accuracy.

[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide greater freedom in sensor placement and improve space efficiency of the device's internal structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, an aerosol generating device includes a body, a first container coupled to the body and including a wick and a heater, a second container detachably coupled to the first container and supplying liquid to the wick, and a sensor mounted on the body for detecting whether the first container and the second container are coupled to each other. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, configurations having different purposes and rotation periods can be rotated independently of each other.

[0016] At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce replacement costs.

[0017] At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure may improve the usable life of the configuration.

[0018] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, leakage of liquid can be prevented.

[0019] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, leakage of flowing gas can be prevented and the flow efficiency of the gas can be improved.

[0020] At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the flow path to reduce the size of the aerosol generating device.

[0021] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device can be provided that is capable of sensing independently alternating liquid storage configurations.

[0022] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, sensing of the structure can be achieved without a separate electrical connection.

[0023] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the influence of external sensing noise and improve sensing accuracy.

[0024] At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure can increase the freedom of sensor placement and improve the space efficiency of the internal structure of the device.

[0025] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are given the same reference numerals even if they are illustrated in different drawings, and duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0028] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used only for ease of description of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0029] In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a specific description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings. Therefore, the attached drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the idea and scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0031] When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there can be other elements in between, whereas when an element is said to be "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.

[0032] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] 1, the aerosol generating device may include a body 10 and cartridges 20, 30. The cartridges 20, 30 may include a first container 20 and a second container 30. The cartridges 20, 30 may be coupled to the body 10.

[0034] The body 10 can accommodate a power source 11 and a control unit 12. The power source 11 can supply the power required for the configuration to operate. The power source 11 can be a battery 11. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the configuration.

[0035] The first container 20 may provide a first chamber C1 therein. The first container 20 may include a wick 25. The wick 25 may be disposed in the first chamber C1. An upper end of the wick 25 may protrude from the first chamber C1 to the upper side of the first container 20.

[0036] The first container 20 may include a heater 2531. The heater 2531 may be disposed in the first chamber C1. The heater 2531 may heat the wick 25. The heater 2531 may be attached to the wick 25. The first container 20 may include a terminal 223 therein. The terminal 223 may be exposed to a lower side of the first container 20. The terminal 223 may be electrically connected to the heater 2531. The first container 20 may be referred to as a lower container 20 or a heating module 20.

[0037] The first container 20 may include a first air inlet 241 formed by opening the first chamber C1. The first container 20 may include a first air outlet 242 formed by opening the first chamber C1.

[0038] The second container 30 may provide a second chamber C2 therein. The second container 30 may store liquid in the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may include an airflow discharge passage 340. Both ends 341, 342 of the airflow discharge passage 340 may be open. The airflow discharge passage 340 may be partitioned from the second chamber C2. The second container 30 may be referred to as an upper container 30 or a liquid storage unit 30.

[0039] The mouthpiece 35 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container 30. The mouthpiece 35 may cover the upper part of the second container 30. The mouthpiece 35 may have a second airflow exhaust port 354 therein. The second airflow exhaust port 354 may be in communication with the other end 342 of the airflow exhaust passage 340.

[0040] The first container 20 may be coupled to the body 10. The first container 20 may be inserted into the body 10. When the first container 20 is coupled to the body, the heater 2531 may be electrically connected to the power source 11 via the terminal 223. The heater 2531 may receive power from the power source 11 to generate heat. The heater 2531 may be a resistive heater.

[0041] The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20. The coupling of the second container 30 to the first container 20 may include the second container 30 being directly coupled to the first container 20, and the second container 30 being indirectly coupled to the first container 20 by being coupled to the body 10.

[0042] When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the second container 30 can supply a stored liquid to the wick 25. The wick 25 can receive and absorb liquid from the second container 30. The heater 2531 can heat the wick that has absorbed the liquid to generate an aerosol in the first chamber C1.

[0043] The body 10 may have an opening at one side to form a second airflow inlet 141. When the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, the first airflow inlet 241 may communicate with the second airflow inlet 141. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, one end 341 of the airflow discharge passage 340 may communicate with the first airflow outlet 242. Thus, a passage through which air flows may be formed. A user may inhale air by holding the mouthpiece 35 in his / her mouth. When the user inhales air, the outside air may be provided to the user by sequentially passing through the second airflow inlet 141, the first airflow inlet 241, the first chamber C1, the first airflow outlet 242, the airflow discharge passage 340, and the second airflow outlet 354. The air may flow together with the aerosol generated in the first chamber C1.

[0044] Therefore, the first container 20 and the second container 30 can be replaced independently of each other. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 and the proper replacement cycle of the first container 20 are different from each other, so the user can replace only the second container 30 separately, or replace only the first container 20 separately. For example, the consumption cycle of the liquid stored in the second container 30 may be shorter than the proper replacement cycle of the first container 20, so that when the second container 30 is replaced several times, the first container 20 may be replaced only once. Therefore, the first container 20 can be used for a longer period of time, and the cost of replacing cartridges can be reduced.

[0045] 2, the first container 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The first coupler 151 may detachably couple the first container 20 to the body 10. For example, the first coupler 151 may include a hook groove 225 and a hook 125 detachably fastened to the hook groove 225. The hook 125 may be made of a material such as rubber or silicone, and may provide a seal between the body and the first container 20 around the second air inlet 141. As another example, the first coupler 151 may couple the first container 20 to the body 10 by magnetic force.

[0046] The second container 30 may be detachably coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20. The second container 30 may be coupled to the body 10 and indirectly coupled to the first container 20. The second coupler 152 may detachably couple the second container 30 and the body 10. For example, the second coupler 152 may include a hook groove 325 and a hook 135 detachably fastened to the hook groove 325. As another example, the second coupler 152 may couple the second container 30 and the body 10 by magnetic force.

[0047] 3 to 5, the first container 20 may include a case 21, a wick 25, and a heater 2531. The case 21 may include a first case 22 and a second case 23.

[0048] The second case 23 may be coupled to the upper side of the first case 22. The first case 22 may have a space 224 that opens to the upper side and forms the first chamber C1. The second case 23 may have a space 234 that opens to the lower side and forms the first chamber C1. The first case 22 and the second case 23 may be coupled vertically to form the first chamber C1 therein.

[0049] The terminal 223 may be fixed to the bottom of the first case 22 and exposed from the lower side of the first case 22. The terminal 223 may protrude upward from the first case 22 toward the first chamber C1. The terminal 223 may be a pair of terminals horizontally spaced apart from each other.

[0050] The first air inlet 241 may be formed at the bottom of the first case 22. The first air inlet 241 may be formed in the shape of a plurality of perforated holes. The first air inlet 241 may be horizontally spaced apart from the terminal 223. The first air inlet 241 may be formed by opening a sidewall of the first case 22 and / or a sidewall of the second case 23.

[0051] The case 21 may have one configuration of the first coupler 151 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, the hook groove 225 may be formed by recessing the lower periphery of the first case 22. As another example, the hook 125 may be formed by protruding the lower periphery of the first case 22. As another example, the first case 21 may include a magnet or a ferromagnetic material.

[0052] The first airflow exhaust port 242 may be formed in an upper wall of the second case 23. As another example, the first airflow exhaust port 242 may be formed in a side wall of the second case 23. The first airflow exhaust port 242 may be formed in a position facing the first airflow inlet 241.

[0053] The liquid inlet 235 may be formed in an upper wall of the second case 23. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on an upper side of the first chamber C1. The liquid inlet 235 may be separated from the second airflow outlet 242. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on one side of the upper wall of the second case 23, and the second airflow outlet 242 may be formed on the other side of the upper wall of the second case 23. The liquid inlet 235 may be formed on a side corresponding to the terminal 223 and the supporter 227, and the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on a side corresponding to the first airflow inlet 241.

[0054] The core 25 may include a first core part 251 and a second core part 252. The first core part 251 may be disposed in a first chamber C1 between the first case 22 and the second case 23. A lower edge of the first core part 252 may be supported by a supporter 227.

[0055] The second wick part 252 may protrude upward from the first wick part 251. The second wick part 252 may be exposed to the outside of the first chamber C1 through the liquid inlet 235. The second wick part 252 may protrude upward through the liquid inlet 235 and the first wick sealing part 265.

[0056] The heater 2531 may be coupled to the first wick part 251. The heater 2531 may heat the first wick part 251. The first terminals 2533 formed on both ends of the heater 2531 may contact the second terminals 223 to electrically connect the heater 2531 and the second terminals 233.

[0057] The supporter 227 may protrude upward from the bottom of the first case 22. The supporter 227 may be formed around the terminal 223. A plurality of supporters 227 may be provided and arranged around the terminal 223. The supporter 227 may include a first supporter 227a and a second supporter 227b. The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b may be disposed in an area corresponding to a lower corner of the first core part 251.

[0058] The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b may be spaced apart from each other. The second supporter 227b may be formed at a position adjacent to the first air inlet 242. The second supporter 227b may be formed between the terminal 223 and the first air inlet 241. The second supporter 227b may be formed as a pair. The pair of second supporters 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a first gap 227c therebetween. The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a second gap 227d therebetween.

[0059] The sealer 26 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20. A sealing plate 261 of the sealer 26 may cover the upper surface of the case 21. The sealer 26 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the sealer 26 may be made of a rubber or silicone material.

[0060] The sealer 26 may include a first wick sealing portion 265. The first wick sealing portion 265 may be formed by opening the sealing plate 261 at a position corresponding to the liquid inlet 235. The first wick sealing portion 265 may form one inner peripheral surface of the sealing plate 261. The first wick sealing portion 265 may have a shape corresponding to a peripheral surface 235a surrounding the liquid inlet 235. The first wick sealing portion 265 may protrude downward from the sealing plate 261 and be in close contact with the inner side of the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235. The second wick part 252 may protrude upward from the first wick sealing portion 265.

[0061] The sealer 26 may include a second core sealing portion 262. The second core sealing portion 262 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the sealing plate 261. The second core sealing portion 262 may be formed below the first core sealing portion 265 or may be formed below the periphery of the first core sealing portion 265. The second core sealing portion 262 may extend along the periphery of the first core sealing portion 265.

[0062] The sealer 26 may include sealing walls 266, 267 protruding upward from the upper surface of the sealing plate 261. The sealing walls 266, 267 may surround the periphery of the liquid inlet 235 and the first wick sealing portion 265. The sealing walls 266, 267 may extend along the periphery of the first wick sealing portion 265 to form a periphery. The sealing walls 266, 267 may be formed in a plurality of pieces. For example, the sealing walls 266, 267 may include a first sealing wall 266 adjacent to the periphery of the first wick sealing portion 265 and a second sealing wall 267 spaced outward from the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may protrude upward higher than the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may surround the first sealing wall 266.

[0063] The sealer 26 may include an airflow sealing portion 268. The airflow sealing portion 268 may surround the periphery of the first airflow outlet 242. The airflow sealing portion 268 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the sealing plate 261. The second sealing wall 267 may protrude higher than the airflow sealing portion 268. The airflow sealing portion 268 may be formed on the outer side of the sealing walls 266 and 267.

[0064] 6 and 7, the core 25 may be made of a porous rigid body that absorbs liquid. For example, the core 25 may be made of a porous ceramic. The core 25 may have higher rigidity and heat resistance than a cotton core.

[0065] Therefore, the core 25 can be embodied in various shapes without or with little deformation of shape. Also, the durability of the core 25 can be improved, and the replacement cycle of the first container 20 having the core 25 can be extended.

[0066] The first core part 251 may extend long on one side in the horizontal direction. The first core part 251 may have a hexahedral shape. The upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251 may be formed horizontally. The lower surface 2513 of the first core part 251 may be formed horizontally. The side surface 2512 of the first core part 251 may be formed between the periphery of the upper surface 2511 and the periphery of the lower surface 2513 to define the periphery of the first core part 251. The side surface 2512 of the first core part 251 may be referred to as the peripheral surface 2512 of the first core part 251.

[0067] The second core part 252 may protrude upward from the center of the upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251. The second core part 252 may extend horizontally. The second core part 252 may have a hexahedral shape. The upper surface 2521 of the second core part 252 may be formed horizontally. The lower surface 2523 of the second core part 252 may be formed horizontally. The lower surface 2523 of the second core part 252 may overlap the upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251. The side surface 2522 of the second core part 252 may be formed between the periphery of the upper surface 2521 and the periphery of the lower surface 2523 to define the periphery of the second core part 252. The side surface 2522 of the second core part 252 may be referred to as the peripheral surface 2522 of the second core part 252.

[0068] The first core part 251 may be larger than the second core part 252. The circumference of the top surface 2511 of the first core part 251 may be larger than the circumference of the top surface 2522 of the second core part 252. The height H1 of the first core part 251 may be larger than the height H2 of the second core part 252. The length L1 of the first core part 251 may be larger than the length L2 of the second core part 252. The width W1 of the first core part 251 may be larger than the width W2 of the second core part 252.

[0069] The first core part 251 can protrude horizontally outward from the lower surface of the second core part 252 by a predetermined width w31, w32, w33, w34. The second core part 252 can protrude from the inside of the periphery of the upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251. The periphery of the upper surface 2511 of the first core part 251 can protrude outward from the lower surface of the second core part 252.

[0070] The heater 2531 may be attached to the first wick part 251. The heater 2531 may form a pattern on the lower surface 2513 of the first wick part 251. The heater 2531 may form various patterns along the length direction of the first wick part 251. Both ends of the heater 2531 may be adjacent to both ends of the first wick part 251.

[0071] A pair of first terminals 2533 may be formed on both ends of the heater 2531. The first terminals 2533 may be coupled to the lower surface of the first wick part 251. The pair of first terminals 2533 may be adjacent to both ends of the first wick part 251. The first terminals 2533 may protrude from the lower side of the first wick part 251.

[0072] 8 and 9, the first airflow inlet 241 may be formed on the lower side of the first chamber C1. The first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on the upper side of the first chamber C1. The first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed next to each other up and down. The wick 25 may be disposed on the right side of the first chamber C1, and the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed on the left side of the first chamber C1. The first channel CN1 may be formed on the left side of the first chamber C1 and may include the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242. Air may flow into the first channel CN1 through the first airflow inlet 241 and be exhausted through the first airflow outlet 242.

[0073] The first terminal 2533 may be in contact with the second terminal 223 to electrically connect the heater 2531 and the second terminal 223. The second terminal 223 may support the first terminal 2533 and the lower surface 2513 of the first core part 251.

[0074] The lower part of the first wick part 2511 may be supported by the supporter 227. The upper surface 2511 of the first wick part 251 may be supported by the second case 23 and / or the lower part of the second wick sealing portion 262 around the liquid inlet 235. The periphery of the side portion 2522 of the second wick part 252 may be supported by the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235 and / or the inner surface of the first wick sealing portion 265.

[0075] Thus, the core 25 can be fixed to the first container 20 .

[0076] The supporter 227 can space the first wick part 2511 upward from the bottom of the first chamber C1. The supporter 227 can be disposed around the heater 2513. The supporter 227 can form gaps 227c and 227d that communicate the heater 2531 attached to the lower surface 2513 of the first wick part 2511 with the first chamber C1. The supporter 227 can open between the first channel CN1 and the heater 2531 to form the first gap 227c.

[0077] The supporter 227 may include a first supporter 227a and a second supporter 227b. The second supporter 227b may be disposed closer to the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 than the first supporter 227a. The first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be adjacent to the left side of the first core part 251. The first supporter 227a may extend long along the right edge between the lower surface 2513 and the side surface 2512 of the first core part 251. The first supporter 227a may support the right corner between the lower surface 2513 and the side surface 2512 of the first core part 251. A pair of second supporters 227b may support the left corner of the first core part 251.

[0078] The pair of second supporters 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a first gap 227c through which air can flow between the periphery of the heater 2531 and the first air inlet 242. The first supporter 227a and the second supporter 227b may be spaced apart from each other to form a second gap 227d through which air can flow between the periphery of the heater 2531 and the first air inlet 242. The first gap 227c and the second gap 227d may be formed around the lower surface 2513 of the first core part 251.

[0079] Therefore, the aerosol generated by the wick 25 and the air around it can smoothly flow through the periphery of the plurality of supporters 227 toward the first airflow outlet 242 .

[0080] The first wick sealing portion 265 may be disposed between the circumferential surface 2522 of the second wick part 252 and the circumferential surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235. The inner circumferential surface of the first wick sealing portion 265 may be in intimate contact with the circumferential surface 2522 of the second wick part 252. The first wick sealing portion 265 may provide a seal between the circumferential surface 2522 of the second wick part 252 and the circumferential surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235.

[0081] The perimeter of the top surface 2511 of the first wick part 251 may be larger than the perimeter of the liquid inlet 235. The perimeter of the top surface 2511 of the first wick part 251 may be formed horizontally outward from the perimeter of the liquid inlet 235. The edge portion of the first wick part 251 can absorb liquid leaking between the liquid inlet 235 and the peripheral surface 2522 of the second wick part 252.

[0082] The second wick sealing portion 262 may protrude downward from the periphery of the liquid inlet 235 toward the upper surface 2511 of the first wick part 251. The second wick sealing portion 262 may be in close contact with the upper surface 2511 of the first wick part 251. The second wick sealing portion 262 may support the upper surface 2511 of the first wick part 251.

[0083] Therefore, the liquid supplied to the wick 25 from the second container 30 is not absorbed by the wick 25, and is prevented from leaking between the second wick part 252 and the peripheral surface 235a of the liquid inlet 235 into the first chamber C1.

[0084] 10 to 12, the second container 30 may provide a second chamber C2 for storing liquid. The second chamber C2 may be defined by a lower wall 311, side walls 321 and 322, and an upper wall 33 of the second container 30. The side walls 321 and 322 may extend vertically. The side walls 321 and 322 may include an outer wall 321 forming the exterior of the second container 30, and an inner wall 322 formed inside the second container 30. The inner wall 322 may be formed between the second chamber C2 and the airflow discharge passage 340, and may separate the second chamber C2 and the airflow discharge passage 340 from each other.

[0085] The liquid outlet 314 may be formed by opening the second chamber C2. The liquid outlet 314 may be formed in the lower part of the second chamber C2. The liquid outlet 314 may be composed of a plurality of holes. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 may be discharged through the liquid outlet 314.

[0086] The discharge guide 313 may be formed around the liquid discharge port 314. The discharge guide 313 may be formed to be inclined downward toward the liquid discharge port 314. The discharge guide 313 may be formed on the lower surface 311 of the second chamber C2. The discharge guide 313 may guide the liquid stored in the second chamber C2 to the liquid discharge port 314.

[0087] The absorbent part 316 can close the lower part of the liquid outlet 314. The absorbent part 316 can absorb the liquid that has passed through the liquid outlet 314. For example, the absorbent part 316 can be formed of a felt material.

[0088] The bracket 317 may protrude downward from the second container 30 around the liquid outlet 314. The bracket 317 may surround the side periphery of the absorbent part 316. The absorbent part 316 may be exposed to the lower side of the second container 30 through the bracket 317. The bracket 317 may fix the absorbent part 316 to the lower part of the first container 30. The bracket 317 may support the lower periphery of the absorbent part 316 in a hook shape.

[0089] The film 316a may be detachably attached to the lower surface of the absorbent part 316. An edge of the film 316a may be attached to the lower surface of the bracket 317. The film 316a may be made of a waterproof material. The film 316a may prevent liquid from leaking from the absorbent part 316. Before combining the second container 30 with the first container 20, a user may remove the film 316a from the absorbent part 316.

[0090] The recess 315 may be formed by recessing the lower surface 312 of the second container 30 upward. The groove formed by the recess 315 may surround the periphery of the bracket 317.

[0091] The second container 30 may have one configuration of the second coupler 152 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, the hook groove 325 may be formed by a recess in the outer wall 321 of the second container 30. As another example, the hook 135 may be formed by a protrusion in the outer wall 321 of the second container 30. As another example, the second container 30 may include a magnet or a ferromagnetic material.

[0092] The second container 30 may have an airflow exhaust passage 340. The airflow exhaust passage 340 may be partitioned from the second chamber C2 by the inner wall 322 of the second container 30. The airflow exhaust passage 340 may be defined by the outer wall 321 and the inner wall 322 of the second container 30. Both ends of the airflow exhaust passage 340 may be open. One end of the airflow exhaust passage 340 may be open to the lower side. The other end of the airflow exhaust passage 340 may be open to the upper side. One end of the airflow exhaust passage 340 may be formed by opening the lower surface 312 of the second container 30. The other end of the airflow exhaust passage 340 may be connected to a second airflow exhaust port 354 formed inside the mouthpiece 35. The airflow exhaust passage 340 may be referred to as a second channel CN2.

[0093] 13 and 14, the first container 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. A first coupler 151 may detachably couple the first container 20 and the body 10. The second container 30 may be detachably coupled to the first container 20. The second container 30 may be indirectly coupled to the first container 20 by being coupled to the body 10 via a second coupler 152. The second container 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the first container 20.

[0094] When the second container 30 is combined with the first container 20, the second container 30 can supply liquid to the wick 25. The liquid stored in the second chamber C2 passes through the liquid outlet 314 and is absorbed by the absorbing part 316, and the absorbing part 316 that has absorbed the liquid can contact the second wick part 252 and transfer the liquid. The liquid absorbed by the second wick part 252 can diffuse into the first wick part 251. The heater 3531 can heat the first wick part 251 that has absorbed the liquid to generate an aerosol.

[0095] The sealer 26 can seal the periphery of the liquid inlet 235 through which the wick 25 is exposed from the first chamber C1. When the second container 30 is coupled to the top side of the first container 20, the sealer 26 can seal between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

[0096] The sealing walls 266, 267 may protrude toward the second container 30. The sealing walls 266, 267 may be in close contact with the second container 30. The sealing walls 266, 267 may surround the periphery of the liquid inlet 235.

[0097] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid discharged from the second container 30 from leaking into the gap between the first container 20 and the second container 30.

[0098] 15, the first sealing wall 266 may surround the liquid inlet 235 and the periphery 2522 of the second wick part 252. The first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with the lower part of the second container 30. The first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with a protruding portion formed on the inner side of the recessed portion 266. For example, the first sealing wall 266 may be in close contact with the bracket 317. The bracket 317 and the first sealing wall 266 may surround the periphery 2522 of the second wick part 252. Therefore, the bracket 317 may not only fix the absorbing part 316, but also press the first sealing wall 266 to seal the periphery of the second wick part 252 and the liquid inlet 235.

[0099] The second sealing wall 267 may protrude higher than the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may be disposed horizontally outside the first sealing wall 266 and may surround the periphery of the first sealing wall 266. The second sealing wall 267 may be closely attached to the lower part of the second container 30. The second sealing wall 267 may be inserted into a groove formed by the recessed portion 315 and closely attached to the recessed portion 315.

[0100] Therefore, the first sealing wall 266 can seal the periphery of the second wick part 252 and the liquid inlet 235. Even if the liquid flows beyond the first sealing wall 266, it can be sealed by the second sealing wall 267.

[0101] 15 and 16, the first channel CN1 may be formed on the left side of the first chamber C1. The wick 25 and the heater 2531 may be disposed on the right side of the first chamber C1. The first channel CN1 may include a first airflow inlet 241 and a first airflow outlet 242. The first airflow inlet 241 may be formed at one end of the first channel CN1. The first airflow outlet 242 may be formed at the other end of the first channel CN1. The first channel CN1 may be offset from the wick 25 based on the vertical direction. The wick 25 may be spaced apart between the first airflow inlet 241 and the second airflow inlet 242. Unlike the illustrated example, at least one of the first airflow inlet 241 and the first airflow outlet 242 may be formed by opening a sidewall of the first container 20 at the first channel CN1.

[0102] When the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10, the second air inlet 141 formed by opening one side of the body 10 may communicate with the first air inlet 241. A gap between the body 10 and the first container 20 may be sealed around the second air inlet 141. For example, a hook 125 may seal between the body 10 and the first container 20 around the second air inlet 141.

[0103] When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the first airflow outlet 242 and the lower end of the second channel CN2 can communicate with each other. The first channel CN1 and the second channel CN2 can communicate with each other to form a single flow path CN. The second channel CN2 can communicate with the second airflow outlet 354.

[0104] When a user holds the mouthpiece 35 in his mouth and inhales air, the outside air passes through the second air inlet 141, the first channel CN1, the second channel CN2, and the second air outlet 354 in sequence and is provided to the user. Aerosol may be generated in the first chamber C1 separated from the first channel CN1. The air passing through the first channel CN1 may flow together with the air and aerosol in the first chamber C1 due to the suction force and pressure difference. The air and aerosol may flow into the first channel CN1 through the first gap 227c and the second gap 227d between the supporters 227.

[0105] Therefore, by allowing air to flow only to one side of the first chamber C1, the size of the flow passage can be reduced, the size of the aerosol generating device can be reduced or optimized, and air flow resistance from the structure supporting the wick 25 can be reduced.

[0106] The airflow sealing part 268 may be in close contact with the lower part of the second container 30 around the lower end of the second channel CN2. The airflow sealing part 268 may surround the lower end of the second channel CN2 and the periphery of the first airflow exhaust port 242. The airflow sealing part 268 may seal between the first container 20 and the second container 30 around the lower end of the airflow exhaust passage 340 and the periphery of the first airflow exhaust port 242.

[0107] Therefore, the air passing through the air discharge passage 340 from the first airflow outlet 242 is prevented from leaking between the first container 20 and the second container 30, and the air flow efficiency can be improved.

[0108] 17, the first airflow inlet 241' and the second airflow inlet 141' may be formed at different positions from those in the embodiment of FIG 16. The first airflow inlet 241' may be formed at a side of the first chamber C1. The second airflow inlet 141' may be formed in the body 10 and may communicate with the first airflow inlet 241'. The second airflow inlet 141' may face the first airflow inlet 241'.

[0109] The first channel CN1' may be formed in the first chamber C1 and may have a first airflow inlet 241' and a first airflow outlet 242 at either end. The wick 25 may be disposed between the first airflow inlet 241' and the first airflow outlet 242. The first channel CN1' may pass through the wick 25. The first channel CN1' may communicate with the second channel CN2 to form a flow path CN' through which air flows.

[0110] The four second supporters 227b can support four vertices of the lower part of the first core part 251. A first gap 227c can be formed around the lower part of the first core part 251. A first channel CN1' can pass through the first gap 227c.

[0111] The air may flow through the second airflow inlet 141', the first channel CN1', the second channel CN2, and the second airflow outlet in sequence, and may be discharged. The air may be accompanied by the aerosol in the first chamber C1 as it passes through the first channel CN1'.

[0112] This allows for a reduction in the size of the flow passage and therefore a reduction in the size of the aerosol generating device, and also reduces the air flow resistance from the structure supporting the wick 25.

[0113] 18 and 19, the aerosol generating device may include a sensor 471. The sensor 471 may be installed inside the body 10. The second container 20 may be detachably coupled to the first container 10. The sensor 471 may sense whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20. The sensor 471 may be electrically connected to the power source 11 (see FIG. 1) and the control unit 12 (see FIG. 1). The control unit 12 may control the operation of various components based on the sensing of the sensor 471.

[0114] For example, the sensor 471 may be a contact sensor. The sensor 471 may sense whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20 through physical contact. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, physical contact may occur at the sensor 471. The sensor 471 may sense the physical contact that occurs at the sensor 471. For example, the physical contact may occur when the sensor 471 comes into direct contact with the second container 30 or through an intermediate structure between the sensor 471 and the second container 30.

[0115] The sensor 471 may be disposed adjacent to the first container 20. The sensor 471 may be disposed adjacent to the power source 11 and / or the control unit 12. The first container 20 may be disposed above the power source 11. The sensor 471 may be disposed below the first container 20.

[0116] The pusher travel path 44 may be formed between the sensor 471 and the second container 30. The pusher travel path 44 may extend long. One end of the pusher travel path 44 may open toward the second container 30. The other end of the pusher travel path 44 may open toward the sensor 471.

[0117] The pusher 40 may be disposed between the sensor 471 and the second container 30. The pusher 40 may be inserted into the pusher travel path 44. The pusher 40 may extend long between the sensor 471 and the second container 30. The pusher 40 may move between the sensor 471 and the second container 30. One end of the pusher 40 may be adjacent to the second container 30. One end of the pusher 40 may be exposed toward the second container 30 through one end of the pusher travel path 44. The other end of the pusher 40 may be adjacent to the sensor 471. The other end of the pusher 40 may be exposed toward the sensor 471 through the other end of the pusher travel path 44.

[0118] For example, the pusher 40 and the pusher moving path 44 may have a shape that extends vertically. The upper end of the pusher 40 may be exposed upward from the first container 20. The sensor 471 may be disposed below the pusher 40. The pusher 40 may move up and down. The second container 30 is coupled to the upper side of the first container 20, and the lower part of the second container 30 may contact the upper end of the pusher 40 and push the pusher 40 downward to contact the sensor 471.

[0119] One end of the pusher 40 may directly or indirectly contact the second container 30. The other end of the pusher 40 may directly or indirectly contact the sensor 471. When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the second container 30 may push the pusher 40 toward the sensor 471. The other end of the pusher 40 may directly or indirectly contact the sensor 471, and the sensor 471 may detect the physical contact. The sensor 471 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 12, and the control unit 12 may determine that the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20.

[0120] The pusher travel path 44 may be disposed adjacent to one side of the first container 20. The pusher travel path 44 may be horizontally separated from the first chamber C1. One end of the pusher travel path 44 may be formed at a position facing the first airflow outlet 242 with respect to the first chamber C1. The other end of the pusher travel path 44 may be formed at a position facing the first airflow inlet 241 with respect to the first chamber C1.

[0121] Therefore, even if a separate terminal structure for electrical connection is not included, the connection of the second container 30 can be sensed by the sensor 471. This simplifies the structure of the second container 30 for sensing, and reduces manufacturing costs. In addition, the physical contact method reduces the influence of external noise, and improves the accuracy of sensing.

[0122] In addition, the sensor 471 can sense the second container 30 even if it is far away from the second container 30, and the freedom in arranging the sensor 471 is increased, thereby improving the space efficiency of the internal structure of the device.

[0123] The first container 20 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. Whether the first container 20 is coupled to the body 10 may be detected by a separate sensor or by an electrical connection between the second terminal 223 and the power source 11.

[0124] The actuator 472 can be pushed by the pusher 40 to transmit a physical contact to the sensor 471. The actuator 472 can be formed integrally with the sensor 471. The actuator 472 can protrude far from the sensor 471 toward the pusher 40. The actuator 472 can provide a repulsive force to the pusher 40 in a direction away from the sensor 471. The actuator 472 can provide a repulsive force to the pusher 40 from the other end toward one end of the pusher travel path 44. For example, the actuator 472 can provide a repulsive force that pushes the pusher 40 upward.

[0125] When the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20, the pusher 40 may press the actuator 472 toward the sensor 471. When the pusher 40 presses the actuator 472 toward the sensor 471, the sensor 471 may detect physical contact. When the second container 30 is separated from the first container 20, the pusher 40 may move in a direction away from the sensor 471 due to the repulsive force of the actuator 472, and the state of pressing the sensor 471 may be released. The pusher 40 may return to the position before the second container 30 was coupled to the first container 20.

[0126] A sealing membrane 48 may be provided between the sensor 471 and the pusher movement path 44. The sealing membrane 48 may be formed between the actuator 472 and the pusher movement path 44. The sensor 471 or the actuator 472 may contact one side of the sealing membrane 48, and the pusher 40 may contact the other side of the sealing membrane 48. The sealing membrane 48 may be formed of an elastic material and may be deformable. For example, the sealing membrane may be formed of rubber or silicone. The sealing membrane 48 may cover the sensor 471. The sealing membrane 48 may provide a seal between the space in which the sensor 471 is disposed and the pusher movement path 44.

[0127] The actuator 472 pushes out the sealing membrane 48, and the sealing membrane 48 may have a shape that bulges toward the pusher 40. When the pusher 40 presses the sensor 471, the curvature of the sealing membrane 48 may decrease or the sealing membrane 48 may be deformed to bulge toward the sensor 471.

[0128] Therefore, the sealing film 48 can prevent foreign matter such as liquid from leaking around the sensor 471 through the pusher moving path 44 .

[0129] 20 and 21, the pusher 40 may include a first pusher part 41 and a second pusher part 42. The first pusher part 41 and the second pusher part 42 may be coupled to each other vertically.

[0130] The first pusher part 41 may include a first pusher body 411 and a first pusher protrusion 412. The first pusher body 411 may extend vertically. The first pusher protrusion 412 may protrude horizontally outward from the periphery of the first pusher body 411. The periphery of the first pusher protrusion 412 may be larger than the periphery of the first pusher body 411. The first pusher protrusion 412 may be formed on an upper end of the first pusher body 411.

[0131] The second pusher part 42 may include a second pusher body 421 and a second pusher protrusion 422. The second pusher body 421 may extend vertically. The second pusher protrusion 422 may protrude horizontally outward from the periphery of the second pusher body 421. The periphery of the second pusher protrusion 422 may be larger than the periphery of the first pusher body 421. The second pusher protrusion 422 may be formed at the lower end of the second pusher body 421. The second pusher protrusion 422 may protrude horizontally further than the first pusher protrusion 412 and may have a larger periphery than the first pusher protrusion 412.

[0132] The pusher coupling groove 415 may be formed inside the first pusher body 411 and open at the bottom. The pusher coupling protrusion 425 may protrude upward from the second pusher body 421. The pusher coupling protrusion 425 may be inserted into and coupled to the pusher coupling groove 415 to couple the first pusher part 41 and the second pusher part 42. When the first pusher part 41 and the second pusher part 42 are coupled, the first pusher part 41 and the second pusher part 42 may be aligned vertically. This is merely an example, and the first pusher part 41 and the second pusher part 42 may be coupled in various coupling methods other than the above-mentioned coupling method.

[0133] 22 to 25, the pusher moving path 44 may be formed on one side of the first container 20. The pusher moving path 44 may be horizontally partitioned from the first chamber C1 by a partition 451 in the first container 20. The first chamber C1 may be located on the left side of the partition 451, and the pusher moving path 44 may be located on the right side of the partition 451.

[0134] The pusher moving path 44 may be open at the top and bottom. The first pusher part 41 may be inserted into the upper part of the pusher moving path 44. The second pusher part 42 may be inserted into the lower part of the pusher moving path 44. The first pusher part 41 and the second pusher part 42 may be coupled to each other vertically in the pusher moving path 44. The first pusher body 411 may be inserted downward from the upper part of the pusher moving path 44. The second pusher body 421 may be inserted upward from the lower part of the pusher moving path 44 and coupled to the first pusher body 411 within the pusher moving path 44.

[0135] The stopper 452 can limit the movement range of the pusher 40. The stopper 452 can be formed on the periphery of the pusher movement path 44. The stopper 452 can protrude in a direction intersecting the movement direction of the pusher 40. The stopper 452 can protrude inward from the periphery of the pusher movement path 44. For example, the pusher 40 can move vertically and the stopper 452 can protrude horizontally.

[0136] The stopper 452 can be disposed between the first pusher part 41 and the second pusher part 42. The first pusher part 41 hooks onto the upper side of the stopper 452, and the second pusher part 42 hooks onto the lower side of the stopper 452, thereby making it possible to limit the movement of the first pusher part 41 and the second pusher part 42.

[0137] The stopper 452 may include a first stopper 452a and a second stopper 452b. The second stopper 452b may be disposed below the first stopper 452a. The downward movement of the first pusher protrusion 412 may be limited by the first stopper 452a. The upward movement of the second pusher protrusion 422 may be limited by the second stopper 452b. As another example, the pusher 40 may be an integral structure, and the structure in which the first stopper 452a is formed and the structure in which the second stopper 452b is formed may be combined vertically with the pusher 40 in between.

[0138] Therefore, the pusher 40 can be installed so as to be movable within a predetermined range within the pusher movement path 44, and the pusher 40 can be prevented from coming off the pusher movement path 44.

[0139] 25 and 26, the pusher 40 can move up and down within the pusher movement path 44. The movement range of the pusher 40 is limited by a stopper 452, so that the pusher 40 can be prevented from leaving the pusher movement path 44.

[0140] When the pusher 40 moves downward, the first stopper 452a comes into contact with the first pusher protrusion 412 and can restrict the pusher 40 from moving further downward. The first stopper 452a can restrict the movement of the pusher 40 in a state where the lower part of the pusher 40 protrudes below the pusher movement path 44. The first stopper 452a can restrict the movement of the pusher 40 in a state where the upper part of the pusher 40 is retracted into the pusher movement path 44.

[0141] When the pusher 40 moves upward, the second stopper 452b comes into contact with the second pusher protrusion 422 and can restrict the pusher 40 from moving further upward. The second stopper 452b can restrict the movement of the pusher 40 in a state where an upper portion of the pusher 40 protrudes above the pusher movement path 44. The second stopper 452b can restrict the movement of the pusher 40 in a state where a lower portion of the pusher 40 is retracted into the pusher movement path 44.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 27, the first pusher part 41' and the second pusher part 42' of the pusher 40' may be coupled to each other vertically with a stopper 452' sandwiched therebetween. The stopper 452' may protrude in the front-rear direction within the pusher moving path 44 to separate the pusher moving path 44 into left and right parts. The stopper 452' may be disposed inside the first pusher part 41' and the second pusher part 42'. The first pusher part 41' may surround an upper part of the stopper 452'. The second pusher part 42' may surround a lower part of the stopper 452'. The first pusher part 41' may have a coupling groove 415' that opens downward. The second pusher part 42' may have a coupling protrusion 425' that protrudes upward and is inserted into the coupling groove 415'.

[0143] The pusher 40' may form a space 404' therein by coupling the first pusher part 41' and the second pusher part 42'. The space 404' may be formed longer than the stopper 452' in the moving direction of the pusher 40'. The stopper 452' is disposed in the space 404' and may limit the movement of the pusher 40' within the space 404'. When the pusher 40' moves downward, the stopper 452' engages with an upper part of the first pusher part 41', and when the pusher 40' moves upward, the stopper 452' engages with a lower part of the second pusher part 42', thereby limiting the movement of the first pusher part 41' and the second pusher part 42'.

[0144] 28, the sensor 471' may be a non-contact sensor. The sensor 471' may detect whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20 in a non-contact manner. The sensor 471' may be disposed adjacent to the first container 20. The sensor 471' may be spaced apart from the first container 20 in the horizontal direction. The sensor 471' may be disposed adjacent to the second container 30.

[0145] When the second container 30 approaches the first container 20, the sensor 471' can detect an electromagnetic change. The sensor 471' can detect whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20 by detecting the electromagnetic change.

[0146] For example, the sensor 471' may be one of a magnetic proximity sensor, an optical proximity sensor, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, an inductive proximity sensor, an induction proximity sensor, and an eddy current proximity sensor. This is merely an example, and the sensor 471' may be any sensor that detects electromagnetic changes in a non-contact manner, and is not limited to the above-mentioned sensors.

[0147] Therefore, whether the second container 30 is coupled to the first container 20 can be sensed by the sensor 471' without a separate terminal configuration for electrical connection. Therefore, the configuration of the second container 30 for sensing is simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0148] Referring to Figures 1 to 28, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body that accommodates a power source, a first container that is detachably connected to the body and includes a wick and a heater electrically connected to the power source, and a second container that stores liquid supplied to the wick and is detachably connected to the first container.

[0149] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wick may include a first wick part disposed within the first chamber of the first container, and a second wick part protruding from the first wick part to the outside of the first chamber through a liquid inlet formed in the first container and receiving liquid from the second chamber of the second container.

[0150] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a periphery of the first core part can protrude horizontally outward from a periphery of the second core part.

[0151] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a circumference of the first wick part may be greater than a circumference of the liquid inlet.

[0152] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an upper portion of the first wick part may be supported by the first container around the liquid inlet, and a lower portion of the first wick part may be supported by a supporter protruding from a lower portion of the first container.

[0153] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a supporter that supports the first wick part and separates the first wick part from one side of the first chamber.

[0154] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater may be attached to one surface of the first core part spaced apart from one surface of the first chamber to form a pattern.

[0155] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a first terminal fixed to one side of the first wick part and formed on both ends of the heater, and a second terminal in contact with the first terminal, exposed to the outside of the first container, and electrically connected to the power source.

[0156] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may include a first coupler that detachably couples the first container and the body.

[0157] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second container may include a liquid outlet opening to a lower portion of the second chamber, and an absorbent portion fixed to a lower portion of the second container, covering a lower portion of the liquid outlet, absorbing liquid discharged from the liquid outlet, and contacting the wick to transmit the liquid absorbed by the wick.

[0158] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second container may include a discharge guide formed to slope downward from the periphery of the liquid discharge outlet toward the liquid discharge outlet.

[0159] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second container may further include a film that is detachably attached to a lower portion of the absorbent portion before the second container is coupled to the first container, and prevents liquid from passing through.

[0160] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first container may include a chamber inlet opening on one side of the first container and communicating with the first chamber, a chamber outlet opening on the other side of the first chamber and communicating with the first chamber, and an airflow exhaust passage partitioned from the second chamber and communicating with the chamber outlet.

[0161] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the liquid ejection device may further include a second coupler that detachably couples the second container and the body.

[0162] 1 to 28, a cartridge according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first container including a first chamber, a wick and a heater, and a second container detachably connected to the first container and including a second chamber for storing a liquid to be supplied to the wick, the first chamber including a first airflow inlet and a first airflow outlet forming a first channel therebetween, and the second container may be formed to provide a second channel partitioned from the second chamber and communicating with the first airflow outlet.

[0163] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge may further include a sealer that provides a seal between the first container and the second container around the first airflow outlet when the second container is coupled to the first container.

[0164] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealer can surround the first airflow outlet.

[0165] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first channel may be laterally offset from the location of the core.

[0166] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first container and the second container may be coupled to each other such that the second container is disposed above the first container, and the first airflow outlet may be formed at an upper portion of the first chamber so as to be connected to the second channel on the upper side.

[0167] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first airflow inlet may be formed in a lower portion of the first chamber.

[0168] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first airflow inlet and the first airflow outlet may be aligned one above the other.

[0169] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first airflow inlet may be formed in a side portion of the first chamber.

[0170] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wick may include a first wick part disposed in the first chamber, and a second wick part protruding from the first wick part to the outside of the first chamber through the liquid inlet of the first container and positioned to receive liquid from the second container.

[0171] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge may further include a supporter that supports a lower portion of the first wick part and separates the first wick part from a lower surface of the first chamber, and the heater may be formed in a certain pattern on the lower surface of the first wick part.

[0172] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the supporter may have an opening between the first channel and the heater.

[0173] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge may further include a mouthpiece covering the second container and having a second airflow outlet in communication with the second channel.

[0174] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, when air outside the first container flows into the first channel through the first airflow inlet and sequentially passes through the first airflow outlet and the second channel, the aerosol generated by the wick can flow out of the first chamber and into the first channel through the first airflow outlet.

[0175] A cartridge according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first container including a first chamber, and a wick and heater disposed in the first chamber, and a second container detachably coupled to the first container and including a second chamber for storing a liquid to be supplied to the wick, the first chamber including a first airflow inlet and a first airflow outlet forming a first channel passing through or adjacent to the wick, and the second container may be configured to provide a second channel partitioned from the second chamber and communicating with the first airflow outlet.

[0176] The aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body to which the first container is detachably coupled, and a second air inlet opening in the body and communicating with the first air inlet.

[0177] Referring to Figures 1 to 28, a cartridge according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a first container including a wick and a heater and having a liquid inlet exposing the wick, a second container detachably connected to the first container and supplying liquid to the wick through the liquid inlet, and a sealer that seals the first container and the second container around the liquid inlet.

[0178] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealer may include a sealing wall that surrounds the periphery of the liquid inlet and protrudes from the first container toward the second container.

[0179] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealing wall may include a first sealing wall and a second sealing wall formed outside the first sealing wall.

[0180] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second sealing wall may protrude longer than the first sealing wall, and the second container may include a recess into which the second sealing wall is inserted and into close contact.

[0181] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second container may include an absorbent section that covers a lower portion of a liquid outlet through which stored liquid is discharged, absorbs the liquid discharged from the liquid outlet, and contacts the core to transfer the liquid absorbed by the core, and a bracket that protrudes downward from the periphery of the liquid outlet, surrounds the periphery of the absorbent section, and secures the absorbent section.

[0182] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the recessed portion may surround the periphery of the bracket, and the bracket may be in close contact with the first sealing wall.

[0183] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wick may include a first wick part disposed inside the first container, and a second wick part protruding from the first wick part to the outside of the first container through the liquid inlet and receiving liquid from the second chamber.

[0184] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealer may include a first chamber surrounding the periphery of the second wick part and providing a seal between the periphery of the liquid inlet and the periphery of the second wick part.

[0185] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a periphery of the first core part can protrude horizontally outward from a periphery of the second core part.

[0186] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a circumference of the first wick part may be greater than a circumference of the liquid inlet.

[0187] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sealer may include a second chamber surrounding the periphery of the liquid inlet, protruding downward, and sealing between an upper surface of the first core part and a wall in which the liquid inlet is formed.

[0188] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first container can include a supporter that supports a lower portion of the first core part.

[0189] The aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body to which the first container is detachably coupled, the body housing a power source electrically connected to the heater.

[0190] Referring to Figures 1 to 28, an aerosol generating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body, a first container connected to the body and including a wick and a heater, a second container detachably connected to the first container and supplying liquid to the wick, and a sensor installed in the body and detecting whether the first container and the second container are connected to each other.

[0191] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor is a contact sensor and can sense physical contact of the sensor when the second container is mated with the first container.

[0192] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a pusher movement path having one end opening toward the second container and the other end opening toward the sensor, and a pusher disposed movably along the pusher movement path between the second container and the sensor. When the second container is coupled to the first container, the second container may push the pusher toward the sensor.

[0193] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor can include an actuator that is pushed by the pusher to provide a force to the pusher in a direction away from the sensor.

[0194] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a stopper that limits a range of movement of the pusher along the pusher movement path.

[0195] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pusher may include a first pusher part disposed proximal to the pusher path of travel and a second pusher part disposed proximal to the sensor, and the stopper may be disposed between the first pusher part and the second pusher part.

[0196] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first container may have a first chamber in which the wick and the heater are disposed, and the pusher travel path may be laterally adjacent to and partitioned from the first chamber.

[0197] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a deformable sealing membrane that covers the sensor and provides a seal between the pusher and the actuator.

[0198] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor may sense an electromagnetic change caused by the proximity of an element resulting from the second container being coupled to the first container.

[0199] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor may be disposed adjacent to the first container.

[0200] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all of the elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0201] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0202] Although the embodiments have been described above according to a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Body and a first container coupled to the body and including a wick and a heater; a second container detachably coupled to the first container for supplying liquid to the wick; a sensor disposed in the body for detecting whether the first container and the second container are coupled to each other.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a contact sensor that senses physical contact when the second container is combined with the first container.

3. a pusher movably disposed along a pusher path of travel between the second container and the sensor; The aerosol generating device of claim 2 , wherein the second container pushes the pusher toward the sensor when the second container is coupled to the first container.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3 , wherein the sensor includes an actuator that is pushed by the pusher to provide a force to the pusher in a direction away from the sensor.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4 , further comprising a stopper that limits the range of movement of the pusher along the pusher path of travel.

6. The pusher is a first pusher part disposed proximal to the second container; a second pusher part disposed proximal to the sensor; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the stopper is disposed between the first pusher part and the second pusher part.

7. the first container includes a first chamber in which the wick and the heater are disposed; The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the pusher travel path is laterally adjacent to and partitioned from the first chamber.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 4 , further comprising a deformable sealing membrane covering the sensor to provide a seal between the pusher and the actuator.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor senses an electromagnetic change due to the proximity of an element resulting from the second container being coupled to the first container.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9 , wherein the sensor is disposed adjacent to the first container.

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