Aerosol-forming substance discharge assembly, cartridge, and aerosol generating device

Abstract

The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly includes a storage unit in which an aerosol-generating material is stored and which has an air inlet through which air flows in; a chamber connected to the storage unit and into which the aerosol-generating material is supplied from the storage unit; and a pump that transports the aerosol-generating material to the chamber and thereby flows external air into the storage unit through the air inlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating substance discharging assembly, a cartridge, and an aerosol generating device that allow an aerosol-generating substance to be easily discharged into a space where an aerosol is generated and that allows the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substance to be easily confirmed. [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 substance, or by generating vapor from a liquid aerosol generating substance and then passing the generated vapor through a solid flavor carrier.

[0003] In particular, aerosol generating devices that use a liquid aerosol generating material have the advantages of being smaller in size, more portable, not producing smoking by-products, and easier to use than aerosol generating devices that use a solid aerosol generating material, and interest in aerosol generating devices that use a liquid aerosol generating material is gradually increasing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an aerosol generating device that uses a liquid aerosol generating material, the liquid aerosol generating material is heated to generate vapor, which is mixed with air introduced from the outside to generate aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be discharged to the outside and inhaled by the user.

[0005] An aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in a liquid state may include a cartridge having a storage section that stores the aerosol generating material and a chamber that receives the aerosol generating material from the storage section and provides a space in which the aerosol is generated.

[0006] In order for aerosol to be generated in the chamber, the chamber must be supplied with the aerosol-generating substance from the storage unit. If the aerosol-generating substance is not smoothly supplied to the chamber, a sufficient amount of aerosol will not be generated in the chamber.

[0007] Furthermore, if the aerosol generating material in the storage unit runs out, the user can replace the existing cartridge with a new cartridge. In this case, if the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit cannot be easily confirmed, the user may have to replace the cartridge even when the aerosol generating material is not completely depleted. In other words, since the user may have to replace a usable cartridge, the cost of using the cartridge increases.

[0008] Embodiments provide an aerosol generating material discharge assembly, a cartridge, and an aerosol generating device that smoothly discharge the aerosol generating material from a storage portion to a chamber.

[0009] The embodiments provide an aerosol generating material discharge assembly, a cartridge, and an aerosol generating device that allow the remaining amount of aerosol generating material to be easily confirmed and the timing for cartridge replacement to be accurately determined.

[0010] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, 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]

[0011] According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly includes a storage unit in which an aerosol-generating material is stored and which has an air inlet through which air flows in; a chamber connected to the storage unit and receiving the aerosol-generating material from the storage unit; and a pump that transports the aerosol-generating material to the chamber and thereby allows external air to flow into the storage unit through the air inlet.

[0012] A cartridge according to one embodiment may include an aerosol-generating substance discharge assembly according to one embodiment, a wick disposed inside the chamber and into which the aerosol-generating substance is absorbed, and a heating section disposed inside the chamber and which heats the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick.

[0013] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material discharge assembly according to one embodiment, a cartridge including the aerosol generating material discharge assembly, a wick disposed inside the chamber and into which the aerosol generating material is absorbed, and a heating section disposed inside the chamber and which heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick, a battery that supplies power for operation of the pump, and a processor that controls operation of the pump.

[0014] An aerosol-generating material discharge assembly according to one embodiment includes a storage pack in which an aerosol-generating material is stored, a storage unit surrounding the exterior of the storage pack and having an air inlet hole through which air flows in, a chamber connected to the storage pack and receiving the aerosol-generating material from the storage pack, and a pump transporting the aerosol-generating material to the chamber and thereby allowing external air to flow into the storage unit through the air inlet hole.

[0015] The air introduced into the storage unit through the air inlet may pressurize the storage pack and induce the aerosol-generating material to move to the chamber.

[0016] The storage pack may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the storage unit, and an air inflow space may be formed between the storage pack and the inner surface of the storage unit.

[0017] The storage pack may comprise a material that is capable of shrinking to reduce its volume.

[0018] The storage pack may include at least one of polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene.

[0019] The storage pack may include a discharge hole communicating with the chamber through which the aerosol-forming material is discharged.

[0020] The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly according to one embodiment may further include a pack support that supports the storage pack outside the storage pack.

[0021] The pack support may include a passage hole through which air introduced into the storage portion passes.

[0022] The storage pack may include a first portion having a first material and coupled to the chamber, and a second portion having a second material different from the first material, the first material having a lower strength than the second material.

[0023] Once the pump transfers the aerosol-forming material to the chamber, the storage pack may be deflated.

[0024] The pump may include an inlet connected to the reservoir and an outlet connected to the chamber.

[0025] The pump may be located within the chamber in which a wick into which the aerosol-forming substance is absorbed is disposed, and the outlet may be connected to the wick.

[0026] The aerosol generating material discharge assembly according to an embodiment may further include an airflow passage connected to the chamber and separated from the air inlet hole to allow external air to flow in.

[0027] A cartridge according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material discharge assembly according to one embodiment, a wick disposed inside the chamber and into which the aerosol generating material is absorbed, and a heating section disposed inside the chamber and which heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick.

[0028] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material discharge assembly according to one embodiment, a cartridge including the aerosol generating material discharge assembly, a wick disposed inside the chamber and into which the aerosol generating material is absorbed, and a heating section disposed inside the chamber and which heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick, a battery that supplies power for operation of the pump, and a processor that controls operation of the pump. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly, cartridge, and aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention can smoothly discharge the aerosol-generating material, thereby generating a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0030] In addition, the aerosol generating material discharge assembly, cartridge, and aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention have a structure that allows the remaining amount of aerosol generating material to be easily confirmed, so that the user can accurately determine when to replace the cartridge.

[0031] The effects of the technical concept of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol product according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device in which a cartridge according to one embodiment is used. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device in which a cartridge according to another embodiment is used. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment including a pump. [Figure 8] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to one embodiment taken along the line II in FIG. 5, showing the cartridge before use. [Figure 9] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to one embodiment taken along line II in FIG. 5, showing the cartridge in use. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment showing one possible arrangement of the pump. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to another embodiment, showing the cartridge in a state before use. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to another embodiment shown in use. [Figure 12] 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to another embodiment taken along the line II in FIG. 5, showing the cartridge before use. [Figure 13] 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to another embodiment taken along line II in FIG. 5, showing the cartridge in use. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an internal perspective view of a cartridge according to another embodiment including an example of an identification member. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a cartridge according to another embodiment including an example of an identification member. [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is a plan view of a cartridge according to another embodiment including another example of an identification member. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment including a pump and a storage pack. [Figure 18] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to one embodiment taken along the line II in FIG. 5, showing the cartridge before use. [Figure 19] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to one embodiment taken along line II in FIG. 5, showing the cartridge in use. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment showing one possible arrangement of the pump. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment further including a puck support. [Figure 22] 22 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to one embodiment taken along the line II-II in FIG. 21, showing the cartridge before use. [Figure 23] 22 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to one embodiment taken along the line II-II in FIG. 21 during use. [Figure 24] 10 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment illustrating how one region of a storage pack is opened by an opening protrusion. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly includes a storage unit in which an aerosol-generating material is stored and which has an air inlet through which air flows in; a chamber connected to the storage unit and receiving the aerosol-generating material from the storage unit; and a pump that transports the aerosol-generating material to the chamber and thereby allows external air to flow into the storage unit through the air inlet.

[0034] The aerosol-generating material discharging assembly according to an embodiment may further include an identification member disposed within the storage unit and contacting the aerosol-generating material so as to move depending on the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material.

[0035] The identification member may include a distinguishable color.

[0036] As air flows into the storage portion, the identification member can pressurize the aerosol-forming material toward the chamber.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating material discharge assembly may further include a guide groove disposed in one of the storage portion and the identification member, guiding the movement of the identification member, and a protrusion disposed in the other of the storage portion and the identification member, coupled to the guide groove.

[0038] The identification member can move while contacting the inner surface of the storage portion.

[0039] The identification member may include a peripheral portion in contact with the inner surface of the storage portion and a central portion located inside the peripheral portion, and the central portion may include a material having a higher density than the peripheral portion.

[0040] The identification member may include a peripheral portion in contact with the inner surface of the storage portion and a central portion located inside the peripheral portion, and the peripheral portion may include a material having a lower coefficient of friction than the central portion.

[0041] The aerosol generating material discharge assembly according to an embodiment may further include an airflow passage connected to the chamber and separated from the air inlet hole to allow external air to flow in.

[0042] The pump may include an inlet connected to the reservoir and an outlet connected to the chamber.

[0043] The pump may be located within the chamber in which a wick into which the aerosol-forming substance is absorbed is disposed, and the outlet may be connected to the wick.

[0044] The pump may be located external to the reservoir and the chamber.

[0045] The aerosol-forming material discharge assembly according to one embodiment may further include a first sealing member disposed between the inlet and the storage member and configured to prevent the aerosol-forming material from leaking out of the storage member.

[0046] A cartridge according to one embodiment may include an aerosol-generating substance discharge assembly according to one embodiment, a wick disposed inside the chamber and into which the aerosol-generating substance is absorbed, and a heating section disposed inside the chamber and which heats the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick.

[0047] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material discharge assembly according to one embodiment, a cartridge including the aerosol generating material discharge assembly, a wick disposed inside the chamber and into which the aerosol generating material is absorbed, and a heating section disposed inside the chamber and which heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick, a battery that supplies power for operation of the pump, and a processor that controls operation of the pump.

[0048] An aerosol-generating material discharge assembly according to one embodiment includes a storage pack in which an aerosol-generating material is stored, a storage unit surrounding the exterior of the storage pack and having an air inlet hole through which air flows in, a chamber connected to the storage pack and receiving the aerosol-generating material from the storage pack, and a pump transporting the aerosol-generating material to the chamber and thereby allowing external air to flow into the storage unit through the air inlet hole.

[0049] The air introduced into the storage unit through the air inlet may pressurize the storage pack and induce the aerosol-generating material to move to the chamber.

[0050] The storage pack may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the storage unit, and an air inflow space may be formed between the storage pack and the inner surface of the storage unit.

[0051] The storage pack may comprise a material that is capable of shrinking to reduce its volume.

[0052] The storage pack may include at least one of polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene.

[0053] The storage pack may include a discharge hole communicating with the chamber through which the aerosol-forming material is discharged.

[0054] The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly according to one embodiment may further include a pack support that supports the storage pack outside the storage pack.

[0055] The pack support may include a passage hole through which air introduced into the storage portion passes.

[0056] The storage pack may include a first portion having a first material and coupled to the chamber, and a second portion having a second material different from the first material, the first material having a lower strength than the second material.

[0057] Once the pump transfers the aerosol-forming material to the chamber, the storage pack may be deflated.

[0058] The pump may include an inlet connected to the reservoir and an outlet connected to the chamber.

[0059] The pump may be located within the chamber in which a wick into which the aerosol-forming substance is absorbed is disposed, and the outlet may be connected to the wick.

[0060] The aerosol generating material discharge assembly according to an embodiment may further include an airflow passage connected to the chamber and separated from the air inlet hole to allow external air to flow in.

[0061] A cartridge according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material discharge assembly according to one embodiment, a wick disposed inside the chamber and into which the aerosol generating material is absorbed, and a heating section disposed inside the chamber and which heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick.

[0062] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include an aerosol generating material discharge assembly according to one embodiment, a cartridge including the aerosol generating material discharge assembly, a wick disposed inside the chamber and into which the aerosol generating material is absorbed, and a heating section disposed inside the chamber and which heats the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick, a battery that supplies power for operation of the pump, and a processor that controls operation of the pump.

[0063] The terms used in the embodiments are currently commonly used terms, and are selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of engineers in the field, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings 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 meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0064] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it does not mean that it excludes other components and may further include other components, 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.

[0065] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array and not each individual element in the array. 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The aerosol generating device includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the conductive track, the heater may be heated.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. Tobacco rods can be made in sheet or strand form, and tobacco sheets can be made from shredded tobacco. The tobacco rod is surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this.

[0070] 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.

[0071] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0072] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating material and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the body or assembled and fixed so that it cannot be removed by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with the aerosol generating material stored therein. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0073] The cartridge holds 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 be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0074] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, and functions to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material are mixed with air.

[0075] 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, i.e., 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 deliver the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0076] 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. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0077] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, for example, the wick being positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the transducer.

[0079] 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 are transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0080] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed into the core is reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance is broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to this.

[0081] 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 by induction heating.

[0082] The aerosol generating device includes 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 is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. The susceptor is located inside the coil, and generates heat when a magnetic field is applied, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol product.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0084] The aerosol generating device may be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0085] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in 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.

[0086] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0087] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example in which an aerosol product is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0088] 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 10, a processor 20, a heater 30, and a vaporizer 40. An aerosol product 2 is inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0089] 1 and 2 includes a vaporizer, the embodiment is not limited by the realization method of the aerosol generation device, and the vaporizer 40 may be omitted from the aerosol generation device 1. When the vaporizer 40 is omitted from the aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol product 2 contains an aerosol-generating substance, and when the aerosol product 2 is heated by the heater 30, the aerosol product 2 generates an aerosol.

[0090] The components according to this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the aerosol generating device 1 may further include other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0091] 1 and 2 show that the aerosol generating device 1 includes a heater 30, but the heater 30 may be omitted if necessary.

[0092] 1 shows that the battery 10, the processor 20, the vaporizer 40, and the heater 30 are arranged in a line. Also, FIG. 2 shows that the vaporizer 40 and the heater 30 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 or 2. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 10, the processor 20, the vaporizer 40, and the heater 30 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0093] When the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 activates the vaporizer 40 to generate an aerosol from the vaporizer 40. The aerosol generated by the vaporizer 40 passes through the aerosol product 2 and is delivered to the user. The vaporizer 40 will be described in more detail below.

[0094] The battery 10 supplies power used when the aerosol generation device 1 operates. For example, the battery 10 supplies power to heat the heater 30 or the vaporizer 40, and supplies power required when the processor 20 operates. The battery 10 also supplies power required when a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generation device 1 operate.

[0095] The processor 20 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the processor 20 controls the operation of not only the battery 10, the heater 30, and the vaporizer 40, but also other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1. The processor 20 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

[0096] The processor 20 includes at least one processor, which may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, a general-purpose microprocessor in combination with a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor, or other hardware implementations, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0097] The heater 30 is heated by power supplied from the battery 10. For example, when the aerosol production product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the heater 30 is located outside the aerosol production product 2. Thus, the heated heater 30 increases the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance inside the aerosol production product 2.

[0098] The heater 30 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 30 has a conductive track, and current flows through the conductive track to heat the heater 30. However, the heater 30 is not limited to the above example, and any heater that can heat up to a desired temperature can be used without any restrictions. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generation device 1, or may be set to the desired temperature by the user.

[0099] Alternatively, the heater 30 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 30 includes an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol product, and the aerosol product includes a susceptor that is heated by the induction heater.

[0100] 1 and 2, the heater 30 is shown as being disposed externally of the aerosol product 2, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 30 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 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0101] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 30 may be arranged in the aerosol generation device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 30 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, or may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 30 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 30 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and various shapes may be produced.

[0102] The vaporizer 40 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which is then transmitted to the user through the aerosol product 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 40 travels along an airflow passage in the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage is configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 40 to pass through the aerosol product 2 and be transmitted to the user.

[0103] For example, the vaporizer 40 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 provided in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0104] The liquid storage unit stores a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be configured to be detachable from the vaporizer 40, or may be configured as an integral part of the vaporizer 40.

[0105] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavorings include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavorings include ingredients that provide the user with a variety of flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also contain an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0106] The liquid transfer means transfers the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element, for example, but not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.

[0107] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer 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 composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by supplying electric current, and transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0108] For example, the vaporizer 40 may be called, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0109] Meanwhile, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 10, the processor 20, the heater 30, and the vaporizer 40. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 includes a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generation device 1 also includes at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, or an aerosol product insertion sensor). The aerosol generation device 1 is also constructed so that external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out even when the aerosol product 2 is inserted.

[0110] 1 and 2, the aerosol generation device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 10 of the aerosol generation device 1. Alternatively, the heater 30 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generation device 1 are coupled together.

[0111] The aerosol-producing product 2 is similar to a typical combustion-type cigarette. For example, the aerosol-producing product 2 is divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the aerosol-producing product 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0112] The entire first part is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, and the second part is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part, or both the first part and the second part, may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 1. A user inhales the aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by outside air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0113] As one example, outside air flows in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the opening and / or closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. As another example, outside air can flow into the aerosol product 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol product 2.

[0114] An example of an aerosol product 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0115] 3 and 4 are drawings showing examples of aerosol products.

[0116] 3, the aerosol product 2 comprises a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises the tobacco rod 21, and the second portion comprises the filter rod 22.

[0117] 3, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function, as needed.

[0118] The aerosol product 2 is wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 has at least one hole through which external air can enter or internal gas can escape. In one example, the aerosol product 2 is wrapped in a single wrapper 24. In another example, the aerosol product 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 stacked one on top of the other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 is wrapped in a first wrapper 24a, and the filter rod 22 is wrapped in wrappers 24b, 24c, and 24d. The entire aerosol product 2 may then be repackaged in a single wrapper 24e. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in a wrapper 24b, 24c, or 24d.

[0119] The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited to these. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0120] The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in the form of a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 21 may also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod 21 may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may also function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include a susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0121] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be formed in a different shape.

[0122] The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22, or a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

[0123] The filter rod 22 also includes at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 generates a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 23 may be, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0124] If the filter rod 22 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment is made of a polymeric or biodegradable polymeric material. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter with multiple holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above examples, and may be any material that can perform the function of cooling the aerosol.

[0125] 4, the aerosol production product 3 further includes a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 1 and 2) during smoking.

[0126] The filter rod 32 comprises a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 3, and the second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG.

[0127] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 3 correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 2 in Figure 3. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm.

[0128] The aerosol product 3 is wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 has at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 is wrapped by the first wrapper 35a, the tobacco rod 31 is wrapped by the second wrapper 35b, the first segment 321 is wrapped by the third wrapper 35c, and the second segment 322 is wrapped by the fourth wrapper 35d.

[0129] The entire aerosol product 3 may then be repackaged using the fifth wrapper 35e. At least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 35e. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 serves to transfer heat generated by the heater 30 shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0130] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 generates a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 34 may be, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0131] 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. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include 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. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0132] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device in which a cartridge according to one embodiment is used.

[0133] 5, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a cartridge 100, an aerosol generating device body 200, a cap 300, and a heater assembly 400. However, the components of the aerosol generating device 1 are not limited thereto, and at least one of the above-described components (e.g., the cap 300) may be omitted or other components may be added depending on the embodiment.

[0134] An aerosol-generating material is stored inside the cartridge 100, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 100 is supplied to a heating unit included in the cartridge 100. The aerosol-generating material is then aerosolized by the heating unit in a chamber included in the cartridge 100. In the present invention, the term "aerosol" refers to particles generated when the vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material mixes with air, and this term will be used in the same sense hereinafter.

[0135] The aerosol-forming material stored within cartridge 100 may include a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor components, or may include a liquid composition containing non-tobacco materials.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition includes any one or a mixture of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, and vitamin mixture. Flavoring includes, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients. Flavoring includes ingredients that provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture includes, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition also includes an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0137] For example, the liquid composition may include a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may also include two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine, and may be present in any suitable concentration by weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0138] The acid for forming the nicotine salt is appropriately selected taking into consideration the blood nicotine absorption rate, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 1, the flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt can be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharinic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

[0139] The aerosol generation device main body 200 is located below the cartridge 100 and the cap 300 (for example, the part facing the −z direction) and can support the cartridge 100 and the cap 300.

[0140] According to one embodiment, components for operating the aerosol generation device 1 may be arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 200. For example, a battery (not shown) and a processor (not shown) may be arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 200. However, the battery and the processor are merely examples of components arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 200, and other components (e.g., a user interface, a sensor, etc.) in addition to the above-mentioned components may also be arranged inside the aerosol generation device main body 200.

[0141] The battery can supply power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery can be electrically connected to the heating portion and heater assembly 400 of the cartridge 100 and supply power to heat the heating portion and heater assembly 400. As another example, the battery can also supply power necessary to operate other components of the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., a processor, etc.).

[0142] The processor can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The processor may also be embodied by an array of multiple logic gates, and may be embodied by, but is not limited to, a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the processor can control the power supplied from the battery to the heating section and heater assembly 400 of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the processor can control the amount of power and the duration of power supply supplied from the battery to the heating section and heater assembly 400 so that the heating section and heater assembly 400 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a specified temperature.

[0144] The cap 300 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the cartridge 100, at least a portion of the aerosol generation device body 200, and at least a portion of the heater assembly 400. For example, the cap 300 may be coupled to the aerosol generation device body 200 so as to surround the entire exterior of the cartridge 100 and the entire exterior of the heater assembly 400. The cap 300 can protect the cartridge 100, the aerosol generation device body 200, and the heater assembly 400 from external impact or the inflow of external foreign matter. The cap 300 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generation device body 200.

[0145] The cap 300 includes a cap body, a door, and a cap hole.

[0146] The cap body functions as a main body of the cap 300 and is detachably coupled to the aerosol generation device body 200. A door guide hole into which at least a portion of the door is inserted to guide the movement of the door may be formed in the cap body.

[0147] The door is located at the top of the cap body (e.g., the part facing the +z direction) and opens or closes the cap hole. The door is inserted into the door guide hole of the cap body and moves along one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0148] The cap hole is formed in the upper part of the cap body (e.g., the part facing the +z direction) and communicates with the receiving part 400a of the heater assembly 400. When the cap 300 is coupled to the aerosol generation device body 200, the aerosol product 2 can be received in the receiving part 400a of the heater assembly 400 by passing through the cap hole and the receiving part 400a in that order.

[0149] The cap 300 may further include a window 350 .

[0150] Window 350 may include a transparent material, such as acrylic or glass. Window 350 may be formed on the outer surface of the cap body along one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) at a corresponding position on cartridge 100. A user can check the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material stored in cartridge 100 through window 350.

[0151] The heater assembly 400 for the aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as the "heater assembly") is coupled to the aerosol generating device body 200 to house the aerosol product 2 and heat the aerosol product 2. In this case, the heater assembly 400 heats the tobacco rod of the aerosol product 2 described in FIGS. 3 and 4, thereby heating the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol product 2.

[0152] The heater assembly 400 may have a receiving portion 400a into which the aerosol product 2 is inserted. The aerosol generated inside the cartridge 100 may pass through the aerosol product 2 received in the receiving portion 400a and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. In this case, a user may bring the aerosol product 2 into contact with the mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 through the aerosol product 2.

[0153] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device in which a cartridge according to another embodiment is used.

[0154] 6, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a cartridge 100, an aerosol generating device body 200, a heater assembly 400, and a cover 500. However, the components of the aerosol generating device 1 are not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, at least one of the above-mentioned components (e.g., the cover 500) may be omitted or another component may be added.

[0155] Furthermore, at least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Figure 5 (for example, cartridge 100), and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0156] An aerosol-generating substance is stored inside the cartridge 100, and the aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 100 can be supplied to a heater assembly 400 located at the lower end of the cartridge 100 (e.g., the part facing the -z direction).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 100 may include a mouthpiece 100m for supplying aerosol to a user. For example, the mouthpiece 100m may connect or fluidly connect the interior of the heater assembly 400 to the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1, and the aerosol generated inside the heater assembly 400 may be discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1 through the mouthpiece 100m. In this case, the user may inhale the aerosol discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1 by contacting their mouth with the mouthpiece 100m. Meanwhile, the expression "fluidly connected" used herein means that components are connected so that a fluid, such as air or a liquid, can flow through them.

[0158] The aerosol generation device body 200 is located at the lower end of the heater assembly 400 to support the heater assembly 400, and components for operating the aerosol generation device 1 may be disposed inside the aerosol generation device body 200. The components disposed inside the aerosol generation device body 200 are the same as or similar to those described in FIG. 5, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0159] The heater assembly 400 is located between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generating device body 200 and functions to convert the phase of the aerosol generating material into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. The heater assembly 400 heats the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge 100 to generate an aerosol.

[0160] For example, heater assembly 400 can heat the aerosol-generating substance supplied from cartridge 100 to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating substance. The generated vapor can be mixed with external air flowing into heater assembly 400 from the outside, thereby generating an aerosol. Heater assembly 400 can include the heating section and chamber described in FIG. 5.

[0161] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 allows replacement of the cartridge 100 and / or the heater assembly 400 through a structure in which the cartridge 100 and the heater assembly 400 are detachably connected and the heater assembly 400 and the aerosol generating device main body 200 are detachably connected.

[0162] When the aerosol-generating material stored in the cartridge 100 is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing cartridge 100 with a new cartridge 100. As another example, if the performance of a component (e.g., heater or wick) of the heater assembly 400 deteriorates such that a sufficient amount of aerosol is not being generated, the user can replace the existing heater assembly 400 with a new heater assembly 400 to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0163] When the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 100 is consumed and the cartridge 100 needs to be replaced, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may be embodied in a structure in which only the cartridge 100 is replaced and the heater assembly 400 is reusable. This is because the cartridge 100 is detachably coupled to the heater assembly 400. As a result, even when the cartridge 100 needs to be replaced, components such as the heater included in the heater assembly 400 do not necessarily need to be replaced together, thereby reducing the overall usage cost of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a cover 500 for protecting the components of the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0165] The cover 500 is arranged to surround at least a region of the cartridge 100, the aerosol generation device main body 200, and the heater assembly 400, and can fix the positions of the cartridge 100, the aerosol generation device main body 200, and the heater assembly 400 and protect the cartridge 100, the aerosol generation device main body 200, and the heater assembly 400 from external impact or the inflow of foreign matter.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the cover 500 may be, but is not limited to, integrally formed with the aerosol generation device body 200. In another embodiment, the cover 500 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generation device body 200.

[0167] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment including a pump.

[0168] 7, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage section 110, a chamber 120, a heating section 130, and a pump 140. The cartridge 100 may be the same as or similar to the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and therefore, a repeated description will be omitted below.

[0169] The storage unit 110 stores the aerosol-generating substance, is disposed in the upper portion of the chamber 120 (for example, the portion facing the +z direction), and may be connected or fluid-connected to the interior space of the chamber 120.

[0170] An air inlet hole 111 may be formed in the storage unit 110. The air inlet hole 111 may function to allow air to flow into the interior space of the storage unit 110. The air inlet hole 111 may be connected to the outside of the aerosol generator body. To this end, a hole may be formed in the aerosol generator body at a position corresponding to the air inlet hole 111. While FIG. 7 shows an example in which the air inlet hole 111 is formed in the upper part of the storage unit 110 (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction), this is merely an example, and the air inlet hole 111 may be formed on one side of the storage unit 110 (e.g., a portion facing the −x direction) as long as air can flow into the storage unit 110.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the storage part 110 may have a plurality of air inlet holes 111 formed therein.

[0172] The chamber 120 may provide a space in which an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The chamber 120 may be disposed at a lower portion (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction) of the storage unit 110 and at one side (e.g., a portion facing the -x direction) of the heater assembly, and may be connected to the storage unit 110 and the heater assembly. Thus, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 may flow into the internal space of the chamber 120, and the aerosol generated in the internal space of the chamber 120 may move to the receiving portion of the heater assembly.

[0173] The cartridge 100 may further include a plate 125 .

[0174] The plate 125 is disposed between the storage unit 110 and the chamber 120 and serves to prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 to the outside of the cartridge 100. For example, the plate 125 may be coupled to the storage unit 110 and the chamber 120 by an interference fit, but the coupling method is not limited thereto. The plate 125 may include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0175] An aerosol-generating material inlet (not shown) may be formed in the plate 125. The aerosol-generating material inlet may be connected or fluidly connected to the interior space of the chamber 120, and the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 may flow into the interior space of the chamber 120 through the aerosol-generating material inlet. Thus, the aerosol-generating material flowing into the interior space of the chamber 120 may be absorbed into the wick 132 inside the chamber 120 and heated by the heating coil 131.

[0176] The heating unit 130 is disposed inside the chamber 120 and may have the function of converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material into a gas phase. A heating unit receiving groove for receiving the heating unit 130 is formed in the chamber 120, and the heating unit 130 may be disposed in the chamber 120 by being received in the heating unit receiving groove.

[0177] The heating unit 130 may heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage unit 110. For example, the heating unit 130 heats the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage unit 110 to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material, and the generated vapor may be mixed with external air flowing into the chamber 120. In this way, an aerosol may be generated.

[0178] The heating portion 130 may include a heating coil 131 and a wick 132 .

[0179] The heating coil 131 can heat the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 132. The heating coil 131 can be arranged so as to be wound around the wick 132. For example, the heating coil 131 can heat the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 132 using power supplied from a battery in the aerosol generating device body.

[0180] The heating coil 131 may include a metal material that generates heat through electrical resistance. For example, the heating coil 131 may include stainless steel to prevent corrosion by the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 132, but the metal material of the heating coil 131 is not limited thereto. As another example, the heating coil 131 may include a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten.

[0181] The wick 132 is positioned inside the chamber 120 at the lower part of the storage portion 110 (e.g., the part facing the -z direction) and can absorb the aerosol-generating substance that flows from the storage portion 110 into the internal space of the chamber 120.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the wick 132 may include a cotton material. However, the material of the wick 132 is not limited to the above embodiment and may include other materials (e.g., glass or ceramic) depending on the embodiment.

[0183] The wick 132 can be accommodated in a heater accommodating groove of the chamber 120. By accommodating the wick 132 in the heater accommodating groove, the heater 130 can be fixed in position inside the chamber 120.

[0184] The pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 to the chamber 120, thereby allowing external air to flow into the storage unit 110 through the air inlet hole 111. That is, as the pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material to the chamber 120, the space occupied by the aerosol-generating material on the storage unit 110 decreases, and as a result, the space occupied by the air on the storage unit 110 increases. In this case, the pressure of the air inside the storage unit 110 becomes lower than the pressure outside the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., atmospheric pressure), and therefore the external air can flow into the storage unit 110 through the air inlet hole 111.

[0185] According to one embodiment, air flowing into the storage unit 110 through the air inlet hole 111 may pressurize the aerosol-generating material toward the chamber 120. Therefore, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 can easily move to the chamber 120, allowing a sufficient amount of aerosol to be generated within the chamber 120. The pump 140 may be connected or fluidly connected to the interior of the storage unit 110.

[0186] In one embodiment, the pump 140 may be disposed inside the chamber 120. The pump 140 may also be a micropump, and may be powered by a battery of the aerosol generating device, and the operation of the pump 140 may be controlled by a processor. In the present invention, the micropump refers to a miniaturized pump that can be freely disposed inside the chamber 120.

[0187] When the pump 140 is disposed inside the chamber 120, a receiving portion for receiving the pump 140 may be formed in the chamber 120, and the receiving portion may include a groove into which at least a portion of the pump 140 is inserted.

[0188] The aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a according to an embodiment may include a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, and a pump 140. The aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a according to an embodiment is a component included in the cartridge 100, and functions to easily discharge the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 to the chamber 120. The storage unit 110, the chamber 120, and the pump 140 included in the aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a have been described above, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0189] Hereinafter, a process in which the aerosol-generating material is discharged by the pump 140 in the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0190] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to one embodiment taken along the line II in FIG. 5, showing the cartridge before use.

[0191] 8, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a heating unit 130, a pump 140, and an airflow passage 150. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 7 (e.g., the storage unit 110), and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0192] The pump 140 may be disposed inside the chamber 120 and may transfer the aerosol-generating material 101 stored in the storage unit 110 to the chamber 120. In one embodiment, the pump 140 may be disposed inside the chamber 120 at a position adjacent to the first hole 121. The first hole 121 is a hole through which the aerosol generated inside the chamber 120 is discharged. The pump 140 may be electrically connected to the battery 10 and may be supplied with power from the battery 10.

[0193] When the pump 140 is disposed inside the chamber 120, a hole may be formed in the chamber 120 through which the power line of the battery 10 passes. In this case, the cartridge 100 according to an embodiment may further include a sealing member for sealing the gap between the power line and the hole. The sealing member may be formed in a circular ring shape and may include a rubber material.

[0194] The pump 140 may include an inlet 141 and an outlet 142 .

[0195] The inlet 141 may be connected to the storage unit 110. Specifically, the inlet 141 may be fluidly connected to a space inside the storage unit 110 where the aerosol-generating material 101 is stored. When the pump 140 is operated, the aerosol-generating material 101 may flow into the pump 140 through the inlet 141. For example, the inlet 141 may be connected to the storage unit 110 through a hose, and the hose may pass through an aerosol-generating material inlet of a plate or a hose passage hole formed in the plate.

[0196] Outlet 142 may be connected to chamber 120. Specifically, outlet 142 may be connected to a wick of heating unit 130 inside chamber 120. Aerosol-generating material 101 flowing into pump 140 through inlet 141 may pass through outlet 142 and be absorbed into the wick. For example, outlet 142 may be connected to the wick of heating unit 130 via a hose.

[0197] The airflow passage 150 may function to allow external air to flow into the cartridge 100. The airflow passage 150 may be formed along one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) on one side (e.g., the -x direction) of the storage unit 110. Air flowing into the cartridge 100 through the airflow passage 150 may then flow into the chamber 120 through the second hole 122 of the chamber 120. The second hole 122 is connected to the airflow passage 150 and the internal space of the chamber 120, and may allow external air to flow into the chamber 120.

[0198] In one embodiment, the air flow passage 150 may be formed at a position on the cartridge 100 that is spaced apart from the air inlet hole 111. That is, the air inlet hole 111 may be disposed at a position on the cartridge 100 that is spaced apart from the second hole 122 connected to the air flow passage 150. As a result, the airflow of external air introduced into the cartridge 100 flows in two directions. Specifically, the external air introduced through the air inlet hole 111 moves in a direction toward the interior of the storage unit 110 (e.g., the -z direction, Air1 in FIG. 8), and the external air introduced through the air flow passage 150 moves in a direction toward the interior of the chamber 120 (e.g., the -z direction and +x direction, Air2 in FIG. 8).

[0199] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly 100a includes:

[0200] The aerosol generating material discharge assembly 100a may include a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a pump 140, and an airflow passage 150. The storage unit 110, the chamber 120, the pump 140, and the airflow passage 150 included in the aerosol generating material discharge assembly 100a have been described above, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0201] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to one embodiment taken along line II in FIG. 5 and showing the cartridge in use.

[0202] 9, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage section 110, a chamber 120, a heating section 130, a pump 140, and an airflow passage 150. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 8 (e.g., the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly 100a), and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0203] In one embodiment, as pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material to chamber 120, external air Air1 may flow into storage unit 110. That is, as pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material to chamber 120, the space occupied by the aerosol-generating material on storage unit 110 decreases, and as a result, the space occupied by air on storage unit 110 increases. In this case, the pressure of the air inside storage unit 110 becomes lower than the pressure outside aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., atmospheric pressure), and therefore external air Air1 may flow into storage unit 110 through air inlet hole 111.

[0204] External air Air1 pressurizes aerosol-generating material 101 downward (e.g., in the -z direction), causing the aerosol-generating material 101 to flow through the aerosol-generating material inlet of the plate and into chamber 120. The aerosol-generating material flowing into chamber 120 is absorbed into the core of heating unit 130, and the heating coil of heating unit 130 can heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core of heating unit 130.

[0205] At this time, the aerosol-generating material 101 heated by the heating unit 130 is mixed with the air flowing through the airflow passage 150 and the second hole 122 into the chamber 120, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0206] As described above, the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment easily supplies the aerosol generating material 101 to the chamber 120 via the pump 140, thereby realizing a structure that generates and supplies a sufficient amount of aerosol to the user.

[0207] Furthermore, in the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment, the pump 140 is located inside the chamber 120, which reduces the possibility of the aerosol-generating material 101 leaking outside the cartridge 100 during operation of the pump 140. This is because the pump 140 performs all of its operations inside the chamber 120 during the process of supplying the aerosol-generating material 101 from the storage unit 110 to the chamber 120. As the possibility of the aerosol-generating material 101 leaking outside the cartridge 100 is reduced, the possibility of breakdown of internal components of the aerosol generating device body may also be reduced.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the processor may control the operating speed of the pump 140 depending on the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101 stored in the storage unit 110. To this end, the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a measurement unit that measures the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101. When the measurement unit detects that the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101 is equal to or less than a first remaining amount value, the operating speed of the pump 140 may be reduced to a first speed. Thus, when the aerosol-generating material 101 is consumed and falls below the preset first remaining amount value, the processor may reduce the operating speed of the pump 140 to reduce the amount of power consumed by the battery 10.

[0209] The first remaining amount value is the volume occupied by the aerosol-generating material in the total volume inside the storage unit 110, for example, 1 / 5 of the total volume inside the storage unit 110. In addition, the first speed is 1 / 3 of the initial operating speed of the pump 140.

[0210] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment showing one possible arrangement of the pump.

[0211] 10, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage portion 110, a chamber 120, a pump 140, a first sealing portion 160, and a second sealing portion 170. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 (e.g., the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly 100a), and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0212] According to one embodiment, pump 140 may be disposed outside storage unit 110 and chamber 120. In this case, pump 140 may be connected to storage unit 110 through inlet 141 and to chamber 120 through outlet 142. Specifically, inlet 141 may be connected to the interior space of storage unit 110 and connected to the aerosol generating material, and outlet 142 may be connected to the interior space of chamber 120 and connected to the wick. A hole for connection of inlet 141 may be formed in storage unit 110, and a hole for connection of outlet 142 may be formed in chamber 120.

[0213] Since the pump 140 is disposed outside the storage unit 110 and the chamber 120, the pump 140 does not interfere with components (e.g., a heating unit) disposed inside the chamber 120. This allows the chamber 120 to be made smaller, and as a result, the cartridge 100 to be made smaller. In this case, the pump 140 may be disposed inside the aerosol generation device main body 200.

[0214] The first sealing part 160 may be disposed between the inlet 141 and the storage part 110. The first sealing part 160 may function to prevent the aerosol-generating material from leaking out of the storage part 110. This may prevent breakdown of components inside the aerosol generating device (e.g., the battery 10). For example, the first sealing part 160 may be disposed to surround the outside of the hose of the inlet 141.

[0215] The first sealing portion 160 may include a material such as rubber. The first sealing portion 160 may be formed in an overall circular ring shape, but this is merely an example, and the first sealing portion 160 may be formed in other shapes as long as it can seal between the inlet 141 and the storage portion 110.

[0216] The second sealing unit 170 may be disposed between the outlet 142 and the chamber 120. The second sealing unit 170 may function to prevent the aerosol or vapor generated inside the chamber 120 from leaking out of the chamber 120. This may further prevent breakdown of components inside the aerosol generating device (e.g., the battery 10). For example, the second sealing unit 170 may be disposed to surround the outside of the hose of the outlet 142.

[0217] The second sealing portion 170 may include a material such as rubber. The second sealing portion 170 may be formed in a generally circular ring shape, but this is merely an example, and the second sealing portion 170 may be formed in other shapes as long as it can seal between the outlet 142 and the chamber 120.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly 100a may include a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a pump 140, a first sealing unit 160, and a second sealing unit 170. The storage unit 110, the chamber 120, the pump 140, the first sealing unit 160, and the second sealing unit 170 included in the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly 100a have been described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0219] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a cartridge according to another embodiment showing the state before use, and FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a cartridge according to another embodiment showing the state during use.

[0220] 11A and 11B, a cartridge 100 according to an embodiment may include a storage portion 110, a chamber 120, a pump 140, and an identification member 180. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0221] The identification member 180 may be disposed inside the storage unit 110 so as to come into contact with the aerosol-generating material 101. Specifically, the identification member 180 may be disposed at the upper end of the aerosol-generating material 101 (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction). This allows the identification member 180 to move according to the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101. For example, the identification member 180 may move along the extension direction of the cartridge 100 (e.g., the z-axis direction) according to the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101.

[0222] An example of identification member 180 that moves depending on the remaining amount of aerosol-generating substance 101 will be described below.

[0223] 11A, before cartridge 100 is used, identification member 180 may be located at first position P1 in contact with aerosol-generating material 101 inside storage unit 110. When pump 140 is operated, external air is introduced into storage unit 110 through air inlet hole 111, and aerosol-generating material 101 may move from storage unit 110 to chamber 120.

[0224] At this time, an aerosol is generated inside the chamber 120, and the generated aerosol can be discharged to the outside of the cartridge 100 along the second hole 122 of the chamber 120.

[0225] Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, as the aerosol-generating material 101 inside the storage section 110 is gradually consumed, the identification member 180 that comes into contact with the aerosol-generating material 101 can move in one direction (e.g., the -z direction).

[0226] At this time, the external air flowing in through the air inlet hole 111 pressurizes the identification member 180 in one direction (e.g., the -z direction), and the identification member 180 pressurizes the aerosol-generating material 101 toward the chamber 120, so that the aerosol-generating material 101 can be easily discharged from the storage section 110 to the chamber 120.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the identification member 180 may have a distinguishable color. For example, the identification member 180 may have at least one of red, green, and black. This allows the user to easily determine the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material 101 through the identification member 180. When the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment includes the identification member 180, the storage portion 110 may include a transparent material (e.g., acrylic), and a window in the cap may be formed at a corresponding position in the storage portion 110.

[0228] Hereinafter, a process in which the aerosol-generating material is discharged by the pump 140 in the cartridge 100 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0229] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to another embodiment taken along the line II in FIG. 5, showing the cartridge before use.

[0230] 12, a cartridge 100 according to an embodiment may include a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a heating unit 130, a pump 140, an airflow passage 150, and an identification member 180. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 11, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0231] The pump 140 may be disposed inside the chamber 120 and may transfer the aerosol-generating material 101 stored in the storage unit 110 to the chamber 120. In one embodiment, the pump 140 may be disposed inside the chamber 120 at a position adjacent to the first hole 121. The first hole 121 is also a hole through which the aerosol generated inside the chamber 120 is discharged. The pump 140 may be electrically connected to the battery 10 and may be supplied with power from the battery 10.

[0232] When the pump 140 is disposed inside the chamber 120, a hole may be formed in the chamber 120 through which the power line of the battery 10 passes. In this case, the cartridge 100 according to an embodiment may further include a sealing member for sealing the gap between the power line and the hole. The sealing member may be formed in a circular ring shape and may include a rubber material.

[0233] The pump 140 may include an inlet 141 and an outlet 142 .

[0234] The inlet 141 may be connected to the storage unit 110. Specifically, the inlet 141 may be fluidly connected to a space inside the storage unit 110 where the aerosol-generating material 101 is stored. When the pump 140 is operated, the aerosol-generating material 101 may flow into the pump 140 through the inlet 141. For example, the inlet 141 may be connected to the storage unit 110 through a hose, and the hose may pass through an aerosol-generating material inlet of a plate or a hose passage hole formed in the plate.

[0235] Outlet 142 may be connected to chamber 120. Specifically, outlet 142 may be connected to a wick of heating unit 130 inside chamber 120. Aerosol-generating material 101 flowing into pump 140 through inlet 141 may pass through outlet 142 and be absorbed into the wick. For example, outlet 142 may be connected to the wick of heating unit 130 via a hose.

[0236] The airflow passage 150 may function to allow external air to flow into the cartridge 100. The airflow passage 150 may be formed along one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) on one side (e.g., the -x direction) of the storage unit 110. Air flowing into the cartridge 100 through the airflow passage 150 may then flow into the chamber 120 through the second hole 122 of the chamber 120. The second hole 122 is connected to the airflow passage 150 and the internal space of the chamber 120, and may allow external air to flow into the chamber 120.

[0237] In one embodiment, the air flow passage 150 may be formed at a position spaced apart from the air inlet hole 111 on the cartridge 100. That is, the air inlet hole 111 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the second hole 122 connected to the air flow passage 150 on the cartridge 100. As a result, the flow of external air introduced into the cartridge 100 occurs in two directions. Specifically, the external air introduced through the air inlet hole 111 moves in a direction toward the interior of the storage unit 110 (e.g., the -z direction, Air1 in FIG. 12), and the external air introduced through the air flow passage 150 moves in a direction toward the interior of the chamber 120 (e.g., the -z direction and +x direction, Air2 in FIG. 12).

[0238] The identification member 180 may be disposed inside the storage unit 110 so as to be in contact with the aerosol-generating material 101. This allows the identification member 180 to move in one direction (e.g., the −z direction) depending on the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101.

[0239] In one embodiment, the identification member 180 can move while in contact with the inner surface 112 of the storage unit 110. As a result, the space in the storage unit 110 in which the aerosol-generating material 101 is disposed and the space above the identification member 180 (e.g., in the +z direction) can be sealed relative to the identification member 180. Therefore, in the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material 101 does not penetrate into the space above the identification member 180, and as a result, no liquid leaks to the outside of the cartridge 100 through the air inlet hole 111. The inner surface 112 of the storage unit 110 is also the side of the storage unit 110 that faces the space in which the aerosol-generating material 101 is disposed.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a may include a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a pump 140, an airflow passage 150, and an identification member 180. The storage unit 110, the chamber 120, the pump 140, the airflow passage 150, and the identification member 180 included in the aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a have been described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0241] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to another embodiment taken along the line II in FIG. 5, showing the cartridge in use.

[0242] 13, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage section 110, a chamber 120, a heating section 130, a pump 140, an airflow passage 150, and an identification member 180. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 12 (e.g., the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly 100a), and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0243] In one embodiment, as pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material to chamber 120, external air Air1 may flow into storage unit 110. External air Air1 presses identification member 180 downward (e.g., in the -z direction), causing identification member 180 to pressurize aerosol-generating material 101 downward. As a result, aerosol-generating material 101 may flow into chamber 120 through the aerosol-generating material inlet of the plate. Aerosol-generating material 101 flowing into chamber 120 is absorbed into the core of heating unit 130, and the heating coil of heating unit 130 may heat the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core of heating unit 130.

[0244] At this time, the aerosol-generating material 101 heated by the heating unit 130 is mixed with the air flowing into the chamber 120 through the airflow passage 150 and the second hole 122, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0245] As described above, the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment can easily supply the aerosol generating material 101 to the chamber 120 through the pump 140 and the identification member 180, thereby realizing a structure that generates and supplies a sufficient amount of aerosol to the user.

[0246] Furthermore, in the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment, the pump 140 is located inside the chamber 120, which reduces the possibility of the aerosol-generating material 101 leaking outside the cartridge 100 during operation of the pump 140. This is because the pump 140 performs all of its operations inside the chamber 120 during the process of supplying the aerosol-generating material 101 from the storage unit 110 to the chamber 120. As the aerosol-generating material 101 is less likely to leak outside the cartridge 100, the possibility of breakdown of internal components of the aerosol generating device body is also reduced.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the processor may control the operating speed of the pump 140 according to the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101 stored in the storage unit 110. The processor may slow down the operating speed of the pump 140 to a first speed when it detects that the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101 is equal to or less than a first remaining amount value. Thus, when the aerosol-generating material 101 is consumed and falls below the preset first remaining amount value, the processor slows down the operating speed of the pump 140 to reduce the amount of power consumed by the battery 10.

[0248] The first remaining amount is the volume occupied by the aerosol-generating material in the total volume inside the storage unit 110, for example, 1 / 5 of the total volume inside the storage unit 110. Also, the first speed is 1 / 3 of the operating speed of the initial pump 140.

[0249] Identification member 180 can move downward (e.g., in the −z-axis direction) as the remaining amount of aerosol-generating substance 101 decreases. At this time, the user can easily grasp the remaining amount of aerosol-generating substance 101 through identification member 180, which includes a distinguishable hue.

[0250] 12 and 13, pump 140 may also be disposed outside storage unit 110 and chamber 120. In this case, pump 140 may be connected to storage unit 110 through inlet 141 and to chamber 120 through outlet 142. Specifically, inlet 141 may be connected to the interior space of storage unit 110 and connected to aerosol-generating material 101, and outlet 142 may be connected to the interior space of chamber 120 and connected to a wick.

[0251] By disposing the pump 140 outside the storage portion 110 and the chamber 120, the pump 140 does not interfere with components (e.g., a heating portion) disposed inside the chamber 120. This allows the chamber 120 to be made smaller, and as a result, the cartridge 100 can be made smaller.

[0252] When the pump 140 is disposed outside the storage portion 110 and the chamber 120, the cartridge 100 may further include a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion. The first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are the same as or similar to the first sealing portion 160 and the second sealing portion 170 shown in FIG. 10, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0253] Fig. 14 is an internal perspective view of a cartridge according to another embodiment including an example of an identification member. The hatching shown in Fig. 14 does not indicate a cross section, but is shown to distinguish the configuration.

[0254] 14, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage unit 110 and an identification member 180. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 (e.g., the storage unit 110), and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0255] A guide unit may be disposed between the storage unit 110 and the identification member 180 to guide the movement of the identification member 180 so that the identification member 180 moves linearly relative to the storage unit 110 .

[0256] In one embodiment, the guide portion may include a guide groove extending along the inner surface 112 of the storage portion 110 and a protrusion disposed on the identification member 180 to be inserted into the guide groove.

[0257] The guide groove 113 can serve to guide the movement of the identification member 180. The guide groove 113 is formed along the inner surface 112 of the storage part 110, and at least a portion of the identification member 180 (e.g., the identification protrusion 182) can be inserted into the guide groove 113.

[0258] The guide groove 113 may extend along a direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) in which the identification member 180 moves. The guide groove 113 may be formed by machining a groove of a predetermined depth from the inner surface 112 of the storage part 110 to the outside of the storage part 110.

[0259] The identification member 180 may include an identification body 181 and an identification protrusion 182 .

[0260] Identification body 181 functions as the main body of identification member 180 and can move in one direction (e.g., the -z direction) depending on the remaining amount of aerosol-generating substance. Identification body 181 can move while in contact with inner surface 112 of storage section 110.

[0261] The identification protrusion 182 may be inserted into the guide groove 113 of the storage unit 110. When inserted into the guide groove 113, the identification protrusion 182 may move in one direction (e.g., the -z direction) together with the identification body 181. The identification protrusion 182 may be coupled to the outside of the identification body 181 and may be formed integrally with the identification body 181.

[0262] Although not shown, in other embodiments, the guide portion may include a guide groove formed in the identification member 180 and a protrusion that protrudes from the inner surface 112 of the storage portion 110 and extends along the inner surface of the storage portion 110 so as to be inserted into the guide groove.

[0263] Fig. 15 is a plan view of a cartridge according to another embodiment including an example of an identification member. The hatching shown in Fig. 15 does not represent a cross section of the components of cartridge 100, but is shown to distinguish the components of cartridge 100.

[0264] 15, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage portion 110 and an identification member 180. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 14 (e.g., the identification member 180), and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0265] According to one embodiment, with the identification protrusion 182 inserted into the guide groove 113, the identification member 180 can move depending on the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material. As a result, the identification member 180 maintains its balance without tilting, and can easily move downward (e.g., in the −z direction) as the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material decreases. Therefore, with the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment, the user can accurately determine the remaining amount of aerosol-generating material through the identification member 180, which maintains its balance, and the aerosol-generating material is less likely to penetrate into the space above the identification member 180.

[0266] A plurality of identification protrusions 182 may protrude from the identification body 181. Although four identification protrusions 182 are shown in Fig. 15, this is merely an example, and two or more, three or less, or five or more identification protrusions 182 may protrude from the identification body 181. In this case, the inner surface 112 of the storage part 110 may be formed with the same number of guide grooves 113 as the identification protrusions 182.

[0267] 15 shows an example in which the identification protrusion 182 protrudes from the identification body 181 to one side (e.g., the +x direction) and the other side (e.g., the -x direction), but this is merely an example, and the identification protrusion 182 may protrude from the identification body 181 to a side (e.g., the +y direction or the -y direction). Also, a plurality of identification protrusions 182 may be arranged on all four sides of the identification body 181 along the circumferential direction. In this case, the guide groove 113 may be formed on the inner surface 112 of the storage unit 110 at a position corresponding to the identification protrusion 182.

[0268] 16 is a plan view of a cartridge according to another embodiment including another example of an identification member. The hatching shown in FIG. 16 does not mean a cross section of the components of cartridge 100, but is shown to distinguish the components of cartridge 100.

[0269] 16, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage portion 110 and an identification member 180. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 15 (e.g., the identification member 180), and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0270] The identification member 180 may include a suitable material to pressurize the aerosol-generating substance with the external air flowing in and move it while maintaining equilibrium. For example, the identification member 180 may include a metal or resin that is harmless to the human body. Here, the metal may be copper or aluminum, and the resin may be polystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene.

[0271] The identification member 180 may include a central portion 180a and a peripheral portion 180b. The peripheral portion 180b is disposed toward the inner surface 112 of the storage portion 110 and is also the portion of the identification member 180 that contacts the inner surface 112. The central portion 180a is connected to the peripheral portion 180b and is also the portion of the identification member 180 that faces inward toward the storage portion 110. For example, the central portion 180a may occupy 50% or less of the overall volume of the identification member 180.

[0272] The identification member 180 may include two different materials.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the central portion 180a of the identification member 180 may include a first material having a higher density than the peripheral portion 180b. That is, since the central portion 180a includes a material with a higher density so as to push out the aerosol-generating substance, the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may be structured to easily push the aerosol-generating substance downward.

[0274] According to one embodiment, the peripheral portion 180b of the identification member 180 may include a second material having a lower coefficient of friction than the center portion 180a. The coefficient of friction indicates the ratio of the magnitude of the frictional force between two contacting surfaces to the magnitude of the normal force perpendicular to the contact surfaces, and a high coefficient of friction means a high frictional force between the two surfaces. In other words, because the peripheral portion 180b includes a material that has low frictional force with the inner surface 112, the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may implement a structure in which the identification member 180 moves smoothly along the inner surface 112 of the storage portion 110.

[0275] For example, the combination of the first material and the second material can be appropriately selected from the above-mentioned copper, aluminum, polystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene.

[0276] When the identification member 180 includes two materials, the identification member 180 can be manufactured by a double shot injection process or an insert injection process.

[0277] The double injection process refers to a manufacturing process in which a product made of two different colors or two different molding materials (resins) is produced in one metallic mold using different resins or resins of two different colors. For example, if both the first and second materials are resins, the first material is injected into a first cavity of the mold to produce the center 180a (primary molded product), and then the primary molded product is transferred to a second cavity of the mold, and the second material is injected into the second cavity to finally produce the peripheral portion 180b on the center 180a. Using the double injection method, the peripheral portion 180b may be produced first, followed by the center 180a.

[0278] The insert injection process refers to a process in which a resin is injected into a mold after another material, such as metal, has already been inserted into the mold. Through the insert injection process, a product in which metal and resin (e.g., thermoplastic) are combined can be manufactured. For example, if the first material is metal and the second material is resin, a central portion 180a made of metal can be placed in the mold, and then the second material can be injected into the mold to form a peripheral portion 180b made of resin on the central portion 180a.

[0279] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment including a pump and a storage pack.

[0280] 17, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage pack 110a, a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a heating unit 130, and a pump 140. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 may be the same as or similar to the cartridge 100 described above, and it goes without saying that some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within the scope that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art with reference to the following drawings and description.

[0281] Storage pack 110a may be disposed inside storage unit 110 and may store an aerosol-generating material. Storage pack 110a may be disposed at an upper portion of chamber 120 (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction) and may be connected or fluid-connected to the interior space of chamber 120.

[0282] Before use, the storage pack 110a may be formed into a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the storage unit 110. However, the shape of the storage pack 110a is not limited thereto, and the storage pack 110a may be formed into other shapes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped, as long as it can store the aerosol-generating material and be placed inside the storage unit 110.

[0283] The storage unit 110 is disposed to surround the exterior of the storage pack 110a and can store the storage pack 110a. The internal space of the storage unit 110 and the internal space of the storage pack 110a can be sealed to each other.

[0284] An air inlet hole 111 may be formed in the storage unit 110. The air inlet hole 111 may function to allow air to flow into the interior space of the storage unit 110. The air inlet hole 111 may be connected to the outside of the aerosol generator body. To this end, a hole may be formed in the aerosol generator body at a position corresponding to the air inlet hole 111. While FIG. 17 shows an example in which the air inlet hole 111 is formed in the upper part of the storage unit 110 (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction), this is merely an example, and the air inlet hole 111 may be formed on one side of the storage unit 110 (e.g., a portion facing the -x direction) as long as external air can flow into the storage unit 110.

[0285] According to an embodiment, the storage part 110 may have a plurality of air inlet holes 111 formed therein.

[0286] The chamber 120 may provide a space in which an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The chamber 120 may be disposed at a lower portion (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction) of the storage unit 110 and at one side (e.g., a portion facing the -x direction) of the heater assembly, and may be connected to the storage pack 110a and the heater assembly. Thus, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage pack 110a may flow into the internal space of the chamber 120, and the aerosol generated in the internal space of the chamber 120 may move to the receiving portion of the heater assembly.

[0287] The cartridge 100 may further include a plate 125 .

[0288] The plate 125 is disposed between the storage unit 110 and the chamber 120 and serves to prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage pack 110a to the outside of the cartridge 100. For example, the plate 125 may be coupled to the storage unit 110 and the chamber 120 by an interference fit, but the coupling method is not limited thereto. The plate 125 may include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0289] An aerosol-generating material inlet (not shown) may be formed in plate 125. The aerosol-generating material inlet may be connected or fluidly connected to the interior of chamber 120, and the aerosol-generating material stored in storage pack 110a may flow into the interior space of chamber 120 through the aerosol-generating material inlet. As a result, the aerosol-generating material flowing into the interior space of chamber 120 may be absorbed by wick 132 inside chamber 120 and heated by heating coil 131.

[0290] The heating unit 130 is disposed inside the chamber 120 and may have the function of converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material into a gas phase. A heating unit receiving groove for receiving the heating unit 130 is formed in the chamber 120, and the heating unit 130 may be disposed in the chamber 120 by being received in the heating unit receiving groove.

[0291] The heating unit 130 may heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage pack 110a. For example, the heating unit 130 may heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage pack 110a to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material, and the generated vapor may be mixed with external air introduced into the chamber 120. In this way, an aerosol may be generated.

[0292] The heating portion 130 may include a heating coil 131 and a wick 132 .

[0293] The heating coil 131 can heat the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 132. The heating coil 131 can be arranged so as to be wound around the wick 132. For example, the heating coil 131 can heat the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 132 using power supplied from a battery in the aerosol generating device body.

[0294] The heating coil 131 may include a metal material that generates heat through electrical resistance. For example, the heating coil 131 may include stainless steel to prevent corrosion by the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick 132, but the metal material of the heating coil 131 is not limited thereto. As another example, the heating coil 131 may include a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten.

[0295] The wick 132 is positioned inside the chamber 120 at the lower part of the storage portion 110 (e.g., the part facing the -z direction) and can absorb the aerosol-generating substance that flows into the internal space of the chamber 120 from the storage pack 110a.

[0296] According to one embodiment, the wick 132 may include a cotton material. However, the material of the wick 132 is not limited to the above embodiment and may include other materials (e.g., glass or ceramic) depending on the embodiment.

[0297] The wick 132 can be accommodated in a heater accommodating groove of the chamber 120. By accommodating the wick 132 in the heater accommodating groove, the heater 130 can be fixed in position inside the chamber 120.

[0298] The pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage pack 110a to the chamber 120, thereby allowing external air to flow into the storage unit 110 through the air inlet hole 111. That is, as the pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material to the chamber 120, the space occupied by the storage pack 110a on the storage unit 110 decreases, and as a result, the space occupied by the air on the storage unit 110 increases. In this case, the pressure of the air inside the storage unit 110 becomes lower than the pressure outside the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., atmospheric pressure), and therefore the external air can flow into the storage unit 110 through the air inlet hole 111.

[0299] According to one embodiment, air introduced into the storage unit 110 through the air inlet hole 111 can pressurize the storage pack 110a. Therefore, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage pack 110a can easily move to the chamber 120, allowing a sufficient amount of aerosol to be generated within the chamber 120. The pump 140 can be connected or fluidly connected to the interior of the storage pack 110a.

[0300] In one embodiment, the pump 140 can be disposed inside the chamber 120. The pump 140 is a micropump, and can be powered by a battery in the aerosol generating device and controlled by a processor. The micropump refers to a miniaturized pump that can be freely disposed inside the chamber 120.

[0301] When the pump 140 is disposed inside the chamber 120, a receiving portion for receiving the pump 140 may be formed in the chamber 120, and the receiving portion may include a groove into which at least a portion of the pump 140 is inserted.

[0302] The aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a according to one embodiment may include a storage pack 110a, a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, and a pump 140. The aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a according to one embodiment is a component included in the cartridge 100, and functions to easily discharge the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage pack 110a to the chamber 120. The storage pack 110a, the storage unit 110, the chamber 120, and the pump 140 included in the aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a have been described above, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0303] Hereinafter, a process in which the aerosol-generating material is discharged by the pump 140 in the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0304] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to one embodiment taken along the line II in FIG. 5, showing the cartridge before use.

[0305] 18, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage pack 110a, a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a heating unit 130, a pump 140, and an airflow passage 150. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 17 (e.g., storage pack 110a), and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0306] The storage pack 110a may be disposed within the storage unit 110 and spaced apart from the inner surface 112 of the storage unit 110. As a result, an inflow space 113a through which air flows may be formed between the storage pack 110a and the inner surface 112 of the storage unit 110. External air Air1 flowing in through the air inflow hole 111 may move through the inflow space 113a and pressurize the outside of the storage pack 110a. The inner surface 112 of the storage unit 110 is also one side of the storage unit 110 facing the space in which the aerosol-generating material 101 is disposed.

[0307] The storage pack 110a may be spatially separated from the inflow space 113a into which air is introduced and may be sealed from the inflow space 113a. To this end, the lower surface (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction) of the storage pack 110a may be in close contact with the storage unit 110.

[0308] The storage pack 110a may have a discharge hole 111a formed therein through which the aerosol generating material 101 is discharged. The discharge hole 111a may be connected or fluidly connected to the chamber 120, and specifically, may be connected to an aerosol generating material inlet of the plate. The discharge hole 111a may be formed at a lower end (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction) of the storage pack 110a, and the storage unit 110 may have a hole formed therein that communicates with the discharge hole 111a of the storage pack 110a.

[0309] Pump 140 may be disposed inside chamber 120 and may transfer the aerosol-generating material stored in storage pack 110a to chamber 120. In one embodiment, pump 140 may be disposed inside chamber 120 at a position adjacent to first hole 121. First hole 121 is also a hole through which the aerosol generated inside chamber 120 is discharged. Pump 140 may be electrically connected to battery 10 and may be supplied with power from battery 10.

[0310] When the pump 140 is disposed inside the chamber 120, a hole may be formed in the chamber 120 through which the power line of the battery 10 passes. In this case, the cartridge 100 according to an embodiment may further include a sealing member between the power line and the hole. The sealing member may be formed in an annular shape and may include a rubber material.

[0311] The pump 140 may include an inlet 141 and an outlet 142 .

[0312] The inlet 141 may be connected to the storage pack 110a. Specifically, the inlet 141 may be fluidly connected to a space inside the storage pack 110a where the aerosol-generating material 101 is stored. When the pump 140 is operated, the aerosol-generating material 101 may flow into the pump 140 through the inlet 141. For example, the inlet 141 may be connected to the storage pack 110a through a hose, and the hose may pass through an aerosol-generating material inlet of a plate or a hose passage hole formed in the plate.

[0313] Outlet 142 may be connected to chamber 120. Specifically, outlet 142 may be connected to a wick of heating unit 130 inside chamber 120. Aerosol-generating material 101 flowing into pump 140 through inlet 141 may pass through outlet 142 and be absorbed into the wick. For example, outlet 142 may be connected to the wick of heating unit 130 via a hose.

[0314] The airflow passage 150 may function to allow external air to flow into the cartridge 100. The airflow passage 150 may be formed along one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) on one side (e.g., the -x direction) of the storage unit 110. Air flowing into the cartridge 100 through the airflow passage 150 may then flow into the chamber 120 through the second hole 122 of the chamber 120. The second hole 122 is connected to the airflow passage 150 and the internal space of the chamber 120 and may function to allow external air to flow into the chamber 120.

[0315] In one embodiment, the air flow passage 150 may be formed at a position on the cartridge 100 that is spaced apart from the air inlet hole 111. That is, the air inlet hole 111 may be disposed at a position on the cartridge 100 that is spaced apart from the second hole 122 connected to the air flow passage 150. As a result, the airflow of external air introduced into the cartridge 100 flows in two directions. Specifically, the external air introduced through the air inlet hole 111 moves in a direction toward the storage pack 110a (e.g., the -z direction, Air1 in FIG. 18), and the external air introduced through the air flow passage 150 moves in a direction toward the interior of the chamber 120 (e.g., the -z direction and +x direction, Air2 in FIG. 18).

[0316] According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a may include a storage pack 110a, a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a pump 140, and an airflow passage 150. The storage pack 110a, the storage unit 110, the chamber 120, the pump 140, and the airflow passage 150 included in the aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a have been described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0317] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to one embodiment taken along line II in FIG. 5 and showing the cartridge in use.

[0318] 19, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage pack 110a, a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a heating unit 130, a pump 140, and an airflow passage 150. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 18 (e.g., the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly 100a), and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0319] In one embodiment, as pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material to chamber 120, external air Air1 may flow into storage unit 110. That is, as pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material to chamber 120, the space occupied by storage pack 110a on storage unit 110 decreases, and as a result, the space occupied by air on storage unit 110 increases. In this case, the pressure of the air inside storage unit 110 becomes lower than the pressure outside aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., atmospheric pressure), and therefore external air Air1 may flow into storage unit 110 through air inlet hole 111.

[0320] The external air Air1 introduced into the storage unit 110 through the air inlet hole 111 pressurizes the storage pack 110a, thereby inducing the aerosol-generating material 101 to move to the chamber 120.

[0321] At this time, the aerosol-generating material 101 heated by the heating unit 130 is mixed with the air flowing into the chamber 120 through the airflow passage 150 and the second hole 122, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0322] Storage pack 110a may include a contractible material that reduces its volume, allowing storage pack 110a to be easily contracted by external air, thereby allowing aerosol-generating material 101 to be more easily discharged into chamber 120. For example, storage pack 110a may include at least one of polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene, which are harmless to the human body.

[0323] As described above, the pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material 101 to the chamber 120 and allows external air to flow in, thereby contracting the storage pack 110a. The cartridge 100 according to one embodiment easily supplies the aerosol-generating material 101 to the chamber 120 through the pump 140, thereby realizing a structure capable of generating and supplying a sufficient amount of aerosol to a user.

[0324] 19 shows an example in which the storage pack 110a is contracted in two directions (e.g., the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction), the direction in which the storage pack 110a is contracted is not limited thereto. That is, the pump 140 may contract the storage pack 110a in only one direction (e.g., one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, or the z-axis direction).

[0325] Furthermore, in the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment, the pump 140 is located inside the chamber 120, which reduces the possibility of the aerosol-generating material 101 leaking outside the cartridge 100 during operation of the pump 140. This is because all operations of the pump 140 are performed inside the chamber 120 during the process in which the pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material 101 from the storage pack 110a to the chamber 120. As the possibility of the aerosol-generating material 101 leaking outside the cartridge 100 is reduced, the possibility of breakdown of internal components of the aerosol generating device body is also reduced.

[0326] According to one embodiment, the processor may control the operating speed of the pump 140 depending on the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101 stored in the storage pack 110a. To this end, the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a measuring unit that measures the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101. When the measuring unit detects that the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101 is equal to or less than a first remaining amount, the processor may slow down the operating speed of the pump 140 to the first speed. As a result, if the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101 falls below the preset first remaining amount during consumption, the processor may slow down the operating speed of the pump 140 to reduce the amount of power consumed by the battery 10. Here, the measuring unit may measure the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material 101 by sensing the volume of the storage pack 110a.

[0327] The first remaining amount is the volume occupied by the storage packs 110a in the total volume inside the storage unit 110, for example, 1 / 5 of the total volume inside the storage unit 110. In addition, the first speed is 1 / 3 of the initial operating speed of the pump 140.

[0328] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment showing one possible arrangement of the pump.

[0329] 20, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage pack 110a, a storage portion 110, a chamber 120, a pump 140, a first sealing portion 160, and a second sealing portion 170. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 (e.g., the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly 100a), and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0330] According to one embodiment, pump 140 may be disposed outside storage unit 110 and chamber 120. In this case, pump 140 may be connected to storage pack 110a disposed inside storage unit 110 through inlet 141 and to chamber 120 through outlet 142. Specifically, inlet 141 may pass through the interior space of storage unit 110 and be connected to the aerosol generating material stored in storage pack 110a, and outlet 142 may be connected to the interior space of chamber 120 and be connected to the wick. Holes for connection of inlet 141 may be formed in storage unit 110 and storage pack 110a, and a hole for connection of outlet 142 may be formed in chamber 120.

[0331] Since the pump 140 is disposed outside the storage unit 110 and the chamber 120, the pump 140 does not interfere with components (e.g., a heating unit) disposed inside the chamber 120. This allows the chamber 120 to be made smaller, and as a result, the cartridge 100 to be made smaller. In this case, the pump 140 may be disposed in the aerosol generation device main body 200.

[0332] The first sealing part 160 may be disposed between the inlet 141 and the storage pack 110a. The first sealing part 160 may function to prevent the aerosol-generating material from leaking into the inlet space 113a of the storage part 110. As a result, a sufficient space for air to enter the inlet space 113a of the storage part 110 is secured, so that the storage pack 110a may be sufficiently pressurized by the air and contract. For example, the first sealing part 160 may be disposed to surround the outside of the hose of the inlet 141.

[0333] The first sealing part 160 may be disposed between the inlet 141 and the storage part 110. The first sealing part 160 may reduce the possibility that air flowing into the inlet space 113a of the storage part 110 is discharged to the outside of the storage part 110. For example, the first sealing part 160 may be disposed to surround the outside of the hose of the inlet 141.

[0334] The first sealing portion 160 may include a material such as rubber. The first sealing portion 160 may be formed in an overall circular ring shape, but this is merely an example, and the first sealing portion 160 may be formed in other shapes as long as it can seal between the inlet 141 and the storage pack 110a, and between the inlet 141 and the storage portion 110.

[0335] The second sealing unit 170 may be disposed between the outlet 142 and the chamber 120. The second sealing unit 170 may function to prevent the aerosol or vapor generated inside the chamber 120 from leaking out of the chamber 120. This further reduces the possibility of malfunction of components inside the aerosol generating device (e.g., the battery 10). For example, the second sealing unit 170 may be disposed to surround the outside of the hose of the outlet 142.

[0336] The second sealing portion 170 may include a material such as rubber. The second sealing portion 170 may be formed in a generally circular ring shape, but this is merely an example, and the second sealing portion 170 may be formed in other shapes as long as it can seal between the outlet 142 and the chamber 120.

[0337] According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a may include a storage pack 110a, a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a pump 140, a first sealing unit 160, and a second sealing unit 170. The storage pack 110a, the storage unit 110, the chamber 120, the pump 140, the first sealing unit 160, and the second sealing unit 170 included in the aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a have been described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0338] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment further including a puck support.

[0339] 21, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage pack 110a, a storage portion 110, a chamber 120, and a pack support 190. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0340] The pack support 190 is located inside the storage unit 110 and can support the storage pack 110a from outside the storage pack 110a. In one embodiment, the pack support 190 can support the storage pack 110a to prevent it from tilting during the process of discharging the aerosol-generating material from the storage pack 110a. The pack support 190 can include, but is not limited to, a plastic or metal material.

[0341] In one embodiment, the pack support 190 may be positioned to contact the outer surface of the storage pack 110a before use. A cavity may be formed inside the pack support 190 to accommodate the storage pack 110a, and the pack support 190 may be formed in a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the storage pack 110a.

[0342] Passage holes 190a may be formed in the pack support 190. Air introduced through the air inlet holes 111 passes through the passage holes 190a and comes into contact with the storage packs 110a, thereby pressurizing the storage packs 110a.

[0343] A plurality of the through holes 190a may be formed in the pack support 190. In this case, the plurality of through holes 190a may be formed at positions spaced apart from one another in the pack support 190. For example, the plurality of through holes 190a may be arranged along the extension direction of the cartridge 100 (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0344] The process by which the aerosol-generating substance is discharged by the pump 140 in the cartridge 100 including the pack support 190 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0345] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to one embodiment taken along the line II-II in FIG. 21, showing the cartridge before use.

[0346] 22, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage pack 110a, a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a heating unit 130, a pump 140, an airflow passage 150, and a pack support 190. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 21, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0347] The storage pack 110a may be disposed within the storage unit 110 and spaced apart from the inner surface 112 of the storage unit 110. Thus, an inflow space 113a through which air flows may be formed between the storage pack 110a and the inner surface 112 of the storage unit 110. External air Air1 flowing in through the air inflow hole 111 moves through the inflow space 113a and passes through the passage hole 190a to pressurize the storage pack 110a.

[0348] The storage pack 110a may have a discharge hole 111a formed therein through which the aerosol generating material 101 is discharged. The discharge hole 111a may be connected or fluidly connected to the chamber 120, and specifically, may be connected to an aerosol generating material inlet of the plate. The discharge hole 111a may be formed at a lower end (e.g., a portion facing the -z direction) of the storage pack 110a, and the storage unit 110 may have a hole formed therein that communicates with the discharge hole 111a of the storage pack 110a.

[0349] The pump 140 is disposed inside the chamber 120 and may transfer the aerosol-generating material 101 stored in the storage pack 110a to the chamber 120. In one embodiment, the pump 140 may be disposed inside the chamber 120 at a position adjacent to the first hole 121. The first hole 121 is also a hole through which the aerosol generated inside the chamber 120 is discharged. The pump 140 may be electrically connected to the battery 10 and may be supplied with power from the battery 10.

[0350] When the pump 140 is disposed inside the chamber 120, a hole through which the power line of the battery 10 passes may be formed in the chamber 120. In this case, the cartridge 100 according to an embodiment may further include a sealing member for sealing between the power line and the hole. The sealing member may be formed in an annular shape and may include a rubber material.

[0351] The pump 140 may include an inlet 141 and an outlet 142 .

[0352] The inlet 141 may be connected to the storage pack 110a. Specifically, the inlet 141 may be fluidly connected to a space inside the storage pack 110a where the aerosol-generating material 101 is stored. When the pump 140 is operated, the aerosol-generating material 101 may flow into the pump 140 through the inlet 141. For example, the inlet 141 may be connected to the storage pack 110a through a hose, and the hose may pass through an aerosol-generating material inlet of a plate or a hose passage hole formed in the plate.

[0353] Outlet 142 may be connected to chamber 120. Specifically, outlet 142 may be connected to a wick of heating unit 130 inside chamber 120. Aerosol-generating material 101 flowing into pump 140 through inlet 141 may pass through outlet 142 and be absorbed into the wick. For example, outlet 142 may be connected to the wick of heating unit 130 via a hose.

[0354] The airflow passage 150 may function to allow external air to flow into the cartridge 100. The airflow passage 150 may be formed along one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) on one side (e.g., the -x direction) of the storage unit 110. Air flowing into the cartridge 100 through the airflow passage 150 may then flow into the chamber 120 through the second hole 122 of the chamber 120. The second hole 122 is connected to the airflow passage 150 and the internal space of the chamber 120 and may function to allow external air to flow into the chamber 120.

[0355] In one embodiment, the air flow passage 150 may be formed at a position on the cartridge 100 that is spaced apart from the air inlet hole 111. That is, the air inlet hole 111 may be disposed at a position on the cartridge 100 that is spaced apart from the second hole 122 connected to the air flow passage 150. As a result, the airflow of external air introduced into the cartridge 100 flows in two directions. Specifically, the external air introduced through the air inlet hole 111 moves in a direction toward the storage pack 110a (e.g., the -z direction, Air1 in FIG. 22), and the external air introduced through the air flow passage 150 moves in a direction toward the interior of the chamber 120 (e.g., the -z direction and +x direction, Air2 in FIG. 22).

[0356] The pack support 190 can provide external support for the storage pack 110a. The pack support 190 can contact the exterior surface of the storage pack 110a prior to use of the storage pack 110a.

[0357] The upper end (e.g., the portion facing the +z direction) of the pack support 190 may be open, so that air flowing in through the air inlet holes 111 can pass through the upper end of the pack support 190 and pressurize the storage packs 110a.

[0358] The lower end of pack support 190 (for example, the portion facing the -z direction) may also be open, allowing aerosol-generating substance 101 to be supplied to chamber 120 through discharge hole 111a.

[0359] According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a may include a storage pack 110a, a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a pump 140, an airflow passage 150, and a pack support 190. The storage pack 110a, the storage unit 110, the chamber 120, the pump 140, the airflow passage 150, and the pack support 190 included in the aerosol-generating material discharging assembly 100a have been described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0360] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to one embodiment taken along the line II-II in FIG. 21, showing the cartridge in use.

[0361] 23, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage pack 110a, a storage unit 110, a chamber 120, a heating unit 130, a pump 140, an airflow passage 150, and a pack support 190. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 22 (e.g., the aerosol-generating material discharge assembly 100a), and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0362] In one embodiment, as the pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material to the chamber 120, the external air Air1 may be introduced into the storage unit 110. The external air Air1 introduced into the storage unit 110 through the air inlet hole 111 may pressurize the storage pack 110a, thereby inducing the aerosol-generating material 101 to move to the chamber 120.

[0363] At this time, the aerosol-generating material 101 heated by the heating unit 130 is mixed with the air flowing into the chamber 120 through the airflow passage 150 and the second hole 122, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0364] Storage pack 110a may include a contractible material that reduces its volume, allowing storage pack 110a to be easily contracted by external air, thereby allowing aerosol-generating material 101 to be more easily discharged into chamber 120. For example, storage pack 110a may include at least one of polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene, which are harmless to the human body.

[0365] As described above, the pump 140 may transfer the aerosol-generating material 101 to the chamber 120 and allow external air to flow in, thereby contracting the storage pack 110a. The cartridge 100 according to one embodiment easily supplies the aerosol-generating material 101 to the chamber 120 through the pump 140, thereby realizing a structure that generates and supplies a sufficient amount of aerosol to the user.

[0366] In addition, pack support 190 can support storage pack 110a to prevent it from tilting during the process of contracting. In an embodiment without pack support 190, storage pack 110a may tilt in one direction (e.g., the +x direction) during contraction, in which case external air may intensively pressurize only one side of storage pack 110a (e.g., the side facing the -x direction). As a result, the external air does not uniformly pressurize the outer surface of storage pack 110a, which can cause a problem in which aerosol-generating material 101 stored in storage pack 110a cannot be easily discharged through discharge hole 111a.

[0367] According to one embodiment, cartridge 100 has a structure that supports storage pack 110a so that it does not tilt via pack support 190, allowing external air to uniformly pressurize the outer surface of storage pack 110a, thereby allowing aerosol-generating material 101 stored in storage pack 110a to be easily discharged through discharge hole 111a.

[0368] Furthermore, in the cartridge 100 according to one embodiment, the pump 140 is located inside the chamber 120, which reduces the possibility of the aerosol-generating material 101 leaking outside the cartridge 100 during operation of the pump 140. This is because all operations of the pump 140 are performed inside the chamber 120 during the process in which the pump 140 transfers the aerosol-generating material 101 from the storage pack 110a to the chamber 120. As the possibility of the aerosol-generating material 101 leaking outside the cartridge 100 is reduced, the possibility of breakdown of internal components of the aerosol generating device body is also reduced.

[0369] 23 shows an example in which the storage pack 110a is contracted in two directions (e.g., the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction), the direction in which the storage pack 110a is contracted is not limited thereto. That is, the pump 140 may contract the storage pack 110a in only one direction (e.g., one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, or the z-axis direction).

[0370] 22 and 23, the pump 140 may also be disposed outside the storage unit 110 and the chamber 120. In this case, the pump 140 may be connected to a storage pack 110a disposed inside the storage unit 110 through an inlet 141, and to the chamber 120 through an outlet 142. Specifically, the inlet 141 may pass through the inlet space 113a of the storage unit 110 and be fluidly connected to the aerosol generating material 101 stored in the storage pack 110a, and the outlet 142 may be in communication with the internal space of the chamber 120 and connected to the wick. The storage unit 110 and the storage pack 110a may have holes formed therein for connection with the inlet 141, and the chamber 120 may have a hole formed therein for connection with the outlet 142.

[0371] Since the pump 140 is disposed outside the storage unit 110 and the chamber 120, the pump 140 does not interfere with components (e.g., a heating unit) disposed inside the chamber 120. This allows the chamber 120 to be made smaller, and as a result, the cartridge 100 to be made smaller. In this case, the pump 140 may be disposed in the aerosol generation device main body 200.

[0372] When the pump 140 is disposed outside the storage portion 110 and the chamber 120, the cartridge 100 may further include a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion. The first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are the same as or similar to the first sealing portion 160 and the second sealing portion 170 shown in FIG. 20, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0373] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment, illustrating how one region of the storage pack is opened by an opening protrusion.

[0374] 24, a cartridge 100 according to one embodiment may include a storage pack 110a, a storage portion 110, a chamber 120, a plate 125, and an opening protrusion 127. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 17 to 23, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0375] The storage pack 110a may include a first portion 112a and a second portion.

[0376] The first portion 112a may include a first material. The first portion 112a is also the portion of the storage pack 110a in which the discharge hole is formed. The first portion 112a may be formed on the bottom surface (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction) of the storage pack 110a. For example, the first material may be a tearable vinyl material.

[0377] The second portion may include a second material, which may be a portion of the storage pack 110a excluding the first portion 112a, and which may be different from the first material, such as polystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene.

[0378] According to one embodiment, the first material may have a lower strength than the second material. In the present invention, strength refers to the degree to which a material resists deformation before breaking, and a material with a higher strength is a material that is less likely to break. That is, the first portion 112a may include a material that breaks more easily than the second portion.

[0379] An example of a manufacturing process for cartridge 100 may include a process of separately preparing storage unit 110 including sealed storage pack 110a and chamber 120 to which plate 125 is coupled, and then combining storage unit 110 and chamber 120. When performing this process, a discharge hole should not be pre-formed in storage pack 110a, because if a discharge hole is pre-formed in storage pack 110a, the aerosol-generating material would leak to the outside.

[0380] Therefore, when manufacturing the cartridge 100 through this process, a sealed storage pack 110a without a discharge hole is first prepared, and the storage pack 110a having the first part 112a of the first material is placed inside the storage part 110, and then the storage part 110 and the chamber 120 are combined.

[0381] In this regard, the cartridge 100 according to an embodiment may include an opening protrusion 127 for opening the first portion 112a. The opening protrusion 127 may be disposed in the chamber 120 at a corresponding position of the first portion 112a. Specifically, the opening protrusion 127 may be coupled to the plate 125 and protrude upward (e.g., in the +z direction) toward the storage pack 110a.

[0382] When the storage unit 110 and the chamber 120 are combined, the opening protrusion 127 passes through a hole formed in the bottom of the storage unit 110 and pressurizes the first portion 112a, thereby opening the first portion 112a. As a result, an outlet hole is formed in the storage pack 110a, and the aerosol-generating material can pass through the outlet hole and be absorbed into the core of the chamber 120.

[0383] FIG. 25 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0384] The aerosol generation device 1 includes a control unit 1000, a sensing unit 2000, an output unit 3000, a battery 4000, a heater 5000, a user input unit 6000, a memory 7000, and a communication unit 8000. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 25. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 25 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0385] The sensing unit 2000 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1000. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1000 can control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 5000, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0386] The sensing unit 2000 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 2100, an insertion detection sensor 2200, and a puff sensor 2300, but is not limited thereto.

[0387] The temperature sensor 2100 can sense the temperature to which the heater 5000 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 5000, or the heater 5000 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 2100 may be disposed around the battery 4000 to monitor the temperature of the battery 4000.

[0388] The insertion detection sensor 2200 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 2200 can 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 can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article.

[0389] The puff sensor 2300 can 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.

[0390] The sensing unit 2000 may further include 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 temperature sensor 2100, the insertion sensor 2200, and the puff sensor 2300. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0391] The output unit 3000 can output and provide to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 3000 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 3100, a haptic unit 3200, and an audio output unit 3300. When the display unit 3100 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 3100 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0392] The display unit 3100 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information about the aerosol generation device 1 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 4000 of the aerosol generation device 1, the preheating status of the heater 5000, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generation device 1 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 3100 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 3100 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 3100 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0393] The haptic unit 3200 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the haptic unit 3200 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0394] The acoustic output unit 3300 can audibly provide the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 3300 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0395] The battery 4000 can supply power used for operating the aerosol generation device 1. The battery 4000 can supply power to heat the heater 5000. The battery 4000 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1 (e.g., the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000). The battery 4000 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 4000 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0396] The heater 5000 is supplied with power from the battery 4000 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 25, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 4000 and supplies it to the heater 5000. Furthermore, when the aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 4000 into AC power supply.

[0397] The control unit 1000, the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000 can function by receiving power from the battery 4000. Although not shown in Fig. 25, a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 4000 and supplies it to each component may be further included.

[0398] In one embodiment, the heater 5000 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater 5000 may also be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0399] In other embodiments, heater 5000 is an induction heater. For example, heater 5000 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0400] The user input unit 6000 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 6000 can be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (such as a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, or a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, or a jog switch. Although not shown in FIG. 25 , the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface. The aerosol generating device 1 can be connected to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 4000.

[0401] The memory 7000 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 1000 and data to be processed by the control unit 1000. The memory 7000 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 7000 can store data related to the operation time of the aerosol generation device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0402] The communication unit 8000 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 8000 includes a short-range communication unit 8100 and a wireless communication unit 8200.

[0403] The short-range wireless communication unit 8100 includes, 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.

[0404] The wireless communication unit 8200 includes, 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 8200 can also identify and authenticate the aerosol generation device 1 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0405] The control unit 1000 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 1000 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present embodiment may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0406] The control unit 1000 can control the temperature of the heater 5000 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 4000 to the heater 5000. For example, the control unit 1000 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 4000 and the heater 5000. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 5000 in response to a control command from the control unit 1000.

[0407] The control unit 1000 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 1000 may control the power supplied to the heater 5000 so that the operation of the heater 5000 is started or stopped based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000. As another example, the control unit 1000 may control the amount of power and the power supply time supplied to the heater 5000 so that the heater 5000 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000.

[0408] The control unit 1000 can control the output unit 3000 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 2000. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 2300 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1000 can notify the user through at least one of the display unit 3100, the haptic unit 3200, and the audio output unit 3300 that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be shut down.

[0409] 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. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include 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. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0410] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and those skilled in the art will appreciate 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 in which an aerosol-generating material is stored and which has an air inlet hole through which external air is introduced; a chamber connected to the storage unit and supplied with the aerosol-generating substance from the storage unit; a pump that transfers the aerosol generating material to the chamber, thereby allowing external air to flow into the storage portion through the air inlet.

2. The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising an identification member disposed within the storage portion and contacting the aerosol-generating material so as to move depending on the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating material.

3. The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly of claim 2 , wherein the identification member includes a distinguishable color.

4. 3. The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly of claim 2, wherein the identification member pressurizes the aerosol-generating material toward the chamber by allowing air to flow into the storage portion.

5. a guide groove disposed in either the storage portion or the identification member to guide movement of the identification member; The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly according to claim 2 , further comprising: a protrusion disposed on the other of the storage portion and the identification member and coupled to the guide groove.

6. The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly of claim 2 , wherein the identification member moves while contacting an inner surface of the storage portion.

7. the identification member includes a peripheral portion in contact with the inner surface of the storage portion and a central portion located inside the peripheral portion; 3. The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly of claim 2, wherein the central portion comprises a material having a higher density than the peripheral portion.

8. the identification member includes a peripheral portion in contact with the inner surface of the storage portion and a central portion located inside the peripheral portion; 3. The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly of claim 2, wherein the peripheral portion comprises a material having a lower coefficient of friction than the central portion.

9. 2. The aerosol-forming material discharge assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an airflow passage connected to the chamber to allow external air to flow in, the airflow passage being separated from the air inlet.

10. 2. The aerosol generating material discharge assembly of claim 1, wherein the pump includes an inlet connected to the reservoir and an outlet connected to the chamber.

11. the pump is located within the chamber in which the aerosol-forming material is absorbed; The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly of claim 10 , wherein the outlet is coupled to the wick.

12. 11. The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly of claim 10, wherein the pump is located external to the reservoir and the chamber.

13. 13. The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly of claim 12, further comprising a first sealing portion disposed between the inlet and the storage portion, the first sealing portion preventing the aerosol-generating material from leaking outside the storage portion.

14. The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly of claim 1; a wick disposed within the chamber into which the aerosol-forming material is absorbed; a heating portion disposed within the chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick.

15. The aerosol-generating material discharge assembly of claim 1; a cartridge including the aerosol generating material discharge assembly, a wick disposed within the chamber and into which the aerosol generating material is absorbed, and a heating portion disposed within the chamber and configured to heat the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick; a battery that supplies power for operating the pump; and a processor that controls operation of the pump.

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