Aerosol generator including heater module

Abstract

The present invention provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a main body; a heater module detachably coupled to the main body and including a heater for heating an aerosol generating substance; and a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body and holding an aerosol generating substance transmitted to the heater, wherein the cartridge comprises a storage section for storing the aerosol generating substance and a case forming a channel through which the aerosol is guided; a moisture absorber mounted on the case; and a sealing member mounted on the case and including a plurality of through holes, wherein the moisture absorber is aligned with the plurality of through holes and in contact with the heater, and the aerosol generating substance is supplied to the heater through the plurality of through holes and the moisture absorber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device including a heater module.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device includes a liquid storage unit for holding an aerosol generating substance and a cartridge including a heater. The cartridge is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device. Power is transmitted from the aerosol generating device to the cartridge. Thereby, the aerosol generating substance held in the cartridge is heated by the heater.

[0003] When all of the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge is consumed, the cartridge can be replaced. However, generally, the period during which the durability of the heater is maintained is longer than the cycle in which the aerosol generating substance is consumed. Therefore, the heater may be unnecessarily replaced even though it is still usable.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can separate a heater from a cartridge and promote reuse of the heater in order to solve the above problems.

[0005] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and further problems not mentioned in this specification will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The embodiment provides an aerosol generating device comprising a main body, a heater module detachably coupled to the main body and including a heater for heating an aerosol generating substance, and a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body and holding the aerosol generating substance transmitted to the heater, wherein the cartridge includes a storage section for storing the aerosol generating substance, a case forming a channel for the aerosol to flow through; a moisture absorber mounted on the case; and a sealing member mounted on the case and including a plurality of through holes, wherein the moisture absorber is aligned with the plurality of through holes and in contact with the heater, and the aerosol generating substance is supplied to the heater through the plurality of through holes and the moisture absorber.

[0007] The main body includes a cover, the case includes a plurality of protrusions, the cover includes a plurality of locking grooves, and in the process of the cartridge sliding inward from the cover, the plurality of protrusions are inserted into the plurality of locking grooves, and the cartridge is assembled to the main body, and in the process of the cartridge sliding inward from the cover, the plurality of protrusions are disengaged from the plurality of engagement grooves, and the assembly of the cartridge and the main body can be released.

[0008] The aforementioned multiple protrusions may be at the same position in the vertical direction.

[0009] The plurality of protrusions may be arranged so as to overlap the moisture-absorbing body in the vertical direction.

[0010] The heater module includes a switch for recognizing that the cartridge is installed in the heater module, and the plurality of protrusions may be arranged to overlap the switch in the vertical direction.

[0011] In the vertical direction, the cartridge can be detachably attached to the main body, sandwiching the heater module between them.

[0012] The case includes a first case and a second case coupled to the first case, and the sealing member may be coupled to either the first case or the second case and positioned to cover the second case.

[0013] The first case includes a first coupling portion disposed on the outer surface of the first case, and the second case includes a second coupling portion, and the first coupling portion can be detachably coupled to the second coupling portion.

[0014] The first case includes an airflow channel, which may be located in the center of the first case in the width direction.

[0015] The first case further includes a mouthpiece positioned at the upper end of the first case, wherein the length x in the width direction of the airflow channel is less than the length in the width direction of the flow path formed by the mouthpiece, and the length x in the width direction of the airflow channel can increase toward the mouthpiece.

[0016] The second case may include a moisture-absorbing body housing portion formed recessed in the upper surface of the second case, forming a space for housing the moisture-absorbing body.

[0017] The second case includes a through hole aligned with the moisture-absorbing body housing, and the through hole of the second case may be aligned with the heater.

[0018] The second case further includes a conduit connecting to the airflow channel of the first case, the moisture-absorbing container includes two moisture-absorbing containers, and the conduit may be located between the two moisture-absorbing containers.

[0019] The heater module includes a switch for recognizing that the cartridge is mounted in the heater module, and the second case includes a recognition projection which protrudes from the lower surface of the second case and can contact the switch of the heater module when the cartridge and the heater module are assembled.

[0020] The sealing member includes a first containment section and a second containment section formed recessed on the upper surface of the sealing member, where aerosol-generating substances collect, and the first containment section and the second containment section can be aligned with the storage section.

[0021] The multiple through holes in the sealing member are arranged in the first housing portion and the second housing portion, respectively, and the multiple through holes in the sealing member can be aligned with the moisture-absorbing body.

[0022] The lower surface of the sealing member, where the multiple through holes of the sealing member are located, can come into contact with the upper surface of the moisture-absorbing body.

[0023] The second case includes a first side wall projecting upward from the upper surface of the second case, and the sealing member includes a second recess formed recessed in the lower surface of the sealing member, such that the first side wall can be inserted into the second recess to seal the inner space of the first side wall.

[0024] The sealing member may further include a hole connected to the airflow channel of the cartridge and a first recess positioned around the hole.

[0025] The second recess may be located outside of the multiple through holes in the sealing member.

[0026] The second case includes a second side wall projecting upward from the lower surface of the second case, the second side wall being able to contact the heater module and seal the inner space of the second side wall. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to an embodiment, separating the cartridge and the heater module has the advantage of facilitating the reuse of the heater module.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the heater module has the advantage of being able to recognize the connection of the cartridge.

[0029] According to an embodiment, there is an advantage of preventing the aerosol product substance from leaking from the cartridge through the sealing member.

[0030] According to an embodiment, when the cartridge is assembled with the heater module, there is an advantage of preventing the aerosol product substance from leaking.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device including a heater module according to an embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0033] [Figure 3] It is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment with reference to A - A in FIG. 2.

[0034] [Figure 4] It is an exploded view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0035] [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the heater module.

[0036] [[ID=5:2]] [Figure 6] It is an exploded view of the heater module shown in FIG. 5.

[0037] [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the heater's upper sealing component.

[0038] [Figure 8] This is a diagram of the first heater holder.

[0039] [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the heater.

[0040] [Figure 10] This diagram shows the structure that supplies electricity to the heater.

[0041] [Figure 11] This diagram shows the direction of airflow and aerosols within the heater.

[0042] [Figure 12] This is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module with reference to line B-B in Figure 5.

[0043] [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the cartridge.

[0044] [Figure 14] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the cartridge.

[0045] [Figure 15] This is a side cross-sectional view of the first case of the cartridge, with reference to C-C in Figure 13.

[0046] [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of the second case.

[0047] [Figure 17] This is a side cross-sectional view of the second case, with reference point D-D in Figure 15.

[0048] [Figure 18]This is a perspective view showing the bottom of the second case.

[0049] [Figure 19] This is a side cross-sectional view of the area around the heater when the cartridge is connected to the heater module.

[0050] [Figure 20] This is a perspective view showing the sealing component.

[0051] [Figure 21] This is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the sealing component.

[0052] [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member with reference to E-E in Figure 20.

[0053] [Figure 23] This diagram shows the flow of aerosols through the airflow channels of the cartridge.

[0054] [Figure 24] This diagram shows the connection area between the cartridge and the main unit.

[0055] [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing the cover of the main unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0057] The component suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are added or used interchangeably solely for the purpose of facilitating the creation of the specification, and do not have any inherently distinct meaning or role from each other.

[0058] In describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of the relevant prior art is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein and include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included in the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0059] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various components, but such components are not limited by those terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0060] When one component is said to be "linked" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it is either directly linked to the other component, or may be connected, but may have other components in between. On the other hand, when one component is said to be "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0061] Unless otherwise clearly stated in the context, singular expressions include plural forms.

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generating apparatus including a heater module according to one embodiment.

[0063] In the following diagram, the x-axis represents the width x of the aerosol generator 1 including the heater module 20, the y-axis represents the thickness direction of the aerosol generator 1 including the heater module 20, and the z-axis represents the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 1 including the heater module 20.

[0064] Hereafter, "vertical direction," "upper side," "upper end," "lower side," "lower end," "up," and "down" refer to the z-axis in the drawing.

[0065] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 can include a main body 10, a heater module 20, and a cartridge 30.

[0066] The main unit 10 may include at least one of the following: a power supply 11, a control unit 12, and a sensor 13. The cartridge 30 may be attached to the main unit 10.

[0067] The power supply 11 can supply power to the components of the aerosol generator 1 so that they can operate. The power supply 11 is sometimes called a battery. The power supply 11 can supply power to at least one of the following: the control unit 12, the sensor 13, and the heater module 20.

[0068] The control unit 12 can control the entire operation of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit 12 can control the operation of at least one of the power supply 11, sensor 13, and cartridge 30. The control unit 12 can control the operation of the display, motor, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0069] The control unit 12 can analyze the results sensed by the sensor 13 and then control the processes to be performed. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heater module 20 so that the operation of the heater module 20 starts or stops. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensor 13, the control unit 12 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater module 20 and the duration of power supply so that the heater module 20 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0070] Sensor 13 may include at least one of the following: a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, or a motion detection sensor. For example, sensor 13 can sense at least one of the following: the temperature of the heater module 20, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the temperature inside and outside the main unit 10. For example, sensor 13 can sense the user's puff. For example, sensor 13 can sense whether a cartridge 30 is installed. For example, sensor 13 can sense the movement of the aerosol generator 1.

[0071] The heater module 20 can be detachably attached to the main body 10. The heater module 20 is located between the cartridge 30 and the main body 10 and can generate aerosols by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material to a gaseous phase. The heater module 20 can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 30.

[0072] For example, the heater module 20 can heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 30 to generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material. The generated vapor can be mixed with outside air that flows into the heater module 20 from outside to generate an aerosol. In this embodiment, "aerosol" can mean particles produced when the vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material is mixed with air, and this expression may be used with the same meaning below.

[0073] The cartridge 30 can be detachably attached to the main body 10. The cartridge 30 can be located above the heater module 20. The cartridge 30 stores an aerosol-generating substance inside. The aerosol-generating substance stored in the cartridge 30 is supplied to the heater module 20. The cartridge 30 may include a mouthpiece 30a. When a user sucks on the mouthpiece 30a, they can inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 1.

[0074] The outside air that flows into the main unit 10 can pass through the cartridge 30 and flow into the user's mouth via the airflow channel 31b.

[0075] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment, with reference to A-A in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is an exploded view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0076] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, one embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 can include a main body 10, a heater module 20, and a cartridge 30.

[0077] The main body 10 is located at the lower end of the heater module 20 and can support the heater module 20. Inside the main body 10, a power supply 11 and a control unit 12 for the operation of the aerosol generator 1 may be located. The main body 10 may also have a user interface and a display means for visually indicating the operating status and battery status. A mouthpiece 31c may protrude from the upper end of the main body 10.

[0078] The heater module 20 may be positioned on the upper side of the main body 10. The heater module 20 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10. The heater module 20 may be replaced with a new one once it has exceeded its target number of uses. Such a heater module may include a heater (22 in Figure 6).

[0079] The cartridge 30 may be positioned above the heater module 20. The cartridge 30 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10, sandwiching the heater module 20.

[0080] An aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment may further include a cover 11a. The cover 11a can form a space inside which to house the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30. The cover 11a may be formed to surround at least a portion of the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30. Such a cover 11a determines the positions of the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30, respectively. The cover 11a can then protect the main body 10, the heater module 20, and the cartridge 30 from external impacts and the inflow of foreign matter, respectively.

[0081] The cover 11a may be formed integrally with the main body 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0082] The heater module 20 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 12.

[0083] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the heater module 20, and Figure 6 is an exploded view of the heater module 20 shown in Figure 5.

[0084] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the heater module 20 may include a heater body 21, a heater 22, and a side cover 23.

[0085] The heater body 21 may include a structure for fixing the heater 22. The heater body 21 may also include a terminal for connecting to the heater 22, a flow path structure for the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge, and so on. The upper end of the heater body 21 may include a connection structure for connecting to the cartridge. The lower end of the heater body 21 may include a housing structure for housing the connector of the body 10 (for example, connector CT in Figure 4).

[0086] The specific configuration of the heater unit 21 is as follows:

[0087] The heater body 21 may include a heater module housing 21a, a heater cover 21b, a heater upper sealing member 21c, a first heater holder 21d, a second heater holder 21e, a heater housing 21f, and a heater lower sealing member 21g.

[0088] The heater module housing 21a can form the exterior of the heater module 20. The heater cover 21b can be coupled to the upper end of the heater module housing 21a. The heater upper sealing member 21c is fixed to the heater cover 21b. The heater upper sealing member 21c can be located inside the heater cover 21b. A first heater holder 21d can serve to fix the heater 22 and form a channel through which aerosols pass. Such a first heater holder 21d can be in contact with the heater upper sealing member 21c. The first heater holder 21d can also be coupled to the heater housing 21f. A second heater holder 21e can serve to enclose the lower end of the heater 22. The second heater holder 21e can be made of an elastically deformable material. The heater housing 21f can secure terminals connected to the heater 22 and provide space for housing a switch that recognizes the cartridge 30. Furthermore, the heater housing 21f can serve to fix the heater 22. The heater lower sealing member 21g is positioned between the heater module housing 21a and the heater housing 21f and can serve to prevent leakage due to the liquefaction of residual aerosol. The substrate 24 is located inside the heater module housing 21a.

[0089] Figure 7 shows the heater upper sealing member 21c.

[0090] Referring to Figure 7, the heater upper sealing member 21c can serve to seal the open upper end of the heater body 21. The heater upper sealing member 21c can form a space for containing aerosols and seal the heater body 21 so that the contained aerosols do not leak out.

[0091] The heater upper sealing member 21c can come into contact with the cartridge 30. The heater upper sealing member 21c can form a structure that accommodates the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 30. The heater upper sealing member 21c can include a first conduit 21ca. The first conduit 21ca may be located in the center of the heater upper sealing member 21c. Such a first conduit 21ca may be connected to an airflow channel 31b located in the cartridge 30. The heater upper sealing member 21c can also include through holes 21cb. For example, two through holes 21cb may be located on either side of the first conduit 21ca. A portion of the heater 22 can be exposed to the outside of the heater module 20 through the through holes 21cb.

[0092] The heater upper sealing member 21c may include a side wall 21cd. The side wall 21cd may be positioned outside the through hole 21cb and the first conduit 21ca. The side wall 21cd may be positioned to surround the through hole 21cb and the first conduit 21ca. Such a side wall 21cd can contact the lower surface of the second case 32 when the cartridge 30 is connected to the heater module 20, and can serve to seal the inner space of the side wall 21cd.

[0093] On the other hand, the heater upper sealing member 21c may include a switch hole 21ce. The switch hole 21ce may be located on the outside of the side wall 21cd. The recognition projection of the cartridge 30 can pass through the switch hole 21ce.

[0094] Figure 8 shows the first heater holder 21d.

[0095] Referring to Figure 8, the first heater holder 21d may include a second conduit 21da, which may be in contact with the first conduit 21ca of the heater upper sealing member 21c. The first heater holder 21d may also include a through hole 21db, for example, two through holes 21db may be positioned on either side of the second conduit 21da. The through hole 21db of the first heater holder 21d may be aligned with the through hole 21cb of the heater upper sealing member 21c. The first heater holder 21d may include a hook-shaped fastening portion 21dc, which may be located on the edge of the first heater holder 21d. The first heater holder 21d may be coupled to the heater housing 21f via the fastening portion 21dc.

[0096] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the heater 22.

[0097] The heater 22 can be fixed to the heater body 21 such that a portion of the heater 22 is exposed to the outside of the heater module 20. The exposed portion of the heater 22 can come into contact with the moisture absorber 34 of the cartridge 30.

[0098] The specific configuration of heater 22 is as follows:

[0099] Referring to Figure 9, the heater 22 may include a hexahedral heater body 22a and side wall portions 22b that project vertically upward from both ends of the heater body 22a. For example, the heater body 22a and the side wall portions 22b may be arranged to form a "U" shape when viewed from the front. The ends of the side wall portions 22b may protrude from the heater upper sealing member 21c by passing through the through hole 21db of the first heater holder 21d and the through hole 22db of the heater upper sealing member 21c. The protruding ends of the side wall portions 22b can come into contact with the moisture absorber 34 of the cartridge 30.

[0100] Such a heater 22 can be formed from any electrically resistant material. For example, electrically resistant materials may be 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. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 22 may include at least one of a coil heater bonded to a silica wick and a porous ceramic heater.

[0101] As shown in Figure 6, the side cover 23 can be detachably coupled to one side of the heater body 21. The side cover 23 may include grooves to facilitate user gripping and operation. The side cover 23 can also form an internal space to guide outside air into the heater body 21. A coupling structure for coupling with the side cover 23 may be provided on the side of the heater body 21. The gap between the heater body 21 and the side cover 23 can be used as an air intake path.

[0102] Figure 10 shows the structure for supplying electricity to the heater 22.

[0103] Referring to Figure 10, the heater module 20 may include an electrode pattern 25. The electrode pattern 25 may be formed on the underside of the heater body 22a of the heater 22. The heater module 20 may also include a heater terminal 26 that contacts the electrode pattern 25. The heater terminal 26 can be electrically connected to a connector (CT in Figure 4) of the main body. When electricity is transmitted to the heater 22 via the heater terminal 26 and the electrode pattern 25, the heater 22 generates heat, which may generate an aerosol.

[0104] Figure 11 shows the direction of airflow and aerosols in the heater 22.

[0105] Referring to Figure 11, the heater 22 may be positioned with its side wall portion 22b facing upward and its heater body 22a positioned horizontally. The outside air flowing into the heater module 20 can flow in so as to face the lower surface of the heater body 22a, as shown at P1 in Figure 11. As a result, the outside air flowing into the heater module 20 collides with the lower surface of the heater body 22a. Since the airflow does not flow along the outer surface of the heater 22 but collides with the outer surface of the heater 22, the generation of sludge can be significantly reduced.

[0106] As shown at P2 in Figure 11, the aerosol-generating material is supplied to the heater 22 via the side wall portion 22b, and when the heater 22 is heated, as shown at P3 in Figure 11, an aerosol airflow path can be formed in the center with respect to the width direction x of the heater 22. In this way, the aerosol generated by the heat generated by the heater 22 can be guided into the second conduit 21da of the first heater holder (21d in Figure 8).

[0107] Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the heater module 20, with reference to line B-B in Figure 5.

[0108] Referring together to Figures 6 and 12, the heater module 20 may include a circuit board 24. The circuit board 24 can be electrically connected to a switch SW, which is a component for recognizing the cartridge 30. The circuit board 24 may also have a puff counting element and a heater resistance memory mounted on it.

[0109] On the other hand, the heater module housing 21a can form a space SP at its lower part into which a part of the main body 10 and a connector (CT in Figure 4) are inserted. The connector CT of the main body 1 can be electrically connected to the substrate 24 of the heater module 20. When the main body and the heater module 20 are assembled, the control unit 12 of the main body 10 and the substrate 24 of the heater module 20 can be electrically connected.

[0110] The aerosol-generating substance can be supplied to the heater 22 via the cartridge 30.

[0111] The cartridge 30 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 13 to 18.

[0112] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing cartridge 30, Figure 14 is an exploded view of cartridge 30 shown in Figure 10, and Figure 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the first case 31 of cartridge 30 with reference to C-C in Figure 13.

[0113] Referring to Figures 13 to 15, the cartridge 30 may include a storage section 31a for storing aerosol-generating material. The storage section 31a may be connected to the internal space of the heater module 20 when the cartridge 30 and the heater module 20 are coupled together. When the cartridge 30 and the heater module 20 are coupled together, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage section 31a flows into the internal space of the heater module 20.

[0114] The aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage section 31a may contain a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or it may contain a liquid composition that includes a non-tobacco substance.

[0115] For example, the liquid composition contained in the aerosol-generating substance may be water, a solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or a vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these components. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavoring components. Flavoring agents may include components that can provide the user with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may include, but are not limited to, at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Furthermore, the liquid composition may contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0116] For example, the liquid composition contained in the aerosol-generating substance may include a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may contain two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt can be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be natural or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total weight of the liquid composition.

[0117] The acid used to form the nicotine salt can be appropriately selected considering the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generator 1, the flavor or aroma, solubility, etc. For example, the acid used to form the nicotine salt may be, but is not limited to, 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, varrelic 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, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from these groups.

[0118] The specific configuration of the cartridge 30 for storing such aerosol-generating substances is as follows.

[0119] As shown in Figure 13, the cartridge 30 may include cases 31 and 32, a sealing member 33, and a moisture absorber 34. The cases 31 and 32 may include a first case 31 and a second case 32. The sealing member 33 is positioned between the first case 31 and the second case 32. The moisture absorber 34 is seated in the second case 32 and positioned below the sealing member 33.

[0120] Here, the moisture absorber 34 plays the role of impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage section 31a and transferring it to the heater 22. The moisture absorber 34 comes into contact with the aerosol-generating substance contained in the storage section 31a. The upper end of the moisture absorber 34 comes into contact with the aerosol-generating substance, and the lower end of the moisture absorber 34 comes into contact with the heater 22, thereby transferring the aerosol-generating substance to the heater 22. The moisture absorber 34 can be made of materials such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics. On the other hand, two moisture absorbers 34 may be arranged. The two moisture absorbers 34 may have the same shape and size.

[0121] As shown in Figure 15, the first case 31 forms a storage section 31a for storing aerosol-generating material inside. The first case 31 may also include an airflow channel 31b and a mouthpiece 31c connected to the airflow channel 31b.

[0122] The airflow channel 31b may be located in the center of the first case 31. One end of the airflow channel 31b may be connected to the mouthpiece 31c, and the other end of the airflow channel 31b may be connected to the first conduit connection 31d.

[0123] The storage section 31a may be positioned along the periphery of the airflow channel 31b. The open lower end of the storage section 31a may be covered by a sealing member 33.

[0124] The mouthpiece 31c may be positioned at the upper end of the first case 31. The widthwise length of the flow path formed by the mouthpiece 31c may be greater than the widthwise length of the airflow channel 31b. The widthwise length of the airflow channel 31b may be formed to increase towards the mouthpiece. The generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel 31b and the mouthpiece 31c.

[0125] The first case 31 may include a first coupling portion located on its outer surface. The first coupling portion is for coupling with the second case 32. For example, the first coupling portion may be a hook 31f protruding from the lower end of the outer surface of the first case 31.

[0126] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the second case 32, Figure 17 is a side section view of the second case 32 based on D-D in Figure 15, and Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the second case 32.

[0127] Referring together to Figures 14, 16, 17, and 18, the second case 32 can be coupled to the lower end of the first case 31. The second case 32 can be coupled such that its lower end and a portion of it overlap with the first case 31. The second case 32 may include a centrally located third conduit 32a. The third conduit 32a can be connected to the airflow channel 31b of the first case 31 via a hole 33d in the sealing member 33.

[0128] On the other hand, the second case 32 may include an absorbent housing section 32b for housing the moisture absorber 34. The housing section may have an internal space to accommodate the moisture absorber 34. The absorbent housing section 32b may be positioned adjacent to the third conduit 32a. For example, the second case 32 may include two absorbent housing sections 32b positioned on either side of the third conduit 32a with respect to the width direction x. The second case 32 may also include a through hole 32c. Such a through hole 32c is positioned in the absorbent housing section 32b. When the moisture absorber 34 is seated in the absorbent housing section 32b, the lower surface of the moisture absorber 34 can be exposed to the outside of the cartridge 30 through the through hole 32c.

[0129] The second case 32 may include a second coupling. For example, the second coupling may be a coupling hole 32d formed in the second case 32. The coupling hole 32d is formed to penetrate the outside and inside of the second case 32. The coupling hole 32d may be formed at the top of the second case 32, overlapping the lower end of the first case 31. When a hook 31f positioned on the first case 31 is inserted into the coupling hole 32d of the second case 32, the second case 32 can be fixed to the first case 31. The position and number of coupling holes 32d may correspond to the hooks 31f of the first case 31.

[0130] The second case 32 may include a first side wall 32e. The first side wall 32e may be positioned to surround the through hole 32c and the third conduit 32a.

[0131] The second case 32 may include a second side wall 32f. The second side wall 32f may protrude from the lower surface of the second case 32 and be located outside the through hole 32a. The through hole 32a and the third conduit 32a may be located inside the second side wall 32f.

[0132] On the other hand, the second case 32 may include a recognition projection 32g. The recognition projection 32g may protrude from the lower surface of the second case 32. The recognition projection 32g may be formed such that its tip is located below the lower end of the second conduit connection portion 32h. The recognition projection 32g may be formed on the outside of the second side wall 32f. When the cartridge 30 is connected to the heater module 20, the recognition projection 32g may be configured to physically press a switch SW located on the heater module 20. By the recognition projection 32g pressing the switch SW located on the heater module 20, the control unit of the main body can recognize that the cartridge 30 is connected to the heater module 20. The second conduit connection portion 32h may be connected to the first conduit 21ca of the heater module 20.

[0133] Figure 19 is a side cross-sectional view around the heater 22 when the cartridge 30 is connected to the heater module 20.

[0134] Referring to Figures 14, 18, and 19, the second side wall 32f can come into contact with the heater upper sealing member 21c of the heater module 20 when the cartridge 30 is connected to the heater module 20. When the second side wall 32f presses against and contacts the heater upper sealing member 21c, the inner space of the second side wall 32f is sealed, preventing the leakage of aerosol-generating material.

[0135] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the sealing member 33, Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the sealing member 33, and Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member 33 with reference to E-E in Figure 20.

[0136] Referring to Figures 20 to 22, the sealing member 33 is positioned between the first case 31 and the second case 32, sealing the area around the first case 31 and the second case 32. By sealing the lower end of the storage section 31a, the sealing member 33 prevents the aerosol-generating substance contained in the storage section 31a from leaking.

[0137] Such a sealing member 33 may include a first containment section 33a for collecting aerosol-generating material and a second containment section 33b. The first containment section 33a and the second containment section 33b may each be formed as recesses on the upper surface of the sealing member 33. The first containment section 33a and the second containment section 33b may be spaced apart from each other. The positions of the first containment section 33a and the second containment section 33b can each be aligned with the position of the storage section 31a of the first case 31.

[0138] The sealing member 33 may include a hole 33d in the center. The hole 33d is connected to the airflow channel 31b of the cartridge 30 on its upper side. The hole 33d may also be connected to the third conduit 32a of the second case 32 on its lower side. The hole 33d may be located between the first housing 33a and the second housing 33b.

[0139] The sealing member 33 may include a first recess 33e. The first recess 33e is positioned along the periphery of the hole 33d. The first recess 33e is formed recessed in the upper surface of the sealing member 33 and can form a space into which the first conduit connection portion 31d of the first case 31 is inserted.

[0140] On the other hand, the sealing member 33 may include a plurality of through holes 33c. The plurality of through holes 33c may be arranged in the first housing portion 33a and the second housing portion 33b, respectively. Such through holes 33c can communicate the storage portion 31a of the first case 31 with the interior of the second case 32 where the moisture absorber 34 is located. The lower surface of the sealing member 33 in which the through holes 33c are located can come into contact with the upper surface of the moisture absorber 34.

[0141] The aerosol-generating material collected in the first containment section 33a or the second containment section 33b can be supplied through the through-hole 33c to the moisture-absorbing body 34 located below the through-hole 33c.

[0142] On the other hand, the sealing member 33 may include a second recess 33f. The second recess 33f may be located outside the first housing portion 33a and the second housing portion 33b and may be positioned along the periphery of the sealing member 33. The second recess 33f may be formed recessed in the lower surface of the sealing member 33 and may form a space into which the side wall 32e of the second case 32 is inserted.

[0143] As shown in Figure 19, when the first case 31 and the second case 32 are assembled with the sealing member 33 in between, the first pipe connection portion 31d of the first case 31 is inserted into the first recess 33e, and the first side wall 32e of the second case 32 is inserted into the second recess 33f.

[0144] The first recess 33e improves the ease of assembly and sealing between the first pipe connection portion 31d of the first case 31, thereby preventing aerosols from leaking toward the airflow channel 31b.

[0145] The second recess 33f improves the ease of assembly and airtightness between the sealing member 33 and the first case 31, thereby preventing leakage of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the storage section 31a.

[0146] Figure 23 shows the flow of aerosols through the airflow channel 31B of the cartridge 30.

[0147] The flow of aerosols toward airflow channel 31B will be explained below, with reference to Figure 19.

[0148] As shown in Figure 19, the aerosol-generating material collected in the first containment section 33a and the second containment section 33b of the sealing member 33 passes through the through-hole 33c and is supplied to the moisture-absorbing body 34 located directly below the through-hole 33c. The aerosol-generating material supplied to the moisture-absorbing body 34 is guided to the side wall section 22b of the heater 22. The aerosol-generating material guided to the side wall section 22b is then guided to the heater body 22a, and the aerosol-generating material heated by the heater 22 generates an aerosol. The generated aerosol is guided upward toward the airflow channel 31B of the cartridge 30.

[0149] Since aerosols are generated between the side walls 22b of the heater 22 with respect to the width direction x, the rising aerosols can immediately move to the airflow channel 31B of the cartridge 30 in response to the user's inhalation.

[0150] As shown in Figure 23, the aerosol generated by the heater 22 moves upward through the airflow channel 31B to the center of the cartridge 30 in the width direction x, and the aerosol that has passed through the airflow channel 31B can be guided to the mouthpiece 31c.

[0151] Figure 24 shows the connection area between the cartridge 30 and the main body, and Figure 25 shows the cover of the main body.

[0152] Referring to Figures 24 and 25, with the heater module 20 connected to the main body, the cartridge 30 can be detachably coupled to the main body 10. Specifically, the main body 10 includes a cover 11a, and the cartridge 30 slides and fits inside the cover 11a, and in the process of fitting the cartridge 30 inside the cover 11a, the cartridge 30 can be physically fixed inside the cover 11a.

[0153] For example, the cartridge 30 may include a plurality of protrusions P. The protrusions P may have a hook shape that protrudes from the outer surface of the cartridge 30. The inner surface of the cover 11a of the main body may include a plurality of locking grooves 11aa. In the process of fitting the cartridge 30 into the inside of the cover 11a, the protrusions P of the cartridge 30 are inserted into the locking grooves 11aa, thereby allowing the cartridge 30 to be coupled to the main body 10.

[0154] The position of the locking groove 11aa corresponds to the position of the projection P. The number of locking grooves 11aa can correspond to the number of projections P. When the cartridge 30 is assembled to the main body, if the user pulls the cartridge 30, the projection P disengages from the locking groove 11aa, and the cartridge 30 slides along the cover 11a, allowing the cartridge 30 to be attached to and detached from the main body.

[0155] On the other hand, multiple protrusions P may be spaced apart along the width direction x. The vertical positions of multiple protrusions P may be the same. The protrusions P may be positioned to overlap with the moisture absorber 34 in the vertical direction z. For example, two protrusions P may each be positioned to align with two moisture absorbers 34 along the vertical direction z. This alignment of the positions of the protrusions P and the moisture absorbers 34 is intended to maintain a more robust contact between the moisture absorbers 34 and the heater 22 when the cartridge 30 is coupled to the main body 10.

[0156] Furthermore, at least one of the multiple protrusions P may be positioned to overlap with the switch SW located on the heater module 20 in the vertical direction z. This is because, when the cartridge 30 is coupled to the main body 10, the recognition protrusion 32g of the cartridge 30 comes into contact with the switch SW located on the heater module 20, thereby maintaining a more robust contact between the recognition protrusion 32g and the switch SW.

[0157] Some or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0158] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible unless it is stated that the combination is impossible.

[0159] The above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention (Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and / or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art).

Claims

1. Main unit; A heater module detachably coupled to the main body and including a heater for heating an aerosol-generating substance; and It includes a cartridge that holds the aerosol-generating substance which is detachably coupled to the main body and transmitted to the heater, The aforementioned cartridge is A case comprising a storage section for storing aerosol-generating materials and a channel for guiding the aerosols; A moisture absorber to be attached to the aforementioned case; and A sealing member that is attached to the aforementioned case and includes a plurality of through holes, The moisture-absorbing body is aligned with the plurality of through holes and in contact with the heater. An aerosol generating device in which the aerosol generating substance is supplied to the heater through the plurality of through holes and the moisture-absorbing body.

2. The aforementioned main body includes a cover, The aforementioned case includes a plurality of protrusions, The cover includes a plurality of locking grooves, As the cartridge slides inside the cover, the multiple protrusions are inserted into the multiple locking grooves, and the cartridge is assembled to the main body. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the process of the cartridge sliding into the inside of the cover, the plurality of protrusions disengage from the plurality of locking grooves, thereby releasing the assembly between the cartridge and the main body.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions are all in the same position in the vertical direction.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged to overlap the moisture-absorbing body in the vertical direction.

5. The heater module includes a switch for recognizing that the cartridge is installed in the heater module. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged to overlap the switch in the vertical direction.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is detachably coupled to the main body with the heater module in between in the vertical direction.

7. The aforementioned case is, The first case; and Including a second case coupled to the first case, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is coupled to either the first case or the second case and is arranged to cover the second case.

8. The first case includes a first coupling portion disposed on the outer surface of the first case, The second case includes a second joint, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first coupling portion is detachably coupled to the second coupling portion.

9. The first case described above includes an airflow channel, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the airflow channel is located in the center of the width direction of the first case.

10. The first case further includes a mouthpiece positioned at the upper end of the first case, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the length x in the width direction of the airflow channel is smaller than the length in the width direction of the flow path formed by the mouthpiece, and the length x in the width direction of the airflow channel increases as it approaches the mouthpiece.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second case includes a moisture-absorbing body housing portion formed recessed in the upper surface of the second case to form a space for housing the moisture-absorbing body.

12. The second case includes a through hole aligned with the moisture-absorbing body housing, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the through hole of the second case is aligned with the heater.

13. The second case further includes a conduit that connects to the airflow channel of the first case. The aforementioned moisture-absorbing body containment section includes two moisture-absorbing body containment sections. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the conduit is arranged between the two moisture-absorbing body housing sections.

14. The heater module includes a switch for recognizing that the cartridge is installed in the heater module. The second case described above includes a recognition projection, The recognition projection protrudes from the lower surface of the second case, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, when the cartridge and the heater module are assembled, the recognition projection contacts the switch of the heater module.

15. The sealing member includes a first containment portion and a second containment portion formed recessed on the upper surface of the sealing member, where aerosol-generating substances are collected, respectively. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first containment section and the second containment section are aligned with the storage section.

16. The multiple through holes in the sealing member are arranged in the first housing portion and the second housing portion, respectively. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of through holes in the sealing member are aligned with the moisture-absorbing body.

17. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the lower surface of the sealing member, on which a plurality of through holes are arranged, is in contact with the upper surface of the moisture-absorbing body.

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