Cartridge for aerosol generator including a vibrator and method for manufacturing the vibrator

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a cartridge for an aerosol generating device includes a storage tank for storing an aerosol generating material and a vibrator for generating vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material, the vibrator including a body for generating vibrations, an electrode layer laminated on at least one surface of the body, and a coating layer made of a light absorbing material laminated on a portion of the electrode layer.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following examples relate to a cartridge for an aerosol generator including a vibrator and a method for manufacturing the vibrator. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). As a result, active research has been conducted on electrically heated aerosol generators and the cigarette sticks (or aerosol-generating products) that are applied to them. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In an aerosol generating device including an ultrasonic atomizer for generating aerosol, a vibrator generates ultrasonic waves to atomize an aerosol-generating material, thereby generating aerosol. Because the vibrator may overheat when driven, a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the vibrator, and a processor controls the driving of the vibrator based on the temperature to prevent the vibrator from overheating.

[0004] If the temperature sensor's sensing results are inaccurate or contain errors, the processor may not be able to properly control the oscillator's operation, which may cause the oscillator to overheat or be damaged, resulting in a decrease in the performance of the aerosol generator. Therefore, it is important to accurately measure the oscillator's temperature in real time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment, a cartridge for an aerosol generating device includes a storage tank for storing an aerosol-generating material and a vibrator for generating vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating material, and the vibrator may include a vibrator body for generating vibrations, an electrode layer stacked on at least one surface of the body, and a coating layer made of a light-absorbing material stacked on a portion of the electrode layer.

[0006] In one embodiment, the vibrator may include a plurality of the electrode layers, and the plurality of electrode layers may include a first electrode layer formed on one side of the vibrator body facing the transmission member, and a second electrode layer formed on another side of the vibrator body opposite the one side.

[0007] In one embodiment, the coating layer may be laminated on the second electrode layer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the vibrator may further include a shield layer made of a non-conductive material and stacked on a partial region of the first electrode layer.

[0009] In one embodiment, the shield layer may be made of a water-repellent material to prevent absorption of the transducer by the aerosol-generating substance.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cartridge for the aerosol generating device further includes a transmission member that receives the aerosol generating material from the storage tank and atomizes the aerosol generating material by vibration of the vibrator, and the vibrator may include a first surface facing the transmission member and a second surface opposite to the first surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the coating layer may be laminated so as to overlap substantially the center of the second surface of the vibrator.

[0012] In one embodiment, the coating layer may occupy an area of ​​50% or more based on the area of ​​the second surface of the vibrator.

[0013] In one embodiment, the coating layer may include a first coating region overlapping and stacked substantially at the center of the second surface of the vibrator, and a second coating region overlapping and stacked substantially at the edge of the second surface of the vibrator.

[0014] In one embodiment, the coating layer includes a dye having a light reflectance of 50% or less, and may be made of glass, ceramic, polymer, or a combination thereof.

[0015] In one embodiment, the coating layer may be made of a combination of a dye having a light reflectance of 50% or less and a material substantially identical to that of the body of the vibrator.

[0016] In addition, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a storage tank for storing an aerosol-generating material, a vibrator for generating vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating material, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the vibrator, wherein the vibrator includes a vibrator body for generating vibrations, an electrode layer stacked on at least one surface of the body, and a coating layer made of a light-absorbing material stacked on a portion of the electrode layer, wherein the coating layer may be stacked on a portion of the electrode layer facing the temperature sensor.

[0017] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a vibrator according to an embodiment may include an operation of disposing a body of a vibrator that generates vibration when a current is supplied thereto; an operation of depositing an electrode layer on one side of the body and another side opposite the one side; an operation of depositing a coating layer made of a light absorbing material on a portion of the electrode layer disposed on one side of the body; and an operation of heat-treating the body, the electrode layer, and the coating layer.

[0018] In one embodiment, before the operation of depositing the coating layer, the coating layer may be formed by combining a dye having a light reflectance of 50% or less with glass, ceramic, polymer, or a combination thereof.

[0019] In one embodiment, before the operation of depositing the coating layer, an operation of forming the coating layer by combining a dye having a light reflectance of 50% or less with a material substantially the same as the body of the vibrator may be included. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] In one embodiment of the cartridge for an aerosol generator including a vibrator and the method for manufacturing the vibrator, a temperature sensor can accurately detect temperature changes of the vibrator in real time through a coating layer formed on one side of the vibrator, and based on this, can control the driving of the vibrator to prevent overheating of the vibrator.

[0021] Alternatively, the method for manufacturing a vibrator according to one embodiment can enhance the durability of the coating layer of the vibrator that operates in a high-temperature environment so that it does not peel off or break, and can provide an improved temperature sensing function for the vibrator through the coating layer.

[0022] The effects of the cartridge for an aerosol generating device including a vibrator according to one embodiment and the method for manufacturing the vibrator are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device in a closed state according to one embodiment; [Figure 3B] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device in an embodiment with the mouthpiece open. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transducer assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a transducer assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vibrator according to an embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a vibrator according to an embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of a vibrator according to an embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a vibrator according to another embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a vibrator according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a vibrator according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The terms used in the various embodiments are currently widely used and general terms that are selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention, but these terms may change depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by the names of the terms.

[0025] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements, but that it may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the terms "module" and "unit" 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.

[0026] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an array of elements, it modifies all elements and not each individual element in the array. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" or "at least one of a, b, or 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.

[0027] In various embodiments, an "aerosol-generating article" can refer to an article that contains a medium through which an aerosol passes, transferring the medium. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, although the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0028] In various embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" can refer to a direction away from the mouth of a user (smoker), and "downstream" or "downstream direction" can refer to a direction toward the mouth of a user. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of elements that make up an aerosol-generating article.

[0029] In various embodiments, "puff" refers to a user's inhalation, where inhalation refers to drawing in through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0030] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0031] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater can be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater can include an electrically conductive track, and the heater can be heated when an electric current is passed through the electrically conductive track.

[0032] In one embodiment, the heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and the pattern of the heating element may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette.

[0033] In one embodiment, a cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a shredded tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0034] In one embodiment, the filter rod can be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod can include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out selected components contained in the aerosol.

[0035] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0036] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body, or may be fixed so that it cannot be detached by a user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol-generating material contained therein. However, without being limited thereto, the aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cartridge can hold an aerosol-forming material in any of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-forming material can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0038] In one embodiment, the cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material are mixed with air.

[0039] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, which can be configured to transmit the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0040] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic vibrations. Here, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0041] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol-generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0042] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-forming material. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the transducer.

[0043] In one embodiment, as a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations can be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick can be converted to a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0044] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core can be reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the aerosol-generating material with reduced viscosity can be broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to these examples.

[0045] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using induction heating.

[0046] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0047] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can further include a cradle.

[0048] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery of the aerosol generating device, or the heater may be used to heat the aerosol generating device when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure can be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or can be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0050] In the following, embodiments of the present document will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0052] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a control unit 110, a detection unit 120, an output unit 130, a battery 140, a heater 150, a user input unit 160, a memory 170, and a communication unit 180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, it will be understood by a person skilled in the art of this embodiment that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0053] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state around the aerosol generating device 100 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 110. Based on the detected information, the control unit 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 150, restricting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol generating article (e.g., an aerosol generating article, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0054] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion sensor 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited to these.

[0055] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature to which the heater 150 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 100 can include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself can function as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 can be disposed around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0056] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 124 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 124 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-generating article.

[0057] In one embodiment, the puff sensor 126 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.

[0058] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 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 above-mentioned sensors 122 to 126. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] In one embodiment, the output unit 130 may output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 130 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an audio output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 132 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0060] In one embodiment, the display unit 132 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 100 can mean various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100, the preheating status of the heater 150, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol-generating article, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 100 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 132 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 132 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Alternatively, the display unit 132 can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0061] In one embodiment, the haptic unit 134 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the haptic unit 134 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0062] In one embodiment, the acoustic output unit 136 can audibly provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0063] In one embodiment, the battery 140 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 can supply power to heat the heater 150. The battery 140 can also supply power necessary to operate other components included in the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180). The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0064] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to the heater 150. Furthermore, if the aerosol-generating device 100 generates aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol-generating device 100 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 140 into AC power.

[0065] In one embodiment, the control unit 110, the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 can function by receiving power from the battery 140. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component.

[0066] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials can be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, the heater 150 can be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0067] In one embodiment, heater 150 may be an induction heater, for example, heater 150 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0068] In one embodiment, heater 150 may include multiple heaters. For example, heater 150 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0069] In one embodiment, the user input unit 160 can receive information input by a user and output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 160 can be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., 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, a piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0070] In one embodiment, the memory 170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 110 and data to be processed by the control unit 110. The memory 170 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 170 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0071] In one embodiment, communication unit 180 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, communication unit 180 may include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0072] In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 182 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0073] In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 184 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 184 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 100 within the communication network.

[0074] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as 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 processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0075] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the temperature of the heater 150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 140 to the heater 150. For example, the control unit 110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 140 and the heater 150. In another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 150 according to a control command from the control unit 110.

[0076] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may analyze the results sensed by the detection unit 120 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 110 may control the power supplied to the heater 150 so that the operation of the heater 150 starts or ends based on the results sensed by the detection unit 120. As another example, the control unit 110 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 150 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the detection unit 120.

[0077] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the output unit 130 based on the result sensed by the detection unit 120. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 126 reaches a preset number, the control unit 110 may notify the user through at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the audio output unit 136 that the aerosol generating device 100 will soon be shut down.

[0078] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 150 depending on the state of the aerosol-generating article sensed by the detection unit 120. For example, if the aerosol-generating article is in an overly humid state, the control unit 110 may control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

[0079] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. Computer-readable media can also include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0080] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0081] 2, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment can include a cartridge 10 and a main body 50. Some components of the aerosol generating device 100 described below in FIG. 2 are substantially the same as or similar to some components of the aerosol generating device 100 described above in FIG. 1, and therefore, overlapping content will be omitted below.

[0082] In one embodiment, the cartridge 10 can contain an aerosol-generating material and can be detachably fastened to the main body 50. For example, the cartridge 10 can be connected to the main body 50 by at least a portion of the cartridge 10 being inserted into the interior of the main body 50 (e.g., the fastening region of the cartridge 10 in FIG. 3A ). Without being limited thereto, the cartridge 10 can be connected to the main body 50 by at least a portion of the main body 50 being inserted into the interior of the cartridge 10. The fastening method of the cartridge 10 and the main body 50 can be various methods such as screw fastening, magnetic fastening, snap fastening, or snut-fit fastening.

[0083] In one embodiment, cartridge 10 may include at least a portion of reservoir 30, transmission member 32, and transducer assembly 33, and may include housing 20 for accommodating these components therein.

[0084] In one embodiment, the housing 20 can form the exterior of the cartridge 10 and can house at least some of the components for driving the aerosol generating device 100 therein.

[0085] In one embodiment, the structure and shape of the housing 20 can be variously realized, for example, but not limited to, a column or stick shape as shown in Figure 2. The housing 20 can include a mouthpiece 23 and an aerosol flow path 27.

[0086] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 23 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the body of a user of the aerosol generating device 100. The mouthpiece 23 can include an inlet 25 that is internal to the cartridge 10 and specifically communicates with an aerosol flow path 27.

[0087] For example, a user can contact the mouthpiece 23 with their oral cavity and inhale the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device 100. When the user inhales into the mouthpiece 23, the pressure in the inlet 25 and the aerosol flow path 27 decreases, and the aerosol inside the cartridge 10 can pass through the aerosol flow path 27 and the inlet 25 and be delivered to the user.

[0088] In one embodiment, the reservoir 30 is located in the interior space of the housing 20 and can contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the reservoir 30 can contain and store the aerosol-generating substance and can provide the aerosol-generating substance to another component (e.g., the transmitting member 32). The reservoir 30 can also be supplied with the aerosol-generating substance from an external source.

[0089] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material can be in various states, such as a liquid, solid, gas, or gel, or a mixture of any of these.

[0090] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming material can be a liquid containing volatile tobacco flavor components and / or tobacco ingredients. For example, the aerosol-forming material can include at least a portion of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, or vitamin blends. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming material can include at least a portion of menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and fruit flavor components.

[0091] In one embodiment, the transmission member 32 can transmit the aerosol-generating substance from the reservoir 30. The transmission member 32 can be directly or indirectly connected to the reservoir 30, and at least a portion of the transmission member 32 can face the aerosol flow path 27. The transmission member 32 can include at least a portion of cotton, ceramic, glass, and a porous material, or can structurally include a flow path through which the aerosol-generating substance flows. For example, the transmission member 32 can be a wick made of a hygroscopic or porous material.

[0092] In one embodiment, the vibrator assembly 33 is located inside the housing 20 and can generate vibrations from the transmission member 32. The vibrator assembly 33 can include a vibrator 35 and a cartridge board (e.g., printed circuit board, PCB) 37 that controls the driving of the vibrator 35.

[0093] For example, the vibrator assembly 33 may form an atomizer together with other components (e.g., a portion of the housing 20 and / or the transmission member 32). A specific structure of the vibrator assembly 33 according to one embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 5A.

[0094] In one embodiment, transducer assembly 33 may generate relatively short-period vibrations, such as ultrasonic vibrations. For example, the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations may be approximately 100 kHz to 3.5 Hz. The aerosol-generating substance transferred from storage tank 30 to transfer member 32 by the vibration of transducer assembly 33 may be vaporized and / or atomized to form an aerosol.

[0095] In one embodiment, the main body 50 can house a control unit (e.g., control unit 110 in Figure 1) that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 100, a battery (e.g., the battery in Figure 1), and other components (e.g., at least part of the detection unit 120, output unit 130, memory 170, and communication unit 180 in Figure 1).

[0096] In one embodiment, the main body 50 can be electrically or communicatively coupled to the cartridge board 37 to supply data and / or power. While the control unit 110 and the cartridge board 37 are shown separately in FIG. 2, this is an exemplary explanation and is not limiting. For example, the cartridge board 37 can be included as a part of the control unit 110, and the main body 50 can further include a main body board (e.g., main body board 335 in FIG. 6A ) that is another component of the control unit 110.

[0097] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an aerosol generation device 200 in one embodiment with the mouthpiece 223 in an open state, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an aerosol generation device 200 in one embodiment with the mouthpiece 223 in a closed state.

[0098] 3A and 3B, an aerosol generating device 200 (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge 210 (e.g., the cartridge 10 of FIG. 2) and a main body 250 (e.g., the main body 50 of FIG. 2).

[0099] The aerosol generating device 200 and its configuration shown below in Figure 3A are illustrative of one of the possible embodiments of the aerosol generating device 100 described above in Figures 1 and 2, and the embodiment is not limited to this in actual implementation. The aerosol generating device 200 can be realized in various structures and shapes. In the following description of the aerosol generating device 200, content that overlaps with the content described above will be omitted.

[0100] In one embodiment, the main body 250 may include a first body 250 a and a second body 250 b. The first body 250 a and the second body 250 b may be fastened to each other, and each of the first body 250 a and the second body 250 b may house and protect the internal components of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0101] In one embodiment, the first body 250a may include a cartridge fastening region 255, which can support the cartridge 210 when the cartridge 210 is fastened to the cartridge fastening region 255. For example, the cartridge fastening region 255 may include an opening formed facing one direction (e.g., the +z direction) of the first body 250a, and the cartridge 210 may be fastened to the cartridge fastening region 255 and inserted into the opening.

[0102] In one embodiment, the second body 250b can be fastened to the first body 250a, and the second body 250b can be an area for a user to grip the aerosol generating device 200. Although not shown in the drawings, the second body 250b can accommodate at least some components of a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 122 in FIG. 1) and a substrate (e.g., the control unit 110 in FIG. 1 or 2). In the drawings, the second body 250b is shown to have a substantially circular or polygonal shape, but in actual implementation, the shape is not limited thereto and can be, for example, a columnar or stick shape.

[0103] In one embodiment, cartridge 210 can include mouthpiece 223. Mouthpiece 223 can be rotated or tilted about an axis of rotation, and based on this, inlet 225 (e.g., inlet 25 in FIG. 2) of mouthpiece 223 can be selectively exposed.

[0104] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the aerosol generating device 200 is not in use, the mouthpiece 223 can be located inside the cartridge fastening area 255, and the inlet 225 can be not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0105] For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, to use the aerosol generating device 200, the user can rotate or tilt the mouthpiece 223, thereby exposing the inlet 225 to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0106] 3A and 3B, the aerosol generator 200 can cover the inlet 225 as needed, thereby preventing external foreign matter from entering the cartridge 210 through the inlet 225 and preventing contamination of the inlet 225. In addition, the aerosol or a portion of the aerosol-forming material can be prevented from leaking from the inside of the cartridge 210 to the outside of the aerosol generator 200.

[0107] 3A and 3B are merely examples, and actual implementation is not limited thereto. The mouthpiece 223 can be implemented in various ways. For example, the main body 250 or the cartridge 210 may include a separate door to selectively expose the intake port 225 of the cartridge 210.

[0108] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 210 according to one embodiment.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, cartridge 210 can include a cartridge body 211 and a mouthpiece 223 .

[0110] The aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 4 may be one example of the aerosol generating device 100 described above or a modified example thereof, and the following description will be omitted to avoid duplication.

[0111] In one embodiment, the cartridge body 211 can include the housing 205 and the transmission member 235 , as well as at least a portion of the transducer assembly 300 .

[0112] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 223 may be coupled or connected to the cartridge body 211 so as to be movable relative to the cartridge body 211. The components of the cartridge 210 according to one embodiment are not limited to the examples described above, and additional components may be added or some components may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0113] In one embodiment, the housing 205 can form the overall appearance of the cartridge 210 while forming an interior space within which components of the cartridge 210 (e.g., the reservoir 230, the transmission member 235, and at least a portion of the vibrator assembly 300) can be housed.

[0114] In one embodiment, the structure and shape of the housing 205 can be variously realized. For example, the housing 205 can be formed in a columnar or stick shape, but is not limited thereto. Although the drawings only show an embodiment in which the housing 205 of the cartridge 210 has an overall rectangular prism shape, in other embodiments (not shown), the housing 205 can be formed in an overall cylindrical shape or in the shape of a polygonal prism other than a rectangular prism (e.g., a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism).

[0115] In one embodiment, the housing 205 may include a first housing 205a, a second housing 205b coupled to one region of the first housing 205a, and a third housing 205c coupled to another region of the first housing 205a.

[0116] For example, the second housing 205b may be coupled to a region located at the lower end (e.g., in the -z direction) of the first housing 205a, and an internal space in which the components of the cartridge 210 are disposed may be formed between the first housing 205a and the second housing 205b.

[0117] In one embodiment, the third housing 205c is coupled to a region located at the upper end (e.g., in the +z direction) of the first housing 205a, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece 223 can be disposed on one side of the third housing 205c.

[0118] In one embodiment, first housing 205a and second housing 205b may be coupled to each other to form an aerosol flow path 224 through which an airflow (e.g., air, aerosol) moves inside cartridge body 211. For example, first housing 205a may form a portion of aerosol flow path 224, and second housing 205b may form the remaining portion of aerosol flow path 224.

[0119] In one embodiment, the first housing 205a and the second housing 205b can be combined to form an internal space, in which various components necessary for the operation of the cartridge 210, such as the vibrator assembly 300 and the transmission member 235, can be housed or arranged.

[0120] In one embodiment, first housing 205a and second housing 205b can protect components housed within their interior spaces, and third housing 205c can protect mouthpiece 223 and other components coupled or connected to mouthpiece 223. Housing 205 can form at least a portion of aerosol flow path 224, or at least a portion of the structure of housing 205 can function as an inner wall of aerosol flow path 224.

[0121] In one embodiment, the housing 205 may include a sensor hole 207. The sensor hole 207 may be formed in a portion of the second housing 205b of the housing 205. For example, the sensor hole 207 may be located on the bottom surface of the second housing 205b where the cartridge 210 is coupled to the main body 250. The sensor hole 207 may be formed in a position opposite a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 330 in FIG. 6A ). The sensor hole 207 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6A .

[0122] In one embodiment, mouthpiece 223 is the portion that comes into contact with the user's oral cavity, and mouthpiece 223 can be disposed in or coupled to a region of housing 205. For example, mouthpiece 223 can be coupled to third housing 205c.

[0123] In one embodiment, mouthpiece 223 is movable between an open position and a closed position. Cartridge 210 may further include an elastic body 223a that provides an elastic force to mouthpiece 223. For example, elastic body 223a may elastically support mouthpiece 223 toward the open position.

[0124] In one embodiment, the elastic body 223a may be disposed on or around the rotation axis of the mouthpiece 223. The mouthpiece 223 may be moved from the closed position to the open position by the elastic force of the elastic body 223a. The elastic body 223a may be made of a metal material (e.g., SUS).

[0125] In one embodiment, mouthpiece 223 is rotatable around a rotation axis, and elastic body 223a may be a torsion spring located on the rotation axis of mouthpiece 223. Elastic body 223a may be in a state where deformation is relatively large when mouthpiece 223 is in the closed position, and in a state where deformation is relatively small when mouthpiece 223 is in the open position. As a result, mouthpiece 223 may be provided with a biasing elastic force to open from the closed position to the open position.

[0126] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 223 may include an inlet 225 for discharging the aerosol generated inside the cartridge 210 to the outside of the cartridge 210. For example, the inlet 225 may have one side connected to the outside and the other side connected to the aerosol flow path 224 in an open position. A user may bring the mouthpiece 223 into contact with the oral cavity and receive the aerosol to be discharged to the outside through the inlet 225 of the mouthpiece 223.

[0127] In one embodiment, mouthpiece 223 can be rotatably or tiltably coupled to third housing 205c together with cradle 223b. Cradle 223b can be disposed between mouthpiece 223 and third housing 205c and can enclose at least a portion of the other side of mouthpiece 223.

[0128] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 223, the cradle 223b, and the third housing 205c may be connected to one another by a rotation axis, so that the mouthpiece 223 is not only firmly coupled to the third housing 205c, but also rotatably moved between an open position and a closed position relative to the third housing 205c.

[0129] In one embodiment, the aerosol atomized by vibrator assembly 300 can be discharged to the outside of cartridge 210 through aerosol flow path 224 and supplied to a user. For example, the aerosol generated by a vibrator (e.g., vibrator 301 in FIG. 6B ) of vibrator assembly 300 can flow along aerosol flow path 224 formed to connect or communicate an atomization space (e.g., atomization space 257 in FIG. 6A ) with inlet 225 of mouthpiece 223, and then can be discharged to the outside of cartridge 210 through inlet 225.

[0130] In one embodiment, aerosol flow path 224 can be connected along the internal structure of second housing 205b and first housing 205a to mouthpiece 223. For example, airflow moving in the forward direction along aerosol flow path 224 can move sequentially in certain directions (e.g., sequentially in the +z direction, a direction transverse to the z-axis, the -z direction, a direction transverse to the z-axis, and the +z direction).

[0131] In one embodiment, inlet 225 may refer to a passage inside mouthpiece 223. Inlet 225 may be connected to aerosol flow path 224 when mouthpiece 223 is in an open position. Inlet 225 may be disconnected from aerosol flow path 224 when mouthpiece 223 is in a closed position.

[0132] In one embodiment, the reservoir 230 may be disposed inside the first housing 205a, and an aerosol-generating material may be stored inside the reservoir 230. For example, the reservoir 230 may store a liquid aerosol-generating material, but is not limited to this.

[0133] In one embodiment, transmission member 235 can be located between reservoir 230 and transducer 301 of transducer assembly 300. The aerosol-generating substance stored in reservoir 230 can be supplied to transducer assembly 300 by transmission member 235.

[0134] In one embodiment, the transmission member 235 may receive the aerosol-generating substance from the storage tank 230 and transmit the aerosol-generating substance to the vibrator 301 or the absorber 235a, or may atomize the aerosol-generating substance when ultrasonic vibrations are applied from the vibrator 301. For example, the transmission member 235 may absorb the aerosol-generating substance in the storage tank 230, and the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the transmission member 235 may be transmitted to the vibrator assembly 300.

[0135] In one embodiment, transmitting member 235 is disposed adjacent to storage tank 230 and can receive a liquid aerosol-generating substance from storage tank 230. For example, the aerosol-generating substance stored in storage tank 230 can be discharged to the outside of storage tank 230 through a liquid supply port (not shown) formed in a region of storage tank 230 facing transmitting member 235, and transmitting member 235 can absorb at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substance discharged from storage tank 230, thereby absorbing the aerosol-generating substance from storage tank 230.

[0136] In one embodiment, cartridge 210 may further include absorber 235a that transfers the absorbed aerosol-generating substance to transducer assembly 300. In one embodiment, absorber 235a may be positioned to cover at least a portion of transducer 301 of transducer assembly 300 where aerosol is generated.

[0137] In one embodiment, absorber 235a may be made of a material capable of absorbing the aerosol-forming substance, such as at least one of SPL30(H), SPL50(H)V, NP100(V8), SPL60(FC), and Melamine.

[0138] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 further includes an absorbent 235a, so that the aerosol-generating substance is absorbed not only by the transmitting member 235 but also by the absorbent 235a, thereby improving the amount of aerosol-generating substance absorbed.

[0139] In one embodiment, transmission member 235 may include a material that has a faster aerosol-generating substance absorption rate than absorber 235a. For example, if transmission member 235 has a faster absorption rate than absorber 235a, the aerosol-generating substance transferred to absorber 235a by transmission member 235 can be adjusted so that absorber 235a, which has a relatively slow absorption rate, supplies the aerosol-generating substance to oscillator 301 at a uniform rate. This prevents an excessively large amount of aerosol-generating substance from coming into contact with oscillator 301.

[0140] In one embodiment, absorber 235a is disposed to cover at least a portion of vibrator 301, and thus absorber 235a can function as a physical barrier to prevent "splash," which occurs when particles that are not sufficiently atomized during the aerosol generation process are immediately discharged outside aerosol generator 200. Here, "splash" refers to relatively large particles of the aerosol-generating material that are not sufficiently atomized and are therefore discharged outside cartridge 210. Further including absorber 235a in cartridge 210 reduces the likelihood of splash, thereby improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0141] In one embodiment, the absorber 235 a is located between the transmission member 235 and one surface of the oscillator 301 where the aerosol is generated, and can transmit the aerosol supplied to the transmission member 235 to the oscillator 301 .

[0142] For example, one region of absorber 235a can be in contact with one region of transmission member 235 facing one direction (e.g., the −z direction), and another region of absorber 235a can be in contact with one region of transducer 301 of transducer assembly 300 facing one direction (e.g., the +z direction). That is, absorber 235a is located on the upper end surface of transducer 301 (e.g., the surface facing the +z direction or first surface 301a in FIG. 5B ), and can supply the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in transmission member 235 to transducer assembly 300.

[0143] In one embodiment, the transmission member 235, absorber 235a and vibrator assembly 300 can be arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the cartridge 210 or housing 205, and the absorber 235a and transmission member 235 can be stacked sequentially on the vibrator 301.

[0144] By the above-mentioned arrangement structure, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage tank 230 to the transmission member 235 moves to the absorber 235a in contact with the transmission member 235, and the aerosol-generating substance that has moved to the absorber 235a can move along the absorber 235a and reach an area adjacent to the vibrator assembly 300.

[0145] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material is stably transmitted to the vibrator assembly 300, allowing the vibrator assembly 300 to continuously generate a uniform amount of aerosol, and the above-mentioned arrangement structure allows the transmission member 235 and the absorber 235a to provide a physical double barrier that prevents the above-mentioned liquid splashing.

[0146] In one embodiment, the drawings only show an embodiment including one transmission member 235 and one absorbent body 235a, but in other embodiments, the cartridge 210 may include two or more of at least one of the transmission member 235 and the absorbent body 235a, or the transmission member 235 and the absorbent body 235a may be realized in a single body.

[0147] For example, but not limited to, the absorbent body 235a may be a separate component of the cartridge 210 coupled to the transfer member 235, or the transfer member 235 may include the absorbent body 235a.

[0148] In one embodiment, cartridge 210 may further include a hollow portion 240 for preventing aerosol-forming substance from leaking from reservoir 230 and flowing into aerosol flow path 224. In one embodiment, by arranging aerosol flow path 224 so that at least a portion of reservoir 230 is enclosed, aerosol-forming substance leaking from reservoir 230 may flow into aerosol flow path 224, thereby reducing the user's satisfaction with smoking.

[0149] In one embodiment, hollow portion 240 can seal a gap around the liquid supply port of reservoir 230 (e.g., a gap between the liquid supply port and transmitting member 235). As a result, in cartridge 210 according to one embodiment, hollow portion 240 can prevent the aerosol-generating substance in reservoir 230 from leaking into aerosol flow path 224, thereby preventing a decrease in the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0150] In one embodiment, hollow portion 240 is located in atomization space 257 of housing 205 and can prevent the aerosol-generating substance in reservoir 230 from leaking into aerosol flow path 224. For example, hollow portion 240 can have a circular hollow shape. Hollow portion 240 can fit inside first housing 205a and be in close contact with the outer wall of reservoir 230.

[0151] In one embodiment, the hollow portion 240 has a passage portion therein, thereby preventing the aerosol generating substance from the storage tank 230 from flowing into the aerosol flow path 224 and forming part of the aerosol flow path 224 through which the aerosol generated from the vibrator 301 moves.

[0152] In one embodiment, hollow portion 240 may include at least one hole connected to aerosol flow path 224. For example, hollow portion 240 may include hollow portion opening 241 on the top surface (e.g., the surface in the +z direction).

[0153] In one embodiment, the atomization space 257 is located on the first surface 301a of the vibrator 301 facing the aerosol flow path 224, and the atomization space 257 and the aerosol flow path 224 can be connected at the upper end of the vibrator 301. The cartridge 210 has a linear aerosol discharge path, so that the generated aerosol can be easily discharged to the outside of the cartridge 210.

[0154] In one embodiment, hollow portion opening 241 can be formed so that the aerosol generated in atomization space 257 can move to aerosol flow path 224. For example, hollow portion opening 241 is formed in a portion of hollow portion 240 where atomization space 257 faces aerosol flow path 224, and the aerosol generated in atomization space 257 and flowing in one direction (for example, the +z direction) can move to the mouthpiece 223 side through hollow portion opening 241.

[0155] In one embodiment, the hollow portion 240 may include an elastic material (e.g., rubber) to absorb ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer 301. This can minimize the transmission of ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer 301 to the user via the housing 205 of the cartridge 210.

[0156] In one embodiment, the hollow portion 240 is located at the upper end of the transmission member 235 and presses the transmission member 235 in a direction toward the vibrator 301, thereby maintaining contact between the transmission member 235 and the vibrator 301. For example, the hollow portion 240 can maintain contact between the absorber 235a and the vibrator 301 by pressing the transmission member 235 and / or the absorber 235a in one direction (e.g., the -z direction).

[0157] The cartridge 210 according to one embodiment may further include a waterproof member 245 for maintaining the transmission member 235 and / or the vibrator 301 inside the first housing 205a.

[0158] Waterproof member 245 is arranged to enclose at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of transmission member 235, absorber 235a and / or vibrator 301, and can house transmission member 235, absorber 235a and / or vibrator 301.

[0159] In one embodiment, the waterproof member 245 can be disposed between the first housing 205a and the second housing 205b, and the transmission member 235, the absorber 235a and / or the vibrator 301 can be maintained or fixed in the area between the first housing 205a and the second housing 205b.

[0160] In one embodiment, the waterproofing member 245 may be coupled to the first housing 205a in such a way that at least a portion of the waterproofing member 245 is restrainingly fitted into the first housing 205a, but the coupling method between the first housing 205a and the waterproofing member 245 is not limited to the above example. In other examples, the first housing 205a and the waterproofing member 245 may be coupled to each other using at least one of a snap fit, a screw coupling, or a magnetic coupling.

[0161] In one embodiment, waterproof member 245 includes a material (e.g., silicone or rubber) that has a predetermined rigidity and is waterproof, and not only fixes transmission member 235 and vibrator 301 to first housing 205a but also prevents leakage of the aerosol-generating substance from reservoir 230. For example, waterproof member 245 can seal the area of ​​reservoir 230 adjacent to transmission member 235 or vibrator 301, thereby preventing leakage of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0162] In one embodiment, the waterproof member 245 includes an elastic material (for example, rubber) similar to the hollow portion 240 , and is capable of absorbing the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator 301 .

[0163] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can further include a first seal 236 for maintaining the coupling between the first housing 205a and the third housing 205c and for sealing the reservoir 230.

[0164] In one embodiment, the first seal 236 may be disposed between the first housing 205a and the third housing 205c. For example, the first seal 236 may be coupled to the upper end of the first housing 205a and the lower end of the third housing 205c to firmly maintain the coupling between the first housing 205a and the third housing 205c.

[0165] In one embodiment, first sealing body 236 may have a structure that does not seal aerosol flow path 224 but seals reservoir 230. For example, first sealing body 236 may have a structure that includes a hole in the portion where aerosol flow path 224 is located and does not include a hole in the portion where reservoir 230 is located when first sealing body 236 is attached to the upper end of first housing 205a. In this way, first sealing body 236 can separate or isolate reservoir 230 and aerosol flow path 224 from the upper end of first housing 205a while preventing aerosol flow path 224 from being blocked.

[0166] In one embodiment, cartridge 210 may further include a second seal 238 that is coupled to third housing 205c and seals around aerosol flow path 224. Second seal 238 may be coupled to the upper end of third housing 205c. Second seal 238 may include a hole of a size corresponding to aerosol flow path 224, and may seal around the portion where aerosol flow path 224 and inlet 225 are connected while preventing aerosol flow path 224 from being blocked.

[0167] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 may include both a first seal 236 and a second seal 238 .

[0168] In one embodiment, the first seal 236 and the second seal 238 are respectively coupled to the upper and lower ends of the third housing 205c, and at least a portion of the first seal 236 and the second seal 238 may be partially coupled inside the third housing 205c, thereby enabling the first housing 205a and the third housing 205c to be more firmly coupled via the first seal 236 and the second seal 238.

[0169] In one embodiment, the first sealing body 236 and the second sealing body 238 can be coupled to the first housing 205a and / or the third housing 205c in a manner of interlocking fit, but the coupling manner of the first sealing body 236 and the second sealing body 238 is not limited to the above example.

[0170] In one embodiment, the first sealing body 236 and the second sealing body 238 comprise a material (e.g., silicone) having a predetermined rigidity and waterproof properties, and can be firmly attached to the first housing 205a and / or the third housing 205c, and can also function as part of the inner wall of the aerosol flow path 224.

[0171] For example, during the process of atomizing the aerosol-generating material by the vibrator 301, some of the aerosol-generating material may not be sufficiently atomized, resulting in relatively large droplets. Alternatively, some of the atomized aerosol may be liquefied inside the airflow passage to generate droplets. The generated droplets may clog the aerosol flow path 224, leak out of the cartridge 210 via another path (e.g., the inlet 251 in FIG. 6A ), or leak out of the mouthpiece 223 via the inlet 225, potentially reducing the user's convenience and smoking satisfaction. The first sealing member 236 and the second sealing member 238 prevent these problems and provide the user with convenience and smoking satisfaction.

[0172] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a transducer assembly 300 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the transducer assembly 300 according to one embodiment.

[0173] 5A and 5B, one embodiment of the vibrator assembly 300 may include at least a portion of a vibrator 301, a first electrode body 311, a second electrode body 312, a support structure 325, a support plate 315, and a cartridge substrate 310.

[0174] In one embodiment, transducer assembly 300 can generate vibrations from transmission member 235 to atomize the aerosol-forming material. Transducer assembly 300 can include a transducer 301 and a support assembly 320.

[0175] In one embodiment, the support assembly 320 may refer to a configuration that supports the vibrator 301, or may refer to another configuration of the vibrator assembly 300 excluding the vibrator 301. For example, the support assembly 320 may include at least a portion of the cartridge substrate 310, the first electrode body 311, the second electrode body 312, the support plate 315, and the support structure 325.

[0176] In one embodiment, the vibrator 301 may generate vibrations from the transmission member 235 to atomize the liquid aerosol-generating substance and generate an aerosol. The vibrator 301 may include a first surface 301a facing the transmission member 235 and a second surface 301b opposite to the first surface 301a.

[0177] In one embodiment, vibrator 301 can include a piezoelectric ceramic. A piezoelectric ceramic can be a functional material that generates electricity when a force is applied, and generates force when electricity is applied, thereby interconverting electricity and force. For example, vibrator 301 can generate short-period vibrations when electricity is applied, and the vibrations can vaporize and / or atomize the aerosol-generating substance.

[0178] In one embodiment, the transducer 301 can generate ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer 301 may be approximately 100 kHz to 10 MHz, and preferably approximately 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz.

[0179] In one embodiment, the vibrator 301 generates ultrasonic vibrations in the corresponding frequency band, so that the vibrator 301 can vibrate along the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the cartridge 210 or the housing 205. However, the direction in which the vibrator 301 vibrates in one embodiment of this document is not limited to this, and the direction in which the vibrator vibrates can be changed to various directions (e.g., any one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction, or a combination of these directions).

[0180] In one embodiment, the vibrator 301 atomizes the aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic method, thereby generating aerosol at a relatively low temperature compared to methods that heat the aerosol-generating material. For example, when using a heater to heat the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material may be unintentionally heated to a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius or higher, which may cause the user to experience a burnt taste from the aerosol.

[0181] In contrast, the cartridge 210 according to one embodiment atomizes the aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic method, thereby generating aerosol at a temperature range of about 100 to 160 degrees Celsius, which is relatively lower than when heated by a heater. This reduces the burnt taste felt from the aerosol, improving the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0182] In one embodiment, the vibrator 301 can be electrically connected to an external power source via the cartridge substrate 310, and can generate ultrasonic vibrations using power supplied from the external power source. For example, the vibrator 301 is electrically connected to the cartridge substrate 310 located inside the cartridge 210, and the cartridge substrate 310 is electrically connected to the main body 250, so that the vibrator 301 can be supplied with power from a battery (e.g., battery 140 in FIG. 1 or 2).

[0183] In one embodiment, the aerosol may be generated in an atomization space (e.g., atomization space 257 in FIG. 6A ) located on first surface 301 a of vibrator 301 and communicating with aerosol flow path 224. When a user inhales into open mouthpiece 223, the aerosol generated in atomization space 257 may mix with external air flowing in along aerosol flow path 224 and move in a direction toward inlet 225.

[0184] In one embodiment, the vibrator 301 may be electrically connected to the cartridge substrate 310 through a first electrode body 311 and a second electrode body 312 .

[0185] In one embodiment, the first electrode body 311 includes an electrically conductive material (e.g., a metal) and can contact the first surface 301a of the vibrator 301, electrically connecting the vibrator 301 and the cartridge substrate 310.

[0186] In one embodiment, the first electrode body 311 may have a cylindrical shape so as to accommodate at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the vibrator 301. An opening may be formed in a portion of the first electrode body 311, so that at least a portion of the vibrator 301 (for example, the first surface 301a) may be exposed to the outside of the first electrode body 311.

[0187] For example, a portion (e.g., an upper end) of the first electrode body 311 is disposed so as to surround at least a region of the outer circumferential surface of the vibrator 301 and contacts the vibrator 301, and another portion (e.g., a lower end) of the first electrode body 311 is formed so as to extend in a direction from the portion toward the cartridge substrate 310 and can contact a region of the cartridge substrate 310. By the above-mentioned contact structure of the first electrode body 311, the vibrator 301 can be electrically connected to the cartridge substrate 310.

[0188] In one embodiment, an opening is formed in the first electrode body 311, and at least a portion of the vibrator 301 can be exposed to the outside of the first electrode body 311. A partial area of ​​the first surface 301a of the vibrator 301 exposed to the outside of the first electrode body 311 through the opening in the first electrode body 311 can come into contact with the transmission member 235 and / or the absorber 235a to atomize the aerosol-generating substance in the transmission member 235 and / or the absorber 235a.

[0189] In one embodiment, the second electrode body 312 includes an electrically conductive material and can be positioned on the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 or between the vibrator 301 and the cartridge substrate 310, and can electrically connect the vibrator 301 and the cartridge substrate 310.

[0190] For example, the second electrode body 312 can electrically connect the vibrator 301 to the cartridge substrate 310 by having one end contact the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 and the other end contact a portion of the cartridge substrate 310 facing the vibrator 301.

[0191] In one embodiment, the second electrode body 312 contacts the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 and can apply pressure to the vibrator 301 in the direction in which the first surface 301a of the vibrator 301 is viewed (for example, the +z direction). The second electrode body 312 has elasticity and can be compressed between the support structure 325 and the other surface of the vibrator 301 to support the vibrator 301.

[0192] In one embodiment, the second electrode body 312 includes an elastic conductive material and not only serves to electrically connect the vibrator 301 and the cartridge substrate 310, but also serves to provide an elastic force to the vibrator 301 in the direction of the second surface 301b and support the vibrator 301.

[0193] For example, the second electrode body 312 may include a conductive spring, but the second electrode body 312 is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0194] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 may further include a support plate 315 for grounding the cartridge substrate 310 or for firmly coupling the cartridge substrate 310 to the second housing 205b.

[0195] In one embodiment, the support plate 315 is disposed between the support structure 325 and the cartridge substrate 310, and at least a portion of the support plate 315 can be fastened to the cartridge substrate 310 to support the support structure 325. The support plate 315 can reinforce the fastening force between the cartridge substrate 310 and the first electrode body 311.

[0196] In one embodiment, the support plate 315 may include a flat area having a flat shape and an inclined area that is inclined relative to the flat area. The flat area and the inclined area of ​​the support plate 315 may be integrally formed, and may have elasticity such that a repulsive force acts when pressure is applied to bring the flat area and the inclined area closer together.

[0197] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 may include a support structure 325 positioned between the second surface 301 b of the vibrator 301 and the cartridge substrate 310 to support the second electrode body 312 .

[0198] In one embodiment, the support structure 325 may be disposed inside the first electrode body 311 to support the vibrator 301. At least a portion of the support structure 325 may be surrounded by the first electrode body 311, and at least a portion of the support structure 325 may be coupled to the first electrode body 311 in a snap-fit ​​manner.

[0199] In one embodiment, the support structure 325 includes, for example, an elastic material (e.g., silicone, rubber) and is arranged to wrap around the outer circumferential surface of the second electrode body 312, thereby providing elastic support to the second electrode body 312.

[0200] In one embodiment, one surface of the vibrator 301 may be supported by the first electrode body 311, and the other surface of the vibrator 301 may be supported by the support structure 325. The other surface of the vibrator 301 in contact with the support structure 325 may apply pressure to the vibrator 301 in a direction from the other surface to the one surface by the support structure 325. This may prevent the vibrator 301 from moving out of position or being damaged due to vibrations generated when the vibrator 301 is operated.

[0201] In one embodiment, the cartridge substrate 310 may be located inside the second housing 205b. For example, the cartridge substrate 310 may be spaced apart from the vibrator 301 and may be electrically connected to the vibrator 301 via the first electrode body 311 and the second electrode body 312. The cartridge substrate 310 may be electrically connected to an internal configuration of the main body 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 (e.g., the main body substrate 335 in FIG. 6A).

[0202] In one embodiment, the cartridge substrate 310 is electrically connected to the first electrode body 311 and the second electrode body 312 and can supply a signal to the vibrator 301. The cartridge substrate 310 can fasten at least a portion of the first electrode body 311 that surrounds the outer periphery of the vibrator 301.

[0203] In one embodiment, the cartridge substrate 310 is electrically connected to the vibrator 301 by the first electrode body 311 and the second electrode body 312, and is also electrically connected to the main body 250, so that the vibrator 301 is electrically connected to the external power source of the cartridge 210 via the cartridge substrate 310 and can be supplied with power.

[0204] In one embodiment, the support assembly 320 may include a channel 350 that is open from the outside toward the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301. The channel 350 may be a space through which a fluid flows, a space through which infrared rays or light pass, or a simply open space.

[0205] In one embodiment, the channel 350 may be configured by communicating a plurality of openings 351 , 352 , 353 formed in at least some of the components of the support assembly 320 .

[0206] For example, the cartridge substrate 310 may include a first opening 351 formed to be open in a direction viewing the second surface 301b, and / or the support structure 325 may include a second opening 352 formed to be open so as to communicate from the first opening 351 to the second surface 301b, and / or the support plate 315 may include a third opening 353 formed to be open so as to communicate with the first opening 351 and the second opening 352.

[0207] In one embodiment, the channel 350 may be a space configured to expose the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 to the outside for temperature measurement of the vibrator 301. The channel 350 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6B.

[0208] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device 200 according to one embodiment, and Fig. 6B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device 200 according to one embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 6B is an enlarged view of region P shown in Fig. 6A.

[0209] 6A and 6B, an embodiment of the aerosol generating device 200 can include a temperature sensor 330 and a lens 340.

[0210] The cartridge 210 inserted into the aerosol generating device 200 described below may be, but is not limited to, the cartridge 210 including the vibrator assembly 300 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 5B. In the following description of the aerosol generating device 200 with the cartridge 210 inserted, details that overlap with those described above will be omitted.

[0211] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can be releasably coupled to a cartridge fastening area 255 of the main body 250. The cartridge fastening area 255 can be a portion of the main body 250 to which the cartridge 210 is coupled. The securing member 255a can maintain or secure the mouthpiece 223 in the closed position.

[0212] In one embodiment, cartridge fastening region 255 can accommodate at least a portion of cartridge 210. For example, cartridge fastening region 255 can have a shape corresponding to at least a portion of cartridge 210 (e.g., a portion of housing 205) such that at least a portion of mouthpiece 223 and cartridge body (e.g., cartridge body 221 in FIG. 4) of cartridge 210 can be accommodated or inserted therein.

[0213] In one embodiment, a first magnetic material (not shown) is included in at least one region of the cartridge body 221 of the cartridge 210, and a second magnetic material (not shown) is included in at least one region of the cartridge fastening region 255 of the main body 250. For example, the first magnetic material (not shown) may be disposed on the lower surface of the cartridge body 221, and the second magnetic material (not shown) may be disposed on the bottom surface of the cartridge fastening region 255 of the main body 250, facing the lower surface of the inserted cartridge body 221. As a result, the cartridge 210 inserted up to a predetermined position in the cartridge fastening region 255 can be coupled by magnetic force.

[0214] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may include a fixing member 255a for maintaining the mouthpiece 223 in a specific position. For example, the main body 250 may include a fixing member 255a for maintaining the closed mouthpiece 223 in the closed position. The fixing member 255a may be located in a portion of the cartridge fastening region 255 that houses the mouthpiece 223 in the closed position.

[0215] In one embodiment, when closing mouthpiece 223, a user can apply an external force to move mouthpiece 223 from the open position to the closed position. When mouthpiece 223 moves to the closed position, securing member 255a can provide a retaining force to mouthpiece 223 to maintain mouthpiece 223 in the closed position. For example, securing member 255a can provide a magnetic force, an elastic force, and / or a frictional force to one end of mouthpiece 223 to maintain mouthpiece 223 in the closed position.

[0216] In one embodiment, when opening mouthpiece 223, the user can apply an external force to mouthpiece 223 to move mouthpiece 223 from the closed position to the open position. For example, when the user applies pressure to the other side of mouthpiece 223 with a predetermined force or more, mouthpiece 223 is separated from fixing member 255a, and mouthpiece 223 can be rotated from the closed position to the open position.

[0217] In one embodiment, the fixing member 255a and one end of the mouthpiece 223 may each include a magnetic material having an opposite polarity, so that when one end of the mouthpiece 223 approaches a predetermined distance from the closed position, the magnetic force pulls the mouthpiece 223 to maintain it in the closed position.

[0218] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 may further include an inhalation detection sensor (not shown), which detects a change in the internal pressure or the flow of air in the aerosol generating device 200 and can detect whether the user inhales into the aerosol generating device 200.

[0219] In one embodiment, the inhalation detection sensor (not shown) can be located in either cartridge 210 or main body 250. Because cartridge 210 is a consumable item that is replaced when the aerosol-generating material stored therein is consumed, it is preferable that the inhalation detection sensor (not shown) be located in main body 250.

[0220] In one embodiment, the inhalation detection sensor (not shown) can be located adjacent to the cartridge fastening region 255 of the main body 250. As one example, the inhalation detection sensor (not shown) can be located in an area of ​​the cartridge fastening region 255 adjacent to the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge 210 coupled to the main body 250. As another example, the inhalation detection sensor (not shown) can be located in an area of ​​the main body 250 opposite the outer circumferential surface of the housing 205 of the cartridge 210 coupled to the main body 250.

[0221] In one embodiment, external air can flow into the aerosol generating device 200 through a minute gap between the combined main body 250 and cartridge 210, so the inhalation detection sensor (not shown) can be positioned adjacent to the area where external air flows, thereby more accurately detecting pressure changes or airflow inside the main body 250.

[0222] In one embodiment, the main body 250 may include at least one inlet 251 through which air outside the main body 250 can flow into the main body 250 and into the interior of the cartridge 210. The inlet 251 may communicate with the interior of the cartridge 210 via at least one opening (e.g., sensor hole 207) formed in the cartridge 210.

[0223] In one embodiment, the external air flowing into the cartridge 210 through the inlet 251 can flow into the atomization space 257. The airflow flowing through the aerosol flow path 224 can bend sharply at the point where the direction of travel changes.

[0224] For example, the path of the airflow may change suddenly at the location of the atomization space 257. This increases the time the airflow remains in the atomization space 257, improving the likelihood of vortex generation. As a result, mixing of the outside air flowing into the atomization space 257 with the generated aerosol may be facilitated.

[0225] In one embodiment, the atomization space 257 may be located at the center of the first housing 205a of the cartridge 210. The aerosol flow path 224 allows external air that has flowed into the cartridge 210 through an inlet 251 formed in the main body 250 to flow into the atomization space 257. The airflow flowing through the aerosol flow path 224 may bend sharply at a point where its direction of travel changes.

[0226] For example, when a user brings the mouthpiece 223 into contact with the oral cavity and inhales, the pressure inside the cartridge 210 becomes lower than atmospheric pressure, and external air can flow into the cartridge 210 through the inlet 251 of the main body 250 .

[0227] In one embodiment, the aerosol flow path 224 may be connected to the inlet 251, the atomization space 257 where the aerosol is generated, and the inlet 225. The aerosol flow path 224 may be formed by at least one component of the cartridge 210 (e.g., the first housing 205a, the second housing 205b, and the mouthpiece 223). Alternatively, by modifying this, at least a portion of the aerosol flow path 224 may be formed by a tube inserted inside the housing 205.

[0228] In one embodiment, the airflow may move in a forward direction from the inlet 251 through the atomization space 257 toward the inlet 225. In this case, the "forward direction" may refer to the direction in which the airflow moves when the user inhales into the mouthpiece 223. For example, the forward direction may refer to the direction from the inlet 251 toward the atomization space 257 and the direction from the atomization space 257 toward the inlet 225.

[0229] In one embodiment, a lens 340 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the cartridge fastening region 255. In one embodiment, the lens 340 may be disposed so as to face a portion of the cartridge 210 (e.g., the sensor hole 207 of the cartridge 210) when the cartridge 210 is coupled.

[0230] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 330 may be located in the main body 250 so as to face the cartridge fastening area 255. The temperature sensor 330 may be an infrared sensor.

[0231] For example, the temperature sensor 330 may include a light emitting unit that emits infrared rays and a light receiving unit that detects the infrared rays reflected back from the target object. The temperature sensor 330 can detect the temperature of the target object based on the amount of light detected by the light receiving unit.

[0232] For example, the temperature sensor 330 of one embodiment may include a light receiving unit without including a light emitting unit. The light receiving unit may sense the temperature of the target object through the wavelength of light emitted and / or reflected from the target object. However, this is an exemplary explanation of the operation of the temperature sensor 330 of the infrared sensor of one embodiment, and actual implementation is not limited to this and may be implemented in various ways.

[0233] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 330 may be coupled to the main body substrate 335. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 330 may be mounted or disposed on the main body substrate 335. The main body substrate 335 may be located inside the main body 250 and may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0234] In one embodiment, the main body substrate 335 may be the control unit (e.g., the control unit 110 in FIG. 1 or 2 ) of the aerosol generating device 200 itself or may be a part of the control unit 110. For example, the control unit 110 may include the cartridge substrate 310 and the main body substrate 335. The cartridge substrate 310 and the main body substrate 335 may be electrically and / or communicatively coupled to each other.

[0235] In one embodiment, the main body board 335 may be connected to the inside of the cartridge body 221 of the cartridge 210 through a cable or a conductor and may be coupled to the cartridge board 310 of the cartridge 210. The cartridge board 310 of the cartridge 210 is in electrical contact with the vibrator 301, so that the vibrator 301 may be electrically coupled to the main body 250 via the cartridge board 310. The driving of the vibrator 301 may be controlled by the main body board 335, or the vibrator 301 may be supplied with power from a battery of the main body 250 (e.g., battery 140 in FIG. 1 or 2).

[0236] In one embodiment, temperature sensor 330 can sense the temperature of second surface 301b of vibrator 301. Vibrator 301 can emit heat when driven to generate vibrations, and if vibrator 301 overheats, vibrator 301 or surrounding components may be damaged or the performance of vibrator 301 may be degraded. Temperature sensor 330 senses the temperature of second surface 301b of vibrator 301 substantially directly, and the control unit can control the driving of vibrator 301 based on the sensing result.

[0237] In one embodiment, when the vibrator 301 is heated, the temperature of the central region of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 may change first. In order for the temperature sensor 330 to sense the temperature of the central region of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301, there may be no or minimal obstacles between the temperature sensor 330 and the vibrator 301, the path between the temperature sensor 330 and the vibrator 301 may be shortened, and / or the path of light between the temperature sensor 330 and the vibrator 301 may be controlled. This allows the temperature sensor 330 to quickly and accurately sense the temperature change of the vibrator 301.

[0238] Below, several embodiments of the aerosol generating device 200 will be described based on the above description of the aerosol generating device 200 and the cartridge 210. For example, several embodiments may improve the performance of the temperature sensor 330, or may improve the performance, durability, and / or space efficiency of the aerosol generating device 200. In actual implementation, each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other, or at least two or more embodiments may be implemented simultaneously.

[0239] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 330, which is an infrared sensor, may have difficulty detecting temperature changes quickly due to reduced accuracy of the detection results when the distance to the target object is large. In one embodiment, the lens 340 may be positioned between the sensor hole 207 and the temperature sensor 330. The lens 340 may widen the detection range of the temperature sensor 330 (or the angle of view of the temperature sensor 330, which is an infrared sensor).

[0240] For example, lens 340 can collect light emitted from temperature sensor 330 and control the optical path toward second surface 301b of oscillator 301. And / or lens 340 can collect light reflected from oscillator 301 (or light emitted by temperature sensor 330 and reflected back from oscillator 301) and control the optical path toward temperature sensor 330. Through lens 340, temperature sensor 330 can accurately and quickly sense temperature changes in oscillator 301.

[0241] In one embodiment, the area between the lens 340 and the channel 350 may form an open space via the sensor hole 207. The channel 350 is formed to open toward the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301, so the area between the lens 340 and the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 is open. Because there is no obstacle between the lens 340 and the second surface 301b, air or light is immediately transmitted from the second surface 301b to the lens 340, and the temperature sensor can quickly and accurately sense the temperature of the second surface 301b.

[0242] In one embodiment, the channel 350 may be configured to communicate with a first opening 351 of the cartridge substrate 310 and a second opening 352 of the support structure 325. The first opening 351 is formed at a position facing the lens 340, and the second opening 352 is formed to communicate from the first opening 351 to the second surface 301b, so that the first opening 351 and the second opening 352 may configure the channel 350. This allows the vibrator assembly 300 to expose the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 to the outside, and the channel 350 may be formed relatively easily and efficiently.

[0243] In one embodiment, the second electrode body 312 may be positioned in the second opening 352 of the support structure 325. The second electrode body 312 may be made of an elastic material with an open center so as to overlap at least a portion of the second opening 352. Although the second electrode body 312 is shown as having a spring structure in the drawings, in actual implementation it is not limited to this and may be made of various types of elastic material that overlap the second opening 352 and are open.

[0244] In one embodiment, the second electrode body 312 not only supplies power to the vibrator 301 and provides elastic force for the vibration of the vibrator 301, but also serves to form a channel 350 so that the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 is exposed to the outside.

[0245] In one embodiment, the path from temperature sensor 330 to second surface 301b can be the shortest possible. For example, channel 350, lens 340, and temperature sensor 330 can be arranged in a substantially straight line with respect to second surface 301b of transducer 301. There is no other configuration between temperature sensor 330 and second surface 301b except for lens 340. The short path from temperature sensor 330 to second surface 301b allows temperature sensor 330 to quickly and accurately sense the temperature of second surface 301b.

[0246] In one embodiment, the lens 340 may be formed to be spaced a predetermined distance from each of the transducer assembly 300 and the temperature sensor 330. A sensor hole 207 may be formed in the area between the lens 340 and the transducer assembly 300, and the area between the lens 340 and the transducer assembly 300 may be an open space. And / or the area between the lens 340 and the temperature sensor 330 may be open.

[0247] For example, the cartridge fastening region 255 of the main body may include a lens hole 333. The lens hole 333 may be a groove structure for seating the lens 340, or may be an opening with at least a partial area open. The lens hole 333 may be formed in the area between the lens 340 and the temperature sensor 330. When the temperature sensor 330 and the lens 340 are spaced apart from each other, the lens hole 333 may form an open space therebetween.

[0248] In one embodiment, the space between the temperature sensor 330, the lens 340, and the transducer assembly 300 may be open, and the transducer assembly 300 may be open from the lens 340 to the second surface 301b of the transducer 301 via the channel 350. This allows only the lens 340, which helps the temperature sensor 330 focus light, to be positioned between the temperature sensor 330 and the transducer 301, allowing the temperature sensor 330 to quickly and accurately sense the temperature of the second surface 301b.

[0249] 7A is a front perspective view of vibrator 301 according to one embodiment, FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of vibrator 301 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7C is an exploded side perspective view of vibrator 301 according to one embodiment.

[0250] 7A, 7B, and 7C, in one embodiment, transducer 301 may be comprised of a multi-layer structure.

[0251] In one embodiment, the vibrator 301 may include a first surface 301a and a second surface 301b opposite to the first surface 301a, and may have a substantially plate-like or cylindrical structure. As described above, the vibrator 301 may be provided between a transmission member (e.g., the transmission member 235 in FIG. 4, 6A, or 6B) and a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 330 in FIG. 6A or 6B), and the first surface 301a may be one surface facing the transmission member 235, and the second surface 301b may be the other surface facing the temperature sensor 330.

[0252] In one embodiment, the vibrator 301 may have a multi-layer structure in which at least one layer is stacked from the body 302 toward the first surface 301a and / or the second surface 301b. For example, the vibrator 301 may include at least a portion of the body 302, the electrode layer 303, the shield layer 304, and the coating layer 305.

[0253] In one embodiment, body 302 can generate ultrasonic vibrations when an electric current is applied to it. Body 302 can be made of a heat-resistant material, such as glass, ceramic, polymer, or a combination thereof, to prevent it from breaking, deforming, or deteriorating in a high-temperature environment.

[0254] In one embodiment, the body 302 may substantially determine the appearance and size of the vibrator 301. For ease of understanding, the electrode layer 303, the coating layer 305, and the shield layer 304 are shown to have a certain thickness in FIG. 7C , but in actual implementation, they are not limited thereto, and at least some of the electrode layer 303, the coating layer 305, and the shield layer 304 may be made of a thin film and have a relatively thin thickness (e.g., width in the z-axis direction) compared to the body 302.

[0255] In one embodiment, the electrode layer 303 may be laminated on at least one of both surfaces of the body 302. The electrode layer 303 may be a metal layer or a conductive layer for supplying current to the vibrator 301. A plurality of electrode layers 303 may be formed so as to be spaced apart in both directions (e.g., + / -z directions) based on the body 302.

[0256] For example, the plurality of electrode layers 303 may include a first electrode layer 303a formed on one side of the body 302 facing the transmission member 235, and / or the plurality of electrode layers 303 may include a second electrode layer 303b formed on the other side of the body 302 facing the temperature sensor 330.

[0257] In one embodiment, the first electrode layer 303a can be electrically coupled to a first electrode body (e.g., the first electrode body 311 in FIG. 5B, FIG. 6A, or FIG. 6B) of a vibrator assembly (e.g., the vibrator assembly 300 in any of FIGS. 4 to 6B).

[0258] In one embodiment, the second electrode layer 303b can be electrically coupled to the second electrode body (e.g., the second electrode body 312 in FIG. 5B, 6A, or 6B) of the vibrator assembly 300. The vibrator 301 can be electrically coupled to the cartridge substrate (e.g., the cartridge substrate 310 in FIG. 4, 6A, or 6B) of the vibrator assembly 300 via the first electrode layer 303a coupled to the first electrode body 311 and the second electrode layer 303b coupled to the second electrode body 312, and the vibrator 301 can be driven and controlled by the cartridge substrate 310.

[0259] In one embodiment, the coating layer 305 may be laminated on a portion of one surface of the electrode layer 303 facing the temperature sensor 330, for example, on the second electrode layer 303b. The coating layer 305 may be made of a light-absorbing material. For example, the coating layer 305 may be made of a heat-resistant material containing a light-absorbing dye.

[0260] In one embodiment, the coating layer 305 may be made of a combination of a black or gray dye and substantially the same material as the body 302. Alternatively, for example, the coating layer 305 may contain a black or gray dye and be made of glass, ceramic, polymer, or a combination thereof. When the vibrator 301 is driven, the temperature of the vibrator 301 may increase. For example, the vibrator 301 may be heated to approximately 150 degrees Celsius. The coating layer 305 may be made of a heat-resistant material, so that it will not melt or peel in a high-temperature environment, thereby improving the durability of the vibrator 301. However, the coating layer 305 may be realized by applying a paint such as a printing paint onto the electrode layer 303, or by attaching a light-absorbing film.

[0261] In one embodiment, coating layer 305, unlike shield layer 304, is made of a material containing a black or gray dye, thereby reducing light reflectance. In one embodiment, coating layer 305 reduces the light reflectance of oscillator 301, thereby improving the reliability and speed of the sensing result of temperature sensor 330, which is an optical sensor such as an infrared sensor.

[0262] In one embodiment, the electrode layer 303 is made of a conductive material for electrical connection with the electrode bodies 311 and 312. For example, the conductive material may be a metal material such as silver, copper, cobalt, iron, or nickel. The electrode layer 303 made of a metal material has excellent electrical conductivity but may have high light reflectivity.

[0263] In one embodiment, when the optical reflectivity of the electrode layer 303 is high, the rate at which light is irregularly emitted within a channel (e.g., channel 350 in FIG. 5B or 6B ) communicating from the vibrator 301 to the temperature sensor 330 may increase. In a situation where the temperature sensor 330 senses the temperature of the vibrator 301 through the channel 350, the higher the optical reflectivity of the vibrator 301, the more light passes through the channel 350 and is irregularly emitted, which may result in an error in the sensing result of the temperature sensor 330.

[0264] In one embodiment of the present document, the vibrator 301 can reduce the light reflectance of the vibrator 301 due to the electrode layer 303 by forming a coating layer 305 made of a light-absorbing material on one surface of the vibrator 301 facing the temperature sensor 330. The coating layer 305 can control the irregularity of light reflection in the vibrator 301, thereby reducing errors in the sensing results of the temperature sensor 330 and providing improved accuracy and speed in the sensing results of the temperature sensor 330.

[0265] Although not shown in the drawings, the second electrode layer 303b and the coating layer 305 may be substantially integrated. For example, the second electrode layer 303b may be an electrode containing a light-absorbing material such as a black pigment. In this case, the second electrode layer 303b may also function as the coating layer 305.

[0266] In one embodiment, the coating layer 305 may be disposed substantially on the center C of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301. The arrangement, shape, and structure of the coating layer 305 will be described with reference to Figures 8A and 8B.

[0267] In one embodiment, the shield layer 304 may be laminated on one side of the vibrator 301 facing the transmission member 235, for example, on a partial area of ​​the first electrode layer 303a. In one embodiment, the shield layer 304 may be made of a non-conductive material and / or may be made of a water-repellent material to prevent the vibrator 301 from absorbing the aerosol-generating substance.

[0268] For example, due to a liquid splash phenomenon or other reasons, the aerosol-generating substance may flow into the vibrator 301 from the transmitting member 235 or the absorber (e.g., absorber 235a in FIG. 4, 6A, or 6B), or water vapor or liquid flowing in from the outside may come into contact with the vibrator 301. Because the first electrode layer 303a is made of a conductive material, it may be corroded or damaged when a liquid such as the aerosol-generating substance flows in, which may result in current loss or sparks.

[0269] In one embodiment, the shield layer 304 is made of a non-conductive material to prevent the current flowing through the first electrode layer 303a from flowing into the outside or other materials, or the shield layer 304 is made of a water-repellent material to prevent liquid outside the vibrator 301, such as an aerosol-generating substance, from flowing into the vibrator 301.

[0270] FIG. 8A is a rear perspective view of a vibrator 301 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of a vibrator 301 according to one embodiment.

[0271] 8A and 8B, the coating layer 305 of the vibrator 301 according to an embodiment can be realized in various shapes and arrangement structures. In the following description of the coating layer 305 of the vibrator 301, the overlapping content with that described above will be omitted.

[0272] In one embodiment, the coating layer 305 may be disposed substantially on the center C of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301. When the vibrator 301 is heated by driving, the temperature at the center C of the vibrator 301 may change first or most significantly. A temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 330 in FIG. 6A or FIG. 6B ) can detect temperature changes of the vibrator 301 more quickly and accurately by measuring the temperature at the center C of the vibrator 301. The coating layer 305 may be laminated so as to overlap the center C of the vibrator 301. By disposing the coating layer 305 on the center C of the vibrator 301, the coating layer 305 can be formed at a position corresponding to the target region sensed by the temperature sensor 330, which can help the temperature sensor 330 to sense the temperature efficiently.

[0273] In one embodiment, a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 330 in FIG. 6A or 6B) can be positioned substantially in line with the transducer 301 through a channel (e.g., channel 350 in FIG. 5B or 6B) and through a lens (e.g., lens 340 in FIG. 6A or 6B). With this structure, the temperature sensor 330 can sense the temperature of the transducer 301 by targeting the center C of the transducer 301, and the coating layer 305 can be formed at the target point of the temperature sensor 330.

[0274] In one embodiment, the coating layer 305 may occupy substantially 50% or more of the area of ​​the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the coating layer 305 may be realized as a single circular or geometric structure that occupies most of the second surface 301b.

[0275] In one embodiment, the second electrode layer 303b may be exposed to the outside of the vibrator 301 in the remaining area of ​​the second surface 301b where the coating layer 305 is not formed. The second electrode layer 303b may be connected to the second electrode body (e.g., the second electrode body 312 in FIG. 5B, 6A, or 6B) through the exposed area.

[0276] In one embodiment, coating layer 305 is formed on most of the area of ​​second surface 301b, thereby further reducing the optical reflectance of second surface 301b of vibrator 301. In other words, as the area of ​​second surface 301b that coating layer 305 occupies increases, the optical reflectance of second surface 301b of vibrator 301 can be further reduced. The reduced optical reflectance of second surface 301b can more effectively aid temperature sensor 330 in sensing temperature.

[0277] 8B , the coating layer 305 may include a first coating region 305a and a second coating region 305b. The first coating region 305a may be disposed substantially at the center C of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301, for example, may be laminated so as to overlap the substantial center C of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301. The second coating region 305b may be disposed substantially at the edge of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301 or at a position spaced apart from the center C, for example, may be laminated so as to overlap the substantial edge of the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301.

[0278] In one embodiment, the first coating region 305a and the second coating region 305b may be spaced apart from each other. The second electrode layer 303b may be exposed to the outside of the vibrator 301 in the space between the first coating region 305a and the second coating region 305b. The second electrode layer 303b may be connected to the second electrode body 312 through the exposed region. Alternatively, without being limited thereto, the first coating region 305a and the second coating region 305b may be connected in at least some regions and spaced apart in other regions.

[0279] In one embodiment, the coating layer 305 including the first coating region 305a and the second coating region 305b can efficiently secure an area for connecting the second electrode layer 303b to the second electrode body 312, increase the area on which the coating layer 305 is formed on the second surface 301b of the vibrator 301, and improve the light absorption rate of the second surface 301b.

[0280] However, Figures 8A and 8B are illustrative examples of the shape and arrangement of the coating layer 305 of the vibrator 301 according to one embodiment, and in actual implementation, this is not limited to this, and the coating layer 305 can be realized in various shapes and arrangements.

[0281] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method S100 for manufacturing a vibrator 301 according to one embodiment.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 9, the manufacturing method S100 of the vibrator 301 according to one embodiment may be a method for manufacturing the vibrator 301 having a multi-layer structure, and the manufacturing method S100 of the vibrator 301 may include at least some of the operations of positioning the body 302 S110, depositing the electrode layer 303 S120, depositing the coating layer 305 S130, and heat treatment S140.

[0283] Hereinafter, a method S100 for manufacturing a vibrator 301 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9, which may be, but is not limited to, a manufacturing method for the vibrator 301 included in the above-described aerosol generating device 200 or cartridge 210. Fig. 9 also describes an exemplary implementation of the method S100 for manufacturing a vibrator 301, and at least some operations may be omitted, changed, or added within a range that can be easily realized by a person skilled in the art.

[0284] In one embodiment, the operation S110 of placing the body 302 may place the body 302 in the workspace, the body 302 being configured to generate vibrations when an electric current is applied to the body 302. The body 302 may be made of a heat-resistant material, such as glass, ceramic, a polymer, or a combination thereof.

[0285] In one embodiment, the electrode layer 303 deposition operation S120 may deposit the electrode layer 303 on one surface of the body 302 of the vibrator 301 and the other surface opposite the one surface. For example, the second electrode layer 303b may be deposited on one surface of the body 302 of the vibrator 301, and the first electrode layer 303a may be deposited on the other surface opposite the one surface. The electrode layer 303 may be made of a metal material.

[0286] In one embodiment, the coating layer 305 deposition operation S130 may deposit the coating layer 305 made of a light absorbing material on a partial region of one surface of the electrode layer 303. The coating layer 305 may be formed in various ways before the coating layer 305 deposition operation S130. The coating layer 305 may be made of a heat-resistant material so as not to peel off or be damaged in a high-temperature environment in which the vibrator 301 operates.

[0287] For example, the operation (not shown) forming the coating layer 305 can be a combination of glass, ceramic, polymer, or a combination thereof with a black or gray type dye, or for example, the operation (not shown) forming the coating layer 305 can be a combination of substantially the same material as the body 302 with a black or gray type dye.

[0288] In one embodiment, the heat treatment operation S140 may heat-treat and bond the body 302, the electrode layer 303, and the coating layer 305. Alternatively, the heat treatment operation S140 may apply heat to the body 302 and the coating layer 305, which are made of a thermosetting material, to increase the rigidity of the body 302 and the coating layer 305, thereby improving the durability of the vibrator 301.

[0289] Without being limited thereto, the deposition operation S130 of the coating layer 305 can be realized by applying a paint such as a printing paint onto the electrode layer 303 or by attaching a light-absorbing film onto the electrode layer 303.

[0290] As described above, although the embodiments have been described using limited drawings, those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, or may be replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents, and still achieve suitable results. Therefore, other embodiments, other examples, and equivalents to the claims are also within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a storage tank for storing an aerosol generating material; a vibrator that generates vibrations to atomize the aerosol-forming material, The oscillator includes: A body that generates the vibration; an electrode layer laminated on at least one surface of the body; a coating layer made of a light absorbing material and laminated on a partial region of the electrode layer.

2. The vibrator includes a plurality of the electrode layers, The plurality of electrode layers include a first electrode layer formed on one surface of a body of the vibrator; and The cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising a second electrode layer formed on the body of the vibrator opposite the one surface.

3. The coating layer is The cartridge of claim 2 , laminated onto the second electrode layer.

4. The oscillator includes: The cartridge according to claim 2 , further comprising a shield layer made of a non-conductive material and laminated on a partial area of ​​the first electrode layer.

5. The shielding layer is The cartridge of claim 4 , which is made of a water-repellent material to prevent absorption of the transducer by the aerosol-generating substance.

6. the aerosol generating material is transferred from the storage tank to a transfer member that atomizes the aerosol generating material by vibration of the vibrator, The oscillator includes: The cartridge of claim 1 including a first surface facing the transmission member and a second surface opposite the first surface.

7. The coating layer is The cartridge of claim 6 , wherein the second surface of the transducer is overlapped and stacked substantially at the center of the second surface of the transducer.

8. The coating layer is The cartridge according to claim 6 , which occupies 50% or more of an area of ​​the second surface of the transducer.

9. The coating layer is a first coating region disposed substantially at the center of the second surface of the transducer; and 7. The cartridge of claim 6, further comprising a second coating region overlapping a substantial edge of the second surface of the transducer.

10. The coating layer is 2. The cartridge of claim 1, comprising a dye having a light reflectance of 50% or less, and made of glass, ceramic, polymer, or a combination thereof.

11. The coating layer is 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, comprising a combination of a dye having a light reflectance of 50% or less and a material substantially identical to that of the body of the transducer.

12. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a storage tank for storing an aerosol generating material; a vibrator that generates vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material; a temperature sensor that senses a temperature of the vibrator; The oscillator includes: A body that generates the vibration; an electrode layer laminated on at least one surface of the body; a coating layer made of a light absorbing material and laminated on a portion of the electrode layer; An aerosol generating device, wherein the coating layer is laminated on a partial area of ​​the electrode layer that faces the temperature sensor.

13. A method for manufacturing a vibrator, comprising the steps of: positioning a transducer body that generates vibrations when an electric current is applied to it; depositing an electrode layer on one surface of the body and on another surface opposite the one surface; depositing a coating layer made of a light absorbing material on a portion of the electrode layer disposed on one surface of the body; and heat treating the body, the electrode layer, and the coating layer.

14. Prior to the operation of depositing the coating layer, 14. The method of claim 13, comprising combining a dye having a light reflectance of 50% or less with glass, ceramic, polymer, or a combination thereof to form the coating layer.

15. Prior to the operation of depositing the coating layer, The method of claim 13, further comprising forming the coating layer by combining a dye having a light reflectance of 50% or less with a material substantially identical to that of the body of the transducer.

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