Cartridge for aerosol generator

Abstract

A cartridge for an aerosol generating device in one embodiment includes a storage tank for storing an aerosol generating material, a wick to which the aerosol generating material is transferred from the storage tank, a vibrator for generating vibrations in the wick to atomize the aerosol generating material, and a reinforcing member including an atomization space communicating with the wick, the reinforcing member having a first opening communicating with the atomization space and including a pressure surface in contact with a portion of the wick to pressurize the wick.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for alternative articles that overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, the demand for devices that generate aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette stick (e.g., cigarette-shaped electronic cigarettes) has been increasing. As a result, research on electrically heated aerosol generating devices and cigarette sticks (or aerosol generating articles) applied thereto has been actively carried out.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In an aerosol generating device including an ultrasonic nebulizer or a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, a liquid aerosol product substance is transmitted to a core to generate aerosol, and a vibrator generates ultrasonic vibration from the core to generate aerosol.

[0004] However, the core may be deformed by the vibration of the vibrator. The aerosol generating device or the cartridge may have a problem that the aerosol supply of the core is reduced due to the deformation of the core, or the vibration transmission of the vibrator may be obstructed, thereby reducing the aerosol generating performance of the aerosol generating device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A cartridge for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a storage tank for storing an aerosol product substance, a core through which the aerosol product substance is transmitted from the storage tank, a vibrator that generates vibration in the core to atomize the aerosol product substance, and a reinforcing member including an atomization space communicating with the core. The reinforcing member may be provided with a first opening communicating with the atomization space and include a pressing surface that contacts a partial region of the core and presses the core.

[0006] In one embodiment, the pressing surface can be in direct contact with a partial region of the core.

[0007] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member can be formed with a groove structure on the pressing surface and includes a liquid flow path whose one end communicates with the storage tank and is a space through which the aerosol product substance flows.

[0008] In one embodiment, the other end of the liquid flow path opposite to the one end can communicate with the atomization space.

[0009] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member includes a plurality of the liquid flow paths, and the plurality of liquid flow paths can be formed separately from each other.

[0010] In one embodiment, the plurality of liquid flow paths can be substantially symmetric with respect to the first opening.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cartridge for the aerosol generating device further includes an aerosol flow path through which the aerosol generated in the atomization space is transmitted, and the reinforcing member can include a second opening that communicates from the atomization space to the aerosol flow path.

[0012] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member can include a head provided with the second opening and at least a part of which is inserted into the aerosol flow path.

[0013] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member is formed on one side surface of the atomization space and can include a third opening that communicates to the outside of the atomization space.

[0014] In one embodiment, the third opening can communicate with the outside of the aerosol generating device so as to allow air to flow into the atomization space.

[0015] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member includes a plurality of the third openings, and the plurality of third openings can be formed separately so as to face each other with respect to the atomization space.

[0016] In one embodiment, the core includes a core hole communicating with the first opening, a transmission member in contact with the reinforcing member, and an absorber provided between the transmission member and the vibrator and arranged to face the atomization space through the core hole.

[0017] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member can press the transmission member and the absorber to fix the core.

[0018] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member can be made of polyphenylsulfone, polyethersulfone, polypropylene, polyamide, silicon, ceramic, glass, or a substance containing at least a part of these.

[0019] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member can be made of a porous material capable of absorbing the aerosol product substance.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] The cartridge for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a reinforcing member for supporting or pressing the core to maintain the shape of the core and / or for smoothly supplying the aerosol product substance, and can effectively smooth the aerosol generation.

[0021] The effects of the cartridge for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] In various embodiments, terms are selected as generally as possible currently in consideration of the functions in the present invention, but this may change depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the corresponding invention description part. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0024] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes", unless otherwise stated to the contrary, this means that it may further include other components rather than excluding other components. Also, terms such as "section" and "module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0025] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of an arrayed component, it modifies all components rather than each of the arrayed components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, B, and c" should be interpreted to include a, B, c, or a and B, a and c, B and c, or a and B and c.

[0026] In various embodiments, an "aerosol generating article" can be an article that contains a medium and through which an aerosol passes and the medium migrates. A typical example of an aerosol generating article is a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0027] In various embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" can mean the direction away from the user's (smoker's) mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" can mean the direction approaching the user's mouth. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of the components that make up the aerosol generating article.

[0028] In various embodiments, "puff" means the user's inhalation, and inhalation means a situation where air is drawn into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0029] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that electrically heats a cigarette housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0030] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater can be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater can include an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0031] In one embodiment, the heater can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette according to the pattern of the heating element.

[0032] In one embodiment, the cigarette can include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, may be made of a strand, or may be made of shredded tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Also, the tobacco rod can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0033] 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 a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0034] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance.

[0035] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can include a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge can be integrally formed or assembled with the body and can also be fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol generating substance accommodated therein. However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0036] In one embodiment, the cartridge can hold an aerosol generating substance in any of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol generating substance can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cartridge can perform a function of converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol by operating by means of an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the body. The aerosol can mean a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance and air are mixed.

[0038] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0039] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method can mean a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0040] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can include a vibrator, and the vibrator can generate vibrations with a short period to atomize the aerosol generating substance. The vibrations generated from the vibrator can be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations can be in the frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0041] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick can be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator or to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0042] In one embodiment, as a voltage (for example, an alternating 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 transmitted to the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick. The aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick can be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0043] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator may reduce the viscosity of the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the wick, and the aerosol generating substance with reduced viscosity is atomized by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator to generate an aerosol, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0045] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor can be a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. As the susceptor is located inside the coil and heat is generated as the magnetic field is applied, the aerosol generating article can be heated. Also, optionally, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol generating article.

[0046] In various embodiments, the aerosol generating device can further include a cradle.

[0047] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Or the heater can be heated with the cradle and the aerosol generating device coupled together.

[0048] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field can easily implement them. The present disclosure can be implemented in a form realizable in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above or can be implemented and carried out in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of this document will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0051] The aerosol generating device 100 can 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, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that a part of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or a new configuration may be further added.

[0052] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state around the aerosol generating device 100, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can control the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensed information so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 150, restriction of smoking, determination of insertion of aerosol generating articles (for example, aerosol generating articles, cartridges, etc.), and notification display are performed.

[0053] In one embodiment, the detection unit 120 can include at least one of a temperature sensor 122, an insertion sensing sensor 124, and a puff sensor 126, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 122 can sense the temperature at which the heater 150 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 100 can include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 150, or the heater 150 itself can serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 122 may be disposed around the battery 140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 140.

[0055] In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 124 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the 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 caused by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0056] In one embodiment, the puff sensor 126 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 126 can detect the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0057] In one embodiment, in addition to the sensors 122 to 126 described above, the detection unit 120 can further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (for example, GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions can be omitted.

[0058] In one embodiment, the output unit 130 can output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 100 and provide it to the user. The output unit 130 can include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 132, a haptic unit 134, and an acoustic output unit 136. When the display unit 132 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 132 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0059] In one embodiment, the display unit 132 can visually provide information about the aerosol generator 100 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 100 can mean various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 140 of the aerosol generator 100, the preheating state of the heater 150, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generator 100 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 132 can output the above information to the outside. The display unit 132 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Also, the display unit 132 may be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0060] In one embodiment, the haptic unit 134 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactually provide information about the aerosol generator 100 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 134 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0061] In one embodiment, the acoustic output unit 136 can aurally provide information about the aerosol generator 100 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 136 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0062] In one embodiment, the battery 140 can supply the power used for the aerosol generator 100 to operate. The battery 140 can supply power so that the heater 150 is heated. Also, the battery 140 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the user input unit 160, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180) provided in the aerosol generator 100. The battery 140 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 140 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can be powered by the battery 140 to heat the aerosol generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 can 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. Further, when the aerosol generating device 100 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 100 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 140 into an AC power supply.

[0064] 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 be powered by the battery 140 to perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 1, it can further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 140 and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0065] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Further, the heater 150 can be realized by a metal wire, a metal plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0066] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 150 can include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating material.

[0067] In one embodiment, the heater 150 can include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 150 can include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0068] In one embodiment, the user input unit 160 can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 160 can be a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch type, piezoresistive type, infrared sensing type, surface acoustic wave conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0069] In one embodiment, the memory 170 is hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100, and can store the data processed by the control unit 110 and the data to be processed. The memory 170 can be of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XIt can include at least one type of storage medium such as a D memory, a RAM (random access memory), an SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 170 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generator 100, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user, etc.

[0070] In one embodiment, the communication unit 180 can include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 180 can include a short-range communication unit 182 and a wireless communication unit 184.

[0071] In one embodiment, the short-range wireless communication unit 182 can 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.

[0072] In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit 184 can include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 184 can also confirm and authenticate the aerosol generator 100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0073] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0074] 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, according to the control command of the control unit 110, the direct heating circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 150.

[0075] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can analyze the results sensed by the detection unit 120 and then control the subsequent processes. For example, the control unit 110 can 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 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 150 and the time during which the power is supplied so that the heater 150 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the detection unit 120.

[0076] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the output unit 130 based on the result sensed by the detection unit 120. For example, when the puff count counted through the puff sensor 126 reaches the preset number of times, the control unit 110 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 100 will end soon through at least one of the display unit 132, the haptic unit 134, and the acoustic output unit 136.

[0077] In one embodiment, the control unit 110 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 150 according to the state of the aerosol generating article sensed by the detection unit 120. For example, when the aerosol generating article is in an over-wet state, the control unit 110 can control the power supply time to the induction coil and increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating article is in a general state.

[0078] One embodiment can also be realized in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instruction words such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both removable and non-removable media. Also, a computer-readable medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage media includes any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, or other data, including both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media. A communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, and other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission media.

[0079] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment can include a cartridge 10 and a main body 50. Some components of the aerosol generating device 100 described below with reference to FIG. 2 are substantially the same as or similar to some components of the aerosol generating device 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1, and the overlapping content will be omitted in the following description.

[0081] In one embodiment, the cartridge 10 can contain the aerosol generating substance and can be detachably fastened to the main body 50. For example, at least a part of the cartridge 10 can be inserted into the interior of the main body 50 (e.g., the cartridge 10 fastening region in FIG. 3A), and the cartridge 10 and the main body 50 can be connected. However, it is not limited thereto, and at least a part of the main body 50 can be inserted into the interior of the cartridge 10, and the cartridge 10 and the main body 50 can be connected. The fastening method between the cartridge 10 and the main body 50 can be mutually fastened by various methods such as screw fastening, magnetic force fastening, fitting fastening, or snap fit fastening.

[0082] In one embodiment, the cartridge 10 can include at least a part of the storage tank 30, the transmission member 32, and the vibrator assembly 33, and can include a housing 20 for accommodating these components therein.

[0083] In one embodiment, the housing 20 can form the appearance of the cartridge 10 and can accommodate at least a part of the components for driving the aerosol generating device 100 therein.

[0084] In one embodiment, the structure and shape of the housing 20 can be realized in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, it can be formed in a columnar or stick shape, but is not limited thereto. The housing 20 can include a mouthpiece 23 and an aerosol flow path 27.

[0085] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 23 can be directly or indirectly connected to the body of the user of the aerosol generating device 100. The mouthpiece 23 can be included inside the cartridge 10, specifically including an inlet 25 communicating with the aerosol flow path 27.

[0086] For example, the user can bring the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 23 to inhale the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating device 100. When the user inhales 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 transmitted to the user.

[0087] In one embodiment, the storage tank 30 can be located in the internal space of the housing 20 to accommodate the aerosol generating substance. For example, the storage tank 30 can accommodate and store the aerosol generating substance, and provide the aerosol generating substance to other components (for example, the transmission member 32), or the aerosol generating substance can be supplied from the outside.

[0088] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating substance can be a substance in various states such as a liquid, a solid, a gas, or a gel, or a substance in a state in which some of these are mixed.

[0089] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating substance can be a liquid containing a volatile tobacco flavor component and a tobacco content. For example, the aerosol generating substance can include at least a part of water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. Or, the aerosol generating substance can include at least a part of menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and a fruit flavor component.

[0090] In one embodiment, the transmission member 32 can be transmitted with the aerosol product substance from the storage tank 30. The transmission member 32 can be directly or indirectly connected to the storage tank 30, and at least a partial region can face the aerosol flow path 27. The transmission member 32 can include at least a part of cotton, ceramic, glass, and porous material, or can include a flow path through which the aerosol product substance flows structurally. For example, the transmission member 32 can be a wick made of a hygroscopic or porous material.

[0091] In one embodiment, the oscillator assembly 33 is located inside the housing 20 and can generate vibrations from the transmission member 32. The oscillator assembly 33 can include an oscillator 35 and a cartridge substrate 37 that controls the drive of the oscillator 35.

[0092] For example, the oscillator assembly 33, or the oscillator assembly 33 and other components (for example, a partial region of the housing 20 and / or the transmission member 32) can constitute an atomizer. The specific structure of the oscillator assembly 33 according to one embodiment will be described in detail below Figure 5A.

[0093] In one embodiment, the oscillator assembly 33 can generate vibrations with a relatively short period, or can generate ultrasonic vibrations. For example, the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration may be about 100 kHz to 3.5 HMz. The aerosol product substance transmitted from the storage tank 30 to the transmission member 32 by the vibration of the oscillator assembly 33 can be vaporized and / or atomized into aerosol by particle formation.

[0094] In one embodiment, the main body 50 can accommodate a control unit (for example, the control unit 110 in FIG. 1), a battery (for example, the battery in FIG. 1), and other components (for example, at least a part of the detection unit 120, the output unit 130, the memory 170, and the communication unit 180 in FIG. 1) that controls the drive of the aerosol generator 100.

[0095] In one embodiment, the main body 50 can be electrically or communicatively connected to the cartridge substrate 37 to supply data and / or power. In FIG. 2, the control unit 110 and the cartridge substrate 37 are shown separately, but this is for illustrative purposes and is not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge substrate 37 can be included as a part of the control unit 110, and the main body 50 can further include a main body substrate (e.g., the main body substrate 272 in FIG. 5A) which is another configuration of the control unit 110.

[0096] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment. Specifically, in FIG. 3A, the mouthpiece 223 of the aerosol generating device 200 can be in a closed state, and in FIG. 3B, the mouthpiece 223 of the aerosol generating device 200 can be in an open state. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an aerosol generating device 200 according to an embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 in FIGS. 1 or 2) can include at least a part of a cartridge 210 (e.g., the cartridge 10 in FIG. 2) and a main body 250 (e.g., the main body 50 in FIG. 2).

[0097] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 and its configuration shown below FIG. 3A exemplarily show any of the realizable embodiments of the aerosol generating device 200 described above in FIGS. 1 and 2, and are not limited thereto in actual realization, and the aerosol generating device 200 can be realized in various structures and shapes. In the following, when describing the aerosol generating device 200, the contents overlapping with the above-described contents will be omitted.

[0098] In one embodiment, the main body 250 can include a first body 250a and a second body 250B. The first body 250a and the second body 250B can be fastened to each other in a fixable manner, and each of the first body 250a and the second body 250B can accommodate and protect the internal components of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0099] In one embodiment, the first body 250a can include a cartridge fastening region 255, and when the cartridge 210 is fastened to the cartridge fastening region 255, the cartridge 210 can be supported. For example, the cartridge fastening region 255 can be formed by being open to a surface of the first body 250a in one direction (e.g., the +z direction), and the cartridge 210 can be fastened in a manner of being inserted into the cartridge fastening region 255.

[0100] In one embodiment, the second body 250B can be fastened to the first body 250a and can be an area for a user to grip the aerosol generating device 200. Although not shown in the drawings, at least a partial configuration 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 FIG. 2) can be accommodated inside the second body 250B. In the drawings, the second body 250B is shown as having a substantially circular or polygonal shape, but in actual implementation, it is not limited thereto and can be realized, for example, in a columnar or stick shape.

[0101] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can include a mouthpiece 223. The mouthpiece 223 can rotate or tilt with respect to a rotation axis, and based on this, the suction port 225 (e.g., the suction port 25 in FIG. 2) of the mouthpiece 223 can be selectively exposed.

[0102] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the user does not use the aerosol generating device 200 or during storage, the mouthpiece 223 can be located inside the cartridge fastening region 255, and the suction port 225 can be prevented from being exposed outside the aerosol generating device 200.

[0103] For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the user can rotate or tilt the mouthpiece 223 to use the aerosol generating device 200, and the suction port 225 can be exposed outside the aerosol generating device 200.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, by covering the suction port 225 as needed, the aerosol generator 200 can prevent foreign matter from flowing into the inside of the cartridge 210 through the suction port 225, and can prevent contamination of the suction port 225. Or, by covering the suction port 225, it is possible to prevent a part of the aerosol or aerosol product substance from flowing out of the inside of the cartridge 210 to the outside of the aerosol generator 200.

[0105] However, the driving method of the mouthpiece 223 in FIGS. 3A and 3B is exemplary, and is not limited to this in actual implementation, and can be realized in various ways. For example, the main body 250 or the cartridge 210 includes a separate door, and the suction port 225 of the cartridge 210 can be selectively exposed.

[0106] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 210 according to an embodiment.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can include a cartridge body 211 and a mouthpiece 223.

[0108] The aerosol generator 100 shown below FIG. 4 can be the above-described aerosol generator 100 or a modified example thereof, and the following overlapping content will be omitted from the description.

[0109] In one embodiment, the cartridge body 211 can include at least a part of the housing 205, the core 235, and the vibrator assembly 240.

[0110] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 223 can be coupled or connected to the cartridge body 211 movably with respect to the cartridge body 211. The components of the cartridge 210 according to one embodiment are not limited to the above-described examples, and components can be added or some components can be omitted according to the embodiment.

[0111] In one embodiment, while forming the overall appearance of the cartridge 210, the housing 205 can form an internal space capable of accommodating at least a part of the components of the cartridge 210 (for example, at least one of the storage tank 230, the wick 235, and the oscillator assembly 240) inside.

[0112] In one embodiment, the structure and shape of the housing 205 can be realized in various ways. For example, the housing 205 can be formed in a columnar or stick shape, but is not limited thereto. Only an embodiment in which the housing 205 of the cartridge 210 is entirely quadrangular prism-shaped is shown in the drawings, but in other embodiments (not shown), the housing 205 can be entirely formed in a cylindrical shape or in the shape of another polygonal column (for example, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism) instead of a quadrangular prism.

[0113] In one embodiment, the housing 205 can include a first housing 205a, a second housing 205B connected to one region of the first housing 205a, and a third housing 205c connected to another region of the first housing 205a.

[0114] For example, the second housing 205B can be coupled to one region located at the lower end (for example, the -z direction) of the first housing 205a, and an internal space in which the components of the cartridge 210 are arranged can be formed between the first housing 205a and the second housing 205B.

[0115] In one embodiment, the third housing 205c can be coupled to one region located at the upper end (for example, the +z direction) of the first housing 205a, and at least a part of the mouthpiece 223 can be arranged on one side of the third housing 205c.

[0116] In one embodiment, the first housing 205a and the second housing 205B can form an aerosol flow path 224 through which an air flow (e.g., air, aerosol) moves inside the cartridge body 211 by being coupled to each other. For example, the first housing 205a can form a part of the aerosol flow path 224, and the second housing 205B can form the remaining part of the aerosol flow path 224.

[0117] In one embodiment, the first housing 205a and the second housing 205B can be coupled to form an internal space, and various components necessary for the operation of the cartridge 210, such as the oscillator assembly 240 and the core 235, can be accommodated or arranged in the internal space.

[0118] In one embodiment, the first housing 205a and the second housing 205B protect the components accommodated in the internal space, and the third housing 205c can protect the mouthpiece 223 and other components coupled or connected to the mouthpiece 223. The housing 205 can form at least a part of the aerosol flow path 224, or at least a part of the structure of the housing 205 can function as the inner wall of the aerosol flow path 224.

[0119] In one embodiment, the housing 205 can include a sensor hole 207. The sensor hole 207 can be formed in a partial region of the second housing 205B of the housing 205. For example, the sensor hole 207 can be located on the lower end surface of the second housing 205B where the cartridge 210 is coupled to the main body 250. The sensor hole 207 can be formed at a position facing a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 271 in FIG. 5A). The sensor hole 207 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5A.

[0120] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 223 is a part that comes into contact with the user's oral cavity, and the mouthpiece 223 can be arranged or coupled to a region of the housing 205. For example, the mouthpiece 223 can be coupled to the third housing 205c.

[0121] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 223 is movable between an open position and a closed position. The cartridge 210 may further include an elastic body 223a that provides an elastic force to the mouthpiece 223. For example, the elastic body 223a can elastically support the mouthpiece 223 toward the open position.

[0122] In one embodiment, the elastic body 223a can be disposed on or around the rotation axis of the mouthpiece 223. The mouthpiece 223 can move 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 (for example, SUS).

[0123] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 223 is rotatable about a rotation axis, and the elastic body 223a can be a torsion spring located on the rotation axis of the mouthpiece 223. The elastic body 223a may be in a state where the deformation is relatively large when the mouthpiece 223 is in the closed position and in a state where the deformation is relatively small when the mouthpiece 223 is in the open position. Thereby, the mouthpiece 223 can be provided with an elastic force deflected so as to be opened from the closed position to the open position.

[0124] 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, one side of the inlet 225 can be connected to the outside, and the other side can be connected to the aerosol flow path 224 in the open position. The user can bring the mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 223 and be supplied with the aerosol discharged to the outside through the inlet 225 of the mouthpiece 223.

[0125] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 223 can be rotatably or tiltably coupled to the third housing 205c together with the receiving portion 223B. The receiving portion 223B is disposed between the mouthpiece 223 and the third housing 205c and can wrap at least a part of the other side of the mouthpiece 223.

[0126] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece 223, the receiving portion 223B, and the third housing 205c can be connected to each other by a rotating shaft. As a result, the mouthpiece 223 not only firmly couples to the third housing 205c but also can move rotatably relative to the third housing 205c between an open position and a closed position.

[0127] In one embodiment, the aerosol atomized by the oscillator assembly 240 can be discharged outside the cartridge 210 through the aerosol flow path 224 and supplied to the user. For example, the aerosol generated by the oscillator (e.g., oscillator 241 in FIG. 5B) of the oscillator assembly 240 can flow along the aerosol flow path 224 formed to connect or communicate the atomization space (e.g., atomization space 303 in FIG. 5A) and the suction port 225 of the mouthpiece 223, and then be discharged outside the cartridge 210 through the suction port 225.

[0128] In one embodiment, the aerosol flow path 224 can be connected to the mouthpiece 223 along the internal structures of the second housing 205B and the first housing 205a. For example, the air flow moving in the positive direction along the aerosol flow path 224 can move sequentially in a certain direction (e.g., in the +z direction, the direction across the z-axis, the -z direction, the direction across the z-axis, and the +z direction in sequence).

[0129] In one embodiment, the suction port 225 can mean the internal passage of the mouthpiece 223. The suction port 225 can be connected to the aerosol flow path 224 when the mouthpiece 223 is in the open position. The connection between the suction port 225 and the aerosol flow path 224 can be released when the mouthpiece 223 is in the closed position.

[0130] In one embodiment, the storage tank 230 can be disposed inside the first housing 205a, and an aerosol generating substance can be stored inside the storage tank 230. For example, although not limited thereto, a liquid aerosol generating substance can be stored in the storage tank 230.

[0131] In one embodiment, the core 235 can be positioned between the storage tank 230 and the vibrator 241 of the vibrator assembly 240. The core 235 can include a transmission member 235a and an absorber 235B.

[0132] In one embodiment, the transmission member 235a can contact the reinforcement member 300, and the absorber 235B can be provided between the transmission member 235a and the vibrator 241. The transmission member 235a can include a core hole that communicates with the reinforcement member 300 and, for example, a first opening (e.g., the first opening 301 in FIG. 5B) of the reinforcement member 300, and the absorber 235B can be arranged to face the atomization space 303 through the core hole.

[0133] In one embodiment, the aerosol product substance stored in the storage tank 230 can be supplied to the vibrator assembly 240 through the transmission member 235a. The transmission member 235a is supplied with the aerosol product substance from the storage tank 230 and transmits the supplied aerosol product substance to the vibrator 241 or the absorber 235B, or the transmission member 235a can play a role of providing ultrasonic vibration from the vibrator 241 to atomize the aerosol product substance. For example, the transmission member 235a can absorb the aerosol product substance in the storage tank 230, and the aerosol product substance absorbed by the transmission member 235a can be transmitted to the vibrator assembly 240 side.

[0134] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can include an absorber 235B that transmits the absorbed aerosol product substance to the vibrator assembly 240. The absorber 235B can be arranged to cover at least a part of the vibrator 241 of the vibrator assembly 240 where the aerosol is generated, receive the aerosol product substance from the transmission member 235a, absorb at least a part of it, and atomize it.

[0135] In one embodiment, the absorber 235B may be made of a material capable of absorbing aerosol product substances. For example, the absorber 235B can include at least one of the materials of SPL30(H), SPL50(H)V, NP100(V8), SPL60(FC), and Melamine.

[0136] In one embodiment, by including the absorber 235B in the cartridge 210, the aerosol product substances are absorbed not only by the transmission member 235a but also by the absorber 235B, and the absorption amount of the aerosol product substances can be improved.

[0137] In one embodiment, the transmission member 235a can include a material having a faster absorption rate of aerosol product substances than the absorber 235B. For example, when the transmission member 235a has a faster absorption rate than the absorber 235B, the aerosol product substances transmitted to the absorber 235B by the transmission member 235a can be adjusted to be supplied to the vibrator 241 at a uniform speed by the absorber 235B having a relatively slow absorption rate. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an excessive amount of aerosol product substances from coming into contact with the vibrator 241.

[0138] In one embodiment, by arranging the absorber 235B so as to cover at least a part of the vibrator 241, the absorber 235B can function as a physical barrier to prevent "liquid splashing" in which particles that are not sufficiently atomized during the generation process of the aerosol are immediately discharged outside the aerosol generator 200. Here, "liquid splashing" means that particles of the aerosol product substance having a relatively large size because they are not sufficiently atomized are discharged outside the cartridge 210. By further including the absorber 235a in the cartridge 210, the possibility of liquid splashing can be reduced, and the smoking satisfaction of the user can be improved.

[0139] In one embodiment, the absorber 235B is located between one surface of the vibrator 241 where the aerosol is generated and the transmission member 235a, and can transmit the aerosol supplied to the transmission member 235a to the vibrator 241.

[0140] For example, one region of the absorber 235B can contact one region facing one direction (e.g., the -z direction) of the transmission member 235a, and the other region of the absorber 235B can contact one region facing one direction (e.g., the +z direction) of the vibrator 241 of the vibrator assembly 240. That is, the absorber 235B is located on the upper end surface of the vibrator 241 (e.g., the surface in the +z direction or the first surface 241a in FIG. 5B), and the aerosol product substance absorbed by the transmission member 235a can be supplied to the vibrator assembly 240.

[0141] In one embodiment, the transmission member 235a, the absorber 235B, and the vibrator assembly 240 can be sequentially arranged along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the cartridge 210 or the housing 205, and the absorber 235B and the transmission member 235a can be sequentially stacked on the vibrator 241.

[0142] At least a part of the aerosol product substance supplied from the storage tank 230 to the transmission member 235a by the above-described arrangement structure moves to the absorber 235B in contact with the transmission member 235a, and the aerosol product substance that has moved to the absorber 235B can move along the absorber 235B and reach a region adjacent to the vibrator assembly 240.

[0143] In one embodiment, the aerosol product substance is stably transmitted to the vibrator assembly 240, the vibrator assembly 240 can continuously generate a uniform amount of aerosol, and the physical double barrier for preventing the above-described liquid splashing can be realized by the transmission member 235a and the absorber 235B by the above-described arrangement structure.

[0144] In one embodiment, only the embodiment including one transmission member 235a and one absorber 235B each is shown in the drawing, but the cartridge 210 for other embodiments may include two or more of at least one of the transmission member 235a and the absorber 235B, or the transmission member 235a and the absorber 235B may be realized by one body.

[0145] For example, the absorber 235B may be a separate component of the cartridge 210 that is connected to the transmission member 235a, or the transmission member 235a and the absorber 235B may be configured to be interconnected or joined, or integral, without being limited thereto.

[0146] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 may further include a support plate 246 for grounding the cartridge substrate 245 or firmly coupling the cartridge substrate 245 to the second housing 205B.

[0147] The oscillator assembly 240 of one embodiment may include at least a portion of the oscillator 241, the first electrode body 243, the second electrode body 244, the support structure 247, the support plate 246, and the cartridge substrate 245.

[0148] In one embodiment, the oscillator assembly 240 can generate vibrations from the transmission member 235a to atomize the aerosol product substance.

[0149] In one embodiment, the oscillator 241 can generate vibrations from the transmission member 235a to atomize the liquid aerosol product substance to generate an aerosol. The oscillator 241 may include a first surface 241a facing the transmission member 235a of the core 235 and a second surface 241B opposite the first surface 241a.

[0150] In one embodiment, the oscillator 241 may include a piezoelectric ceramic. The piezoelectric ceramic can be a functional material that generates electricity when a force is applied and generates a force when electricity is applied, thereby mutually converting electricity and force. For example, the oscillator 241 can generate vibrations with a short period by the applied electricity, and the vibrations can vaporize and / or atomize the aerosol product substance.

[0151] In one embodiment, the oscillator 241 can generate ultrasonic vibrations. The frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the oscillator 241 may be about 100 kHz to 10 MHz, and preferably about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz.

[0152] In one embodiment, by generating ultrasonic vibrations in the corresponding frequency band, the vibrator 241 can vibrate along the longitudinal direction (for example, the z-axis direction) of the cartridge 210 or the housing 205. However, the direction in which the vibrator 241 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 (for example, any one of the x-axis direction, the y-axis direction, and the z-axis direction, or a combination of these directions).

[0153] In one embodiment, the vibrator 241 can generate an aerosol at a relatively low temperature by atomizing the aerosol product substance in an ultrasonic manner, as compared to the method of heating the aerosol product substance. For example, in the case of heating the aerosol product substance using a heater, the situation may occur where the aerosol product substance is unintentionally heated to a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius or higher, and the user may feel a burnt taste from the aerosol.

[0154] On the other hand, the cartridge 210 according to one embodiment can generate an aerosol in a temperature range of approximately 100 degrees Celsius to 160 degrees Celsius, which is a relatively low temperature compared to when heated by a heater, by atomizing the aerosol product substance in an ultrasonic manner. As a result, the burnt taste felt from the aerosol can be reduced, and the smoking satisfaction of the user can be improved.

[0155] In one embodiment, the vibrator 241 can be electrically connected to an external power source via the cartridge substrate 245, and can generate ultrasonic vibrations by the power supplied from the external power source. For example, the vibrator 241 is electrically connected to the cartridge substrate 245 located inside the cartridge 210, and the cartridge substrate 245 is electrically connected to the main body 250, so that the vibrator 241 can be supplied with power from a battery (for example, the battery 140 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2).

[0156] In one embodiment, the aerosol can be generated in an atomization space (e.g., the atomization space 303 in FIG. 5A) that is located on the first surface 241a of the vibrator 241 and communicates with the aerosol flow path 224. During the user's inhalation operation with respect to the open mouthpiece 223, the aerosol generated in the atomization space 303 can be mixed with the external air flowing in along the aerosol flow path 224 and move in the direction toward the suction port 225.

[0157] In one embodiment, the vibrator 241 can be electrically connected to the cartridge substrate 245 through the first electrode body 243 and the second electrode body 244.

[0158] In one embodiment, the first electrode body 243 includes a material having electrical conductivity (e.g., metal), can contact the first surface 241a of the vibrator 241, and can electrically connect the vibrator 241 and the cartridge substrate 245.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first electrode body 243 can have a cylindrical shape so as to accommodate at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the vibrator 241. An opening is formed in a part of the first electrode body 243, and at least a part of the vibrator 241 (e.g., the first surface 241a) can be exposed to the outside of the first electrode body 243.

[0160] For example, a part (e.g., the upper end part) of the first electrode body 243 is arranged to surround at least one region of the outer peripheral surface of the vibrator 241 and contact the vibrator 241, and the other part (e.g., the lower end part) of the first electrode body 243 is formed to extend in the direction toward the cartridge substrate 245 at a part and can contact a region of the cartridge substrate 245. With the above-described contact structure of the first electrode body 243, the vibrator 241 can be electrically connected to the cartridge substrate 245.

[0161] In one embodiment, an opening is formed in the first electrode body 243, and at least a part of the vibrator 241 can be exposed outside the first electrode body 243. A partial region of the first surface 241a of the vibrator 241 exposed outside the first electrode body 243 through the opening of the first electrode body 243 can contact the transmission member 235a and / or the absorber 235B to atomize the aerosol product substance of the transmission member 235a and / or the absorber 235B.

[0162] In one embodiment, the second electrode body 244 includes a material having electrical conductivity and can be located between the second surface 241B of the vibrator 241 or between the vibrator 241 and the cartridge substrate 245, and can electrically connect the vibrator 241 and the cartridge substrate 245.

[0163] For example, one end of the second electrode body 244 contacts the second surface 241B of the vibrator 241, and the other end contacts a partial region of the cartridge substrate 245 facing the vibrator 241, so that the vibrator 241 can be electrically connected to the cartridge substrate 245.

[0164] In one embodiment, the second electrode body 244 contacts the second surface 241B of the vibrator 241 and can pressurize the vibrator 241 in the direction in which the first surface 241a of the vibrator 241 looks (for example, the +z direction). The second electrode body 244 has elasticity and can be compressed between the support structure 247 and the other surface of the vibrator 241 to support the vibrator 241.

[0165] In one embodiment, the second electrode body 244 includes an elastic conductive material and can not only electrically connect the vibrator 241 and the cartridge substrate 245, but also provide an elastic force in the direction of the second surface 241B with respect to the vibrator 241 and play a role in supporting the vibrator 241.

[0166] For example, the second electrode body 244 can include a conductive spring, but the second electrode body 244 is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0167] In one embodiment, the support plate 246 is disposed between the support structure 247 and the cartridge substrate 245, and at least a part of the support plate 246 can be fastened to the cartridge substrate 245 to support the support structure 247. The support plate 246 can reinforce the fastening force between the cartridge substrate 245 and the first electrode body 243.

[0168] In one embodiment, the support plate 246 can include an inclined region having an inclination with respect to a flat planar region. The planar region and the inclined region of the support plate 246 are integrally formed of an elastic material, and when pressure is applied in parallel to the planar region and the inclined region, a restoring force acts on the inclined region by elasticity.

[0169] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can include a support structure 247 that is located between the second surface 241B of the vibrator 241 and the cartridge substrate 245 and supports the second electrode body 244.

[0170] In one embodiment, the support structure 247 can be disposed inside the first electrode body 243 to support the vibrator 241. At least a part of the support structure 247 is surrounded by the first electrode body 243, and at least a part of the support structure 247 can be coupled to the first electrode body 243 in a press-fit manner.

[0171] In one embodiment, the support structure 247 includes, for example, a material having elasticity (e.g., silicon, rubber), is disposed so as to surround the second electrode body 244, and can elastically support the second electrode body 244.

[0172] In one embodiment, one surface of the vibrator 241 can be supported by the first electrode body 243, and the other surface of the vibrator 241 can be supported by the support structure 247. The other surface of the vibrator 241 that contacts the support structure 247 can pressurize the vibrator 241 by the support structure 247. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the vibrator 241 from detaching or being damaged due to the vibration of the vibrator 241.

[0173] In one embodiment, the cartridge substrate 245 can be located inside the second housing 205B. For example, the cartridge substrate 245 can be spaced apart from the vibrator 241 and can be electrically connected to the vibrator 241 through the first electrode body 243 and the second electrode body 244. The cartridge substrate 245 can be electrically connected to the internal configuration of the main body 250 of the aerosol generating device 200 (e.g., the main body substrate 272 in FIG. 5A).

[0174] In one embodiment, the cartridge substrate 245 is electrically connected to the first electrode body 243 and the second electrode body 244 and can supply a signal to the vibrator 241. At least a part of the portion of the first electrode body 243 that wraps around the outer peripheral surface of the vibrator 241 can be fastened to the cartridge substrate 245.

[0175] In one embodiment, when the cartridge substrate 245 is electrically connected to the vibrator 241 by the first electrode body 243 and the second electrode body 244 and simultaneously electrically connected to the main body 250, the vibrator 241 can be electrically connected to an external power source of the cartridge 210 through the cartridge substrate 245 and be supplied with power.

[0176] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can further include a reinforcing member 300 for preventing the aerosol product substance from leaking from the storage tank 230 and flowing into the inside of the aerosol flow path 224. In one embodiment, at least a part of the aerosol flow path 224 is arranged to be surrounded by the storage tank 230, so that the aerosol product substance leaking from the storage tank 230 may flow into the aerosol flow path 224 and reduce the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0177] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 can seal the gap around the liquid supply port of the storage tank 230 (e.g., the gap between the liquid supply port and the transmission member 235a). Thereby, in the cartridge 210 according to one embodiment, by blocking the leakage of the aerosol product substance in the storage tank 230 into the inside of the aerosol flow path 224 by the reinforcing member 300, it is possible to prevent the reduction of the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0178] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 can prevent the aerosol product substance in the storage tank 230 from leaking into the aerosol flow path 224. For example, the reinforcing member 300 can have a circular hollow shape. The reinforcing member 300 can be fitted inside the first housing 205a and be in close contact with the outer wall of the storage tank 230.

[0179] In one embodiment, since the reinforcing member 300 has a passage portion inside, it can prevent the aerosol product substance from flowing from the storage tank 230 into the aerosol flow path 224 and can form a part of the aerosol flow path 224 through which the aerosol generated from the vibrator 241 moves.

[0180] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 can include at least one or more holes connected to the aerosol flow path 224. For example, the reinforcing member 300 can include a second opening (for example, the second opening 305 in FIG. 5A) on the upper surface (for example, the surface in the +z direction).

[0181] In one embodiment, the atomization space 303 is located on the first surface 241a of the vibrator 241 facing the aerosol flow path 224, and the atomization space 303 and the aerosol flow path 224 can communicate at the upper end of the vibrator 241. The cartridge 210 has a linear aerosol discharge path, and the generated aerosol can be easily discharged to the outside of the cartridge 210.

[0182] In one embodiment, the second opening 305 can be formed so that the aerosol generated in the atomization space 303 can move to the aerosol flow path 224. For example, the second opening 305 is formed in the portion of the reinforcing member 300 where the atomization space 303 faces the aerosol flow path 224, and the aerosol generated in the atomization space 303 and flowing in one direction (for example, the +z direction) can move to the mouthpiece 223 side through the second opening 305.

[0183] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 can include an elastic material (e.g., rubber) and absorb ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator 241. Thereby, it is possible to minimize the phenomenon that ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator 241 are transmitted to the user through the housing 205 of the cartridge 210.

[0184] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 can be positioned at the upper end of the transmission member 235a and press the transmission member 235a in the direction toward the vibrator 241. The reinforcing member 300 will be described again below with reference to FIG. 6A.

[0185] The cartridge 210 according to one embodiment can further include a waterproof member 249 for maintaining the transmission member 235a and / or the vibrator 241 inside the first housing 205a.

[0186] In one embodiment, the waterproof member 249 is disposed so as to wrap at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the transmission member 235a, the absorber 235B, and / or the vibrator 241, and can accommodate the transmission member 235a, the absorber 235B, and / or the vibrator 241.

[0187] In one embodiment, the waterproof member 249 can be disposed between the first housing 205a and the second housing 205B, and the transmission member 235a, the absorber 235B, and / or the vibrator 241 can be maintained or fixed in the region between the first housing 205a and the second housing 205B.

[0188] In one embodiment, at least a partial region of the waterproof member 249 can be coupled to the first housing 205a in such a manner that the waterproof member 249 is press-fitted into the first housing 205a, but the coupling method between the first housing 205a and the waterproof member 249 is not limited to the above-described examples. In other examples, the first housing 205a and the waterproof member 249 can also be coupled by at least one of a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, or a magnetic coupling method.

[0189] In one embodiment, the waterproof member 249 includes a material having waterproofness while having a predetermined rigidity (for example, silicon, rubber), and not only fixes the transmission member 235a and the vibrator 241 to the first housing 205a, but also can prevent the aerosol product substance from leaking from the storage tank 230. For example, the waterproof member 249 can prevent the leakage of the aerosol product substance by sealing the region where the storage tank 230 is adjacent to the transmission member 235a or the vibrator 241.

[0190] In one embodiment, the waterproof member 249 includes a material having elasticity (for example, rubber) similar to the reinforcing member 300, and can absorb ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator 241.

[0191] In one embodiment, the waterproof member 249 can include fixing protrusions 249a formed to protrude in the direction of the core 235. The fixing protrusions 249a can be inserted into fixing grooves 235c formed in the transmission member 235a of the core 235, and the fixing protrusions 249a can support or fix the core 235.

[0192] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can further include a first seal 236 for maintaining the connection between the first housing 205a and the third housing 205c and sealing the storage tank 230.

[0193] In one embodiment, the first seal 236 can be disposed between the first housing 205a and the third housing 205c. For example, the first seal 236 can be coupled to the upper end of the first housing 205a and the lower end of the third housing 205c to firmly maintain the connection between the first housing 205a and the third housing 205c.

[0194] In one embodiment, the first seal 236 can include a structure that does not seal the aerosol flow path 224 but seals the storage tank 230. For example, the first seal 236 can have a structure that includes holes in the portion where the aerosol flow path 224 is located while being coupled to the upper end of the first housing 205a, and does not include holes in the portion where the storage tank 230 is located. Thereby, the first seal 236 can separate or isolate the storage tank 230 and the aerosol flow path 224 from the upper end of the first housing 205a while preventing the aerosol flow path 224 from being blocked.

[0195] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can further include a second seal 238 that is coupled to the third housing 205c to seal around the aerosol flow path 224. The second seal 238 can be coupled to the upper end of the third housing 205c. The second seal 238 includes a hole sized to correspond to the aerosol flow path 224, and can seal around the portion where the aerosol flow path 224 and the suction port 225 are connected while preventing the aerosol flow path 224 from being blocked.

[0196] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can include both the first seal 236 and the second seal 238.

[0197] In one embodiment, the first seal 236 and the second seal 238 are respectively coupled to the upper end and the lower end of the third housing 205c, and at least a part of the first seal 236 and the second seal 238 can be partially coupled inside the third housing 205c. Thereby, the first housing 205a and the third housing 205c can be more firmly coupled via the first seal 236 and the second seal 238.

[0198] In one embodiment, the first seal 236 and the second seal 238 can be coupled to the first housing 205a and / or the third housing 205c in a snap-fit manner, but the coupling manner of the first seal 236 and the second seal 238 is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0199] In one embodiment, the first seal 236 and the second seal 238 include a material (e.g., silicon) having a predetermined rigidity and waterproofness, can be firmly coupled to the first housing 205a and / or the third housing 205c, and can also function as a part of the inner wall of the aerosol flow path 224.

[0200] For example, in the process of atomizing the aerosol product substance by the vibrator 241, some of the aerosol product substance may not be atomized sufficiently, and relatively large particles of droplets may be generated. Or, a part of the atomized aerosol may be liquefied inside the air flow path to generate droplets. The generated droplets may block the aerosol flow path 224, leak outside the cartridge 210 through other paths (e.g., the inlet 251 in FIG. 5A), or leak outside the mouthpiece 223 through the suction port 225, which may reduce the convenience and smoking satisfaction of the user. The first seal 236 and the second seal 238 prevent these and can provide convenience and smoking satisfaction to the user.

[0201] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 200 according to one embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 5B is a view showing an enlarged P region shown in FIG. 5A.

[0202] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the aerosol generating device 200 of one embodiment can include a temperature sensor 271 and a lens 273.

[0203] The cartridge 210 inserted into the aerosol generating device 200 described below can be, but is not limited to, the cartridge 210 including the vibrator assembly 240 in FIG. 4. In the following description of the aerosol generating device 200 with the cartridge 210 inserted, the content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted.

[0204] In one embodiment, the cartridge 210 can be detachably coupled to a cartridge fastening region 255 of the main body 250. The cartridge fastening region 255 can be a part of the main body 250 to which the cartridge 210 is coupled. The fixing member 255a can maintain or fix the mouthpiece 223 located in the closed position.

[0205] In one embodiment, the cartridge fastening region 255 can accommodate at least a part of the cartridge 210. For example, the cartridge fastening region 255 can have a shape corresponding to at least a partial region of the cartridge 210 (e.g., a partial region of the housing 205) such that at least a partial region of the mouthpiece 223 of the cartridge 210 and the cartridge body (e.g., the cartridge body 221 in FIG. 4) are accommodated or inserted.

[0206] In one embodiment, at least one region of the cartridge body 221 of the cartridge 210 includes a first magnetic body (not shown), and at least one region of the cartridge fastening region 255 of the main body 250 includes a second magnetic body (not shown). For example, the first magnetic body (not shown) can be disposed on the lower surface of the cartridge body 221, and the second magnetic body (not shown) can 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. Thereby, the cartridge 210 inserted up to a predetermined position in the cartridge fastening region 255 can be coupled by magnetic force.

[0207] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 can include a fixing member 255a for maintaining the mouthpiece 223 in a specific position. For example, the main body 250 can include a fixing member 255a for maintaining the closed mouthpiece 223 in the closed position. The fixing member 255a can be located in a partial region of the cartridge fastening region 255 that houses the mouthpiece 223 in the closed position.

[0208] In one embodiment, when the user closes the mouthpiece 223, an external force can be applied so that the mouthpiece 223 moves from the open position to the closed position. When the mouthpiece 223 moves to the closed position, the fixing member 255a can provide a holding force to the mouthpiece 223 to keep the mouthpiece 223 in the closed position. For example, the fixing member 255a can provide a magnetic force, an elastic force, and / or a frictional force to one end of the mouthpiece 223 so that the mouthpiece 223 is maintained in the closed position.

[0209] In one embodiment, when the user opens the mouthpiece 223, an external force can be applied to the mouthpiece 223 so that the mouthpiece 223 moves from the closed position to the open position. For example, when the user applies a pressure greater than a predetermined force to the other side of the mouthpiece 223, the mouthpiece 223 is separated from the fixing member 255a, and the mouthpiece 223 can rotate from the closed position to the open position.

[0210] In one embodiment, one end of the fixing member 255a and the mouthpiece 223 can each include a magnetic body having opposite polarities. Thereby, when one end of the mouthpiece 223 approaches the closed position by a predetermined distance, the mouthpiece 223 can be maintained in the closed position by being pulled by the magnetic force.

[0211] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 200 can further include an inhalation sensing sensor (not shown). The inhalation sensing sensor (not shown) can sense a change in the internal pressure or the flow of air current of the aerosol generating device 200 and detect whether the user inhales the aerosol generating device 200.

[0212] In one embodiment, the inhalation sensing sensor (not shown) can be located either in the cartridge 210 or the main body 250. Since the cartridge 210 is a consumable that is replaced when all of the aerosol generating substance stored inside is consumed, it is desirable that the inhalation sensing sensor (not shown) be located in the main body 250.

[0213] In one embodiment, an inhalation sensing sensor (not shown) can be positioned adjacent to the cartridge fastening region 255 of the main body 250. As an example, the inhalation sensing sensor (not shown) can be positioned in a region of the cartridge fastening region 255 adjacent to an outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 210 coupled to the main body 250. In other examples, the inhalation sensing sensor (not shown) can be positioned in a region of the main body 250 facing an outer peripheral surface of the housing 205 of the cartridge 210 coupled to the main body 250.

[0214] In one embodiment, since outside air can flow into the aerosol generator 200 through a fine gap between the coupled main body 250 and cartridge 210, the inhalation sensing sensor (not shown) is disposed adjacent to a region where the outside air flows, whereby a pressure change or an airflow inside the main body 250 can be more accurately sensed.

[0215] In one embodiment, the main body 250 can include at least one inlet 251 through which outside air outside the main body 250 can flow into the main body 250 and the cartridge 210. The inlet 251 can communicate with the inside of the cartridge 210 through at least one opening (e.g., sensor hole 207) formed in the cartridge 210.

[0216] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 can include a first opening 301, an atomization space 303, and a second opening 305. The first opening 301 can be formed on a lower surface or a bottom surface of the reinforcing member 300 (e.g., the pressurizing surface 315 in FIG. 6A). The first opening 301 can be formed to open in a direction overlooking the transmission member 235a and / or the vibrator 241 of the core 235. The core 235 can communicate with the atomization space 303 through the first opening 301. The second opening 305 is formed between the atomization space 303 and the aerosol flow path 224, and the aerosol generated from the atomization space 303 can be transmitted to the aerosol flow path 224 through the second opening 305.

[0217] In one embodiment, the airflow can move in the positive direction from the inlet 251 through the atomization space 303 of the reinforcing member 300 towards the suction port 225. In this case, the "positive direction" can mean the direction in which the airflow moves when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 223. For example, the positive direction can mean the direction from the inlet 251 towards the atomization space 303 and the direction from the atomization space 303 towards the suction port 225.

[0218] In one embodiment, a lens 273 can be disposed on one surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the cartridge fastening region 255. In one embodiment, the lens 273 can be disposed so as to face a partial region of the cartridge 210 (e.g., the sensor hole 207 of the cartridge 210) in a state where the cartridge 210 is coupled.

[0219] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 271 can be positioned in the main body 250 so as to face the cartridge fastening region 255. The temperature sensor 271 can be composed of an infrared sensor.

[0220] For example, the temperature sensor 271 can include a light emitting portion that emits infrared rays and a light receiving portion that senses the infrared rays reflected back from the target object. The temperature sensor 271 can sense the temperature of the target object through the amount of light sensed by the light receiving portion.

[0221] For example, the temperature sensor 271 of one embodiment can include a light receiving portion without including a light emitting portion. The light receiving portion can sense the temperature of the target object through the wavelength of the light emitted and / or reflected from the target object. However, this is an exemplary description of the driving of the temperature sensor 271 of the infrared sensor of one embodiment, and is not limited to this in actual implementation, and can be realized in various ways.

[0222] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 271 can be connected to the main body substrate 272. Or, it can be mounted or disposed on the main body substrate 272. The main body substrate 272 can be located inside the main body 250 and can control the overall driving of the aerosol generator 200.

[0223] In one embodiment, the main body substrate 272 can be the control unit (e.g., the control unit 110 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) of the aerosol generator 200 itself or a partial component. For example, the control unit 110 can include the cartridge substrate 245 and the main body substrate 272. The cartridge substrate 245 and the main body substrate 272 can be electrically and / or communicatively connected to each other.

[0224] In one embodiment, the main body substrate 272 can be connected to the inside of the cartridge body 221 of the cartridge 210 through a cable or a conducting wire and can be connected to the cartridge substrate 245 of the cartridge 210. Since the cartridge substrate 245 of the cartridge 210 is in electrical contact with the vibrator 241, the vibrator 241 can be electrically connected to the main body 250 through the cartridge substrate 245. The driving of the vibrator 241 can be controlled by the main body substrate 272, or the vibrator 241 can be powered by the battery (e.g., the battery 140 in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) of the main body 250.

[0225] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 271 can sense the temperature of the second surface 241B of the vibrator 241. The vibrator 241 can release heat by being driven to generate vibrations. When the vibrator 241 overheats, the vibrator 241 or the peripheral components may be damaged, or the performance of the vibrator 241 may deteriorate. The temperature sensor 271 senses the temperature substantially directly with respect to the second surface 241B of the vibrator 241, and based on the sensing result, the control unit can control the driving of the vibrator 241.

[0226] In one embodiment, when the vibrator 241 is heated, the central region of the second surface 241B of the vibrator 241 can change in temperature first. In order for the temperature sensor 271 to sense the temperature of the central region of the second surface 241B of the vibrator 241, there is no obstacle or it is minimized between the temperature sensor 271 and the vibrator 241, or the path between the temperature sensor 271 and the vibrator 241 is shortened, and / or the optical path between the temperature sensor 271 and the vibrator 241 can be controlled. Thereby, the temperature sensor 271 can sense the temperature change of the vibrator 241 quickly and accurately.

[0227] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 271, which is an infrared sensor, may have a reduced accuracy of the sensing result and may have difficulty sensing a temperature change quickly when the distance from the target object is far. In one embodiment, the lens 273 can be located between the sensor hole 207 and the temperature sensor 271. The lens 273 can expand the sensing range of the temperature sensor 271 (or the viewing angle of the temperature sensor 271 which is an infrared sensor).

[0228] For example, the lens 273 can condense the light emitted from the temperature sensor 271 and control the optical path in the direction of the second surface 241B of the vibrator 241. And / or, the lens 273 can condense the light reflected from the vibrator 241 (or the light emitted by the temperature sensor 271, reflected by the vibrator 241, and returned) and control the optical path in the direction of the temperature sensor 271. Through the lens 273, the temperature sensor 271 can sense the temperature change of the vibrator 241 accurately and quickly.

[0229] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a reinforcing member 300 according to an embodiment, FIG. 6B is a side view of the reinforcing member 300 according to an embodiment, FIG. 6C is a plan view of the reinforcing member 300 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6D is a rear view of the reinforcing member 300 according to an embodiment.

[0230] Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6D, the reinforcing member 300 according to an embodiment can include at least a part of the pressing surface 315, the body 310, and the head 318.

[0231] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 is positioned at the upper end of the core (e.g., the core 235 in FIGS. 4 to 5B) and can press the core 235 in the direction toward the vibrator (e.g., the vibrator 241 in FIGS. 4 to 5B), whereby the contact between the core 235 and the vibrator 241 can be maintained.

[0232] For example, the reinforcing member 300 can maintain the contact between the absorber 235B and the vibrator 241 by pressing the transmission member (e.g., the transmission member 235a in FIGS. 4 to 5B) and / or the absorber (e.g., the absorber 235B in FIGS. 4 to 5B) of the core 235 in one direction (e.g., the -z direction).

[0233] In one embodiment, the pressing surface 315 can be a surface for pressing at least a partial region of the core 235. For example, the pressing surface 315 can be a surface of the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing member 300 that faces the core 235, and the pressing surface 315 can contact at least a partial region of the core 235. For example, the pressing surface 315 can be in substantial close contact with a partial region of the core 235 facing it, and the core 235 can be uniformly and efficiently pressed.

[0234] In one embodiment, a first opening 301 opened to face the core 235 can be provided in the pressing surface 315. The first opening 301 is opened to the atomization space 303, and the core 235 can communicate with the atomization space 303 through the first opening 301, and the aerosol generated from the core 235 can be transmitted to the atomization space 303.

[0235] In one embodiment, the body 310 can be a body or housing forming the reinforcing member 300, and an atomization space 303 can be provided inside the body 310. The atomization space 303 communicates with the first opening 301 and can be a path through which the aerosol generated from the core 235 moves or a region where the aerosol temporarily remains. The outer peripheral surface of the body 310 can have a shape corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the second housing 205B or the storage tank 230.

[0236] In one embodiment, the head 318 can be formed in a direction (e.g., the +z direction) opposite to the pressure surface 315 from the body 310. The head 318 can be provided with a second opening 305 that communicates from the atomization space 303 to an aerosol flow path (e.g., the aerosol flow path 224 in FIGS. 5A and 5B).

[0237] In one embodiment, the aerosol generated by the core 235 and the vibrator 241 can pass through the atomization space 303 and the second opening 305 and be transmitted to the aerosol flow path 224. The head 318 can be formed to protrude from the body 310 in the direction of the aerosol flow path 224, and the outer peripheral surface of the head 318 can have a shape corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the second housing 205B or the aerosol flow path 224.

[0238] In one embodiment, the pressure surface 315 can have a shape that protrudes in a direction substantially parallel to the upper surface of the core 235 (e.g., in the x - y plane direction) with respect to the body 310. The pressure surface 315 is a surface for pressing the core 235, for example, the transmission member 235a of the core 235, and can have a shape corresponding to the upper surface of the core 235 or the transmission member 235a.

[0239] In one embodiment, the body 310 is fixed by the second housing 205B and / or the storage tank 230, and the pressure surface 315 is in contact with the core 235. Through the pressure surface 315, the reinforcing member 300 can fix or press the core 235, support the core 235, and reduce or prevent the shape change of the core 235.

[0240] For example, when the aerosol generator (e.g., the aerosol generator 200 in FIGS. 3A, 3B, or 5A) is driven, the core 235 can be transmitted ultrasonic waves by the vibrator 241, and / or the core 235 can be heated to a high temperature (e.g., a temperature of about 100 to 150 degrees Celsius) by the driving of the vibrator 241.

[0241] In one embodiment, the core 235 can be vibrated by the vibrator 241 and / or heated to a high temperature to be deformed or denatured. When the shape of the core 235 is deformed, the transmission efficiency of the aerosol product substance of the core 235 can be reduced, or the ultrasonic transmission efficiency from the vibrator 241 can be reduced, and as a result, the aerosol generation efficiency of the aerosol generator 200 can be reduced.

[0242] In various embodiments of this document, the reinforcing member 300 forms an atomization space 303 inside and can uniformly press the upper surface of the core 235, for example, the transmission member 235a, through the pressing surface 315. For example, the reinforcing member 300 can support or fix the core 235 by pressing the transmission member 235a to press the transmission member 235a and the absorber 235B. As a result, the reinforcing member 300 can prevent the deformation or denaturation of the core 235, improve the aerosol generation efficiency of the aerosol generator 200, and increase the product life of the aerosol generator 200.

[0243] In one embodiment, the pressing surface 315 can include a protruding portion 315a. As shown in FIG. 7A to be described later, the protruding portion 315a can protrude in the direction of the fixing protrusion 249a of the waterproof member 249. The protruding portion 315a can support the reinforcing member 300 so that the reinforcing member 300 does not rotate or disengage when the reinforcing member 300 is seated on the waterproof member 249.

[0244] In one embodiment, the liquid flow path 320 can be formed to be concave or bent in a direction away from the core 235 (for example, the +z direction) at the pressing surface 315. One end of the liquid flow path 320 can communicate with a storage tank (for example, the storage tank 230 in FIG. 4), and the liquid flow path 320 can be a space through which the aerosol product substance flows. The liquid flow path 320 can be a groove structure formed in a partial region of the pressing surface 315. The liquid flow path 320 can improve the transmission efficiency of the aerosol product substance transmitted from the storage tank 230 to the core 235. The connection structure between the liquid flow path 320 and the storage tank 230 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C.

[0245] For example, the liquid flow path 320 forms a space between the wick 235 and the pressurized surface 315 of the reinforcing member 300, and at least a part of the aerosol product substance can move through the liquid flow path 320. Or, in a situation where the pressurized surface 315 of the reinforcing member 300 pressurizes the wick 235, the region corresponding to the liquid flow path 320 may relatively pressurize the wick 235 less or not pressurize the wick 235 at all, and at least a part of the aerosol product substance can move through a partial region of the wick 235 corresponding to the liquid flow path 320.

[0246] In one embodiment, one end of the liquid flow path 320 can communicate with the storage tank 230, and the other end opposite thereto can communicate with the atomization space 303. At least a part of the aerosol product substance can move directly to the atomization space 303 through the liquid flow path 320 without passing through the wick 235. The amount of the aerosol product substance transmitted through the liquid flow path 320 can be adjusted by structural factors such as the area or height of the liquid flow path 320. The liquid flow path 320 can assist the wick 235 so that the aerosol product substance moves smoothly to the atomization space 303.

[0247] In one embodiment, a plurality of liquid flow paths 320 can be formed at intervals from each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 6D, the plurality of liquid flow paths 320 can be formed at intervals so as to be symmetric with respect to the first opening 301. By forming the plurality of liquid flow paths 320 symmetrically, the aerosol product substance can be provided to the atomization space 303 or the wick 235 uniformly in a plurality of directions.

[0248] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 is provided on the side surface of the body 310 and can further include a third opening 309 communicating with the atomization space 303. The third opening 309 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C.

[0249] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 may be made of a heat-resistant material so as to maintain its shape and / or strength in a high-temperature environment. Alternatively, the reinforcing member 300 may be made of a material that is environmentally friendly or harmless to the human body so that no environmental hormones or harmful substances to the human body are released when heated.

[0250] For example, the reinforcing member 300 may be made of polyphenylsulfone, polyethersulfone, polypropylene, polyamide, silicon, ceramic, glass, or a substance containing at least a part of these.

[0251] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 may be made of a porous material capable of absorbing aerosol product substances. Alternatively, the atomization space 303 of the reinforcing member 300 can be coated with a porous and / or waterproof material. While aerosol is generated by the ultrasonic vibration of the vibrator 241 in the atomization space 303, at least a part of the aerosol product substance can generate a liquid splashing phenomenon of flying from the core 235 or the vibrator 241 in a non-atomized state. By including a porous and / or waterproof material, the reinforcing member 300 can transmit the aerosol product substance in the form of liquid splashing back to the core 235 or the vibrator 241.

[0252] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a part of the cartridge 210 according to one embodiment, FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the first housing 205a of the cartridge 210 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7C is a diagram showing the inside of the cartridge 210 according to one embodiment.

[0253] Specifically, FIG. 7C is a diagram showing the inside of the storage tank 230 in a state where the second housing 205B in FIG. 7A is coupled to the first housing 205a in FIG. 7A.

[0254] Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7C, the first housing 205a may include a liquid opening 231 and an external air flow path 232. When explaining FIGS. 7A to 7C, the content overlapping with the above-described content will be omitted.

[0255] In one embodiment, the liquid opening 231 can be formed on one surface of the storage tank 230 of the first housing 205a, for example, on the surface in the direction of looking at the wick 235 (for example, the -z direction). The liquid opening 231 can be an opening for the aerosol product substance to be transmitted to the wick 235.

[0256] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7C, in a state where the first housing 205a and the second housing 205B are coupled, the storage tank 230 can communicate with the wick 235 through the liquid opening 231.

[0257] For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, the transmission member 235a of the wick 235 is arranged adjacent to the storage tank 230, particularly adjacent to the liquid opening 231 of the storage tank 230, and can be supplied with the liquid aerosol product substance from the storage tank 230. The aerosol product substance stored in the storage tank 230 can be discharged to the outside of the storage tank 230 through the liquid opening 231 formed in the storage tank 230, and the transmission member 235a can absorb the aerosol product substance from the storage tank 230 by absorbing at least a part of the aerosol product substance discharged from the storage tank 230.

[0258] In one embodiment, one end of the liquid flow path 320 of the reinforcing member 300 can be formed in a direction facing the liquid opening 231 with reference to the state where the first housing 205a and the second housing 205B are coupled. By the storage tank 230 communicating substantially directly with the liquid flow path 320, the aerosol product substance can be transmitted to the wick 235 or the atomization space 303 more efficiently.

[0259] In one embodiment, the outside air flow path 232 can communicate with an inlet (e.g., inlet 251 of the main body 250 in FIG. 5A) of the main body. For example, the outside air flow path 232 can transmit the outside air flowing in from the inlet 251 of the main body to the inside of the cartridge 210 through at least one opening (e.g., sensor hole 207 in FIGS. 5A and 5B) formed in the cartridge 210. In one embodiment, the outside air flow path 232 can be separated from the storage tank 230 and can communicate with the third opening 309 of the reinforcing member 300.

[0260] In one embodiment, the third opening 309 can be formed in the reinforcing member 300, for example, on one side surface of the atomization space 303 to communicate with the outside of the atomization space 303. The third opening 309 can communicate with the atomization space 303 from the outside of the reinforcing member 300. The third opening 309 can communicate with the outside of the aerosol generator 200 or the cartridge 210 so as to allow air to flow into the atomization space 303. A plurality of third openings 309 can be provided and can be arranged to face each other with the atomization space 303 interposed therebetween.

[0261] In one embodiment, the reinforcing member 300 can be located at the center of the first housing 205a of the cartridge 210. The outside air flowing into the inside of the cartridge 210 through the inlet 251 formed in the main body 250 can flow into the atomization space 303 through the outside air flow path 232 and the third opening 309.

[0262] For example, as shown in FIG. 6D, in the portion advancing from the third opening 309 to the atomization space 303, the traveling path of the air flow can change abruptly. As a result, the time for the air flow to stay in the atomization space 303 can increase, and the possibility of generating a vortex can be improved. Consequently, the mixing of the outside air flowing into the atomization space 303 and the generated aerosol can be more easily performed.

[0263] In one embodiment, when the user brings the oral cavity into contact with the mouthpiece (e.g., the mouthpiece 223 in FIGS. 3A to 5B) and performs an inhalation operation, the pressure inside the cartridge 210 becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure, and external air can flow into the inside of the cartridge 210 through the inlet 251 of the main body 250.

[0264] In one embodiment, the outside air flow path 232 can be substantially connected to the atomization space 303 where the aerosol is generated from the inlet 251 through the third opening 309 and the inhaler (e.g., the suction port 225 in FIGS. 3A to 5B).

[0265] In one embodiment, the outside air flow path 232 can be formed by at least one component of the cartridge 210 (e.g., the first housing 205a, the second housing 205B, or the mouthpiece 223). Alternatively, by deforming this, at least a part of the outside air flow path 232 can also be formed by a tube inserted inside the cartridge 210.

[0266] As described above, although the embodiments have been described with reference to the limited drawings, those having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can apply various technical modifications and deformations based on the above. For example, whether the described technology is performed in an order different from the described method, and / or whether the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from the described method, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents, appropriate results can be achieved. Therefore, other embodiments, other examples, and those equivalent to the scope of the claims also belong to the scope of the claims described later.

Claims

1. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a storage tank for storing an aerosol generating substance; a wick through which the aerosol generating substance is transmitted from the storage tank; a vibrator that generates vibrations in the wick to atomize the aerosol generating substance; a reinforcing member including an atomization space communicating with the wick; The reinforcing member: includes a first opening communicating with the atomization space and a pressing surface that contacts a partial region of the wick to press the wick; The pressing surface has a shape protruding in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the wick. A cartridge.

2. The pressing surface: directly contacts a partial region of the wick. The cartridge according to claim 1.

3. The reinforcing member: includes a liquid flow path formed in a groove structure on the pressing surface; One end of the liquid flow path communicates with the storage tank and the aerosol generating substance flows therethrough. The cartridge according to claim 1.

4. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a storage tank for storing an aerosol generating substance; a wick through which the aerosol generating substance is transmitted from the storage tank; a vibrator that generates vibrations in the wick to atomize the aerosol generating substance; a reinforcing member including an atomization space communicating with the wick; The reinforcing member: includes a first opening communicating with the atomization space and a pressing surface that contacts a partial region of the wick to press the wick; The reinforcing member: includes a liquid flow path formed in a groove structure on the pressing surface; One end of the liquid flow path communicates with the storage tank and the aerosol generating substance flows therethrough; The liquid flow path: The other end opposite to the one end communicates with the atomization space. A cartridge.

5. The reinforcing member includes a plurality of the liquid flow paths; The plurality of liquid flow paths are formed separately from each other. The cartridge according to claim 3.

6. The plurality of liquid flow paths: are substantially symmetric with respect to the first opening. The cartridge according to claim 5.

7. Further includes an aerosol flow path through which the aerosol generated in the atomization space is transmitted; The reinforcing member includes a second opening communicating from the atomization space to the aerosol flow path. The cartridge according to claim 1.

8. The reinforcing member: includes a head provided with the second opening and at least a part of which is inserted into the aerosol flow path. The cartridge according to claim 7.

9. The reinforcing member: The cartridge according to claim 1, comprising a third opening formed on one side surface of the atomization space and communicating with the outside of the atomization space.

10. The third opening is The cartridge according to claim 9, communicating with the outside of the aerosol generator so as to allow air to flow into the atomization space.

11. The reinforcing member includes a plurality of the third openings, The plurality of third openings are formed to be spaced apart from each other so as to face each other from the atomization space. The cartridge according to claim 9.

12. The core is Including a core hole communicating with the first opening, a transmission member disposed to be in contact with the reinforcing member, and An absorber provided between the transmission member and the vibrator and disposed to face the atomization space through the core hole. The cartridge according to claim 1.

13. A cartridge for an aerosol generator, comprising A storage tank for storing an aerosol generating substance, A core to which the aerosol generating substance is transmitted from the storage tank, A vibrator that generates vibrations in the core to atomize the aerosol generating substance, A reinforcing member including an atomization space communicating with the core, and The reinforcing member is Including a first opening communicating with the atomization space and a pressing surface that contacts a part of the core to press the core, The core is Including a core hole communicating with the first opening, a transmission member disposed to be in contact with the reinforcing member, and An absorber provided between the transmission member and the vibrator and disposed to face the atomization space through the core hole. The reinforcing member presses the transmission member and the absorber so that the core is fixed. A cartridge.

14. The reinforcing member is Made of a substance including at least one of polyphenylsulfone, polyethersulfone, polypropylene, polyamide, silicon, ceramic, and glass. The cartridge according to claim 1.

15. The reinforcing member is Made of a porous substance capable of absorbing the aerosol generating substance. The cartridge according to claim 1.

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