Aerosol generating device

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge including a storage tank in which an aerosol generating substance is stored, a heater assembly that is removably connected to the cartridge and heats the aerosol generating substance supplied from the cartridge to generate an aerosol, and a main body that is removably connected to the heater assembly and includes a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly, and the heater assembly also includes a chamber in fluid communication with the storage tank of the cartridge, a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance supplied from the storage tank, and a heater arranged in at least a side region of the wick and heats the aerosol generating substance absorbed in the wick.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device capable of preventing liquefied aerosol from accumulating in a chamber where aerosol is generated.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for technologies to replace the method of burning ordinary cigarettes and supplying aerosols. For example, research is being conducted on methods such as generating aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol product substances, generating vapor from liquid aerosol product substances, and then supplying flavored aerosols by passing the generated vapor through a solid perfume medium.

[0003] In particular, in the case of an aerosol generating device that uses a liquid aerosol product substance, compared to an aerosol generating device that uses a solid aerosol product substance, the size of the device is smaller and it is more convenient to carry. In addition, an aerosol generating device that uses a liquid aerosol product substance does not generate smoking by-products and is more convenient to use. As a result, the interest in seeking an aerosol generating device that uses a liquid aerosol product substance to generate aerosols is gradually increasing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an aerosol generating device that uses a liquid aerosol product substance, inside a chamber (or "aerosol generating chamber") where aerosol is generated, the liquid aerosol product substance is heated, and the generated vapor and air are mixed, whereby aerosol can be generated.

[0005] At least a part of the aerosol generated in the chamber is cooled and liquefied by contact with air. As a result, a situation may occur where liquefied aerosol accumulates inside the chamber.

[0006] If liquefied aerosol accumulates inside the chamber, leakage may occur, and components of the aerosol generation device due to the leakage may malfunction or be damaged. Further, if liquefied aerosol accumulates inside the chamber, a part of the heater located inside the chamber may be immersed by the liquefied aerosol, and the heating efficiency of the heater may be reduced. As a result, the amount of aerosol generated may be reduced.

[0007] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generation device capable of preventing liquefied aerosol from accumulating in a chamber in which aerosol is generated, thereby preventing malfunction or damage of components of the aerosol generation device due to liquid leakage, and preventing the heater from being immersed by the liquefied aerosol.

[0008] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] An aerosol generation device according to an embodiment includes a cartridge including a storage tank in which an aerosol generating substance is stored; a heater assembly detachably coupled to the cartridge, heating the aerosol generating substance supplied from the cartridge to generate aerosol; and a main body detachably coupled to the heater assembly and including a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly, wherein the heater assembly includes a chamber in fluid communication with the storage tank of the cartridge; a core disposed inside the chamber, absorbing the aerosol generating substance supplied from the storage tank, including a first surface facing the storage tank, a second surface disposed at a position opposite to the first surface and facing the bottom surface of the chamber, and a side surface surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface; and a heater disposed on the side surface of the core for heating the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core.

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment includes a cartridge including a storage tank in which an aerosol generating substance is stored; a heater assembly detachably coupled to the cartridge and configured to heat the aerosol generating substance supplied from the cartridge to generate an aerosol; and a main body detachably coupled to the heater assembly and including a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly. The heater assembly includes a chamber in fluid communication with the storage tank of the cartridge; a core disposed inside the chamber, configured to absorb the aerosol generating substance supplied from the storage tank, and including a first surface facing the storage tank, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and facing the bottom surface of the chamber, and a side surface surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface; and a heater disposed on the first surface of the core and configured to heat the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core. The first surface of the core can absorb the aerosol liquefied inside the chamber.

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment includes a cartridge including a storage tank in which an aerosol generating substance is stored; a heater assembly detachably coupled to the cartridge and configured to heat the aerosol generating substance supplied from the cartridge to generate an aerosol; and a main body detachably coupled to the heater assembly and including a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly. The heater assembly includes a chamber in fluid communication with the storage tank of the cartridge; a core disposed inside the chamber, configured to absorb the aerosol generating substance supplied from the storage tank and including a through hole extending along the longitudinal direction of the chamber; and a heater disposed inside the through hole of the core and configured to heat the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core. At least one region of the core can absorb the aerosol liquefied inside the through hole.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent liquefied aerosol from accumulating in a chamber where aerosol is generated.

[0013] Also, an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent malfunction or failure of components of the aerosol generating device by preventing liquid leakage caused by liquefied aerosol.

[0014] Also, an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent a decrease in the amount of aerosol generated by liquefied aerosol by preventing a situation where a heater in the chamber is immersed by liquefied aerosol.

[0015] The effects according to the present embodiment are not limited to the above-described effects, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] In the present embodiment, the terms used are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while considering the functions in the present invention. However, they may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based not on the simple names of the terms but on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0018] Throughout the specification, when a part includes a certain component, it means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean units that process at least one function or operation, and they may be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0019] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of the arranged components, it modifies the entire components, not each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" should be construed to include a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0020] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that electrically heats a cigarette housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

[0021] The aerosol generating device also includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater also includes an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0022] The heater also includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the form of the heating element, the inside or outside of the cigarette can be heated.

[0023] The cigarette also includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can also be made of a sheet, made of a strand, or made of shredded tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Also, the tobacco rod can also be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material is a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0024] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod also includes a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0025] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance.

[0026] The aerosol generating device also includes a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge can be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge can be integrally formed with the main body, or assembled and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge can be mounted on the main body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, without being limited thereto, the aerosol generating substance can be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0027] The cartridge can hold an aerosol generating substance having any one of various states such as liquid, solid, gaseous, and gel states. The aerosol generating substance also includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0028] The cartridge can perform a function of converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gas phase by operating by means of an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, etc., and generating an aerosol. The aerosol can mean a vaporized particle generated from the aerosol generating substance and a gas in a state where air is mixed.

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can heat a 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.

[0030] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that uses an ultrasonic vibration method to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0031] The aerosol generating device also includes a vibrator, and through the vibrator, short-period vibrations can be generated to atomize the aerosol generating substance. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are also ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0032] The aerosol generating device further includes a core that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the core may be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator or to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0033] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator can be transmitted to the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core. The aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core is converted into the gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0034] For example, heat generated from the vibrator reduces the viscosity of the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core, and ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator atomize the aerosol generating substance with reduced viscosity, whereby an aerosol can be generated, but is not limited thereto.

[0035] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0036] The aerosol generating device also includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is also a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and generates heat by the application of a magnetic field, the aerosol generating article can be heated. Alternatively, the susceptor can be selectively located within the aerosol generating article.

[0037] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes a cradle.

[0038] 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, with the cradle and the aerosol generating device coupled together, the heater can be heated.

[0039] 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 relevant technical field can easily implement them. The present disclosure can be implemented in forms that can be realized in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or can be implemented in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described here.

[0040] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment includes a cartridge 100, a heater assembly 200, and a main body 300.

[0043] Inside the cartridge 100, the aerosol product substance is stored, and the aerosol product substance stored in the cartridge 100 can be supplied to the heater assembly 200 arranged at the lower end of the cartridge 100 (for example, the end portion facing in the z direction in FIG. 1).

[0044] The heater assembly 200 is located between the cartridge 100 and the main body 300, and can perform the function of converting the phase of the aerosol product substance into a gas phase and generating an aerosol. It can heat the aerosol product substance supplied from the cartridge 100 and generate an aerosol.

[0045] For example, the heater assembly 200 can heat the aerosol product substance supplied from the cartridge 100 to generate vapor from the aerosol product substance. The generated vapor can be mixed with the external air flowing into the interior of the heater assembly 200 from the outside of the heater assembly 200, and an aerosol can be generated. In the present disclosure, "aerosol" means particles generated by mixing the vapor generated by heating the aerosol product substance and air, and this expression can also be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 100 also includes a mouthpiece 100m for supplying an aerosol to the user. For example, the mouthpiece 100m can provide a connection or a fluid connection between the interior of the heater assembly 200 and the aerosol generating device 10, and the aerosol generated inside the heater assembly 200 can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10 through the mouthpiece 100m. At this time, the user can bring the user's mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 100m and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0047] The main body 300 is located at the lower end of the heater assembly 200 and can support the heater assembly 200. Components for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 can be arranged inside the main body 300. For example, a battery (not shown) and a processor (not shown) can be arranged inside the main body 300. However, the battery and the processor are merely examples of the components arranged inside the main body 300. Other components (e.g., user interface, sensor, etc.) can be further arranged inside the main body 300 in addition to the aforementioned components.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 further includes a cover 310 for protecting the components of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0049] The cover 310 is arranged to cover at least one region of the cartridge 100, the heater assembly 200, and the main body 300, fixes the positions of the cartridge 100, the heater assembly 200, and the main body 300, and can protect the cartridge 100, the heater assembly 200, and the main body 300 from external impacts or the inflow of foreign objects.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the cover 310 can be integrally formed with the main body 300, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the cover 310 can be detachably coupled to the main body 300.

[0051] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the coupling relationship between the cartridge 100, the heater assembly 200, and the main body 300 will be specifically described.

[0052] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment also includes a cartridge 100, a heater assembly 200, a main body 300, and a cover 310. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. In the following, duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0054] Moreover, the components of the aerosol generating device 10 are not limited thereto. According to the embodiment, at least one component (e.g., the cover 310) of the foregoing components may be omitted, or other components may be added.

[0055] The cartridge 100 also includes a storage tank 110 in which an aerosol generating substance is stored, and a mouthpiece 100m (e.g., the mouthpiece 100m (FIG. 1)) for supplying the aerosol generated by the heater assembly 200 to the user.

[0056] When the cartridge 100 and the heater assembly 200 are coupled, the storage tank 110 is connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the heater assembly 200. As a result, the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage tank 110 can flow into the internal space of the heater assembly 200.

[0057] At this time, the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage tank 110 may include a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid composition containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition is also any one of water, a solvent, ethyl alcohol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, and a vitamin mixture, and also includes a mixture of these components. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and aroma components of various fruits. The flavoring agent includes components that can provide various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture is also a mixture in which at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E is mixed, but is not limited thereto. Further, the liquid composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0059] For example, the liquid composition may also include a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt is added. The liquid composition may also contain two or more types of nicotine salts. The nicotine salt can be formed by adding a suitable acid containing an organic acid or an inorganic acid to nicotine. Nicotine is natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0060] The acid for forming the nicotine salt can be appropriately selected in consideration of the blood nicotine absorption rate, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 10, the flavor or taste, the solubility, and the like. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt is a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the aforementioned group, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] The heater assembly 200 is detachably coupled to the lower end surface of the cartridge 100 (e.g., the surface facing in the z - direction in FIG. 2), and can heat the aerosol product substance supplied from the storage tank 110 of the cartridge 100 to generate an aerosol.

[0062] For example, a first coupling member (not shown) arranged in a region of the heater assembly 200 facing the cartridge 100 is coupled to / separated from a second coupling member (not shown) arranged on the lower end surface of the cartridge 100, so that the heater assembly 200 can be detachably coupled to the cartridge 100. However, the coupling method between the cartridge 100 and the heater assembly 200 is not limited thereto.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the heater assembly 200 also includes an aerosol product substance inlet 201 that connects the inside of the heater assembly 200 and the inside of the storage tank 110 of the cartridge 100, an air inlet 202 for allowing external air to flow into the inside of the heater assembly 200, and an air outlet 203 for discharging the aerosol generated inside the heater assembly 200 to the outside of the heater assembly 200.

[0064] The aerosol product substance stored in the storage tank 110 of the cartridge 100 flows into the inside of the heater assembly 200 through the aerosol product substance inlet 201. A heater (not shown) arranged inside the heater assembly 200 can heat the aerosol product substance supplied from the storage tank 110. External air flows into the inside of the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202. Inside the heater assembly 200, the external air flowing into the inside of the heater assembly 200 and the vapor generated by heating the aerosol product substance are mixed, and an aerosol can be generated.

[0065] The aerosol generated inside the heater assembly 200 can flow from the heater assembly 200 into the cartridge 100 through an air outlet 203 arranged in an area facing the cartridge 100 of the heater assembly 200, and then be discharged outside the aerosol generating device 10 through the mouthpiece 100m. For example, when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 100m, the pressure inside the cartridge 100 decreases, causing the air and / or aerosol inside the heater assembly 200 to move from the heater assembly 200 into the cartridge 100, and the user can inhale the air and / or aerosol that has moved into the cartridge 100.

[0066] The main body 300 is detachably coupled to the lower end surface of the heater assembly 200 (e.g., the surface facing in the z direction in FIG. 2) and can support the heater assembly 200. For example, the main body 300 can be detachably coupled to the heater assembly 200 in such a way that at least one area is inserted into an insertion groove (not shown) formed on the lower end surface of the heater assembly 200 or separated from the insertion groove, but the coupling method between the heater assembly 200 and the main body 300 is not limited thereto.

[0067] According to one embodiment, components for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 can be arranged inside the main body 300. For example, a battery (not shown) for power supply and a processor (not shown) for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 can be arranged inside the main body 300.

[0068] The battery can supply the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery can be electrically connected to the heater assembly 200 and supply power so that the heater of the heater assembly 200 can be heated. As another example, the battery can also supply the power required for the operation of other components (e.g., the processor, etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0069] The processor can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. The processor can also be embodied by an array of a number of logic gates, and can also be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by this microprocessor is stored, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the processor can control the power supplied from the battery to the heater of the heater assembly 200. For example, the processor can control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the heater and the time during which the power is supplied so that the heater of the heater assembly 200 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or can maintain a specified temperature.

[0071] The aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment is structured such that the cartridge 100 and the heater assembly 200 are detachably coupled, and the heater assembly 200 and the main body 300 are detachably coupled, so that the cartridge 100 and / or the heater assembly 200 can be replaced.

[0072] For example, when the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage tank 110 of the cartridge 100 is depleted, the user can replace the cartridge 100 and continue smoking. As another example, when the performance of the components (e.g., the heater or the core) of the heater assembly 200 deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated, the user can replace the heater assembly 200 so that a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated.

[0073] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the components of the heater assembly 200 will be specifically described.

[0074] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a heater assembly of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. The heater assembly 200 illustrated in FIG. 3 is also one embodiment of the heater assembly 200 of the aerosol generating device 10 of FIGS. 1 to 2, but redundant descriptions will be omitted hereinafter.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment also includes an aerosol product material inlet 201, an air inlet 202, and an air outlet 203.

[0076] The aerosol product material inlet 201 can allow the aerosol product material to flow from a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 100 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)) into the interior of the heater assembly 200. For example, the aerosol product material inlet 201 is disposed in a region where it is coupled to the cartridge of the heater assembly 200, and the aerosol product material stored in the storage tank of the cartridge can pass through the aerosol product material inlet 201 and flow into the interior of the heater assembly 200.

[0077] The air inlet 202 can serve to allow air outside the heater assembly 200 (hereinafter, "outside air") to flow into the interior of the heater assembly 200. For example, the air inlet 202 is disposed in another region of the heater assembly 200 that is separated from the aerosol product material inlet 201 (e.g., on the side surface of the heater assembly 200), and the outside air can pass through the air inlet 202 and flow into the interior of the heater assembly 200.

[0078] The outside air that has flowed into the interior of the heater assembly 200 can move or flow along an air passage (not shown) disposed inside the heater assembly 200 to a chamber (not shown) where the aerosol is generated, and specific descriptions thereof will be provided later.

[0079] The air outlet 203 can serve to discharge the aerosol and / or air generated inside the heater assembly 200 to the outside of the heater assembly 200 or to the cartridge. For example, the air outlet 203 is disposed in a region where it is coupled to the cartridge of the heater assembly 200 and is separated from the aerosol product material inlet 201, and the aerosol and / or air inside the heater assembly 200 can be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly 200 through the air outlet 203.

[0080] In a state where the cartridge and the heater assembly 200 are coupled, the aerosol and / or air discharged to the outside of the heater assembly 200 through the air outlet 203 can flow into the inside of the cartridge and then be discharged to the outside of the cartridge through a mouthpiece (e.g., mouthpiece 100m (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)) by the inhalation operation of the user.

[0081] The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment may further include a first coupling member 210 for coupling the heater assembly 200 and the cartridge. The first coupling member 210 is disposed in a region where the heater assembly 200 is coupled to the cartridge and can be detachably coupled to a second coupling member (not shown) disposed in a region (e.g., lower end surface) where the cartridge is coupled to the heater assembly 200.

[0082] In one example, a part of the heater assembly 200 is inserted into the inside of the cartridge, whereby the first coupling member 210 of the heater assembly 200 and the second coupling member of the cartridge are coupled, and the coupling state between the heater assembly 200 and the cartridge can be maintained. In another example, when a force in a direction away from the heater assembly 200 is applied to the cartridge in a state where the heater assembly 200 and the cartridge are coupled, the coupling between the first coupling member 210 and the second coupling member is released, and the cartridge can be detached from the heater assembly 200.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 cut in the A - A' direction according to one embodiment. In FIG. 4, the black arrow indicates the direction in which air (or "outside air") moves.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, a heater assembly 200 according to an embodiment also includes an aerosol product inlet 201, an air inlet 202, an air outlet 203, a first coupling member 210, a chamber 220, a wick 230, and a heater 240. At least one of the components of the heater assembly 200 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 3. In the following, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0085] The chamber 220 (or "aerosol generation chamber") is formed in the internal space of the heater assembly 200. In the chamber 220, the aerosol product flowing in from the storage tank of the cartridge can be heated to generate an aerosol.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the chamber 220 is in fluid communication or fluid connection with the storage tank of the cartridge via the aerosol product inlet 201. However, the aerosol product stored in the storage tank of the cartridge can pass through the aerosol product inlet 201 and flow into the interior of the chamber 220.

[0087] The wick 230 is disposed in a region adjacent to the aerosol product inlet 201 inside the chamber 220 and can absorb the aerosol product that passes through the aerosol product inlet 201 and flows into the interior of the chamber 220.

[0088] For example, at least one region of the wick 230 is disposed to face the aerosol product inlet 201 and can absorb the aerosol product that passes through the aerosol product inlet 201 and flows into the interior of the chamber 220.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the wick 230 also includes ceramic fibers or porous ceramics for absorbing the aerosol product. In other words, the wick 230 is also a ceramic wick. However, the wick 230 is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. According to an embodiment, the wick 230 can also be formed of other materials (e.g., cotton or glass).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 further includes a support member 221 disposed inside the chamber 220. The support member 221 is disposed inside the chamber 220 and can fix the position of the core 230 inside the chamber 220. By fixing the core 230 inside the chamber 220 with the support member 221, even when the heater assembly 200 tilts or shakes during the use process of the aerosol generating device, the core 230 can stably absorb the aerosol product substance.

[0091] The heater 240 is disposed on one side surface of the core 230 (for example, one surface facing the +y direction) and can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230. For example, the heater 240 can utilize the electric power supplied from the battery of the main body (for example, the main body 300 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)) to heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230.

[0092] The heater 240 also includes a metal material that generates heat by electric resistance. For example, the heater 240 includes stainless steel so as not to be corroded by the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230, but the metal material of the heater 240 is not limited thereto. In other examples, the heater 240 also includes a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the heater 240 also includes a conductive pattern printed on one side surface of the core 230. For example, the heater 240 is also formed by a metal material (for example, stainless steel) printed in a predetermined pattern on the side surface of the core 230 facing the +y direction, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] According to another embodiment, the heater 240 may also include a conductive pattern insert-injected on one side surface of the core 230. For example, the heater 240 may also be formed by a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) insert-injected in a predetermined pattern on the side surface of the core 230 facing the +y direction. However, the method of forming the heater 240 or the shape of the heater 240 is not limited to the foregoing embodiments.

[0095] Although not shown in the drawings, according to still another embodiment, the heater 240 may also include a conductive plate disposed on one side surface of the core 230.

[0096] When the heater 240 is disposed on the side surface of the core 230, vapor generated by heating the aerosol generating substance can be generated near the side surface of the core 230 in the chamber 220. The vapor generated from the aerosol generating substance can be mixed with the air flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 through the air inlet 202.

[0097] At this time, external air can flow into the interior of the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202, and then flow along the air flow path 250 (FIG. 5) and move into the interior of the chamber 220. The air flow path 250 can connect the air inlet 202 and the air outlet 203 and form a flow path through which external air and / or aerosol move.

[0098] According to one embodiment, at least a part of the air flow path 250 extends along the edge of the heater assembly 200 inside the heater assembly 200, and the external air flowing into the interior of the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202 can reach the interior of the chamber 220 along the air flow path 250.

[0099] The vapor produced by heating the aerosol generating material by the heater 240 is mixed with the outside air that has flowed into the interior of the chamber 220 along the air flow path 250. As a result, an aerosol can be generated in a region adjacent to the side surface of the core 230 of the chamber 220. The generated aerosol and / or the outside air can be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly 200 through the air discharge port 203.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 also includes an insertion groove 200h into which at least a part of the main body (e.g., the main body 300 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)) is inserted.

[0101] The insertion groove 200h can be formed in a region (e.g., a region facing the -z direction) where the heater assembly 200 is coupled to the main body. When the heater assembly 200 and the main body are coupled, at least a part of the main body is inserted into the heater assembly 200, whereby the heater assembly 200 and the main body can be coupled. For example, at least a part of the main body can be fitted or force-fitted into the insertion groove 200h of the heater assembly 200, whereby the heater assembly 200 and the main body can be coupled, but the coupling method is not limited thereto.

[0102] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 cut along the B-B' direction according to one embodiment.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 5, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment also includes a chamber 220, a core 230, a heater 240, an air flow path 250, and a first electrical connection member 260. The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment is substantially the same as or similar to the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4, but duplicate descriptions will be omitted hereinafter.

[0104] Inside the chamber 220 of the heater assembly 200, a core 230 that absorbs the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge (e.g., the cartridge 100 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)), and a heater 240 for heating the aerosol generating material absorbed by the core 230 can be arranged.

[0105] The core 230 has at least one region arranged to face the aerosol product material inlet 201 and can absorb the aerosol product material flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 through the aerosol product material inlet 201.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the core 230 also includes a first surface 231 (or, "upper end surface") facing the aerosol product material inlet 201, a second surface 232 (or, "lower end surface") located opposite the first surface 231, and a side surface 233 surrounding the space between the first surface 231 and the second surface 232.

[0107] The first surface 231 of the core 230 is arranged to face the storage tank of the cartridge when the heater assembly 200 is coupled to the cartridge, and can absorb the aerosol product material flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 from the storage tank through the aerosol product material inlet 201.

[0108] The second surface 232 of the core 230 is located opposite the first surface 231 and can be arranged to face the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220. According to one embodiment, the second surface 232 of the core 230 can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220.

[0109] This is because when the second surface 232 of the core 230 contacts the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220, at least a part of the aerosol product material absorbed by the core 230 will leak along the bottom surface of the chamber 220 into the internal space of the heater assembly 200 or the interior of the main body (e.g., main body 300 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)) coupled to the heater assembly 200.

[0110] Due to leakage of the aerosol product substance, other components of the heater assembly 200 or components of the main body may malfunction or be damaged. However, in one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 can prevent the aerosol product substance from leaking to the outside of the chamber 220 through a structure in which the second surface 232 of the core 230 and the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 are separated.

[0111] The side surface 233 of the core 230 is arranged to surround the space between the first surface 231 and the second surface 232, and the heater 240 can be arranged in at least one region of the side surface 233 of the core 230.

[0112] When the heater assembly 200 and the main body are coupled, the heater 240 can be electrically connected to a battery disposed inside the main body via a first electrical connection member 260. For example, one region of the first electrical connection member 260 contacts at least one region of the heater 240, and another region of the first electrical connection member 260 contacts at least one region of the main body inserted into the insertion groove 200h, whereby the heater 240 and the main body can be electrically connected. The battery disposed inside the main body can supply power to the heater 240 by utilizing the aforementioned electrical connection relationship. The heater 240 can generate heat when power is supplied from the battery and heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230.

[0113] When the heater 240 is arranged on the side surface 233 of the core 230, the vapor generated by heating the aerosol product substance can be generated in a region adjacent to the side surface 233 of the core 230 of the chamber 220. The generated vapor can be mixed with the external air flowing into the chamber 220 and flow through an air flow path 250 extending along the edge of the heater assembly 200. As a result, aerosol can be generated in a region adjacent to the side surface 233 of the core 230 of the chamber 220.

[0114] At least a part of the aerosol generated inside the chamber 220 is cooled and liquefied by contact with the external air flowing into the inside of the chamber 220 through the air flow passage 250, and the liquefied aerosol (or "droplet") falls onto the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 and accumulates or can accumulate on the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220.

[0115] At least a part of the core 230 adjacent to the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 can prevent the liquefied aerosol from accumulating inside the chamber 220 by absorbing the liquefied aerosol accumulated on the bottom surface 220b. In the following, with reference to FIG. 6, the process in which at least a part of the core 230 absorbs the liquefied aerosol accumulated in the chamber 220 will be specifically described.

[0116] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the process in which a liquefied aerosol is absorbed by a core inside a chamber of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 1 cut along the yz plane. In FIG. 6, the black arrow indicates the direction in which the aerosol generating substance moves, and the white arrow indicates the direction in which the liquefied aerosol or droplet moves.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment also includes a cartridge 100, a heater assembly 200, and a main body 300. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, but in the following, duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0118] The cartridge 100 also includes a storage tank 110 in which the aerosol product substance is stored. The aerosol product substance stored in the storage tank 110 can move from the storage tank 110 toward the aerosol product substance inlet 201 of the heater assembly 200 by gravity. For example, although not shown in the drawing, a discharge hole (not shown) is formed in a region (e.g., a region in the -z direction) of the storage tank 110 toward the heater assembly 200, and the aerosol product substance stored in the storage tank 110 can move through the discharge hole in the direction toward the aerosol product substance inlet 201 of the heater assembly 200.

[0119] According to one embodiment, after the aerosol product substance flows into the interior of the chamber 220 of the heater assembly 200 through the aerosol product substance inlet 201, it can be absorbed by the wick 230 arranged adjacent to the aerosol product substance inlet 201.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 100 further includes liquid transfer means 120 for transferring the aerosol product substance stored in the storage tank 110 to the wick 230 of the heater assembly 200.

[0121] The liquid transfer means 120 is located inside the aerosol product substance inlet 201. One end is arranged adjacent to the discharge hole of the storage tank 110, and the other end can contact the wick 230 arranged inside the chamber 220. After absorbing the aerosol product substance stored in the storage tank 110 through the above-described arrangement structure, the liquid transfer means 120 can transfer the absorbed aerosol product substance to the wick 230, and the wick 230 can absorb the aerosol product substance transferred by the liquid transfer means 120.

[0122] For example, the liquid transfer means 120 includes a cotton material so as to be able to absorb the aerosol product substance stored in the storage tank 110, but the material of the liquid transfer means 120 is not limited thereto. In other examples, the liquid transfer means 120 includes ceramics, glass, or porous ceramics that can absorb the aerosol product substance.

[0123] The heater 240 is disposed on the side surface of the core 230 (e.g., side surface 233 (FIG. 5)), and can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230 by being supplied with power from a battery (not shown) of the main body 300.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the heater 240 can be electrically connected to a battery disposed inside the main body 300 via a first electrical connection member 260 of the heater assembly 200 and a second electrical connection member 320 of the main body 300.

[0125] For example, a first region of the first electrical connection member 260 contacts at least one region of the heater 240, and a second region of the first electrical connection member 260 can be exposed in an insertion groove (e.g., insertion groove 200h (FIG. 5)) where a part of the main body 300 is inserted into the inside of the heater assembly 200. Thereby, the second region of the first electrical connection member 260 can contact the second electrical connection member 320. Also, a first region of the second electrical connection member 320 contacts the second region of the first electrical connection member 260, and a second region of the second electrical connection member 320 can contact a battery inside the main body 300.

[0126] For example, the first electrical connection member 260 and / or the second electrical connection member 320 include, but are not limited to, a conductive material having elasticity. As another example, the first electrical connection member 260 and / or the second electrical connection member 320 include a cable or a flexible printed circuit board.

[0127] The first electrical connection member 260 and the second electrical connection member 320 form an electrical path between the heater 240 and the battery, and power can be supplied from the battery to the heater 240 via the aforementioned electrical path.

[0128] By arranging the heater 240 on the side surface of the core 230, the vapor generated by heating the aerosol generating substance can be generated in the region adjacent to the side surface of the core 230 of the chamber 220. The vapor is mixed with the external air flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 through an air inlet (e.g., air inlet 202 (FIG. 3 or FIG. 4)), and as a result, an aerosol can be generated in a region adjacent to the side surface of the core 230 of the chamber 220.

[0129] At least a part of the aerosol generated inside the chamber 220 is cooled and liquefied by contact with the external air flowing into the interior of the chamber 220, and the liquefied aerosol (or "droplets") falls onto the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 and can accumulate or pool on the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220.

[0130] When a predetermined amount or more of the liquefied aerosol accumulates inside the chamber 220, the liquefied aerosol may leak from the chamber 220, causing malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device 10. Also, a part of the heater 240 may be immersed in the liquefied aerosol, reducing the heating efficiency of the heater 240.

[0131] In the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment, at least a part of the core 230 adjacent to the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 can absorb the liquefied aerosol accumulated on the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220. In the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment, the core 230 is arranged to absorb the liquefied aerosol, so that the liquefied aerosol does not accumulate inside the chamber 220. As a result, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment can prevent malfunction, damage to the components of the aerosol generating device 10 due to the liquefied aerosol, or a decrease in heating efficiency due to the immersion of the heater 240.

[0132] Further, the liquefied aerosol absorbed by the core 230 is further heated by the heater 240 to be converted into an aerosol. Thereby, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment can prevent the liquefied aerosol from accumulating inside the chamber 220, further heat the liquefied aerosol, and improve the aerosol generation amount (or "atomization amount").

[0133] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 cut along the A-A' direction according to another embodiment. In FIG. 7, the black arrow indicates the moving direction of air (or "external air").

[0134] Referring to FIG. 7, the heater assembly 200 according to the present embodiment also includes an aerosol product material inlet 201, an air inlet 202, an air outlet 203, a first coupling member 210, a chamber 220, a core 230, a heater 240, and an air flow path (not shown). The heater assembly 200 according to the present embodiment is also a heater assembly in which only the arrangement structure of the core 230 and the heater 240 is changed from the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, repeated descriptions are omitted. The core 230 is disposed in a region adjacent to the aerosol product material inlet 201 inside the chamber 220, passes through the aerosol product material inlet 201, and can absorb the aerosol product material flowing into the inside of the chamber 220 from a storage tank (e.g., the storage tank 110 (FIG. 2)) of a cartridge (e.g., the cartridge 100 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 further includes a support member 221 disposed inside the chamber 220. The support member 221 is disposed inside the chamber 220 and can fix the position of the core 230 inside the chamber 220. By fixing the core 230 inside the chamber 220 with the support member 221, the aerosol generating substance can be stably absorbed even during the use of the aerosol generating device. For example, even when the aerosol generating device tilts or shakes during use, the support member 221 fixes the position of the core 230, so that the aerosol generating substance flowing into the chamber 220 can be stably absorbed.

[0136] The heater 240 is disposed in at least one region of the upper end surface (e.g., the surface in the +z direction) facing the aerosol generating substance inlet 201 of the core 230 and can heat the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core 230. For example, the heater 240 is electrically connected to a battery (not shown) disposed inside the main body (e.g., the main body 300 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)) inserted into the insertion groove 200h, generates heat by the electric power supplied from the battery, and can heat the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core 230.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the heater 240 includes, but is not limited to, a conductive pattern printed or insert-molded on the upper end surface of the core 230. In another example, the heater 240 includes a conductive plate (not shown) disposed on the upper end surface of the core 230.

[0138] When the heater 240 is disposed on the upper end surface of the core 230, vapor can be generated by heating the aerosol generating substance in a region adjacent to the upper end surface of the core 230 in the chamber 220. The vapor generated from the aerosol generating substance can be mixed with the air flowing into the chamber 220 through the air inlet 202.

[0139] For example, the external air flowing into the interior of the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202 can move into the interior of the chamber 220 along the air flow path 250. The air flow path 250 can connect the air inlet 202 and the air outlet 203 and form a flow path through which the external air and / or aerosol moves.

[0140] According to one embodiment, at least a part of the air flow path 250 extends along the edge of the heater assembly 200 inside the heater assembly 200, and the external air flowing into the interior of the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202 can reach the interior of the chamber 220 along the air flow path 250.

[0141] The vapor generated by heating the aerosol generating substance by the heater 240 is mixed with the external air flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 along the air flow path 250. As a result, in a region adjacent to the upper end surface of the core 230 of the chamber 220, an aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol and / or external air is discharged to the outside of the heater assembly 200 through the air outlet 203, and the user can inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside.

[0142] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly illustrated in FIG. 7. In FIG. 8, the black arrow indicates the direction in which the liquefied aerosol (or "droplets") moves.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 8, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment also includes a chamber 220, a support member 221, a core 230, and a heater 240. The heater assembly 200 according to this embodiment is substantially the same as or similar to the heater assembly 200 illustrated in FIG. 7. Accordingly, repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0144] Inside the chamber 220 of the heater assembly 200, a core 230 that absorbs the aerosol generating substance supplied from a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 100 (FIG. 2)) and a heater 240 for heating the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core 230 can be arranged.

[0145] The core 230 is arranged such that at least one region faces the aerosol product material inlet 201, and can absorb the aerosol product material flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 through the aerosol product material inlet 201. The core 230 is fixed in position inside the chamber 220 by the support member 221, and can stably absorb the aerosol product material even when the heater assembly 200 shakes or tilts.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the core 230 also includes a first surface 231 (or, "upper end surface") facing the aerosol product material inlet 201, a second surface 232 (or, "lower end surface") located opposite the first surface 231, and a side surface 233 surrounding the space between the first surface 231 and the second surface 232.

[0147] When the heater assembly 200 is coupled to the cartridge, the first surface 231 of the core 230 is arranged to face the storage tank of the cartridge, and can absorb the aerosol product material flowing into the interior of the chamber 220 from the storage tank through the aerosol product material inlet 201.

[0148] The second surface 232 of the core 230 is located opposite the first surface 231 and can be arranged to face the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220. In the drawings, only the embodiment where the second surface 232 of the core 230 contacts the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220 is illustrated, but according to one embodiment, the second surface 232 of the core 230 can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface 220b of the chamber 220.

[0149] The side surface 233 of the core 230 can be arranged to surround the space between the first surface 231 and the second surface 232.

[0150] The heater 240 is disposed on the first surface 231 of the core 230 and can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230. For example, when the heater 240 is coupled to the heater assembly 200 and the main body (e.g., the main body 300 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)), it is electrically connected to a battery (not shown) of the main body via an electrical connection member (e.g., the first electrical connection member 260 (FIG. 5)), and heat is generated by being supplied with power from the battery, thereby heating the aerosol product substance.

[0151] Since the heater 240 is disposed on the first surface 231 of the core 230, vapor generated by heating the aerosol product substance can be generated in a region adjacent to the first surface 231 of the core 230 in the chamber 220 (e.g., a region spaced in the +z direction from the first surface 231). The vapor is mixed with the external air flowing into the heater assembly 200, and as a result, aerosol can be generated in a region adjacent to the first surface 231 of the core 230 in the chamber 220.

[0152] At least a part of the aerosol generated inside the chamber 220 can be cooled and liquefied by contact with the external air flowing into the chamber 220. When the liquefied aerosol (or "droplets") accumulates in the chamber 220, it can cause malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device and reduce the heating efficiency of the heater 240.

[0153] For example, when the liquefied aerosol accumulates inside the chamber 220, the liquefied aerosol may leak from the chamber 220, causing malfunction or damage to the components of the heater assembly 200 or the main body. Also, when a part of the heater 240 is immersed in the liquefied aerosol, the heating efficiency of the heater 240 can be reduced.

[0154] In the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment, the heater 240 is disposed on the first surface 231 of the core 230, and aerosol can be generated at the upper end of the core 230 (for example, the +z direction of the core 230 is a region). As a result, even when a part of the aerosol is liquefied, the liquefied aerosol will fall from the core 230 and can be further absorbed by the core 230.

[0155] That is, in the heater assembly 200 according to the present embodiment, through the above-described arrangement structure of the core 230 and the heater 240, the liquefied aerosol is not accumulated inside the chamber 220 and can be further absorbed by the core 230. Thereby, malfunction or damage of the components of the aerosol generating device due to leakage of the liquefied aerosol, and reduction of the heating efficiency due to the immersion phenomenon of the heater 240 can be prevented.

[0156] In addition, the liquefied aerosol absorbed by the core 230 can be further heated by the heater 240 and converted into aerosol. Thereby, the heater assembly 200 according to the present embodiment can not only prevent the liquefied aerosol from being accumulated inside the chamber 220, but also improve the aerosol generation amount.

[0157] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 3 cut in the A-A' direction according to still another embodiment. In FIG. 9, the black arrow indicates the moving direction of air (or "external air").

[0158] Referring to FIG. 9, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment also includes an aerosol product material inlet 201, an air inlet 202, an air outlet 203, a first coupling member 210, a chamber 220, a core 230, a heater 240, and an air flow path (not shown). The heater assembly 200 according to the present embodiment is also a heater assembly in which only the shapes and arrangement structures of the core 230 and the heater 240 are changed from the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0159] The core 230 is disposed inside the chamber 220 and can absorb the aerosol product substance flowing into the chamber 220 through the aerosol product substance inlet 201 from a storage tank (e.g., the storage tank 110 (FIG. 2)) of a cartridge (e.g., the cartridge 100 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)).

[0160] The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment further includes a support member 221 disposed inside the chamber 220. The support member 221 is disposed inside the chamber 220 and can fix the position of the core 230 inside the chamber 220. By fixing the core 230 inside the chamber 220 with the support member 221, the aerosol product substance can be stably absorbed even during the use process of the aerosol generating device. For example, even when the aerosol generating device tilts or shakes during use, the support member 221 fixes the position of the core 230, so that the aerosol product substance flowing into the chamber 220 can be stably absorbed.

[0161] The core 230 may also include a through hole 230h passing through the core 230. For example, the through hole 230h may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the core 230 (e.g., the x-axis direction) (or the longitudinal direction of the chamber 220), but is not limited thereto.

[0162] The heater 240 is disposed inside the through hole 230h of the core 230 and can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230. For example, the heater 240 is disposed on the inner surface of the through hole 230h and can generate heat when power is supplied, thereby heating the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the heater 240 is electrically connected to a battery (not shown) disposed inside a main body (e.g., the main body 300 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)) inserted into the insertion groove 200h of the heater assembly 200, generates heat by the power supplied from the battery, and can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the heater 240 includes, but is not limited to, a conductive pattern printed or insert-molded on the inner surface of the through-hole 230h of the core 230. In other embodiments, the heater 240 includes a conductive plate disposed on the inner surface of the through-hole 230h of the core 230.

[0165] When the heater 240 is disposed on the inner surface of the through-hole 230h of the core 230, vapor can be generated by heating the aerosol generating material inside the through-hole 230h. The vapor generated from the aerosol generating material can be mixed with the air flowing into the inside of the chamber 220 through the air inlet 202.

[0166] For example, the external air flowing into the inside of the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202 can flow along the air flow path 250 and move into the inside of the chamber 220. The air flow path 250 can connect the air inlet 202 and the air outlet 203 and form a flow path for the external air and / or aerosol to move.

[0167] According to one embodiment, at least a part of the air flow path 250 extends along the edge of the heater assembly 200 inside the heater assembly 200, and the external air flowing into the inside of the heater assembly 200 through the air inlet 202 can reach the inside of the chamber 220 along the air flow path 250.

[0168] The vapor generated by heating the aerosol generating material by the heater 240 can be mixed with the external air that has moved into the inside of the through-hole 230h after flowing into the inside of the chamber 220. As a result, aerosol can be generated inside the through-hole 230h of the core 230. At least a part of the aerosol generated inside the through-hole 230h of the core 230 and / or the external air flowing into the inside of the chamber 220 is discharged to the outside of the heater assembly 200 through the air outlet 203, and the user can inhale the discharged aerosol.

[0169] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly illustrated in FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, the black arrow indicates the direction in which the liquefied aerosol (or “droplets”) moves.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 10, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment also includes a chamber 220, a support member 221, a core 230, and a heater 240. The heater assembly 200 according to this embodiment is substantially the same as or similar to the heater assembly 200 illustrated in FIG. 9, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0171] Inside the chamber 220 of the heater assembly 200, a core 230 that absorbs the aerosol product substance supplied from a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 100 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)) and a heater 240 for heating the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230 can be arranged.

[0172] The core 230 is arranged such that at least one region faces the aerosol product substance inlet 201, and can absorb the aerosol product substance flowing into the inside of the chamber 220 through the aerosol product substance inlet 201. The core 230 is fixed in the chamber 220 by the support member 221, and can stably absorb the aerosol product substance even when the heater assembly 200 shakes or tilts.

[0173] The core 230 also includes a through hole 230h formed along the extension direction of the core 230 (e.g., the x-axis direction), and the heater 240 can be arranged inside the through hole 230h.

[0174] The heater 240 can contact at least one region of the core 230 through the above-described arrangement structure, and when power is supplied, it can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 230. For example, when the heater 240 is coupled to the heater assembly 200 and the main body (e.g., the main body 300 (FIG. 1 or FIG. 2)), it is electrically coupled to a battery (not shown) of the main body through an electrical connection member (e.g., the first electrical connection member 260 (FIG. 5)). By being supplied with power from the battery, it can generate heat and heat the aerosol product substance.

[0175] When the heater 240 is disposed on the inner surface of the through-hole 230h of the core 230, vapor can be generated inside the through-hole 230h by heating the aerosol product substance. The vapor generated from the aerosol product substance is mixed with the air inside the through-hole 230h. As a result, an aerosol can be generated inside the through-hole 230h of the core 230.

[0176] At this time, at least a part of the aerosol generated inside the through-hole 230h is cooled by contacting the air inside the through-hole 230h. As a result, at least a part of the aerosol can be liquefied.

[0177] When the liquefied aerosol accumulates in the chamber 220, leakage of the liquefied aerosol can cause malfunction or damage of the aerosol generating device. Also, a part of the heater 240 can be immersed in the liquefied aerosol, which can reduce the heating efficiency of the heater 240.

[0178] In the heater assembly 200 according to an embodiment, the core 230 is disposed so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the heater 240, and the liquefied aerosol inside the through-hole 230h is not accumulated in the chamber 220 and can be further absorbed by the core 230. For example, the core 230 can prevent the liquefied aerosol from accumulating in the chamber 220 by absorbing the liquefied aerosol descending from the through-hole 230h.

[0179] Accordingly, the heater assembly 200 according to the present embodiment can prevent malfunction or damage of the components of the aerosol generating device due to leakage of the liquefied aerosol, and can also prevent a decrease in heating efficiency due to the immersion phenomenon of the heater 240.

[0180] In addition, the liquefied aerosol absorbed by the core 230 can be further heated by the heater 240 and converted into aerosol. As a result, the heater assembly 200 according to the present embodiment can prevent the liquefied aerosol from accumulating inside the chamber 220 and can improve the aerosol generation amount.

[0181] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0182] The aerosol generating device 1100 also includes a control unit 1110, a sensing unit 1120, an output unit 1130, a battery 1140, a heater 1150, a user input unit 1160, a memory 1170, and a communication unit 1180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1100 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 11. That is, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the configurations shown in FIG. 11 may be omitted or a new configuration may be further added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1100.

[0183] The sensing unit 1120 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1100 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1100 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1110. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1110 can control the aerosol generating device 1100 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 1150, restriction of smoking, determination of whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0184] The sensing unit 1120 includes at least one of the temperature sensor 1122, the insertion detection sensor 1124, and the puff sensor 1126, but is not limited thereto.

[0185] The temperature sensor 1122 can sense the temperature at which the heater 1150 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1100 includes a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 1150, or the heater 1150 itself can serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1122 is also arranged around the battery 1140 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1140.

[0186] The insertion detection sensor 1124 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1124 also includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light 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.

[0187] The puff sensor 1126 can sense the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1126 can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0188] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 1122, insertion detection sensor 1124, and puff sensor 1126), the sensing unit 1120 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS (global positioning system)), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (red-green-blue) sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions are omitted.

[0189] The output unit 1130 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 1100 and provide it to the user. The output unit 1130 includes at least one of a display unit 1132, a haptic unit 1134, and an acoustic output unit 1136, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1132 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 1132 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0190] The display unit 1132 can visually provide information related to the aerosol generating device 1100 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 1100 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 1140 of the aerosol generating device 1100, the preheating state of the heater 1150, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1100 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 1132 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 1132 is, for example, also a liquid crystal display panel (LCD: liquid crystal display), an organic light-emitting diode display panel (OLED; organic light-emitting diode), etc. Further, the display unit 1132 is also in the form of an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting element.

[0191] The haptic unit 1134 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus, and tactually provide information related to the aerosol generating device 1100 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 1134 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0192] The acoustic output unit 1136 can aurally provide information related to the aerosol generating device 1100 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 1136 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0193] The battery 1140 can supply the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1100. The battery 1140 can supply power so that the heater 1150 can be heated. Also, the battery 1140 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 1120, the output unit 1130, the user input unit 1160, the memory 1170, and the communication unit 1180) provided in the aerosol generating device 1100. The battery 1140 can be a rechargeable battery or a single-use battery. For example, the battery 1140 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0194] The heater 1150 is supplied with power from the battery 1140 and can heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 1100 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC (direct current) / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1140 and supplies it to the heater 1150. Also, when the aerosol generating device 1100 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1100 may further include a DC / AC (alternating current) converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 1140 into an AC power source.

[0195] The control unit 1110, the sensing unit 1120, the output unit 1130, the user input unit 1160, the memory 1170, and the communication unit 1180 can be powered by the battery 1140 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 11, it may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1140 and supplies it to each component.

[0196] In one embodiment, the heater 1150 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials 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. Also, the heater 1150 can be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal wire, a metal plate with electrically conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0197] In other embodiments, the heater 1150 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1150 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol product substance.

[0198] The user input unit 1160 can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1160 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch method, piezoresistive pressure method, infrared sensing method, surface acoustic wave conduction method, integrated tension measurement method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, although not shown in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 1100 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 1140.

[0199] The memory 1170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1100, and can store the data processed by the control unit 1110 and the data to be processed. The memory 1170 includes at least one type of recording medium such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD (secure digital) memory or XD (extreme digital) memory, etc.), 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 1170 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1100, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user.

[0200] The communication unit 1180 also includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1180 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 1182 and a wireless communication unit 1184.

[0201] The short-range wireless communication unit 1182 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) (Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA: infrared data association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0202] The wireless communication unit 1184 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network)) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1184 can also use subscriber information (e.g., the international mobile subscriber identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1100 within the communication network.

[0203] The control unit 1110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1100. In one embodiment, the control unit 1110 also includes at least one processor. The processor can also be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates, and can also be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Also, the fact that it can be implemented by other forms of hardware should be understandable to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs.

[0204] The control unit 1110 can control the temperature of the heater 1150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1140 to the heater 1150. For example, the control unit 1110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 1140 and the heater 1150. In another example, according to the control command of the control unit 1110, the direct heating circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 1150.

[0205] The control unit 1110 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1120 and control the subsequent processes. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1120, the control unit 1110 can control the power supplied to the heater 1150 so that the operation of the heater 1150 is started or terminated. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1120, the control unit 1110 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1150 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 1150 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0206] The control unit 1110 can control the output unit 1130 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1120. For example, if the puff count counted via the puff sensor 1126 reaches the preset count, the control unit 1110 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1100 is about to end via at least one of the display unit 1132, the haptic unit 1134, and the acoustic output unit 1136.

[0207] One embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is also any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Further, a computer-readable medium also includes both computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media embodied by any method or technology for the storage of information such as computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery media.

[0208] The foregoing description of the embodiments is merely exemplary, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention is defined by the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims must be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device, a cartridge including a storage tank in which an aerosol generating substance is stored; a heater assembly that is detachably coupled to the cartridge and heats the aerosol generating substance supplied from the cartridge to generate an aerosol; a main body that is detachably coupled to the heater assembly and includes a battery for supplying power to the heater assembly, wherein the heater assembly includes a chamber formed in an internal space of the heater assembly and in fluid communication with the storage tank of the cartridge; a core disposed inside the chamber, absorbing the aerosol generating substance supplied from the storage tank, including a first surface facing the storage tank, a second surface disposed at a position opposite to the first surface and facing the bottom surface of the chamber, and a side surface surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface; and a heater disposed on the side surface of the core for heating the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core. The second surface of the core is disposed at a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the chamber, and a region of the core adjacent to the bottom surface of the chamber absorbs liquefied aerosol accumulated on the bottom surface of the chamber. An aerosol generating device.

2. The heater assembly further includes a support member for supporting the core inside the chamber. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. The heater assembly further includes an aerosol generating substance inlet disposed in a region facing the cartridge, The aerosol generating substance stored in the storage tank flows into the interior of the chamber through the aerosol generating substance inlet and is absorbed by the core. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

4. The heater assembly includes an air inlet for allowing external air to flow into the interior of the heater assembly, An air discharge port for discharging the aerosol generated in the chamber to the outside of the heater assembly, and An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an air flow passage connecting the air inlet and the air discharge port.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the air flow passage extends along an edge of the heater assembly inside the heater assembly.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an electrical connection member for electrically connecting the heater and the battery of the main body.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the core contains ceramics.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises a liquid transfer means for transferring the aerosol generating substance stored in the storage tank to the core of the heater assembly.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the liquid transfer means includes a cotton material for absorbing the aerosol generating substance.

10. The heater includes a conductive pattern printed on a side surface of the core, The conductive pattern heats the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core when power is supplied from the battery. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

11. The heater includes a conductive pattern insert-injected on a side surface of the core, The conductive pattern heats the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the core when power is supplied from the battery. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

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