Vaporizer and aerosol generating device including the same

Abstract

The vaporizer includes a storage section for storing an aerosol generating material; a generation section for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material; and a container section including a chamber for accommodating the generation section and an inlet for introducing air into the chamber, the container section including a plurality of walls surrounding the chamber, at least a portion of the plurality of walls including an inclined surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an atomizer and an aerosol generating device including the same, and more particularly, to an atomizer with improved atomization performance and an aerosol generating device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying aerosol by burning ordinary cigarettes has been increasing. For example, research related to methods such as generating aerosol from aerosol generating substances in a liquid state or a solid state, or generating vapor from a liquid state aerosol generating substance and then passing the generated vapor through a solid state fragrance medium to supply a fragrant aerosol has been underway.

[0003] Recently, as a solution to replace the method of supplying aerosol by burning cigarettes, an aerosol generating device capable of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article has been proposed. For example, an aerosol generating device means a device capable of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance in a liquid or solid state to a predetermined temperature via a heater.

[0004] When using an aerosol generating device, it is possible to smoke without additional supplies such as a lighter, and the smoking convenience of the user can be improved, such as being able to smoke as much as the user desires. Therefore, research on aerosol generating devices is gradually increasing.

[0005] When using an aerosol generating device including an atomizer, outside air of the aerosol generating device flows into the atomizer, and an air flow containing aerosol generated from the atomizer is transmitted to the user's mouth.

[0006] In order to increase the speed of the air flow and improve the atomization amount, the structure of the portion where the air flow path is formed inside the aerosol generating device must be improved. One goal of the structure improvement is to remove the dead zone where no air flow is formed and smoothly form the air flow without generating turbulent flow.

[0007] On the one hand, in a series of processes for producing a product, in order to automate the component assembly process, the structure of the components must be simplified. That is, in the manufacturing process that the components go through before the assembly process, the structure of the molds used for manufacturing the sub-components of the product must be simple.

[0008] In the field of aerosol generating devices, vaporizers are usually used as consumables. Vaporizers used as consumables require mass production more than the main body of the aerosol generating device. The need for mass production is linked to the automation of the assembly process and the simplification of the mold structure from the perspective of product production mentioned above.

[0009] Therefore, while maintaining the simplicity of the mold structure, there is a requirement for an improved internal structure of the vaporizer.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vaporizer having an improved structure such that the airflow can be smoothly advanced inside the vaporizer and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0011] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited by the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] A vaporizer according to an embodiment includes a storage unit for storing an aerosol generating substance; a generation unit for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance; and a housing unit including a chamber for housing the generation unit, an inlet for allowing air to flow into the chamber, the housing unit including a plurality of walls surrounding the chamber, and at least a part of the plurality of walls may include inclined surfaces.

[0013] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may include a vaporizer according to an embodiment, a main body configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article and including an accommodation space connected to the vaporizer, a heater for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the main body, a generating unit, a battery for supplying power to the heater, and a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the generating unit and the heater.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the vaporizer and the aerosol generating device including the same according to the present invention, generation of turbulent flow in the vaporizer can be prevented.

[0015] Moreover, according to the vaporizer and the aerosol generating device including the same according to the embodiment, the atomization amount can be increased by the smooth progress of the airflow.

[0016] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 5D

Figure 5E

Figure 5F

Figure 6A

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Figure 8B

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The terms used in the embodiments are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while considering the functions in the present invention. However, this may also vary 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 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 are not merely the names of the terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0019] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes" something, this means, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, that it does not exclude other components and may further include other components. Also, terms such as "- part" and "- module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0020] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is positioned before an arrayed component, it modifies the entire component, not each of the arrayed components. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0023] It includes a heater, 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 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0024] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod can be made in the form of a sheet or a strand, and can be made of shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod is surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0025] 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 can include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0026] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance.

[0027] 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 with the body, assembled, and fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge can be mounted on the body with the aerosol generating substance accommodated therein. However, without being limited thereto, the aerosol generating substance can be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0028] The cartridge can hold an aerosol generating substance having any one 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 is a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component and is also a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0029] The cartridge can perform a function of converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gas phase by being operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the body, etc., to generate an aerosol. The aerosol means a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance and air are mixed.

[0030] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device heats 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 moves 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.

[0031] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method means a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0032] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator and can generate vibrations with a short period through the vibrator to atomize the aerosol generating substance. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is also in the frequency band of about 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the core can be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator or to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0034] When a voltage (for example, 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 a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0035] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core due to the heat generated by the vibrator decreases, and the aerosol product substance with reduced viscosity due to the ultrasonic vibration generated by the vibrator is atomized into fine particles, whereby an aerosol can be generated, but it is not limited thereto.

[0036] 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 an induction heating method.

[0037] The aerosol generating device may 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 is also a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied to generate heat, the aerosol generating article can be heated. Alternatively, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol generating article.

[0038] In still other embodiments, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those having ordinary knowledge in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form enabled by the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer according to an embodiment.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a battery 1100, a control unit 1200, a heater 1300, and a vaporizer 1400.

[0044] The aerosol generating device 1000 in FIG. 1 may include a housing including an accommodation space in which the aerosol generating article 2000 is accommodated. The aerosol generating article 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, whereby the aerosol generating article 2000 can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing. Although the heater 1300 is shown as being included in the aerosol generating device 1000, the heater 1300 may be omitted if necessary.

[0045] In the aerosol generating device 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1, the components according to this embodiment are illustrated. Therefore, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 1, other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0046] In FIG. 1, the vaporizer 1400 and the heater 1300 are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1000, the arrangements of the battery 1100, the control unit 1200, the heater 1300, and the vaporizer 1400 may be changed.

[0047] When the cigarette 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generating device 1000 can operate the heater 1300 and / or the vaporizer 1400 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 1300 and / or the vaporizer 1400 passes through the cigarette 2000 and is transmitted to the user.

[0048] If necessary, even when the cigarette 2000 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generating device 1000 can heat the heater 1300.

[0049] The battery 1100 supplies electric power for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, the battery 1100 can supply electric power so that the heater 1300 or the vaporizer 1400 is heated, and can supply the electric power necessary for the operation of the control unit 1200. Further, the battery 1100 can supply the electric power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1000.

[0050] The control unit 1200 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1000. Specifically, the control unit 1200 controls the operation of not only the battery 1100, the heater 1300, and the vaporizer 1400, but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 1000. Further, the control unit 1200 can check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1000 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1000 is in an operable state.

[0051] The control unit 1200 includes at least one processor. The processor can be implemented by an array of a large number of logic gates, and can be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs will be able to understand that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0052] The heater 1300 can be heated by the electric power supplied from the battery 1100. For example, if the aerosol generating article 2000 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1000, the heater 1300 can be located outside the aerosol generating article 2000. Therefore, the heated heater 1300 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the aerosol generating article 2000.

[0053] The heater 1300 is also an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 1300 includes a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater 1300 can be heated. However, the heater 1300 is not limited to the above-described example, and can be applicable without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 1000, or can be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0054] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 1300 is also an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 1300 includes a conductive coil for heating the aerosol generating article by an induction heating method, and the aerosol generating article may include a susceptor that is heated by the induction heating type heater.

[0055] In FIG. 1, the heater 1300 is illustrated as being disposed outside the aerosol generating article 2000, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 1300 includes 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 aerosol generating article 2000 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0056] Also, a plurality of heaters 1300 can be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1000. At this time, the plurality of heaters 1300 can be arranged so as to be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2000 or can be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 2000. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 1300 can be arranged so as to be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2000, and the rest can be arranged outside the aerosol generating article 2000. Also, the shape of the heater 1300 is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIG. 1, and can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0057] The vaporizer 1400 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2000. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 1400 moves along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 1000, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 1400 passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0058] The vaporizer 1400 can include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, liquid transfer means, and heating element can be included in the aerosol generating device 1000 as independent modules.

[0059] The liquid storage unit can store the aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance is a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component and is also a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit is made to be detachable / attachable from / to the vaporizer 1400 and can be made integrally with the vaporizer 1400.

[0060] For example, the aerosol generating substance can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance can include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and aroma components of various fruits. The flavoring agent can include components that 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 aerosol generating substance can include aerosol forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0061] The liquid transfer means can transfer the aerosol generating substance in the liquid storage unit to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can also be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] The heating element is an element for heating the aerosol product substance transmitted by the liquid transmission means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. Further, the heating element is composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and can be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating element is heated by current supply, transfers heat to the aerosol product substance in contact with the heating element, and can heat the aerosol product substance. As a result, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol product substance.

[0063] The vaporizer 1400 is also referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 1400 is a cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from the aerosol generating device 1000. If all the aerosol product substances stored in the vaporizer 1400 are consumed, the aerosol product substance can be newly replenished or replaced with another vaporizer 1400 in which the aerosol product substance is stored.

[0065] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view schematically showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a cover 2, a main body 3, a button 4, and a vaporizer 5.

[0067] Here, the aerosol generating device 1 and the vaporizer 5 are also the same as the aerosol generating device 1000 and the vaporizer 1400 described in FIG. 1, respectively.

[0068] The cover 2 is coupled to one end of the main body 3 so that the main body 3 and the cover 2 together can form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1. An opening 2h into which an aerosol generating article (not shown) is inserted is formed on the upper surface of the cover 2 coupled to the main body 3.

[0069] The main body 3 forms part of the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1 and can perform the function of housing and protecting the components of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, inside the main body 3, a battery (not shown), a control unit (not shown) and / or a heater (not shown) can be housed, but it is not limited thereto. Further, the main body 3 can house an aerosol generating article inserted through an opening.

[0070] The main body 3 and the cover 2 can be made of a plastic material that does not transmit heat well, or a metal material coated with a heat insulating substance on the surface. The main body 3 and the cover 2 can also be made, for example, by an injection molding method, a 3D printing method, or a method of assembling small parts made by injection molding.

[0071] A holding device (not shown) for maintaining the coupled state of the main body 3 and the cover 2 is provided between the main body 3 and the cover 2. The holding device can include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. By maintaining the state where the protrusion is inserted into the groove, the coupled state of the cover 2 and the main body 3 is maintained, and a structure is used in which the protrusion moves by an operation button to which a user input is applied and the protrusion is separated from the groove.

[0072] Further, the holding device can include, for example, a magnet and a metal member attached to the magnet. When a magnet is used for the holding device, a magnet is provided on either one of the main body 3 and the cover 2, and a metal member attached to the magnet is provided on the other one, or otherwise, magnets can be provided on both the main body 3 and the cover 2.

[0073] The components of the aerosol generating device 1 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and in the aerosol generating device 1 according to other embodiments, the cover 2 is not included.

[0074] The cover 2 can be decoupled from the main body 3 and separated from the main body 3. For example, the cover 2 can be separated from the main body 3 in the +z direction. If the cover 2 is separated from the main body 3, the upper part of the main body 3, the button 4, and the vaporizer 5 can be exposed to the outside.

[0075] Button 4 is arranged such that at least a part of it is exposed outside the main body 3, and serves to release the fastening relationship between the main body 3 and the vaporizer 5 by the input of the user. For example, if an input from the user is applied to button 4, the vaporizer 5 can be detached from the main body 3.

[0076] The vaporizer 5 is where the aerosol product substance is stored and can be detachably coupled to one side end of the main body 3.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 5 can be coupled with the main body 3 including a control unit and / or a battery and applied as a component of the aerosol generating device. For example, a heating element (not shown) included in the vaporizer 5 can be electrically connected to the main body 3 to be supplied with power from the battery, and the power supply can be controlled by the control unit.

[0078] That is, by supplying and controlling power to the heating element in the aerosol generating device including the vaporizer 5, an aerosol can be generated from the liquid or gel-like aerosol product substance stored in the vaporizer 5.

[0079] According to another example, the vaporizer 5 can be coupled with a main body 3 further including a housing (not shown) having an accommodation space (not shown) for accommodating the aerosol generating article and a heater for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0080] That is, the aerosol generating device including the vaporizer 5 can not only heat the aerosol product substance stored in the vaporizer 5 to generate an aerosol, but also heat the inserted aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. Thereby, a hybrid form of aerosol generating device can be realized.

[0081] In FIG. 2, the state where the vaporizer 5 is pushed into the side surface of the main body 3 and coupled to the main body 3 is shown, but the coupling method between the vaporizer 5 and the main body 3 is not limited thereto. For example, the vaporizer 5 can be pushed in from the -z direction and coupled to the main body 3.

[0082] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the description will focus on the structure in which the vaporizer 5 is closely coupled to the side surface of the main body 3.

[0083] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a vaporizer according to an embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 3, the vaporizer 5 according to an embodiment may include a storage unit 10, a sealing unit 20, a generating unit 30, a housing unit 40, and a support unit 50.

[0085] Here, the storage unit 10 is the same as the liquid storage unit included in the vaporizer 1400 described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0086] The storage unit 10, the sealing unit 20, the generating unit 30, the housing unit 40, and the support unit 50 may be coupled in the order shown in the figure. For example, the sealing unit 20 is coupled to the storage unit 10, the generating unit 30 is coupled to the housing unit 40, and the housing unit 40 is coupled to the support unit 50. Finally, the storage unit 10 and the support unit 50 can be coupled to form the vaporizer 5.

[0087] The storage unit 10 forms a part of the appearance of the vaporizer 5 and can store the aerosol product substance. The storage unit 10 may store the aerosol product substance in a liquid state or a gel state. The aerosol product substance stored in the storage unit 10 can be transmitted to the generating unit 30 disposed in the housing unit 40 and can be changed into an aerosol by the generating unit 30.

[0088] The storage unit 10 may include at least one discharge port (not shown) through which the aerosol product substance moves. The discharge port may be formed in at least a part of the storage unit 10. For example, the discharge port may be located at the bottom surface of the storage unit 10 so that the aerosol product substance can easily move outside the storage unit 10 by the action of gravity.

[0089] The storage unit 10 may include an inflow passage 11 through which external air of the vaporizer 5 flows in. The inflow passage 11 can transmit the outside air of the vaporizer 5 to the housing unit 40.

[0090] The inflow passage 11 can be arranged inside the storage unit 10 so as not to meet the space where the aerosol product substance is stored. Thereby, even if the path through which the aerosol product substance is transmitted from the storage unit 10 to the storage section 40 is different from the air transmission path. Also, one end of the inflow passage 11 adjacent to the storage section 40 can be distinguished from the discharge port.

[0091] The inflow passage 11 can be formed between the storage unit 10 and other components coupled to the side surface of the storage unit 10, and can be formed inside the storage unit 10.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 3, the inflow passage 11 can extend along the longitudinal direction (for example, the z-axis direction) of the storage unit 10. However, the embodiment is not limited to the specific arrangement of the inflow passage.

[0093] The sealing part 20 can prevent the leakage of the aerosol product substance. The sealing part 20 can be coupled to at least a part of the storage unit 10 to prevent the aerosol product substance stored in the storage unit 10 from leaking to the outside of the storage unit 10 through other gaps than the discharge port.

[0094] The sealing part 20 can be made of a material that is closely adhered to a part of the storage unit 10. For example, the sealing part 20 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicon, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] The sealing part 20 is closely adhered to a part of the storage unit 10 where the internal space of the storage unit 10 is exposed, and can prevent the leakage of the aerosol product substance. Here, the meaning of "closely adhered" means that the sealing part 20 is firmly coupled to the storage unit 10 so that no gap through which the aerosol product substance leaks occurs between the storage unit 10 and other components (for example, between the storage unit 10 and the storage section 40). In this way, the sealing part 20 is made to be coupled / separated to / from the storage unit 10 and can be made integrally with the storage unit 10.

[0096] On one hand, at least one discharge port 21 can be formed in at least a part of the sealing part 20 so that the aerosol product substance stored in the storage part 10 moves outside the storage part 10. For example, although a part or one surface of the storage part 10 is exposed to the outside, the sealing part 20 with the discharge port 21 formed thereon is coupled to a part or one surface of the storage part 10, so that the aerosol product substance stored in the storage part 10 can move outside the storage part 10 through the discharge port 21 formed in the sealing part 20.

[0097] The generating part 30 can generate an aerosol from the aerosol product substance that has moved outside the storage part 10. An aerosol means a suspension in which liquid and / or solid fine particles are dispersed in a gas. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the generating part 30 means a state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol product substance and air are mixed.

[0098] For example, the generating part 30 can convert the phase of the aerosol product substance into the gas phase through vaporization and / or sublimation. Also, the generating part 30 can generate an aerosol by atomizing and discharging the aerosol product substance in the liquid and / or solid phase.

[0099] As an example, the generating part 30 can heat the aerosol product substance by generating heat. As a result, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol product substance.

[0100] As another example, the generating part 30 can generate an aerosol from the aerosol product substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method means a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol product substance with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

[0101] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the generating part 30 using a heating method will be mainly described.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 3, the generating part 30 can include a core 31 and a heating element 32.

[0103] Here, the core 31 and the heating element 32 are also the same as the liquid transfer means and the heating element included in the vaporizer 1400 described in FIG. 1, respectively.

[0104] The core 31 can transfer the aerosol product substance supplied from the storage unit 10 and absorb the aerosol product substance. The core 31 has an elongated shape. For example, the core 31 is also columnar extending in one direction. Specifically, the core 31 may be polygonal columnar such as cylindrical, square columnar, or triangular columnar, but is not limited to the above examples, and the core 31 may have a substantially rod shape or needle shape.

[0105] The core 31 can absorb the aerosol product substance supplied from the storage unit 10 in part. For example, the aerosol product substance absorbed in part of the core 31 can move to other parts of the core 31 by capillary action.

[0106] In one embodiment, the core 31 absorbs the aerosol product substance supplied from the storage unit 10 through both ends, and the absorbed aerosol product substance can move to the central part of the core 31.

[0107] The heating element 32 can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core 31 to generate an aerosol. The heating element 32 can be arranged adjacent to the core 31. For example, the heating element 32 is also a heating wire wound around the outer peripheral surface of the central part of the core 31. The heating element 32 can heat the liquid aerosol product substance transmitted to the central part of the core 31 to generate an aerosol.

[0108] The housing part 40 may include a chamber 41 that houses the generating part 30. The chamber 41 is also a space where an aerosol is generated by the generating part 30 housed inside the chamber 41.

[0109] The housing part 40 may include a plurality of walls 42 surrounding the chamber 41. The plurality of walls 42 are also the "walls of the chamber" for realizing the space of the chamber 41.

[0110] The chamber 41 can be opened in a direction (e.g., the +z direction) toward the sealing portion 20 coupled to the accommodating portion 40. In that case, the opened portion may not have the wall 42 disposed thereon.

[0111] The accommodating portion 40 may include a flow path 43 which is an air movement path. The flow path 43 is connected to the inflow path 11 of the storage portion 10 and receives the air that has moved along the inflow path 11. The flow path 43 can transmit the received air to the chamber 41.

[0112] The flow path 43 is bent in an alphabetical "L" shape or curved and extends long in the direction toward the chamber 41 and in the directions toward the storage portion 10 and the sealing portion 20. However, the embodiments are not limited to the shape of the flow path.

[0113] The accommodating portion 40 may include an inlet 44 for allowing air to flow into the chamber 41 and an outlet 45 for discharging the aerosol generated by the generating portion 30 to the outside of the vaporizer 5.

[0114] The inlet 44 can be connected to one end of the flow path 43. The air that has moved along the inflow path 11 and the flow path 43 can flow into the inside of the chamber 41 through the inlet 44 included in at least a part of the accommodating portion 40. The aerosol generated in the chamber 41 can be discharged to the outside of the vaporizer 5 through the outlet 45 included in at least a part of the accommodating portion 40.

[0115] The outlet 45 can be connected to an air flow path (not shown) of the main body (e.g., the main body 3 in FIG. 2) of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 in FIG. 2). The aerosol generated inside the vaporizer 5 can flow into the air flow path of the main body through the outlet 45. The aerosol can be transmitted to an aerosol generating article (not shown) accommodated in an accommodation space (not shown) through the air flow path of the main body.

[0116] The inlet 44 and the outlet 45 can be arranged on at least a part of the plurality of walls 42 surrounding the chamber 41. Referring to FIG. 3, the inlet 44 and the outlet 45 are arranged on two opposing walls 42 respectively and face each other. However, the embodiment is not limited to the arrangement of the inlet and the outlet.

[0117] The accommodating part 40 can support the generating part 30 and include an accommodating groove 46 through which the aerosol generating substance is transmitted from the storage part 10.

[0118] The accommodating groove 46 supports at least a part of the core 31. Also, the accommodating groove 46 can temporarily store the aerosol generating substance that has moved outside the storage part 10.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 3, two accommodating grooves 46 are arranged to support both ends of the core 31, but the embodiment is not limited to the number of the accommodating grooves 46.

[0120] The accommodating groove 46 can be arranged to be connected to the chamber 41. The two accommodating grooves 46 support both ends of the core 31, and the chamber 41 arranged between the two accommodating grooves 46 can accommodate the central part of the core 31.

[0121] The accommodating part 40 can be combined with at least a part of the sealing part 20. The sealing part 20 combined with the accommodating part 40 can form a cavity while shielding the chamber 41 and the accommodating groove 46 that are open in the direction towards the sealing part 20. At least a part of the generating part 30 can be located in the cavity. The cavity is a space surrounded by the accommodating part 40 and the sealing part 20, and means the space where at least a part of the generating part 30 is located. For example, the central part of the core 31 around which the heating element 32 is wound is located in the cavity, and aerosol can be generated in the cavity.

[0122] The supporting part 50 can accommodate the accommodating part 40, be combined with the storage part 10, and form the appearance of the vaporizer 5 together with the storage part 10.

[0123] The support part 50 may include an outflow passage 51 connected to the outflow port 45 of the accommodation part 40. A part of the outflow passage 51 may be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device. A part of the outflow passage 51 inserted into the main body may be connected to the air flow passage of the main body.

[0124] The part where the outflow passage 51 and the air flow passage are connected may be sealed. By connecting the outflow passage 51 and the air flow passage in a sealed manner, it is possible to prevent the aerosol from leaking into other spaces rather than the air flow passage during the process of the aerosol moving from the outflow port 45 through the outflow passage 51 to the air flow passage.

[0125] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the air flow path formed inside the vaporizer 5 will be described in detail.

[0126] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a vaporizer according to an embodiment.

[0127] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view obtained by assembling the disassembled vaporizer shown in FIG. 3 and cutting it in the IV-IV direction, and is a drawing for explaining the air flow path formed inside the vaporizer.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 4, the vaporizer 5 according to an embodiment may include a storage part 10, a sealing part 20, a generation part 30, an accommodation part 40, and a support part 50.

[0129] Among the components of the vaporizer 5 according to an embodiment, at least one is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the vaporizer 5 shown in FIG. 3, and hereinafter, repeated descriptions will be omitted. For the reference numerals not shown in FIG. 4, refer to FIG. 3.

[0130] Inside the aerosol generating device (not shown), there may be an air flow path for the aerosol generated from the vaporizer 5 and the aerosol generating article (not shown).

[0131] Through the airflow path, the primary aerosol generated by heating or atomizing the aerosol product substance of the vaporizer 5 by the generating unit 30 and the secondary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol product by a heater (not shown) are mixed and can be inhaled by the user.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 4, the airflow path starts from the inlet of the inflow passage 11 of the storage unit 10.

[0133] The external air of the vaporizer 5 can flow into the inflow passage 11. The air can move along the inflow passage 11 and reach the flow path 43 of the housing unit 40. The air that has passed through the flow path 43 can reach the chamber 41.

[0134] The air that has reached the chamber 41 can be mixed with the vaporized particles generated from the aerosol product substance by the generating unit 30 to become a primary aerosol and can move outside the vaporizer 5 through the outlet 45.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 4, the plurality of walls 42 surrounding the chamber 41 may include a first side wall 42-1, a second side wall 42-2, and a bottom wall 42-3. The inlet 44 may be disposed on the first side wall 42-1, and the outlet 45 may be disposed on the second side wall 42-2.

[0136] The first side wall 42-1 and the second side wall 42-2 may face each other. Therefore, the inlet 44 disposed on the first side wall 42-1 may face the outlet 45 disposed on the second side wall 42-2. Therefore, the airflow inside the chamber 41 can be basically formed in the +x direction, which is the direction from the inlet 44 to the outlet 45.

[0137] By the way, since air and aerosol cannot pass through the generating unit 30 accommodated in the chamber 41, they must move along the periphery of the generating unit 30. Also, due to various factors such as the size and shape of the chamber 41, and the arrangement of the inlet 44 and the outlet 45, the airflow can inevitably be formed in the y-axis direction and / or the z-axis direction as well.

[0138] The vaporizer 5 may include a structure and shape that allow the airflow to smoothly progress along the airflow path. In an embodiment, in order to embody such a structure and shape, it is possible to remove a dead zone existing around the airflow path. Here, the "dead zone" means an area where no airflow is formed.

[0139] Generally, a dead zone may be generated due to a change in the shape of the boundary of an object. Specifically, the airflow may be formed along the boundary of the object. When the shape of the boundary of the object suddenly changes in a direction transverse to the direction of the airflow, the airflow may not flow along the changing boundary shape and may be separated. As a result, a dead zone may be shown. The more the boundary shape suddenly changes, the larger the area where the dead zone is shown becomes.

[0140] In the dead zone, turbulent flow may occur. The turbulent flow may cause eddy currents and reverse flow, inhibiting the airflow moving along the airflow path around the dead zone. As a result, the velocity of the airflow and the amount of airflow transmitted to the user may decrease, and the atomization amount may decrease.

[0141] To remove the dead zone, it is necessary to remove the empty space where the dead zone appears. By filling the empty space according to the structure and shape of the components, the empty space can be removed.

[0142] For example, referring to FIG. 4, for the connection with the accommodating portion 40, the edge at the lower part of the sealing portion 20 may protrude toward the accommodating portion 40.

[0143] Due to such protrusion, a dead zone appears at the lower part of the sealing portion 20. To remove the dead zone, the sealing portion 20 may include a guiding surface 22 at the lower part of the sealing portion 20. At this time, the guiding surface 22 may include a flat surface or a curved surface.

[0144] So that the "airflow from the inlet 44 toward the lower part of the sealing portion 20" and the "airflow from the lower part of the sealing portion 20 toward the outlet 45" do not suddenly bend, the guiding surface 22 is arranged at the lower part of the sealing portion 20 and can guide the airflow flowing into the chamber 41.

[0145] Hereinafter, various embodiments in which the structure and shape of the accommodating portion 40 are improved to remove the dead zone will be described in detail.

[0146] FIGS. 5A to 5F are cross-sectional perspective views of the accommodating portion of the vaporizer according to different embodiments.

[0147] FIGS. 5A to 5F are cross-sectional perspective views of the accommodating portion of the vaporizer according to different embodiments, cut along the IV-IV direction in FIG. 3, and are drawings for explaining the structure and shape of a plurality of walls surrounding the chamber of the accommodating portion. The illustrated accommodating portion has a shape that is symmetric with respect to the cross-section.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5F, each embodiment may commonly include a flow path 43, an inlet 44, an outlet 45, and an accommodation groove 46, similar to the accommodating portion 40 of the vaporizer 5 according to one embodiment.

[0149] Also, each embodiment is common in that a plurality of walls include a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall, the inlet 44 may be disposed on the first side wall, and the outlet 45 may be disposed on the second side wall. At least a part of the plurality of walls may include an inclined surface SP.

[0150] The "inclined surface" means a surface that is inclined obliquely. The "reference surface" that serves as a reference for the "gradient of the inclined surface" is also one surface of a second wall that is different from any first wall including the above-described inclined surface. Also, the reference surface is one surface of the first wall. In that case, the first wall may include the reference surface and the inclined surface, respectively.

[0151] The "inclined surface" includes any inclined surface. Therefore, the "inclined surface" means not only an inclined surface that is linearly inclined and composed of a plane, but also an inclined surface that is curvedly inclined and composed of a curved surface.

[0152] By including an inclined surface SP in at least a part of the plurality of walls, each embodiment can commonly have an inclined surface disposed inside the chamber. Inside the chamber, the dead zone is shown in a portion adjacent to a corner disposed mainly in a direction transverse to the direction of the airflow. At this time, a "corner" is also formed by two intersecting walls among the plurality of walls surrounding the chamber.

[0153] In order to remove the empty space where the dead zone is shown inside the chamber, an inclined surface SP can be disposed at a portion where two walls intersect.

[0154] Hereinafter, the chambers, the plurality of walls, and the inclined surfaces having different structures and shapes according to the embodiments will be described, mainly focusing on the differences between the respective different embodiments.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 5A, the accommodating portion 40a may include a plurality of walls 42a surrounding the chamber 41a. The plurality of walls 42a may include a first side wall 42a-1, a second side wall 42a-2, and a bottom wall 42a-3.

[0156] The inclined surface SP may be disposed at a portion where the second side wall 42a-2 and the bottom wall 42a-3 intersect. In that case, the inclined surface SP can be regarded as being included in the second side wall 42a-2 and can also be regarded as being included in the bottom wall 42a-3.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 5B, the accommodating portion 40b may include a plurality of walls 42b surrounding the chamber 41b. The plurality of walls 42b may include a first side wall 42b-1, a second side wall 42b-2, a first bottom wall 42b-31, and a second bottom wall 42b-32.

[0158] In the accommodating portion 40a illustrated in FIG. 5A, one bottom wall 42a-3 is illustrated, whereas the accommodating portion 40b in FIG. 5B includes two bottom walls 42b-31 and 42b-32, and the first bottom wall 42b-31 protrudes in the +z direction compared to the second bottom wall 42b-32. However, the embodiment is not limited to the number of bottom walls and the protruding degree of each bottom wall.

[0159] The first inclined surface SP-1 can be disposed at the intersection of the second side wall 42b-2 and the first bottom wall 42b-31. In that case, the first inclined surface SP can be regarded as being included in the second side wall 42b-2 and also as being included in the first bottom wall 42b-31.

[0160] The second inclined surface SP-2 can be disposed at the intersection of the first side wall 42b-1 and the first bottom wall 42a-31. In that case, the second inclined surface SP-2 can be regarded as being included in the first side wall 42a-1 and also as being included in the first bottom wall 42b-31.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 5C, the accommodating portion 40c may include a plurality of walls 42c surrounding the chamber 41c. The plurality of walls 42c may include a first side wall 42c-1, a second side wall 42c-2, and a bottom wall 42c-3.

[0162] While one inclined surface SP is shown in the accommodating portion 40a illustrated in FIG. 5A, the accommodating portion 40c in FIG. 5C includes two inclined surfaces SP-3 and SP-4. However, the embodiments are not limited to the number of inclined surfaces.

[0163] The third inclined surface SP-3 can be disposed in the same manner as the "inclined surface SP illustrated in FIG. 5A". That is, the third inclined surface SP-3 has the same inclusion relationship as the "inclined surface SP illustrated in FIG. 5A" in relation to the second side wall 42c-2 and the bottom wall 42c-3.

[0164] The fourth inclined surface SP-4 can be disposed in a region at the intersection of the first side wall 42c-1 and the bottom wall 42c-3. In that case, the fourth inclined surface SP-4 can be regarded as being included in the first side wall 42c-1 and also as being included in the bottom wall 42c-3.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 5D, the accommodating portion 40d may include a plurality of walls 42d surrounding the chamber 41d. The plurality of walls 42d may include a first side wall 42d-1, a second side wall 42d-2, and a bottom wall 42d-3.

[0166] Unlike the fourth inclined surface SP-4 shown in FIG. 5C, which has the same width as the width (e.g., the dimension in the y-axis direction) of the protruding portion of the first side wall 42c-1 including the inlet 44, the fifth inclined surface SP-5 shown in FIG. 5D is arranged in the entire region of the portion where the first side wall 42d-1 and the bottom wall 42d-3 intersect. However, the embodiment is not limited to the width of the inclined surface.

[0167] The third inclined surface SP-3 can be arranged in the same manner as the inclined surface SP shown in FIG. 5A. That is, the third inclined surface SP-3 has the same inclusion relationship as the inclined surface SP shown in FIG. 5A in relation to the second side wall 42d-2 and the bottom wall 42d-3.

[0168] The fifth inclined surface SP-5 can be arranged in the entire region of the portion where the first side wall 42d-1 and the bottom wall 42d-3 intersect. In that case, the fifth inclined surface SP-5 can be regarded as being included in the first side wall 42d-1 and can also be regarded as being included in the bottom wall 42d-3.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 5E, the accommodating portion 40e may include a plurality of walls 42e surrounding the chamber 41e. The plurality of walls 42e may include a first side wall 42e-1, a second side wall 42e-2, and a bottom wall 42e-3.

[0170] Unlike the third inclined surface SP-3 and the fifth inclined surface SP-5 shown in FIG. 5D, which are arranged at the portion where the two side walls 42d-1, 42d-2 and the bottom wall 42d-3 intersect, the sixth inclined surface SP-6 and the seventh inclined surface SP-7 shown in FIG. 5E are arranged at the upper portions of the two side walls 42e-1, 42e-2. At this time, the "upper portions of the two side walls" means the portions adjacent to the upper surface of the accommodating portion 40e that faces in the +z direction and contacts a sealing portion (not shown) from the two side walls 42e-1, 42e-2. However, the embodiment is not limited to the arrangement of the inclined surface.

[0171] The third inclined surface SP-3 can be arranged in the same manner as the inclined surface SP shown in FIG. 5A. That is, the third inclined surface SP-3 has the same inclusion relationship as the inclined surface SP shown in FIG. 5A in relation to the second side wall 42e-2 and the bottom wall 42e-3.

[0172] The sixth inclined surface SP-6 can be disposed at the upper part of the first side wall 42e-1. In that case, the sixth inclined surface SP-6 can be regarded as being included in the first side wall 42e-1.

[0173] The seventh inclined surface SP-7 can be disposed at the upper part of the second side wall 42e-2. In that case, the seventh inclined surface SP-7 can be regarded as being included in the second side wall 42e-2.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 5F, the accommodating portion 40f may include a plurality of walls 42f surrounding the chamber 41f. The plurality of walls 42f may include a first side wall 42f-1, a second side wall 42f-2, and a bottom wall 42f-3.

[0175] The third inclined surface SP-3 and the fifth inclined surface SP-5 shown in FIG. 5D are disposed at the intersection of the two side walls 42d-1, 42d-2 and the bottom wall 42d-3. Different from extending in the y-axis direction, the eighth inclined surface SP-8 and the ninth inclined surface SP-9 shown in FIG. 5F are disposed at the intersection of the two side walls 42d-1, 42d-2 and the "wall connected to the accommodating groove 46" and extend in the z-axis direction. However, the embodiments are not limited to the arrangement of the inclined surfaces and the extending direction of the inclined surfaces.

[0176] The third inclined surface SP-3 can be arranged in the same manner as the "inclined surface SP shown in FIG. 5A". That is, the third inclined surface SP-3 has the same inclusion relationship as the "inclined surface SP shown in FIG. 5A" in relation to the second side wall 42f-2 and the bottom wall 42f-3.

[0177] The eighth inclined surface SP-8 can be disposed at the intersection of the first side wall 42f-1 and the "wall connected to the accommodating groove 46". In that case, the eighth inclined surface SP-8 can be regarded as being included in the first side wall 42f-1 and can be regarded as being included in the wall connected to the accommodating groove 46.

[0178] The ninth inclined surface SP-9 can be disposed at a portion where the second side wall 42f-2 and the "wall connected to the accommodation groove 46" intersect. In that case, the ninth inclined surface SP-9 can be regarded as being included in the second side wall 42f-2 and can also be regarded as being included in the wall connected to the accommodation groove 46.

[0179] Hereinafter, the shape of the inclined surface will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0180] FIGS. 6A and 6B are respectively side sectional views of the accommodation part of the vaporizer according to still other embodiments.

[0181] FIGS. 6A and 6B are respectively sectional views of the accommodation part of the vaporizer according to still other embodiments cut along the IV-IV direction in FIG. 3, and are drawings for explaining the shape of the inclined surface disposed in the chamber.

[0182] Among the components of the accommodation part 140 shown in FIG. 6A and the accommodation part 240 shown in FIG. 6B, at least one is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the accommodation part 40 shown in FIG. 3 and each accommodation part shown in FIGS. 5A to 5F. Therefore, duplicate descriptions will be omitted hereinafter.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the accommodation parts 140 and 240 may include a plurality of walls 142 and 242 surrounding the chambers 141 and 241. The plurality of walls 142 and 242 may include a first side wall 142-1, 242-1, a second side wall 142-2, 242-2, and a bottom wall 142-3, 242-3.

[0184] The accommodation part 140 shown in FIG. 6A and the accommodation part 240 shown in FIG. 6B differ only in the shape of the inclined surface from each other. Therefore, the description of the same part will be explained through FIG. 6A.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 6A, the inclined surface (e.g., the second inclined surface SP-2 in FIG. 5B) can be disposed at a portion where the first side wall 142-1 and the bottom wall 142-3 intersect. In that case, the inclined surface can be regarded as being included in the side wall 142-1 and can also be regarded as being included in the bottom wall 142-3.

[0186] The inclined surface illustrated in FIG. 6A is linearly inclined with respect to the first side wall 142-1 and the bottom wall 142-3, and is also an inclined surface LP formed of a plane.

[0187] The inclined surface illustrated in FIG. 6B is curvedly inclined with respect to the first side wall 242-1 and the bottom wall 242-3, and is also an inclined surface CP formed of a curved surface.

[0188] However, the embodiments are not limited to the arrangement of the inclined surface. As described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5F, the inclined surface can be arranged inside the chamber in various ways and can be included in at least a part of the plurality of walls. In that case, the inclined surface can also be formed of a plane or a curved surface.

[0189] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the description will be made with reference to the bottom wall. That is, the inclined surface is described as being disposed on a part of the bottom wall, and the bottom wall is described as including the inclined surface connected to the first side wall.

[0190] The inclined surface LP disposed inside the chamber 141 also has different "inclination start points" and "degrees of inclination" depending on the size of the chamber 141 and the arrangement of the inlet 44 and the outlet 45.

[0191] To explain the inclination start point, it is possible to compare "the start point Ps where the inclined surface LP starts from the bottom wall 142-3" and "the intermediate point Pm of the maximum width Wm of the chamber 141". At this time, the "maximum width of the chamber" means the maximum width Wm of the chamber 141 in the direction in which the inlet 44 disposed on the first side wall 142-1 is opened (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0192] Referring to FIG. 6A, the start point Ps where the inclined surface LP starts from the bottom wall 142-3 is closer to the inlet 44 than the intermediate point Pm of the maximum width Wm of the chamber 141.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 6B, the starting point Ps of the inclined surface CP from the bottom wall 242-3 is closer to the inlet 44 than the midpoint Pm of the maximum width Wm of the chamber 241.

[0194] On the other hand, in order to remove the dead zone shown inside the chamber, the size and arrangement of the inlet can be adjusted. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the size and arrangement of the inlet will be described in detail.

[0195] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the housing part of the vaporizer according to still another embodiment.

[0196] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the housing part of the vaporizer according to still another embodiment taken along the direction IV-IV in FIG. 3, and is a drawing for explaining the size and arrangement of the inlet for allowing air to flow into the chamber.

[0197] Among the components of the housing part 340 shown in FIG. 7, at least one is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the housing part 40 shown in FIG. 3 and the housing part 140 shown in FIG. 6A, and the following redundant description will be omitted.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 7, the housing part 340 may include a plurality of walls 342 surrounding the chamber 341. The plurality of walls 342 may include a first side wall 342-1, a second side wall 342-2, and a bottom wall 342-3. The inlet 344 may be arranged on the first side wall 342-1, and the outlet 45 may be arranged on the second side wall 342-2.

[0199] The inlet 344 of the housing part 340 in FIG. 7 is larger than the inlet 44 of the housing part 140 in FIG. 6A and is arranged closer to the bottom wall 342-3. As a result, the portion where the flow path 343 in FIG. 7 is connected to the inlet 344 is also enlarged compared to the portion where the flow path 43 in FIG. 6A is connected to the inlet 44.

[0200] If the size of the inlet 344 is increased while the inlet 344 is arranged closer to the bottom wall 342-3, the size of the dead zone shown at the intersection of the first side wall 342-1 and the bottom wall 342-3 can be reduced.

[0201] Separate from the effect generated by removing the dead zone, if the size of the inlet 344 is increased, more air can flow into the chamber 341 and the atomization amount can increase.

[0202] On the other hand, the inlet 344 arranged on the first side wall 342-1 can be arranged in a straight line with a generation part (not shown) accommodated in the chamber 341 and an outlet 45 arranged on the second side wall 342-2. Such an arrangement in a straight line can smooth the air flow.

[0203] Therefore, the inlet 344 not only needs to be increased in size and arranged closer to the bottom wall 342-3, but also needs to be arranged in a straight line in relation to the generation part and the outlet 45. For such a design, the correlation between the heights and the correlation between the sizes of the inlet 344 and the outlet 45 can be determined. Here, "height" means the distance measured in the direction toward the bottom wall 342-3 with the bottom wall 342-3 as a reference.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 7, the center height h1 of the inlet 344 can be designed to be 0.75 to 1.5 times the center height H2 of the outlet 45. Also, the diameter d1 of the inlet 344 can be designed to be larger than or the same as the diameter d2 of the outlet 45.

[0205] On the other hand, not only in the chamber but also in the flow path, a dead zone may appear. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the shape of the flow path for removing the dead zone appearing in the flow path will be described in detail.

[0206] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side cross-sectional views of the accommodation part of the vaporizer according to still other embodiments.

[0207] Figures 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the housing of the vaporizer according to still other embodiments, taken along the IV-IV direction in FIG. 3, and are drawings for explaining the shape of the flow path.

[0208] Among the components of the housing 440 shown in FIG. 8A and the housing 540 shown in FIG. 8B, at least one is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the housing 40 shown in FIG. 3 and the housing 140 shown in FIG. 6A, and the following duplicate descriptions are omitted. For the reference numerals not shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, refer to FIG. 3.

[0209] The housing 440 shown in FIG. 8A and the housing 540 shown in FIG. 8B differ only in the "shape of the flow path" from each other. Therefore, the description of the same part will be explained through FIG. 8A.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 8A, as described above, the flow path 443 can be bent or curved in the shape of the letter "L" of the alphabet and can extend long in the direction toward the chamber 141 (for example, the x-axis direction) and the direction toward the storage part 10 and the sealing part 20 (for example, the z-axis direction).

[0211] That is, the flow path 443 can include a first flow path 443-1 extending in the direction in which the inlet 44 is open to the chamber 141 (for example, the x-axis direction) and a second flow path 443-2 extending in a direction crossing the direction in which the first flow path extends (for example, the z-axis direction) (for example, the second flow path 443-2 extends in the direction facing the upper surface of the housing 440).

[0212] The flow path 443 can include a connecting flow path 443-3 that connects the first flow path 443-1 extending in the x-axis direction and the second flow path 443-2 extending in the z-axis direction. The connecting flow path 443-3 can include a portion that is bent or curved in the flow path 443.

[0213] In the above-mentioned "bent or curved portion", the airflow does not flow along the bent or curved shape, and peeling may occur and a dead zone may appear.

[0214] In order to remove the empty space where a dead zone appears inside the flow path, a flow path surface 443sp for guiding the airflow without a sudden change in shape can be arranged in the connecting flow path 443-3.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 8A, the connecting flow path 443-3 may include a flow path surface 443sp that is linearly inclined with respect to the direction in which the inlet 44 is opened. At this time, the flow path surface 443sp is also a plane that is linearly inclined with respect to the direction in which the upper surface of the accommodating portion 440 faces.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 8B, the flow path 543 of the accommodating portion 540 may include a first flow path 543-1, a second flow path 543-2, and a connecting flow path 543-3, similar to the flow path 443 in FIG. 8A. The connecting flow path 543-3 may include a flow path surface 543sp that is curvedly inclined with respect to the direction in which the inlet 44 is opened. At this time, the flow path surface 543sp is also a curved surface that is curvedly inclined with respect to the direction in which the upper surface of the accommodating portion 540 faces.

[0217] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the flow path surfaces 443sp and 543sp are shown only at the outer edges of the bent or curved portions, but the embodiments are not limited to the arrangement of the flow path surfaces. For example, the flow path surface can also be arranged at the inner corners of the bent or curved portions.

[0218] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0219] The aerosol generating device 900 may include a control unit 910, a sensing unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, a heater 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 9. That is, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will be able to understand that some of the configurations shown in FIG. 9 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 900.

[0220] The sensing unit 920 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 900 or the state around the aerosol generating device 900, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 910. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 910 can control the aerosol generating device 900 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 950, restriction of smoking, determination of whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0221] The sensing unit 920 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a temperature sensor 922, an insertion sensing sensor 924, and a puff sensor 926.

[0222] The temperature sensor 922 can sense the temperature at which the heater 950 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 900 includes a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself serves as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 is also arranged around the battery 940 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0223] The insertion sensing sensor 924 can sense the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 924 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 sense a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0224] The puff sensor 926 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 926 can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0225] In addition to the sensors (temperature sensor 922, insertion detection sensor 924, and puff sensor 926) described above, the sensing unit 920 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions and structures of the respective sensors can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from their names, specific descriptions may be omitted.

[0226] The output unit 930 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 900 and provide it to the user. The output unit 930 may include at least one of a display unit 932, a haptic unit 934, and an acoustic output unit 936, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 932 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 932 can also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0227] The display unit 932 visually provides information related to the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 900 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 940 of the aerosol generating device 900, the preheating state of the heater 950, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 900 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 932 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 932 is, for example, also a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Further, the display unit 932 is also in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0228] The haptic unit 934 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus and provides information related to the aerosol generating device 900 to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit 934 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0229] The audio output unit 936 provides information related to the aerosol generation device 900 to the user auditorily. For example, the audio output unit 936 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0230] The battery 940 can supply the electric power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 900. The battery 940 can supply electric power so that the heater 950 is heated. Also, the battery 940 can supply the electric power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980) provided in the aerosol generation device 900. The battery 940 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0231] The heater 950 can be supplied with electric power from the battery 940 and heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generation device 900 may further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the electric power of the battery 940 and supplies it to the heater 950. Also, when the aerosol generation device 900 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generation device 900 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 940 into an AC power supply.

[0232] The control unit 910, the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980 can be supplied with electric power from the battery 940 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 9, it may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the electric power of the battery 940 and supplies it to each component.

[0233] In one embodiment, the heater 950 can be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials can 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 950 can be implemented by, but is not limited to, a metal wire, a metal plate with conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0234] In other embodiments, the heater 950 is also an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 950 can include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating material.

[0235] The user input unit 960 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 960 can include, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a touch pad using a capacitive touch method, a pressure resistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface acoustic wave conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 900 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information, or can charge the battery 940.

[0236] The memory 970 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 900, and can store the data processed by the control unit 910 and the data to be processed. The memory 970 can include at least one type of recording medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 970 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 900, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user.

[0237] The communication unit 980 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 may include a short-range communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

[0238] The short-range wireless communication unit 982 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an 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.

[0239] The wireless communication unit 984 may 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 984 may confirm and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0240] The control unit 910 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In one embodiment, the control unit 910 may include at least one processor. The processor may be embodied by an array of a number of logic gates and may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs will be able to understand that it may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0241] The control unit 910 can control the temperature of the heater 950 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 940 to the heater 950. For example, the control unit 910 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In other examples, the heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 950 according to the control command of the control unit 910.

[0242] The control unit 910 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 and control the subsequent processes to be performed. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920, the control unit 910 can control the power supplied to the heater 950 so that the operation of the heater 950 is started or terminated. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920, the control unit 910 can control the amount of power and the power supply time supplied to the heater 950 so that the heater 950 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0243] The control unit 910 can control the output unit 930 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920. For example, if the number of puff counts counted via the puff sensor 926 reaches a preset number, the control unit 910 notifies the user, via at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the acoustic output unit 936, that the aerosol generating device 900 is about to end.

[0244] 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 any available medium accessible by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Also, a computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media embodied by any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery media.

[0245] The description related to the above-described embodiments is merely an example, 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 must be determined by the scope of the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims must be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A storage part for storing an aerosol product substance, A generation part disposed below the storage part, generating an aerosol from the aerosol product substance and including an elongated core, A chamber for accommodating the generation part, an inlet for allowing air to flow into the chamber, a flow path connected to the inlet to receive air and transmit the air to the chamber, and an outlet for discharging the aerosol generated by the generation part to the outside of the chamber, and an accommodation part including the same, The flow path includes an L shape extending in a direction toward the chamber and a direction facing the storage part, The longitudinal direction of the core and the direction from the inlet to the outlet intersect, The accommodation part includes a plurality of walls surrounding the chamber, At least a part of the plurality of walls includes an inclined surface, a vaporizer.

2. The plurality of walls include a first side wall including the inlet and an inclined surface, The inclined surface includes a flat surface or a curved surface, the vaporizer according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of walls include a bottom wall, The bottom wall includes the inclined surface, the inclined surface includes a flat surface or a curved surface, the vaporizer according to claim 1.

4. The plurality of walls further include a first side wall where the inlet is disposed, The inclined surface is disposed at a portion where the bottom wall meets the first side wall, the vaporizer according to claim 3.

5. The starting point of the inclined surface on the bottom wall is closer to the inlet than the midpoint of the maximum width of the chamber, the width being measured in the direction in which the inlet is opened, the vaporizer according to claim 3.

6. The plurality of walls further include a second side wall where the outlet is disposed, The second side wall includes the inclined surface, the inclined surface includes a flat surface or a curved surface, the vaporizer according to claim 1.

7. The plurality of walls further include a bottom wall, Based on the bottom wall, the center height of the inlet is 0.75 to 1.5 times the center height of the outlet, The diameter of the inlet is larger than or the same as the diameter of the outlet, the vaporizer according to claim 1.

8. The flow path includes a first flow path extending in a direction in which the inlet is opened to the chamber, and a second flow path extending in a direction crossing the direction in which the first flow path extends and opening in a direction facing the upper surface of the accommodation part, the vaporizer according to claim 1.

9. The flow path further includes a connecting flow path connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, The vaporizer according to claim 8, wherein the connecting flow path includes a flow path surface that is linearly or curvilinearly inclined with respect to a direction in which the inlet extends in a direction opening to the chamber.

10. The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the accommodating portion supports the generating portion and further includes an accommodating groove through which the aerosol generating substance is transmitted from the storage portion.

11. The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the storage portion includes an inflow passage for transmitting outside air of the vaporizer to the accommodating portion.

12. Further including a sealing portion disposed between the storage portion and the accommodating portion, The vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the sealing portion includes a guide surface for guiding the movement of air flowing into the chamber.

13. The vaporizer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A main body configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article and including an accommodation space connected to the vaporizer, A heater for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the main body, A battery for supplying power to the generating portion and the heater, An aerosol generating device, comprising: a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the generating portion and the heater.

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