Cartridge and aerosol generating apparatus containing the same

Abstract

The cartridge includes a storage section for storing an aerosol generating substance, a wick disposed at the bottom of the storage section for absorbing the aerosol generating substance supplied from the storage section, and one or more susceptors disposed on the outer surface of at least one of the wicks and generating heat in response to an induced magnetic field to atomize the aerosol generating substance absorbed in the wick into an aerosol.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge and an aerosol-generating device including the same, and more specifically, to a cartridge to which an induction heating method is applied and an aerosol-generating device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, demand for alternative methods that overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, demand for systems that generate aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol-generating device, instead of generating aerosol by burning a cigarette, has been increasing. Accordingly, active research on heated aerosol-generating devices is being conducted.

[0003] One of various methods for heating an aerosol-generating material is the induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of generating heat from a magnetic material by applying an alternating magnetic field. In this case, the alternating magnetic field is also referred to as an "induced magnetic field".

[0004] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material. The lost energy is thermal energy that is emitted from the magnetic material. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the more thermal energy is emitted from the magnetic material.

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by Invention

[0005] Liquid cartridges generally consist of a core that absorbs the liquid (e.g., cotton, silica, ceramics, etc.) and a heating element for atomizing the liquid (e.g., a coil based on the resistance heating principle). Conventional liquid cartridges are powered through contact terminals to directly heat the heating element. In the case of direct heating through contact terminals, heat loss occurs from the contact terminals and the power supply line.

[0006] Furthermore, in the case of direct heating through contact terminals, both ends of the heating element must be connected to the contact terminals. If multiple heating elements are arranged on multiple sides of the core, the number of contact terminals must also be equal to the number of heating elements, which complicates the internal structure of the cartridge. Therefore, it is difficult to realize multiple heating elements within the limited space inside the cartridge.

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of direct heating through contact terminals, not all parts of the heating element are heated evenly. Therefore, in areas where the temperature is higher than the target temperature, the core may carbonize, potentially generating harmful substances.

[0008] The embodiment provides a cartridge containing a susceptor that is heated by an induced magnetic field generated by an induction coil in the main body of an aerosol generator, and an aerosol generator containing the same.

[0009] Furthermore, the embodiment provides a cartridge including one or more susceptors that can be arranged on multiple surfaces of a core, and an aerosol generating apparatus including the same.

[0010] Furthermore, the embodiment provides a cartridge including a susceptor integrally formed with a core that can perform both the functions of a core and a susceptor, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0011] The problems to be solved through these embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A cartridge according to one embodiment comprises a storage section for storing an aerosol-generating substance, a core located below the storage section for absorbing the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage section, and one or more susceptors located on the outer surface of at least one of the cores, which generate heat in response to an induced magnetic field to atomize the aerosol-generating substance absorbed by the core into an aerosol.

[0013] A cartridge according to another embodiment includes a storage section for storing an aerosol-generating substance, and a susceptor, which is located below the storage section and is integrally formed with the core, absorbs the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage section, and generates heat in response to an induced magnetic field to atomize the absorbed aerosol-generating substance into an aerosol.

[0014] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a cartridge and a main body including an induction coil located below the cartridge that generates an induction magnetic field. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the embodiment of the cartridge and aerosol generating apparatus containing the same, since separate contact terminals and power supply lines connecting the main body and the cartridge are not required, heat loss can be reduced and heating efficiency can be improved.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the cartridge and the aerosol generating apparatus including it, the degree of freedom in arranging the heating element (susceptor) around the core can be improved, thereby simplifying the structure of the cartridge.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the cartridge and the aerosol generating apparatus containing the same can reduce the harmful effects on the user.

[0018] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] It is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] It is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4A] It is a perspective view schematically showing an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] It is a perspective view showing an aspect where the cartridge of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4A is separated from the main body. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the V-V direction of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 6A] It is a perspective view schematically showing various embodiments of a cartridge. [Figure 6B] It is a perspective view schematically showing various embodiments of a cartridge. [Figure 7A] It is a drawing showing various shapes of an induction coil of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] It is a drawing showing various shapes of an induction coil of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7C] It is a drawing showing various shapes of an induction coil of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a drawing for explaining the direction of magnetic lines of force generated by an induction coil of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing a wick and a susceptor arranged in a cartridge according to still another embodiment. [Figure 10A] It is a top view of a wick on which a susceptor having a uniformly spaced pattern is arranged according to an embodiment. [Figure 10B] It is a top view of a wick on which a susceptor having a uniformly spaced pattern is arranged according to an embodiment. [Figure 10C]This is a top view of a core in which susceptors having a uniformly spaced pattern are arranged according to the embodiment. [Figure 11A] This is a top view of a core in which a susceptor having a non-uniformly spaced pattern is arranged according to the embodiment. [Figure 11B] This is a top view of a core in which a susceptor having a non-uniformly spaced pattern is arranged according to the embodiment. [Figure 12A] This is a perspective view of a core in which two susceptors are arranged on opposite outer surfaces, according to the embodiment. [Figure 12B] This is a perspective view of a core in which two susceptors are arranged on opposite outer surfaces, according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of a cartridge according to yet another embodiment, including a hollow section and a joint section. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing a susceptor formed integrally with the core in yet another embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] In the embodiments, the terminology used has been selected to be as widely used and general as possible, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, this may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected some terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in the present invention must not be merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0021] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, this means, unless otherwise stated, that it may include other components, not exclude them. Furthermore, terms such as "~part" and "~module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied in hardware or software, or in a combination of hardware and software.

[0022] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one of the listed components" precedes a list of components, it modifies the group of components as a whole, rather than each of the listed components individually. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0023] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0024] The aerosol generator includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater includes an electrical conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the electrical conductive track, the heater is heated.

[0025] The heater includes tubular, plate, needle, or rod-shaped heating elements, and heats the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0026] A cigarette includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or shredded tobacco, which is made from finely cut tobacco sheets. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0027] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may consist of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may have a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol.

[0028] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates aerosols using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0029] The aerosol generator comprises a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited to this. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the body, assembled, or fixed in place so that it cannot be detached by the user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol-generating substance contained inside, but is not limited to this; the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while it is coupled to the body.

[0030] The cartridge contains an aerosol-generating substance that exists in one of a variety of states, such as liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0031] The cartridge operates via electrical or wireless signals transmitted from the main unit, converting the aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase and generating an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a gaseous state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air are mixed.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which is then transmitted to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along an airflow passage in the aerosol generator, which is configured so that the aerosol is transmitted to the user through a cigarette.

[0033] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols from aerosol-generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a transducer.

[0034] The aerosol generator is equipped with a transducer that generates short-period vibrations through the transducer to atomize the aerosol-generating substance. The vibrations generated by the transducer are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is approximately 100 kHz to approximately 3.5 MHz, but is not limited to this range.

[0035] The aerosol generator further comprises a core that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the core is positioned to cover at least one region of the oscillator, or to be in contact with at least one region of the oscillator.

[0036] When a voltage (e.g., AC voltage) is applied to the transducer, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the transducer, and these heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the core is converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the transducer, and as a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0037] For example, the heat generated from the transducer reduces the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material absorbed into the core, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer cause the reduced-viscosity aerosol-generating material to become fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not the only example.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates aerosols by heating the aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0039] The aerosol generator comprises a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. Power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generator, forming a magnetic field inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat in response to an external magnetic field. The susceptor is located inside the coil, and the application of a magnetic field generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be selectively located within the aerosol product.

[0040] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generator further comprises a cradle.

[0041] The aerosol generator forms a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle charges the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater may be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are coupled together.

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present invention can be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating apparatus of the various embodiments described above, or in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 are diagrams showing an example of an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 comprises a battery 11, a control unit 12, a heater 13, and a vaporizer 14.

[0046] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a housing that contains a storage space for the aerosol product 2. The aerosol product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, thereby housing the aerosol product 2 in the storage space of the housing. Although Figures 1 and 2 show that the aerosol generator 1 is equipped with a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

[0047] In the aerosol generating apparatus 1 shown in Figure 3, there is no space into which the aerosol product 2 can be inserted, and therefore, a heater 13 for heating the aerosol product 2 is not provided.

[0048] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 represents the components according to this embodiment. Therefore, in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3, other components may be further provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0049] Figure 1 shows that the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 are arranged in a line. Figure 2 shows that the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to that shown in Figures 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0050] The battery 11 supplies the power used when the aerosol generator 1 operates. For example, the battery 11 supplies power to heat the heater 13 or vaporizer 14, and supplies the power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery 11 also supplies the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0051] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, but also other components of the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 may also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 to determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is operational.

[0052] The control unit 12 comprises at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Those skilled in the art will understand that it may also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0053] The heater 13 is heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 is located outside the aerosol product 2. Therefore, the heated heater 13 raises the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance inside the aerosol product 2.

[0054] The heater 13 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may have an electrical conductive track, and an electric current may flow through the electrical conductive track to heat the heater 13. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example and can be used without restriction as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may already be set in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0055] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 is equipped with an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol product by induction heating, and the aerosol product is equipped with a susceptor that is heated by the induction heater.

[0056] Figures 1 and 2 show the heater 13 positioned outside the aerosol product 2, but are not limited to this arrangement. For example, the heater 13 may include tubular heating elements, plate heating elements, needle heating elements, or rod heating elements, and depending on the shape of the heating elements, it may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol product 2.

[0057] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may have multiple heaters 13. In this case, the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, or they may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Alternatively, some of the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Also, the shape of the heaters 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 and 2, and they may be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0058] The vaporizer 14 is configured to store aerosol-generating material and generate vaporized aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating material.

[0059] The vaporizer 14 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, liquid transfer means, and heating element may be provided in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.

[0060] The liquid storage unit stores the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or it may be manufactured as an integral part of the vaporizer 14.

[0061] For example, aerosol-generating substances include water, solvents, ethyl alcohol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavorings include components that provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may be, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Aerosol-generating substances also include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0062] The liquid transfer means transfers the aerosol-generating material from the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics.

[0063] The heating element is an element for heating the aerosol-generating substance that is transmitted by the liquid transmission means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating element is heated by the supply of electric current, and heat is transferred to the aerosol-generating substance in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance. As a result, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating substance.

[0064] The generated aerosol travels along the airflow path. In Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol that traveled along the airflow path is transmitted to the user through the aerosol product 2. In Figure 3, the aerosol that traveled along the airflow path is transmitted to the user through the mouthpiece 18.

[0065] The steam maker 14 is called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 14 is the main body of the aerosol generator 1 or a cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from the aerosol generator 1. When all of the stored aerosol-generating material is consumed, the vaporizer 14 may be replenished with new aerosol-generating material or replaced with another vaporizer 14 in which aerosol-generating material is stored.

[0067] Hereinafter, the configuration corresponding to the vaporizer 14 will be referred to as a cartridge, and a cartridge according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating apparatus including the same will be described in detail.

[0068] Figures 4A to 5 are diagrams illustrating a cartridge according to one embodiment and an aerosol generating apparatus containing the same.

[0069] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment. Figure 4B is a perspective view showing the cartridge of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 4A separated from the main body. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 4A in the VV direction.

[0070] Referring to Figures 4A to 5, one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1 comprises a main body 10 and a cartridge 20.

[0071] At least one component of the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment is identical or similar to at least one component of the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, and the following overlapping explanation will be omitted.

[0072] The main body 10 forms part of the exterior of the aerosol generator 1 and can house and protect the components of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the main body 10 houses the battery 11 and the control unit 12, but is not limited to this.

[0073] The main body 10 can be manufactured in a variety of shapes, such as cylindrical, elliptical, or rectangular, but is not limited to the embodiment.

[0074] The cartridge 20 is detachably attached to one end of the main body 10, thereby forming the external appearance of the aerosol generator 1 together with the main body 10. The cartridge 20 is used as a component of the aerosol generator 1 when attached to the main body 10. A mouthpiece 240, which allows for the inhalation of aerosol, is positioned on the upper part of the cartridge 20.

[0075] The cartridge 20, containing the aerosol-generating substance, is attached to the main body 10. For example, the cartridge 20 is attached to the main body 10 by either inserting a portion of the cartridge 20 into the main body 10 or inserting a portion of the main body 10 into the cartridge 20. At this time, the main body 10 and the cartridge 20 can maintain their connected state by methods such as a snap-fit ​​system, a screw-in system, a magnetic coupling system, or a forced-fit system. However, the method of connecting the main body 10 and the cartridge 20 is not limited to those described above.

[0076] Referring to Figure 4B, the cartridge 20 is aligned with the main body 10 along the z-axis. With the two components aligned, the cartridge 20 approaches the main body 10 in the -z direction and is coupled to it. The cartridge 20 is separated from the main body 10 in the +z direction. Once the cartridge 20 is separated from the main body 10, the components of the main body 10 are exposed to the outside.

[0077] Generally, the cartridge includes an electrically operated heating element for atomizing the aerosol-generating substance. Here, the heating element may be the heating element included in the vaporizer 14 described in Figures 1 to 3.

[0078] With the cartridge connected to the main unit, the heating element is electrically connected to the main unit and receives power from the battery via contact terminals, with the power supply controlled by the control unit. In other words, the heating element is electrically heated directly by the supply and control of power to it.

[0079] In the case of a method that electrically heats the heating element directly through contact terminals (hereinafter referred to as the "wired heating method"), heat loss inevitably occurs in the contact terminals and power supply lines.

[0080] Furthermore, with wired heating, it is not possible to heat all parts of the heating element uniformly. One part of the heating element will be hotter than the target temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "target temperature"), while another part will be colder than the target temperature. In this case, the part that is hotter than the target temperature will carbonize the core.

[0081] "Carbonization" means turning black due to high temperatures. During the carbonization process of the core, harmful substances are generated, and these harmful substances, mixed with aerosols, enter the user's mouth.

[0082] To solve the aforementioned heat loss and toxicity problems, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment generates an aerosol by heating the heating element using an induction heating method. The induction heating method is a wireless heating method that generates heat only in the heating element itself, including the susceptor, in response to an induced magnetic field.

[0083] Because induction heating is a wireless heating method, it can reduce heat loss compared to wired heating methods, improving heating efficiency and thereby reducing power consumption.

[0084] Furthermore, since contact terminals and power supply lines are not required, the heat generated by the aerosol generator can be reduced compared to wired heating methods.

[0085] Furthermore, it prevents the problem of changing contact resistance caused by frequent insertion and removal of the cartridge from the main unit. In addition, the simple structure of the cartridge increases the design flexibility regarding the external shape of the cartridge.

[0086] Induction heating heats the susceptor relatively evenly, resulting in a more uniform temperature across all parts of the susceptor compared to wired heating. In other words, induction heating prevents any part of the susceptor from overheating above the target temperature, thereby mitigating the problem of harmful substances being generated due to carbonization of the core.

[0087] The aerosol generating apparatus 1, to which induction heating is applied, includes an induction coil 110 that generates an induction magnetic field, and a susceptor 230 that is heated by the induction magnetic field.

[0088] In induction heating systems, the arrangement of the induction coil and the susceptor significantly affects the atomization of the aerosol-generating substance stored inside the cartridge. In one embodiment, both the induction coil and the susceptor are components of the cartridge and are arranged in the cartridge. In another example, the induction coil is a component of the main body and is arranged in the main body, while the susceptor is a component of the cartridge and is arranged in the cartridge.

[0089] In the following, we assume that the induction coil 110 is a component of the main body 10 and is located in the main body 10, and that the susceptor 230 is a component of the cartridge 20 and is located in the cartridge 20.

[0090] The main body 10 includes an induction coil 110 that generates an induction magnetic field. The induction coil 110 is located at the bottom of the cartridge 20 and generates an induction magnetic field toward a susceptor 230 located inside the cartridge 20.

[0091] The induction coil 110 is powered by the battery 11. The power supplied to the induction coil 110 creates a magnetic field directed toward the bottom of the cartridge 20.

[0092] When an alternating current is applied to the induction coil 110, the direction of the magnetic field formed at the bottom of the cartridge 20 changes periodically. When the susceptor 230 is exposed to the magnetic field formed by the induction coil 110, the susceptor 230 generates heat. This heat generated by the susceptor 230 heats the aerosol-generating material.

[0093] The temperature of the susceptor 230 changes as the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field formed by the induction coil 110 changes. The control unit 12 can adjust the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the induction coil 110 by controlling the power supplied to the induction coil 110, thereby controlling the temperature of the susceptor 230.

[0094] The induction coil 110 contains, but is not limited to, copper. The induction coil 110 includes an alloy containing one or at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) so that it has a low resistivity and allows a high current to flow.

[0095] The induction coil 110 includes a helical plate shape that is positioned to traverse the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. In this case, "longitudinal direction of the main body" means the z-axis direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 20. The helical plate shape of the induction coil 110 and the direction of the magnetic field lines will be described later through Figures 7A to 8.

[0096] Regarding the resonance phenomenon and the efficiency of induction heating, the closer the frequency of the power supplied to the induction coil 110 is to the resonant frequency of the susceptor 230, the more efficient the induction heating becomes. The resonant frequency of the susceptor 230 is determined by various factors. When multiple susceptors 230 are arranged, their resonant frequencies will be different.

[0097] When only one induction coil 110 is provided, the multiple susceptors 230 that are inductively heated by that single induction coil 110 will have different heating efficiencies. Therefore, in order to ensure the heating efficiency of all susceptors 230, one or more induction coils 110 are provided, corresponding to the number of susceptors 230. In this case, each induction coil 110 is supplied with power individually so that it has a frequency close to the resonant frequency of the susceptor 230 corresponding to it.

[0098] The main body 10 includes an air inlet 120 in at least one area of ​​its side. Through the air inlet 120, air from outside the aerosol generator 1 flows into the main body 10, and the incoming air passes through the inside of the aerosol generator 1 and is mixed with the aerosol inside the cartridge 20. The aerosol then passes through the inside of the cartridge 20 and is supplied to the user through the mouthpiece 240.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 20 includes a case 200, a storage section 210, a wick 220, a susceptor 230, a mouthpiece 240, and an airflow path 250.

[0100] Here, the storage unit 210 and the wick 220 may be the same as the liquid storage unit and liquid transmission means included in the vaporizer 14 as described in Figures 1 to 3, respectively. The mouthpiece 240 may be the same as the mouthpiece 18 in Figure 3.

[0101] The case 200 forms the exterior of the cartridge 20 and serves to house and protect the components of the cartridge 20. The case 200 houses, but is not limited to, a storage section 210, a wick 220, a susceptor 230, and the like.

[0102] The case 200 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the main body 10. For example, if the main body 10 has a cylindrical shape, the case 200 may also have a cylindrical shape in at least a part of it. However, the shapes of the main body and the case are not limited to the embodiment.

[0103] The case 200 includes a structure that allows it to be detachably coupled to one end of the main body 10, and a structure for maintaining the coupled state between the main body 10 and the cartridge 20.

[0104] The storage unit 210 stores aerosol-generating material in liquid or gel state.

[0105] The storage section 210 can be manufactured in a variety of shapes, such as cylindrical, elliptical, or rectangular. In one embodiment, the storage section 210 includes a hollow space surrounded by an inner wall, and at least a portion of the outer wall has a tubular shape that tapers towards the top of the storage section 210. The aerosol-generating material is stored in the empty space surrounded by the outer and inner walls of the storage section 210.

[0106] The storage section 210 includes at least one or more openings (not shown) connected to the core 220. The openings are located at the bottom of the storage section 210. According to one embodiment, the core 220 is positioned in the openings and comes into contact with aerosol-generating material that flows out of the storage section 210 through the openings.

[0107] However, the arrangement of the opening and the core is not limited to this embodiment. In another example, the core 220 is inserted into the storage section 210 through the opening and comes into contact with the aerosol-generating material stored inside the storage section 210.

[0108] The gap between the opening of the storage section 210 and the wick 220 is sealed to prevent the aerosol-generating substance from leaking out. In other words, the storage section 210 is sealed in such a way that the aerosol-generating substance does not leak out of the storage section 210 without passing through the wick 220.

[0109] The core 220 is located below the storage unit 210 and receives the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage unit 210, and absorbs the aerosol-generating substance.

[0110] The core 220 can have a variety of shapes. For example, the core 220 may be elongated. Another example is that the core 220 may be a columnar shape extending in one direction. Specifically, the core 220 can be a polygonal prism shape such as a cylindrical, rectangular prism, or triangular prism, but is not limited to the examples mentioned above, and can also have a shape that is roughly rod-shaped or needle-shaped.

[0111] The core 220 absorbs the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage unit 210 in at least a portion of it. For example, the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in one portion of the core 220 moves to other portions of the core 220 by capillary action.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the core 220 absorbs the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage unit 210 through one end (e.g., the upper end), and the absorbed aerosol-generating substance moves to the other end of the core 220 (e.g., the lower end).

[0113] The core 220 includes porous ceramics. However, the core material is not limited to this embodiment and includes any porous material for transporting aerosol-generating substances.

[0114] The susceptor 230 atomizes the aerosol-generating material, which has been heated by the induced magnetic field and absorbed by the core 220, into an aerosol.

[0115] The susceptor 230 includes ferritic stainless steel. However, the material of the susceptor is not limited to this embodiment and may include any magnetic metal capable of induction heating.

[0116] The susceptor 230 is positioned adjacent to the core 220. In one embodiment, the susceptor 230 is positioned below the core 220. In this case, the susceptor 230 is in contact with the lower surface of the core 220 and heats the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 220.

[0117] The susceptor 230 is bonded to the core 220. In this context, "bonding" refers to all methods of permanently or reversibly attaching the susceptor to the core 220, such as by coating, spraying, vapor deposition, plating, dipping, painting, printing, 3D printing, or using equipment, when the core 220 has already been manufactured, as well as all methods of sintering the susceptor 230 together with the core 220 during the manufacturing process. Hereinafter, when the susceptor is "placed" on the core, this means whether the susceptor 230 is bonded to the core 220, simply in contact with it, or not in contact with it.

[0118] When the main unit 10 and the cartridge 20 are connected, the susceptor 230 is positioned above the induction coil 110. At this time, the susceptor 230 is physically separated from the induction coil 110 by the case 200.

[0119] Referring to Figure 5, the distance d1 from the bottom of the storage unit 210 to the susceptor 230 is smaller than the distance d2 from the bottom of the storage unit 210 to the induction coil 110. In other words, the susceptor 230 is separated from the induction coil 110 by a distance equal to the difference between distance d2 and distance d1.

[0120] The mouthpiece 240 is positioned on top of the cartridge 20 and contacts the user's mouth. The mouthpiece 240 is formed to protrude from the cartridge 20 in the +z direction. The mouthpiece 240 is shaped to easily contact the user's mouth. The user inhales the aerosol after bringing the mouthpiece 240 formed on the cartridge 20 into contact with their mouth.

[0121] The airflow path 250 serves as a passage for delivering the atomized aerosol to the user. In other words, the airflow path 250 refers to the internal path of the cartridge 20 through which the aerosol atomized by the cartridge 20's susceptor 230 travels to the mouthpiece 240.

[0122] External air flows into the main body 10 through the air inlet 120, travels along an air inlet passage (not shown) formed in the main body 10, reaches the inside of the cartridge 20, and is mixed with the aerosol. The aerosol mixed with air then travels along the airflow path 250 and is supplied to the user through the mouthpiece 240.

[0123] A portion of the airflow path 250 is positioned close to the core 220 and the susceptor 230, while the other portion of the airflow path 250 is positioned close to the mouthpiece 240. In other words, the airflow path 250 creates fluid communication between the space where the core 220 and the susceptor 230 are located and the mouthpiece 240.

[0124] In one embodiment, the airflow path 250 is formed along a tube surrounded by the inner wall of the storage section 210 and extends from the core 220 and susceptor 230 to the mouthpiece 240. However, the arrangement of the airflow path is not limited to this embodiment. As another example, the airflow path is formed along the outside of the storage section.

[0125] Figures 6A and 6B are schematic perspective views illustrating various embodiments of the cartridge.

[0126] At least one component of cartridge 20 shown in Figure 6A and cartridge 20b shown in Figure 6B is identical or similar to at least one component of cartridge 20 shown in Figures 4A and 4B, but the following explanation of overlapping components will be omitted.

[0127] Referring to Figure 6A, the cartridge 20 shown in Figure 6A is equivalent to the cartridge 20 according to one embodiment shown in Figure 4A.

[0128] Referring to Figure 6B, the cartridge 20b shown in Figure 6B differs from the cartridge 20 shown in Figure 6A in that it lacks a case 200. The cartridge 20b comprises a storage section 210b, a wick 220, a susceptor 230, a mouthpiece 240, and an airflow path 250.

[0129] Cartridge 20b does not include case 200, and the outer wall of storage section 210b partially performs the function of case 200.

[0130] As shown in Figure 6B, the wick 220 protrudes from the bottom of the storage section 210b. This exposes the wick 220 and the susceptor 230 to the outside of the cartridge 20b.

[0131] When the main unit 10 and the cartridge 20b are connected, the induction coil 110 and the susceptor 230 do not have to be placed in physically separate spaces, but may be placed in the same space. However, even in this case, the susceptor 230 is placed away from the induction coil 110 without contacting it.

[0132] Figures 7A to 8 are diagrams illustrating the spiral plate shape of the induction coil and the direction of the magnetic field lines.

[0133] Figures 7A to 7C are diagrams showing various shapes of the induction coil of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the direction of magnetic field lines generated by the induction coil of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment.

[0134] Referring to Figures 7A to 7C, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment (for example, aerosol generating device 1 in Figure 4A) includes induction coils 110a, 110b, and 110c of various shapes.

[0135] The induction coil 110, located inside the main unit 10, can take on many shapes, including a pancake-shaped circular coil, a spiral shape, or a square shape. The number of turns and shape of the induction coil 110 are changed depending on the induction heating resonance frequency and the external design of the cartridge and main unit.

[0136] The induction coils 110a, 110b, and 110c shown in Figures 7A to 7C, respectively, all commonly include a helical plate shape. Referring to Figure 8, the helical plate-shaped induction coil 110 forms a magnetic field in which magnetic field lines M enter and exit the induction coil 110 along the direction of the current, with the helical axis of the induction coil 110 as the center.

[0137] The susceptor 230 is positioned in the same direction as the spiral plate-shaped induction coil 110. In this case, "same direction" means that the susceptor 230 is positioned parallel to the plate-shaped induction coil 110.

[0138] In one example, the induction coil 110 and the susceptor 230 are arranged in the same direction across the longitudinal direction of the main body (for example, the main body 10 in Figure 4A). Specifically, the induction coil 110 and the susceptor 230 are arranged parallel to the direction in which the lower surface of the storage section (for example, the storage section 210 in Figure 4A) extends. However, the embodiment is not limited to the arrangement of the induction coil and the susceptor. As another example, the induction coil and the susceptor are arranged in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the magnetic field lines M enter and exit the main body 10 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the core 220 and susceptor 230 which are arranged parallel to the lower surface of the storage section. That is, the magnetic field lines M pass through the core 220 and susceptor 230 which are arranged parallel to the xy plane in the z-axis direction.

[0140] At this time, the susceptor 230 is positioned such that its center is located along the longitudinal direction of the main body, corresponding to the center of the helical axis of the induction coil 110. For example, the center of the susceptor 230 is aligned with the center of the helical axis of the induction coil 110 in the z-axis direction. This increases the density of magnetic field lines M entering and leaving the susceptor 230.

[0141] Unlike the induction coils included in conventional induction heating aerosol generators, according to one embodiment, the direction of the magnetic field lines M is perpendicular to the direction in which the susceptor 230 extends (for example, perpendicular to it). This increases the density of magnetic field lines M passing through the susceptor 230, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the susceptor 230.

[0142] In particular, when the susceptor 230 is in the form of a flat sheet, the magnetic field lines M pass through a large area of ​​the sheet, so the susceptor is heated sufficiently.

[0143] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a core and susceptor arranged in a cartridge according to yet another embodiment.

[0144] Referring to Figure 9, a cartridge 20 according to one embodiment comprises a core 220 and one or more susceptors 230.

[0145] At least one of the components of cartridge 20 shown in Figure 9 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of cartridge 20 shown in Figure 4A, but the following explanation of the overlap will be omitted.

[0146] The core 220 shown in Figure 9 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, unlike the cylindrical core 220 shown in Figure 4A. However, the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the core.

[0147] According to one embodiment, one or more susceptors 230 are arranged on the core 220. Conventional wired heating methods require that both ends of the heating element be connected to contact terminals. Therefore, when multiple heating elements are arranged on multiple sides of the core, a number of contact terminals corresponding to the number of heating elements is required. This complicates the internal structure of the cartridge, making it difficult to realize multiple heating elements within the limited space inside the cartridge.

[0148] With the wireless induction heating method, contact terminals and power supply lines to the susceptor 230 are not required. Therefore, the arrangement of the susceptor 230 is not significantly affected by the constraints of the internal space of the cartridge 20. In other words, multiple susceptors 230 may be arranged on the core 220. The induction heating method increases the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the susceptors 230 on the core 220 and simplifies the internal structure of the cartridge 20.

[0149] One or more susceptors 230 are positioned inside and / or on the outer surface of the core 220. For example, a susceptor 230 is inserted into a groove (not shown) formed on the first outer surface of the core 220. In this case, the susceptor 230 inserted into the groove lies coplanar with the rest of the first outer surface of the core 220 where no groove is formed. This ensures that the first outer surface of the core is flat and smooth throughout, without any protruding parts.

[0150] When the susceptor is placed inside the core 220, aerosols may be generated inside the core 220, and these aerosols need to pass through the inside of the core 220 and exit from it. In this respect, the generation and movement of aerosols is more efficient when the susceptor 230 is placed on the outer surface of the core 220. The following explanation will focus on the case where the susceptor 230 is placed on the outer surface of the core 220.

[0151] The core 220 includes multiple outer surfaces. Figure 9 shows the front, top, and side views of the core 220's outer surfaces. The susceptors 230 are positioned on each of the core's multiple outer surfaces.

[0152] Referring to Figure 9, a square-shaped susceptor 230u is arranged on the top surface of the core 220 (for example, the outer surface facing the z-axis). A zigzag-patterned susceptor 230f is arranged on the front surface of the core 220 (for example, the outer surface facing the x-axis). A straight-line-shaped susceptor 230s is arranged on the side surface of the core 220 (for example, the outer surface facing the y-axis). However, the embodiment is not limited to the patterns and shapes of the susceptors 230 described above, and the susceptors can include a variety of patterns and shapes corresponding to the shape of the induction coil.

[0153] Multiple susceptors 230 are arranged on the outer surface of the core 220. That is, the susceptors 230 may not only be arranged on each of the multiple outer surfaces of the core 220, but may also be arranged on the same outer surface of the core 220. As an example, multiple susceptors 230s in a single-line pattern are arranged in a parallel line on the side surface of the core 220.

[0154] According to one embodiment, one or more susceptors 230 can be placed on the outer surface of at least one of the cores 220, increasing the contact area and heating area of ​​the susceptors with the core, thereby improving heating efficiency and, consequently, atomization performance.

[0155] The following sections describe various susceptor patterns for improving atomization performance, with reference to Figures 10A and 10C.

[0156] Figures 10A to 10C are top views of a core in which susceptors having a uniformly spaced pattern are arranged according to an embodiment.

[0157] Referring to Figures 10A to 10C, the cartridge 20 according to each embodiment comprises a core 220 and susceptors 230a, 230b, and 230c. Susceptors 230a, 230b, and 230c are identical or similar to the susceptor 230 shown in Figure 4A, and common features will be explained based on the susceptor 230 shown in Figure 4A.

[0158] The aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core 220 is heated by the susceptor 230 and atomized into an aerosol. The generated aerosol exits the core 220 and moves into the airflow path (for example, the airflow path 250 in Figure 4A).

[0159] The generated aerosol does not penetrate the susceptor 230. As a result, the aerosol bypasses the susceptor 230 and passes through the portion of the core 220 where the susceptor 230 is not located.

[0160] When the susceptor 230 is placed on the outer surface of the core 220, the outer surface of the core 220 is divided into a first region where the susceptor 230 is placed and a second region where the susceptor 230 is not placed. In other words, the second region corresponds to the remaining area of ​​the outer surface of the core 220 excluding the first region.

[0161] In the following, the part or all of the second region of the core 220 where the susceptor 230 is not placed and where aerosols may flow out to the outside of the core 220 will be referred to as the "discharge region".

[0162] Through the discharge region 225, the aerosol moves from the core 220 to the outside of the core 220. In particular, aerosols that are blocked by the susceptor 230 while moving inside the core 220 escape from the core 220 through the discharge region 225 surrounding the susceptor 230. Therefore, the discharge region 225 is a region adjacent to the edge of the susceptor 230, but also a region formed along the edge.

[0163] Preferably, in order to secure a large discharge area 225, the edge of the susceptor 230 positioned on the core 220 is made long.

[0164] For example, when a square plate-shaped susceptor (e.g., susceptor 230u in Figure 9) is placed on the core 220, aerosols cannot escape from the first region of the core 220 where the susceptor is placed. Therefore, a relatively wide area of ​​aerosols inside the core 220 is blocked by the susceptor. In particular, aerosols atomized in the center of the core 220 must travel a long distance to the discharge region 225, which is formed at the edge of the susceptor 230u but also at the periphery of the core, in order to escape the core 220.

[0165] In contrast, when a zigzag pattern susceptor (for example, susceptor 230f in Figure 9) or multiple susceptors with a straight line pattern (for example, susceptor 230s in Figure 9) are arranged on the core 220, a second region is formed between the first regions. Therefore, a relatively wide discharge region 225 is formed, and the aerosol can smoothly exit the core 220.

[0166] Therefore, even if the total area of ​​the susceptor 230 is the same, a wider discharge area 225 is formed when the edge of the susceptor 230 is designed to be longer.

[0167] Referring to Figures 10A to 10C, various susceptors 230a, 230b, and 230c with long edges are shown. By arranging the various susceptors 230a, 230b, and 230c on the outer surface of the core 220, at least one region of the outer surface of the core 220 is arranged with two susceptor 230 patterns.

[0168] In this case, "two patterns" means that the two individual susceptors are not directly / physically connected but are separated across the entire outer surface of the core, and that they represent two different parts of the same susceptor extending parallel to the outer surface of the core. In other words, depending on the method of defining a region on the outer surface of the core, the pattern of one susceptor appears as multiple patterns within that region.

[0169] In this case, the discharge region 225 refers to the space formed between the patterns of the two susceptors 230. That is, the discharge region 225 may be formed between different parts of the same susceptor, or between two separate susceptors arranged on the same outer surface of the core 220.

[0170] The lengthening of the susceptor 230 expands the discharge area 225. As a result, the amount of aerosol escaping from the core 220 through the expanded discharge area 225 increases. This improves atomization performance.

[0171] Figures 10A to 10C show how the aerosol moves from the edge of the susceptor 230 in the x-axis and y-axis directions without passing through the susceptor 230, and exits the core 220.

[0172] However, the direction of movement of the generated aerosol is not limited to the direction shown in the illustration. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the aerosol can also move in the z-axis direction and exit the core 220 through the discharge region 225. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the movement of the aerosol generated by the susceptor 230 is illustrated in only a portion of the drawing.

[0173] Referring to Figure 10A, the susceptor 230a includes a helical pattern. Although Figure 10A shows the susceptor 230a in a rectangular helical pattern, the form of the helical is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 10A.

[0174] For ease of susceptor manufacturing and reliable atomization performance between adjacent patterns, the spacing id between two patterns of susceptor 230a can be uniform. In this case, "spacing between two patterns" refers to the spacing between two adjacent edges (i.e., two adjacent parts) of one or more susceptors when they extend in parallel. This same meaning will be used hereafter. Also, hereafter, "susceptor spacing" will be used interchangeably with "spacing between two patterns".

[0175] Referring to Figure 10B, the susceptor 230b includes a plurality of first patterns 231 arranged sequentially in one direction (for example, in the y-axis direction) and a plurality of second patterns 232 connecting the plurality of first patterns 231 in one direction.

[0176] In this context, "connection" includes both direct connection of the susceptor pattern shape and indirect connection such as heating conduction by an electromagnetic field. In the case of direct connection, the second pattern 232 includes not only the straight line pattern shown in Figure 10B, but also a variety of patterns that connect the first pattern in one direction, such as folded or bent patterns.

[0177] The first pattern 231 includes one or more first extension patterns 2311 extending in a direction that crosses one of the aforementioned directions (e.g., the x-axis direction), one or more second extension patterns 2312 extending in one direction (e.g., the y-axis direction), and a connecting pattern 2313 that connects the first extension patterns 2311 and the second extension patterns 2312. The connecting pattern 2313 is arranged in one or more ways depending on the number of first extension patterns 2311 and second extension patterns 2312 and includes a variety of patterns, such as folded or bent patterns.

[0178] The spacing ID between the two patterns of susceptor 230b is uniform.

[0179] Specifically, as shown in Figure 10B, the spacing ID between two first extension patterns 2311 included in the same first pattern 231 is uniform along the direction in which the two first extension patterns 2311 extend (e.g., the x-axis direction). Also, the spacing between two adjacent first extension patterns 2311 of different first patterns 231 is equal to the aforementioned spacing ID.

[0180] Referring to Figure 10C, the susceptor 230c includes a pattern similar to the susceptor 230b shown in Figure 10B, which is arranged sequentially in one direction (e.g., the y-axis direction). The susceptor 230c includes a plurality of first patterns 231c arranged sequentially in one direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) and a plurality of second patterns 232c connecting the plurality of first patterns 231c in one direction (e.g., the y-axis direction).

[0181] The second pattern 232c shown in Figure 10C differs from the straight-line pattern shown in Figure 10B in that it is represented as a curved pattern. However, the second pattern 232c is not limited to this embodiment and may include a variety of patterns.

[0182] The first pattern 231c shown in Figure 10C includes two or more first extension patterns 2311 extending in a direction that crosses the aforementioned one direction (for example, the x-axis direction), and a connecting pattern 2313c that connects two of the first extension patterns 2311.

[0183] The connecting pattern 2313c shown in Figure 10C is illustrated as a bent pattern, unlike the folded pattern shown in Figure 10B. However, the connecting pattern 2313c is not limited to this embodiment and may include a variety of patterns.

[0184] In the case of a folded pattern, a phenomenon of heat concentration occurs in the folded portion. By arranging the second pattern 232c and the connecting pattern 2313c in the bent pattern, the phenomenon of heat concentration in a part of the pattern can be mitigated, and heat can be distributed uniformly throughout the entire pattern.

[0185] Similar to susceptor 230b shown in Figure 10B, the spacing id between the two patterns of susceptor 230c is uniform and identical throughout susceptor 230c.

[0186] Referring to Figures 10A to 10C, the first region, which is the area occupied by the susceptor 230 on one of the outer surfaces of the core 220, may be formed at a position approximately the same distance from the edge of that outer surface of the core 220, and occupies 80% or less of that surface. For example, the first region occupies 70 to 80% of one of the outer surfaces of the core 220.

[0187] By positioning the susceptor 230 such that the first region is located at a distance equal to the same isolation distance from the edge of one surface of the outer surface of the core 220 and occupies 70 to 80% of that surface, sufficient space is secured for the aerosol-generating material to move from the storage section (for example, the storage section 210 in Figure 4A) to the core 220.

[0188] In other words, the core 220 can effectively absorb the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage section. This mitigates leakage that occurs during the process of the aerosol-generating substance moving from the storage section to the core 220.

[0189] The following section will explain the case where the spacing between the two susceptor patterns is not uniform, referring to Figures 11A and 11B.

[0190] Figures 11A and 11B are top views of a core in which a susceptor having an unevenly spaced pattern is arranged according to an embodiment.

[0191] Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, the cartridge 20 comprises a wick 220 and susceptors 230a and 230b. Susceptors 230a and 230b are identical or similar to susceptor 230 shown in Figure 4A, and their common features will be explained based on susceptor 230 shown in Figure 4A.

[0192] Unlike the susceptors 230a and 230b shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the spacing between the two patterns of susceptors 230a and 230b shown in Figures 11A and 11B (e.g., the IDs in Figures 10A and 10B) varies depending on the position of the susceptor 230.

[0193] Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, the susceptors 230a and 230b comprise a first portion 2301 positioned at a first interval id1 (i.e., the interval d1 between the two patterns) in the peripheral portion 220p of the core 220, and a second portion 2302 positioned at a second interval id2 in the central portion 220c of the core 220.

[0194] In this case, the first interval id1 and the second interval id2 are used with the same meaning as the interval id between the two susceptor patterns explained in Figures 10A and 10C.

[0195] The first interval id1 and the second interval id2 are different. For example, the first interval id1 for the peripheral part 220p of the core 220 is greater than the second interval id2 for the central part 220c of the core 220.

[0196] The reasons for making the first interval id1 and the second interval id2 different can be explained from three perspectives: the characteristics of the induction heating method, the configuration of the main body arranged around the core, and the absorption rate of different parts of the core.

[0197] Firstly, due to the characteristics of the induction heating method, the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field lines (for example, the magnetic field lines M in Figure 8) is high at the central axis of the spiral plate-shaped induction coil (for example, the induction coil 110 in Figure 8). As a result, the magnetic flux density is relatively higher at the center 220c of the core 220, which is closer to the central axis of the induction coil, than at the peripheral part 220p of the core.

[0198] In other words, if the second part 2302 of the susceptor located in the central part 220c is more densely arranged than the first part 2301 of the susceptor located in the peripheral part 220p, the heating efficiency by induction heating can be maximized.

[0199] Secondly, one or more components of the main body (for example, the main body 10 in Figure 4A), such as support members that support the core 220, are arranged around the edge and both ends of the core, which correspond to the peripheral portion 220p of the core. If heat is transferred to the main body due to a temperature rise in the peripheral portion 220p of the core, damage will occur to the main body. For example, thermal deformation will occur in one component of the main body.

[0200] If the first part 2301 of the susceptor located in the peripheral area 220p is not arranged relatively densely compared to the second part 2302 of the susceptor located in the central area 220c, then the temperature of the peripheral area 220p will be lower than the temperature of the central area 220c of the core.

[0201] This reduces the heat transferred from the peripheral part 220p to the main body, protecting the main body from the heat generated by the susceptors 230a and 230b.

[0202] Finally, the core 220 absorbs the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage unit (for example, the storage unit 210 in Figure 4A) at its edges and both ends, which correspond to the peripheral portion 220p. The absorbed aerosol-generating substance moves from the peripheral portion 220p of the core 220 to the central portion 220c.

[0203] In the peripheral part 220p of the core, aerosol-generating substances are supplied directly from the storage area, resulting in a fast absorption rate of aerosol-generating substances. In the central part 220c, which is relatively farther from the storage area, the absorption rate of aerosol-generating substances is relatively slower. In other words, as you move from the peripheral part 220p of the core 220 towards the central part 220c, both the absorption rate of aerosol-generating substances and the amount of absorbed aerosol-generating substances decrease.

[0204] As mentioned above, if the first part 2301 of the susceptor is arranged less densely than the second part 2302, the temperature of the peripheral part 220p will be lower than the temperature of the central part 220c.

[0205] As a result, the amount of aerosol atomized by the first part 2301 of the susceptor in the peripheral part 220p of the core decreases. The aerosol-generating material that is not atomized in the peripheral part 220p moves to the central part 220c of the core, where it is atomized into an aerosol by the second part 2302 of the susceptor. Therefore, a uniform amount of aerosol is generated in both the peripheral part 220p and the central part 220c of the core 220.

[0206] Referring to Figure 11A, the boundary line between the peripheral part 220p and the central part 220c of the core is shown as a dotted rectangle obtained by reducing the area of ​​the upper surface of the core 220 to a 4:1 ratio.

[0207] Referring to Figure 11B, the boundary line between the peripheral portion 220p and the central portion 220c of the core is shown by two dashed lines that divide the length of the upper surface of the core 220 in the y-axis direction into three equal parts.

[0208] However, the peripheral and central parts of the core are not limited to the embodiment, and the boundary between the peripheral and central parts may change. Also, the boundary between the peripheral and central parts of the core may become unclear, in which case the spacing between the susceptor patterns will gradually or abruptly decrease from the peripheral to the central part.

[0209] The following describes the multiple susceptors that are arranged on two of the outer surfaces of the core 220.

[0210] Figures 12A and 12B are perspective views of a core in which two susceptors are arranged on opposite outer surfaces according to an embodiment.

[0211] Referring to Figures 12A and 12B, the cartridge 20 comprises a core 220 and a plurality of susceptors 230.

[0212] The susceptor 230 includes a first susceptor 230-1 arranged at a third interval id3 on one of the outer surfaces of the core 220, and a second susceptor 230-2 arranged at a fourth interval id4 on the other surface of the core 220 opposite to the first surface.

[0213] The first susceptor 230-1 and the second susceptor 230-2 are identical or similar to the susceptor 230 shown in Figure 4A. The third interval id3 and the fourth interval id4 are used in the same sense as the interval id between the two patterns of susceptors as explained through Figures 10A to 10C.

[0214] The third interval id3 and the fourth interval id4 are different. Below, we assume that the third interval id3 is smaller than the fourth interval id4.

[0215] Referring to Figure 12A, the first susceptor 230-1 is positioned on the upper surface of the core 220, and the second susceptor 230-2 is positioned on the lower surface of the core 220.

[0216] Because the third spacing id3 of the first susceptor 230-1 located on the upper surface of the core 220 is narrower than the fourth spacing id4 located on the lower surface of the core 220, more heat is generated at the top of the core 220 than at the bottom of the core 220.

[0217] A storage section (for example, the storage section 210 in Figure 4A) is located at the top of the core 220, while the main body (for example, the main body 10 in Figure 4A) containing many electronic components is located at the bottom of the core 220. If the heat generated at the bottom of the core 220 is reduced, the electronic components of the main body adjacent to the bottom of the core 220 will be relatively protected.

[0218] Therefore, the atomization performance is maintained by the heat generated at the top of the core 220, while the electronic components located at the bottom of the core 220 are protected.

[0219] Referring to Figure 12B, the first susceptor 230-1 is positioned on the first side of the core 220, and the second susceptor 230-2 is positioned on the second side of the core 220, which is opposite to the first side.

[0220] Because the third spacing id3 of the first susceptor 230-1 located on the first side is narrower than the fourth spacing id4 of the second susceptor 230-2 located on the second side, more heat is generated on the first side of the core 220 than on the second side.

[0221] As shown in Figure 2, when the cartridge (for example, the vaporizer 14 in Figure 2) is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the central axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 1, the first side of the wick 220, which generates more heat, is positioned to face the inside of the aerosol generator, while the second side of the wick 220, which generates relatively less heat, is positioned to face the outside of the aerosol generator.

[0222] This core arrangement reduces the amount of heat transferred to the outer surface of the aerosol generator, thus preventing high temperatures from being transferred to the user's body (e.g., the palm of the hand) when holding the aerosol generator.

[0223] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to yet another embodiment, including a hollow section and a joint section.

[0224] Referring to Figure 13, another embodiment of the cartridge 20 comprises a wick 220 and one or more susceptors 230.

[0225] At least one of the components of cartridge 20 shown in Figure 13 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of cartridge 20 shown in Figure 9, but the following explanation of the overlap will be omitted.

[0226] The core 220 includes a hollow 220h formed so that the aerosol generated by the susceptor 230 passes through the core 220.

[0227] Referring to Figure 13, the hollow 220h penetrates the core 220 in the z-axis direction. However, the size, number, and position of the hollow 220h can vary considerably depending on the embodiment.

[0228] If an airflow path (for example, airflow path 250 in Figure 4A) is located above the core 220 and the aerosol must move in the +z direction, then the aerosol generated by the susceptor 230 located on the underside of the core 220 will move in the +z direction through the hollow 220h.

[0229] Although not shown herein, as another example, if the airflow path is located below the core 220, the aerosol must move in the -z direction. In this case, the aerosol generated by the susceptor 230 located on the upper surface of the core 220 moves in the -z direction through the hollow 220h.

[0230] The core 220 includes a joint portion 221 that protrudes toward the storage portion (for example, the storage portion 210 in Figure 4A) such that at least a portion of the upper surface of the core 220 is separated from the storage portion.

[0231] The joint portion 221 is positioned to contact the storage portion at the edge or end of the upper surface of the core 220, and the remaining portion of the upper surface of the core 220 where the joint portion 221 is not positioned is separated from the storage portion. However, the arrangement of the joint portion is not limited to this embodiment.

[0232] The joint section 221 absorbs the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage section and transmits the aerosol-generating substance throughout the entire core 220.

[0233] If an airflow path (for example, airflow path 250 in Figure 4A) is located above the core 220 and the aerosol must move in the +z direction, then the aerosol generated by the susceptor 230 located on the upper surface of the core 220 flows through the space created by the joint 221. Also, the aerosol generated by a susceptor (not shown) located on the side of the core 220 moves into the space created by the joint 221.

[0234] The aerosols that gather in the space created by the joint 221 move towards the airflow path.

[0235] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a susceptor formed integrally with the core according to yet another embodiment.

[0236] Referring to Figure 14, another embodiment of the cartridge 20 includes a susceptor 260 formed integrally with the core.

[0237] The susceptor 260, which is integrally formed with the core, absorbs the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage unit (for example, the storage unit 210 in Figure 4A), reacts the absorbed aerosol-generating substance with an induced magnetic field to generate heat, and atomizes it into an aerosol. In other words, the susceptor 260, which is integrally formed with the core, can simultaneously perform the functions of the core 220 and the susceptor 230 shown in Figure 9.

[0238] Similar to the core 220 and susceptor 230 shown in Figure 4A, the susceptor 260, which is integrally formed with the core, is located at the bottom of the cartridge's storage section. When the cartridge is coupled to the main body (for example, the main body 10 in Figure 4A), the susceptor 260 is located above the induction coil (for example, the induction coil 110 in Figure 4A).

[0239] The susceptor 260, which is integrally formed with the core, includes porous bodies obtained by sintering metal powder, mesh bodies in which metal is arranged in a network (or "mesh") shape, and the like. The susceptor 260 includes SUS316L. However, the material of the susceptor 260 is not limited to this and includes any material that can simultaneously perform the functions of both the core and the susceptor.

[0240] Further embodiments of the cartridge 20 further include a support member (not shown). The support member supports a susceptor 260 formed integrally with the core inside the cartridge 20. The support member includes all materials capable of withstanding the heat from the susceptor 260. The arrangement of the support member is not limited to the embodiment, and the support member is included in the body.

[0241] Since the susceptor 260, which is formed integrally with the core, is both the core and the susceptor, heat is generated both internally and externally, resulting in aerosol generation. Compared to an embodiment in which the core 220 and susceptor 230 are formed separately and then joined, forming the susceptor 260 integrally with the core increases the heat-generating area, ultimately improving atomization performance.

[0242] Simply put, in the case where the core 220 and susceptor 230 are combined, the core, which is made of cotton or silica, may carbonize, potentially generating harmful substances. Using a ceramic core reduces the degree of carbonization of the core. However, there is a risk of ceramic powder being generated from the ceramic core. Harmful substances such as ceramic powder may mix with aerosols and flow into the user's mouth.

[0243] In contrast, the susceptor 260, which is integrally formed with the core, does not carbonize when heated and therefore does not generate harmful substances. Thus, the cartridge 20, which includes the susceptor 260 integrally formed with the core, can reduce the harmful effects on the user.

[0244] Figure 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generator 1500 according to another embodiment.

[0245] The aerosol generator 1500 comprises a control unit 1510, a sensing unit 1520, an output unit 1530, a battery 1540, a heater 1550, a user input unit 1560, a memory 1570, and a communication unit 1580. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1500 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 15. That is, a person skilled in the art will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1500, some of the components shown in Figure 15 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0246] The sensing unit 1520 senses the state of the aerosol generator 1500 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1500 and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 1510. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1510 controls the aerosol generator 1500 so that various functions can be performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 1550, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert aerosol products (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0247] The sensing unit 1520 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 1522, insertion sensing sensor 1524, and puff sensor 1526.

[0248] The temperature sensor 1522 senses the temperature at which the heater 1550 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1500 may have a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1550, or the heater 1550 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1522 may be positioned around the battery 1540 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1540.

[0249] The insertion sensing sensor 1524 detects the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1524 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 detects a change in signal caused by the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0250] The puff sensor 1526 detects user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1526 detects user puffs based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0251] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 1522, insertion sensor 824, and puff sensor 1526), ​​the sensing unit 1520 further includes at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a 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). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0252] The output unit 1530 outputs information about the status of the aerosol generator 1500 and provides it to the user. The output unit 1530 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 1532, the haptic unit 1534, and the acoustic output unit 1536. When the display unit 1532 and the touchpad are arranged in a layered structure to form a touchscreen, the display unit 1532 is used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0253] The display unit 1532 visually provides the user with information about the aerosol generator 1500. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1500 can include various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 1540 of the aerosol generator 1500, the preheating status of the heater 1550, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or conditions under which the use of the aerosol generator 1500 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 1532 outputs this information to the outside. The display unit 1532 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or an LED light-emitting element.

[0254] The haptic unit 1534 converts electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1500. For example, the haptic unit 1534 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0255] The acoustic output unit 1536 provides the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1500. For example, the acoustic output unit 1536 converts electrical signals into acoustic signals and outputs them externally.

[0256] Battery 1540 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 1500. Battery 1540 also supplies power to heat the heater 1550. In addition, battery 1540 supplies power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1500 (e.g., the sensing unit 1520, the output unit 1530, the user input unit 1560, the memory 1570, and the communication unit 1580). Battery 1540 is either a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 1540 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0257] The heater 1550 is powered by the battery 1540 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 15, the aerosol generator 1500 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 1540 and supplies it to the heater 1550. Also, if the aerosol generator 1500 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 1500 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1540 into AC power supply.

[0258] The control unit 1510, sensing unit 1520, output unit 1530, user input unit 1560, memory 1570, and communication unit 1580 are powered by the battery 1540 and perform their functions. Although not shown in Figure 15, the system further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power from the battery 1540 and supplies it to each component.

[0259] In one embodiment, the heater 1550 may be formed of any suitable electrical-resistant material. For example, suitable electrical-resistant materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 130 may also be embodied in, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0260] In other embodiments, the heater 1550 is an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1550 includes a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0261] The user input unit 1560 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1560 may include, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in Figure 15, the aerosol generator 1500 is further equipped with a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and connects with other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 1540.

[0262] Memory 1570 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1500, and stores data processed by the control unit 1510 and data being processed. Memory 1570 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), 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. Memory 1570 stores data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1500, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0263] The communication unit 1580 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1580 comprises a short-range communication unit 1582 and a wireless communication unit 1584.

[0264] The short-range communication unit 1582 includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth® communication units, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication units, short-range wireless communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee communication units, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (ultra wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc.

[0265] The wireless communication unit 1584 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 1584 can verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 1500 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0266] The control unit 1510 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1500. In one embodiment, the control unit 1510 comprises at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Those skilled in the art will understand that it may also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0267] The control unit 1510 controls the temperature of the heater 1550 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1540 to the heater 1550. For example, the control unit 1510 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1540 and the heater 1550. In another example, a direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 1550 by a control command from the control unit 1510.

[0268] The control unit 1510 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 1520 and controls subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1520, the control unit 1510 controls the power supplied to the heater 1550 so that the heater 1550 starts or stops operating. As another example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1520, the control unit 1510 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 1550 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 1550 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0269] The control unit 1510 controls the output unit 1530 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1520. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1526 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1510 notifies the user that the aerosol generator 1500 will soon be finished, through at least one of the display unit 1532, the haptic unit 1534, and the acoustic output unit 1536.

[0270] One embodiment also embodies a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available medium accessible by a computer, and include both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media, embodied in any method or technique for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals or other data, and include any information transmission medium.

[0271] The above-mentioned descriptions of embodiments are illustrative only, and those skilled in the art will understand from them that a variety of variations and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be defined by the attached claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims must be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A storage section for storing aerosol-generating materials, A core is positioned below the storage section and absorbs the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage section, The system comprises one or more susceptors positioned on at least one outer surface of the core, which generate heat in response to an induced magnetic field to atomize the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core into an aerosol, The at least one of the outer surfaces is a flat outer surface on which the susceptor is placed, and the core includes a first region on the flat outer surface where the susceptor is placed and a second region where the susceptor is not placed. A cartridge wherein the second region includes an discharge region through which the aerosol exits the core, and the second region of the core has a hollow formed through which the aerosol generated by the susceptor passes the core.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the susceptor is arranged parallel to the direction in which the lower surface of the storage section extends.

3. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the one or more susceptors include a plurality of susceptors arranged on different outer surfaces of the core.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the one or more susceptors include a plurality of susceptors arranged on the same outer surface of the core.

5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the discharge region is formed along the edge of the susceptor.

6. The susceptor includes two patterns arranged on the same outer surface of the core, The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the discharge region is formed between the two patterns.

7. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the susceptor includes a helical pattern.

8. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the susceptor includes a plurality of first patterns arranged sequentially in one direction, and a plurality of second patterns connecting the plurality of first patterns in the one direction.

9. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of first patterns includes a first extension pattern extending in a direction transverse to the one direction, a second extension pattern extending in the one direction, and a connecting pattern connecting the first extension pattern and the second extension pattern.

10. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of second patterns includes a curved pattern.

11. A storage section for storing aerosol-generating materials, A core is positioned below the storage section and absorbs the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage section, The system comprises one or more susceptors positioned on at least one outer surface of the core, which generate heat in response to an induced magnetic field to atomize the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core into an aerosol, The at least one of the outer surfaces is a flat outer surface on which the susceptor is placed, and the core includes a first region on the flat outer surface where the susceptor is placed and a second region where the susceptor is not placed. The second region includes an exhaust region through which the aerosol exits the core. The susceptor includes a first portion which is parallel to each other and spaced about a first interval apart at the periphery of any one of the outer surfaces of the core, and a second portion which is parallel to each other and spaced about a second interval apart at the center of any one of the outer surfaces of the core. A cartridge in which the first interval is greater than the second interval.

12. A storage section for storing aerosol-generating materials, A core is positioned below the storage section and absorbs the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the storage section, The system comprises one or more susceptors positioned on at least one outer surface of the core, which generate heat in response to an induced magnetic field to atomize the aerosol-generating material absorbed by the core into an aerosol, The at least one of the outer surfaces is a flat outer surface on which the susceptor is placed, and the core includes a first region on the flat outer surface where the susceptor is placed and a second region where the susceptor is not placed. The second region includes an exhaust region through which the aerosol exits the core. The susceptor includes a first susceptor disposed on one outer surface of the core, and a second susceptor disposed on the other outer surface of the core facing the first outer surface. The first susceptor includes a first portion which is parallel to each other and spaced about a third apart, and the second susceptor includes a second portion which is spaced about a fourth apart. The third interval is a cartridge smaller than the fourth interval.

13. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, An aerosol generating device comprising a main body located at the bottom of the cartridge and containing an induction coil for generating an induction magnetic field.

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