Cartridge and aerosol-generating apparatus comprising same

Abstract

According to an embodiment, an aerosol-generating apparatus comprises: a first container storing an aerosol-generating material and including an opening in the bottom thereof; a second container extending from the bottom of the first container and receiving the aerosol-generating material from the first container to generate aerosol; and a sealing member interposed between the first container and the second container to cover the opening. The first container includes a protrusion protruding from the inner side of the lower portion of a sidewall, and the protrusion is configured to support the sealing member from above.

Description

Cartridge and aerosol generating device containing same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same, and more particularly, to a cartridge having a structurally improved capacity for accommodating an aerosol generating substance and an aerosol device including the same.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosol by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating materials using an aerosol generator, rather than by burning cigarettes to produce aerosol. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol generators is actively underway.

[0003] A cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance is mounted on the aerosol-generating device and can be replaced. When the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge is exhausted, the user can replace it with a different cartridge to continue using the aerosol-generating device. The frequency at which the user replaces the cartridge is related to the capacity of the aerosol-generating substance contained within the cartridge.

[0004] Embodiments provide a cartridge configured to support a sealing member covering an opening of a first container from above as a protruding structure to the user.

[0005] Embodiments provide an aerosol generating device that provides a user with a stable seal of the opening edge of the first container while still providing a sufficient capacity for the aerosol generating material.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0007] A cartridge according to one embodiment comprises a first container storing an aerosol generating substance and having an opening at a lower portion thereof, a second container extending from a lower portion of the first container and receiving an aerosol generating substance from the first container to generate an aerosol, and a sealing member interposed between the first container and the second container and covering the opening, wherein the first container comprises a protrusion protruding on the inner side of a lower portion of a side wall, and the protrusion can be configured to support the sealing member from above.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a body coupled to a cartridge, into which an aerosol generated from the cartridge flows, and including a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article, and a heater for heating the aerosol generating article received in the body.

[0009] According to the cartridge according to the embodiments, a structurally improved cartridge having an increased aerosol generating substance capacity and an aerosol device including the same can be provided to a user.

[0010] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating device including a cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is an exploded side view schematically showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment, viewed in the AA direction.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 3 cut in the BB direction according to one embodiment and viewed downward.

[0016] FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 3 cut in the CC direction according to one embodiment and viewed in the +x axis direction.

[0017] Figure 7b is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge of Figure 3 cut in the CC direction and viewed in the -x axis direction.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 3 cut in the BB direction according to one embodiment, viewed upward.

[0019] Figures 9a to 9c are conceptual diagrams schematically illustrating the outline of a side wall according to another embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0021] The terms used in the examples are selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply based on their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0022] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0023] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0024] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.

[0025] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0026] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0027] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Additionally, the tobacco rod may 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.

[0028] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol.

[0029] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0030] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the body, and may be secured so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be mounted to the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, this is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0031] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0032] The cartridge can be operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of an aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas that is a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air.

[0033] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol may pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0034] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0035] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, which may generate short-cycle vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the vibrator or may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the vibrator.

[0037] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating current) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to an aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0038] For example, the viscosity of an aerosol-generating substance absorbed into a wick may be lowered by heat generated from a vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated by fine particles of an aerosol-generating substance with a lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from a vibrator, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0040] An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed within the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is positioned within the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

[0041] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0042] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are combined.

[0043] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of an aerosol generating device including a cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (10) may include a battery (13), a control unit (14), a heater (121), and a cartridge (1). The aerosol generating device (10) of FIG. 1 may include a housing including a receiving space (12) in which an aerosol generating article (11) is received. The aerosol generating article (11) may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (10), and thus the aerosol generating article (11) may be received in the receiving space (12) of the housing. In addition, although the aerosol generating device (10) is illustrated as including a heater (121), the heater (121) may be omitted if necessary.

[0047] Components of an aerosol generating device (10) related to the present embodiment are illustrated in FIG. 1. Accordingly, in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 1, other general components may be further included in the aerosol generating device (10).

[0048] In Fig. 1, the cartridge (1) and the heater (121) are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (10) is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 1. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (10), the arrangement of the battery (13), the control unit (14), the heater (121), and the cartridge (1) may be changed.

[0049] The heater (121) can heat the aerosol generating article (11). When the aerosol generating article (11) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (10), the aerosol generating device (10) can operate the heater (121) and / or the cartridge (1) to generate aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater (121) and / or the cartridge (1) can pass through the aerosol generating article (11) and be delivered to the user.

[0050] The battery (13) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (10). For example, the battery (13) can supply power to heat the heater (121) or the aerosol generating article (11), and can supply power required for the control unit (14) to operate. In addition, the battery (13) can supply power required for the operation of the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (10).

[0051] The control unit (14) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (10). Specifically, the control unit (14) can control the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (10) other than the battery (13), the heater (121), and the cartridge (1). In addition, the control unit (14) can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (10) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (10) is in an operable state.

[0052] The control unit (14) includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable on the microprocessor. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the processor may be implemented using other types of hardware.

[0053] The heater (121) can be heated by power supplied from the battery (13). For example, when the aerosol generating article (11) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (10), the heater (121) can be located outside the aerosol generating article (11). Accordingly, the heated heater (121) can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating article (11).

[0054] The heater (121) may be an electrical resistance heater (121). For example, the heater (121) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (121) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater (121) is not limited to the above-described example, and any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature may be used without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device (10), or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0055] Meanwhile, as another example, the heater (121) may be an induction heating heater (121). Specifically, the heater (121) may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol generating article (11) by induction heating, and the aerosol generating article (11) may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater (121).

[0056] The aerosol-generating article (11) may be a cigarette or other heatable material. The aerosol-generating article (11) may include tobacco leaves. However, the above description is merely an example of the aerosol-generating article (11), and the type of the aerosol-generating article (11) is not limited thereto.

[0057] Although the heater (121) is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being positioned on the outside of the aerosol generating article (11), it is not limited thereto. For example, the heater (121) may include a tubular heating element (52), a plate-shaped heating element (52), a needle-shaped heating element (52), or a rod-shaped heating element (52), and may heat the inside or the outside of the aerosol generating article (11) depending on the shape of the heating element (52).

[0058] In addition, a plurality of heaters (121) may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (10). At this time, the plurality of heaters (121) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article (11) or may be arranged on the exterior of the aerosol generating article (11). In addition, some of the plurality of heaters (121) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article (11), and the rest may be arranged on the exterior of the aerosol generating article (11). In addition, the shape of the heater (121) is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIG. 1, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0059] The cartridge (1) can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to a user through a cigarette. In other words, the aerosol generated by the cartridge (1) can travel along an airflow passage of an aerosol generating device (10), and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the cartridge (1) can be delivered to a user through a cigarette.

[0060] The cartridge (1) can accommodate an aerosol-generating substance. The aerosol-generating substance can be distinguished from the aerosol-generating article (11). The aerosol-generating substance can be in the form of a liquid composition. The aerosol-generating substance can be a component of the cartridge (1), but is not limited thereto. For example, the aerosol-generating substance can be disposed on the exterior of the cartridge (1). The aerosol-generating substance can also be a component of the aerosol-generating device (10).

[0061] For example, the aerosol generating material may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0062] The liquid delivery means can deliver the aerosol generating material from the liquid storage to the heating element (52). For example, the liquid delivery means can be a wick (51) such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] The heating element (52) may be an element for heating an aerosol-generating substance delivered by a liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element (52) may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater (121), etc. In addition, the heating element (52) may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element (52) may be heated by a current supply, and may transfer heat to an aerosol-generating substance in contact with the heating element (52), thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance. As a result, an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating substance.

[0064] Figure 2 is an exploded side view schematically showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (10) according to one embodiment may include a cover (15), a body (16), a button (17), and a cartridge (1). Here, the aerosol generating device (10) and the cartridge (1) may be identical to the aerosol generating device (10) and the cartridge (1) described in FIG. 1, respectively.

[0066] The cover (15) can be coupled to one end of the main body (16), so that the main body (16) and the cover (15) can form the exterior of the aerosol generating device (10). An insertion space into which an aerosol generating article (11) can be inserted can be formed on the upper surface of the cover (15) coupled to the main body (16).

[0067] The main body (16) forms a part of the exterior of the aerosol generating device (10) and can perform the function of accommodating and protecting components of the aerosol generating device (10). For example, a battery (13), a control unit (14), and / or a heater (121) can be accommodated inside the main body (16), but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The main body (16) and cover (15) can be manufactured from a plastic material that does not conduct heat well or a metal material with a heat-insulating material coated on the surface. The main body (16) and cover (15) can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding, 3D printing, or assembling small parts manufactured by injection molding.

[0069] The components of the aerosol generating device (10) are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the aerosol generating device (10) according to another embodiment may not include the cover (15).

[0070] The cover (15) can be separated from the main body (16) by being released from its connection with the main body (16). For example, the cover (15) can be separated from the main body (16) in the z direction. When the cover (15) is separated from the main body (16), the upper part of the main body (16), the button (17), and the cartridge (1) can be exposed to the outside.

[0071] The button (17) is positioned so that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside of the main body (16), and can serve to release the fastening relationship between the main body (16) and the cartridge (1) according to a user's input. For example, when a user's input is applied to the button (17), the cartridge (1) can be detached from the main body (16).

[0072] The cartridge (1) stores an aerosol generating substance and can be detachably coupled to one end of the main body (16).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (1) may be applied as a component of an aerosol generating device (10) in combination with a main body (16) including a control unit (14) and / or a battery (13). For example, a heating element (52) (not shown) included in the cartridge (1) may be electrically connected to the main body (16) to receive power from the battery (13), and the power supply may be controlled by the control unit (14).

[0074] That is, by supplying and controlling power to the heating element (52) in the aerosol generating device (10) including the cartridge (1), an aerosol can be generated from a liquid or gel-state aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (1). The aerosol generated in the cartridge (1) can be introduced into the main body (16).

[0075] An aerosol generating device (10) including a cartridge (1) can generate an aerosol not only by heating an aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (1), but also by heating an inserted aerosol generating article (11). Accordingly, a hybrid type aerosol generating device (10) can be implemented.

[0076] In Fig. 2, the cartridge (1) is depicted as approaching the side of the main body (16) and being coupled to the main body (16), but the coupling method of the cartridge (1) and the main body (16) is not limited to this. For example, the cartridge (1) may be coupled to the main body (16) by approaching in the -z direction from a position spaced apart from the main body (16) in the z direction, such as a cover (15).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (1) is a cartridge (1) that can be inserted and removed into an aerosol generating device (10). When the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge (1) is completely consumed, the aerosol generating substance can be newly replenished or replaced with another cartridge (1) that stores the aerosol generating substance.

[0078] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the control unit (14) according to one embodiment can receive information about the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material. The cartridge (1) can transmit information about the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material to the control unit (14). The aerosol generating device (10) can control whether to heat the aerosol generating article (11) by controlling the heater (121) according to the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material (2). The control unit (14) can control whether to heat the aerosol generating article (11) by controlling the heater (121) according to the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material. For example, the control unit (14) may not heat the aerosol generating article (11) when the remaining amount of aerosol generation is below a certain level.

[0079] Meanwhile, the consumption pattern of the aerosol-generating product (11) may be related to the distribution structure according to the predetermined specifications of the aerosol-generating product (11). The aerosol-generating product (11) may be distributed in a predetermined number of units. The aerosol-generating product (11) may be distributed in a predetermined bundle unit. For example, the aerosol-generating product (11) may be distributed in units of 20. Distribution of the aerosol-generating product (11) may involve the user purchasing the aerosol-generating product (11) from a retail store. For example, the user may typically purchase the aerosol-generating product (11) in units of 20. However, the general distribution structure and transaction unit of the aerosol-generating product (11) are not limited to the above description. Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating substance may be supplied to the user through a distribution channel similar to that of the aerosol-generating product (11).

[0080] The amount of aerosol generating material (2) that can be accommodated by the cartridge (1) according to one embodiment may be related to the user's consumption pattern of the aerosol generating article (11). If the amount of aerosol generating material that can be accommodated by the cartridge (1) is adjusted to suit the consumption pattern of the aerosol generating article (11), the usability of the aerosol generating device (10) may be increased. If the size of the space (61) in which the cartridge (1) can accommodate the aerosol generating material is designed to suit the consumption pattern of the aerosol generating article (11), the usability of the aerosol generating device (10) may be increased.

[0081] An aerosol generating device (10) according to one embodiment can generate an aerosol by simultaneously consuming an aerosol generating article (11) and an aerosol generating substance (2). The aerosol generating device (10) can consume the aerosol generating article (11) by a heater (121) heating the aerosol generating article (11). While the aerosol generating device (10) generates an aerosol by consuming a unit of the aerosol generating article (11), the cartridge (1) can generate an aerosol by consuming a predetermined amount of the aerosol generating substance.

[0082] A standard for the amount of aerosol generating material consumed from the cartridge (1) while the aerosol generating device (10) consumes one unit of aerosol generating article (11) can be determined in advance.

[0083] The predetermined standard for the amount of aerosol generating material consumed by the cartridge (1) may be a standardized value by analyzing the user's usage pattern for the aerosol generating device (10). For example, the aerosol generating material (2) consumed by the cartridge (1) while the aerosol generating device consumes one aerosol generating article (11) may be standardized to approximately 0.06 ml. However, the quantitative relationship between the aerosol generating article (11) of the aerosol generating device (10) and the aerosol generating material is not limited to the above description.

[0084] The amount of aerosol generating material (2) that can be accommodated by a cartridge (1) according to one embodiment may be related to the amount of aerosol generating material consumed by the cartridge (1) when the aerosol generating device (10) consumes a specific number of distribution units or transaction units of aerosol generating material.

[0085] The aerosol-generating article (11) may be distributed in a predetermined number of units. The aerosol-generating article (11) may be distributed in a predetermined bundle unit. For example, the aerosol-generating article (11) may be distributed in units of 20. Distribution of the aerosol-generating article (11) may involve a user purchasing the aerosol-generating article (11) from a retail store. For example, a user may typically purchase the aerosol-generating article (11) in units of 20. However, the distribution unit or transaction unit of the aerosol-generating substance (2) is not limited to the above description.

[0086] The amount of aerosol generating material (2) that can be accommodated by a cartridge (1) according to one embodiment may be proportional to the number of aerosol generating articles (11) that can be heated without replacing the cartridge (1). The 'number of aerosol generating articles (11) that can be heated without replacing the cartridge (1)' may mean the number of aerosol generating articles (11) that can be heated using one cartridge (1).

[0087] The amount of aerosol generating material that one cartridge (1) can accommodate may be an integer multiple of the amount of aerosol generating material consumed by the cartridge (1) while the aerosol generating device (10) consumes 20 aerosol generating articles (11).

[0088] For example, if one cartridge (1) consumes approximately 0.06 ml of aerosol generating material while the aerosol generating device (10) consumes one aerosol generating article (11), the cartridge (1) can consume approximately 1.2 ml of aerosol generating material while the aerosol generating device (10) consumes 20 aerosol generating articles (11).

[0089] For another example, if the cartridge (1) consumes approximately 0.06 ml of the aerosol generating substance (2) while the aerosol generating device (10) consumes one aerosol generating article (11), the cartridge (1) can consume approximately 2.4 ml of the aerosol generating substance while the aerosol generating device (10) consumes 40 aerosol generating articles (11). However, the quantitative relationship between the consumption of the aerosol generating article (11) and the aerosol generating substance (2) by the aerosol generating device (10) is not limited to the above description.

[0090] When the amount of aerosol generating material that the cartridge (1) can accommodate is an integer multiple of the transaction unit for the aerosol generating article (11), the replacement cycle of the user's cartridge (1) can be located on the transaction cycle for the aerosol generating material. When the replacement cycle of the user's cartridge (1) is located on the transaction cycle for the aerosol generating material, the usability of the aerosol generating device (10) can be increased. However, the transaction unit of the aerosol generating article (11) and the amount of aerosol generating material (2) accommodated by the cartridge (1) are not limited to the above description.

[0091] The amount of aerosol generating material accommodated by the cartridge (1) may be an amount that adds 10% of the standard consumption amount of the aerosol generating material to account for errors depending on the individual usage pattern of the user. For example, the cartridge (1) may accommodate approximately 1.32 ml of the aerosol generating material. For example, the cartridge (1) may accommodate approximately 2.64 ml of the aerosol generating material. For example, the cartridge (1) may accommodate 1.5 ml or more and 4 ml or less of the aerosol generating material. For example, the cartridge (1) may accommodate 2.4 ml or more and 2.8 ml or less of the aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating device (10) may heat an aerosol generating article (11) by an integer multiple of 22 without replacing the cartridge (1). For example, the aerosol generating device (10) can heat an integer multiple of 22 aerosol generating articles (11) without exchanging the cartridge (1). For example, the aerosol generating device (10) can heat 42 or more and 46 or less aerosol generating articles (11) without exchanging the cartridge (1).

[0092] The amount of aerosol generating material accommodated by the cartridge (1) may be an amount that adds 5% or 15% to the standard consumption amount of the aerosol generating material, taking into account the error according to the individual usage pattern of the user. For example, the aerosol generating device (10) can heat an aerosol generating article (11) by an integer multiple of 21 without replacing the cartridge (1). For example, the aerosol generating device (10) can heat an aerosol generating article (11) by an integer multiple of 23 without replacing the cartridge (1).

[0093] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0094] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the cartridge of Fig. 3, viewed in the AA direction, according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge of Fig. 3, viewed in the BB direction, viewed downward, according to one embodiment.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a cartridge (1) according to one embodiment may include a first container (3), a second container (6), and a heating element (52).

[0096] The first container (3) stores an aerosol generating material and may include an opening (30) at the bottom. The opening (30) of the first container (3) may be a space (61) defined by the lower portion of the inner wall of the first container (3).

[0097] The second container (6) can accommodate a heating element (52). The second container (6) can be connected to the lower portion of the first container (3). The second container (6) can extend along the direction in which the first container (3) extends.

[0098] The heating element (52) can heat an aerosol-generating substance. The heating element (52) can heat the aerosol-generating substance to generate an aerosol. The heating element (52) can heat the aerosol-generating substance transferred to the second container (6) through the opening (30) at the bottom of the first container (3) to generate an aerosol. However, the aerosol-generating substance that the heating element (52) can heat is not limited to that transferred from the first container (3) to the second container (6).

[0099] A cartridge (1) according to one embodiment may include a frame (5) and a wick (51). The frame (5) may be inserted into a space (61) inside a second container (6) and coupled with the second container (6). The wick (51) may absorb an aerosol generating substance. The wick (51) may serve to fix the position of the aerosol generating substance so that the heating element (52) may heat the aerosol generating substance well. The wick (51) may be accommodated in a wick coupling groove (53) included in the frame (5).

[0100] The aerosol generating material absorbed into the wick (51) and heated by the heating element can be discharged as an aerosol through the chamber outlet (55) of the frame (5). The chamber outlet (55) can be connected to the cartridge outlet (62) of the second container (6). The cartridge outlet (62) can discharge the aerosol to the outside of the cartridge (1).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the first container (3) may include an upper cover (34) at the top. The upper cover (34) may be connected to a side wall (33). The upper cover (34) may be attached to the side wall (33) through a UV sealing or ultrasonic process. However, the upper cover (34) may also be formed integrally with the side wall (33).

[0102] The upper cover (34) may include an inlet passage (32) through which air from outside the cartridge (1) is introduced. The inlet passage (32) may transmit air from outside the cartridge (1) to the interior of the frame (5) through the cartridge passage (54) of the frame (5).

[0103] A cartridge (1) according to one embodiment may include a sealing member (4). The sealing member (4) may prevent leakage of an aerosol generating substance. The sealing member (4) may be coupled to at least a portion of a first container (3) to prevent the aerosol generating substance stored in the first container (3) from leaking outside the cartridge (1).

[0104] The sealing member (4) may include an inlet hole (41) and a connecting hole (42). A plurality of inlet holes (41) may be formed at positions corresponding to the end of the wick (51). The inlet hole (41) may have a function of transferring an aerosol generating material from the first container (3) to the second container (6). The connecting hole (42) may have a function of transferring external air introduced through the inlet passage (32) to the second container (6).

[0105] A sealing member (4) may be interposed between the first container (3) and the second container (6). The sealing member (4) may cover (15) the opening (30) of the first container (3). The sealing member (4) may prevent the aerosol generating material (2) from leaking to the outside of the first container (3). Leaking the aerosol generating material to the outside of the first container (3) may mean that the aerosol generating material inside the first container (3) moves to a space (61) other than the inlet hole (41) of the sealing member (4) or to the outside of the cartridge (1). The sealing member (4) may cover (15) the edge direction of the opening (30) of the first container (3).

[0106] The sealing member (4) may be made of a material that can be tightly bonded to a portion of the first container (3). The sealing member (4) may include an elastic material. For example, the sealing member (4) may be made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] The sealing member (4) can be tightly coupled to at least a portion of the opening (30) through which the internal space (61) of the first container (3) can be exposed, thereby preventing leakage of the aerosol generating substance. Here, tightly coupled may mean that the sealing member (4) is firmly coupled to the first container (3) so that no gap is created between the first container (3) and other components through which the aerosol generating substance can leak.

[0108] The sealing member (4) may be fixed to the joint of the first container (3) and the second container (6). If the sealing member (4) is not properly fixed to the joint of the first container (3) and the second container (6), an aerosol generating substance may leak from the first container (3). The degree of freedom of movement of the sealing member (4) may need to be appropriately restricted so that the sealing member (4) can be properly fixed. The degree of freedom of movement of the sealing member (4) may refer to the 'degree and / or amount of deformation' when the sealing member (4) is elastically pressed between the first container (3) and the second container (6) so as to sufficiently seal the space between the first container (3) and the second container (6). The degree of freedom of movement of the sealing member (4) may refer to the 'degree and / or amount of deformation' when the sealing member (4) is elastically pressed in the direction of gravity and deformed. The degree of freedom of movement of the sealing member (4) may refer to the 'degree and / or amount of deformation' in which at least a portion of the sealing member (4) is elastically pressed in the opposite direction of the force and deformed. The opposite direction of the force may be due to a virtual inertial force, but is not limited thereto.

[0109] The sealing member (4) may be fixed between the frame (5) and the first container (3). The sealing member (4) may be supported from below by the frame (5). The contact area of ​​the sealing member (4) with the frame (5) may be greater than the contact area of ​​the sealing member (4) with the first container (3). The sealing member (4) may not have a large degree of freedom to flow downward. If there is no structure that supports the sealing member (4) upward, the degree of freedom to flow upward of the sealing member (4) may be greater than the degree of freedom to flow downward. When the sealing member (4) flows upward, the sealing member (4) may not cover (15) the edge side of the opening (30) of the first container (3). If the edge side of the opening (30) of the first container (3) is not covered (15) by the sealing member (4), the aerosol generating substance may leak out of the cartridge (1).

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a first container (3) according to one embodiment may include a protrusion (31). The protrusion (31) may protrude from the inner side of the lower portion of the side wall (33) of the first container (3). The protrusion (31) may support the sealing member (4) from above. An end of the protrusion (31) may be in contact with the upper surface of the sealing member (4).

[0111] The protrusion (31) can restrict the degree of freedom of the sealing member (4) toward the upper side. The protrusion (31) can prevent at least a portion of the sealing member (4) from deforming toward the upper side. The protrusion (31) can help the sealing member (4) maintain an appropriate position between the first container (3) and the second container (6).

[0112] In addition, the protrusion (31) can function to maintain the distance between the sealing member (4) and the first container (3). The protrusion (31) can help the sealing member (4) cover (15) the opening (30) of the first container (3). The protrusion (31) can prevent the aerosol generating material contained in the first container (3) from leaking out of the cartridge (1). There can be a plurality of protrusions (31). The protrusions (31) can be arranged along the periphery of the sealing member (4). However, the function and role of the protrusions (31) are not limited to the above description.

[0113] FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 3 cut in the CC direction and viewed in the +x-axis direction according to one embodiment. FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 3 cut in the CC direction and viewed in the -x-axis direction.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, components of a cartridge (1) according to one embodiment may have a predetermined height in the +z-axis direction.

[0115] The height (h1) of the first container (3) may be the distance from the joining point of the first container (3) and the second container (6) to the upper cover (34) of the first container (3).

[0116] The height (h2) of the second container (6) may be the distance from the joining point of the first container (3) and the second container (6) to the lower part of the second container (6).

[0117] The height (h3) of the protrusion (31) may be the length of the protrusion (31) protruding in a direction parallel to the z-axis direction from the inner surface of the first container (3). The height (h3) of the protrusion (31) may be the length of the protrusion (31) measured in a direction parallel to the z-axis direction from the inner surface of the first container (3).

[0118] In a case where the space (61) occupied by the protrusion (31) according to one embodiment inside the first container (3) is not large, the amount of aerosol generating material that can be accommodated inside the first container (3) can be large.

[0119] The upper height (h3) of the protrusion (31) may be 0.5% or more and 20% or less of the upper height (h1) of the first container (3). The upper height (h3) of the protrusion (31) may be 0.7% or more and 15% or less of the upper height (h1) of the first container (3). The upper height (h3) of the protrusion (31) may be 1% or more and 10% or less of the upper height (h1) of the first container (3). When the upper height (h3) of the protrusion (31) has a relatively lower height compared to the upper height (h1) of the first container (3), the amount of aerosol generating material that can be accommodated inside the first container (3) may be large. However, the ratio of the heights of the protrusion (31) and the first container (3) is not limited to the above description.

[0120] 'Upper direction' may mean the direction in which the cartridge (1) extends long, i.e. the z-axis direction.

[0121] The interior of the second container (6) according to one embodiment may contain a number of other components in addition to the aerosol generating material. The ratio of the volume occupied by the aerosol generating material to the total volume of the interior of the cartridge (1) may be the highest.

[0122] When the volume ratio of the first container (3) is greater than that of the second container (6), the amount of aerosol generating material that the cartridge (1) can accommodate may be large. The upper height (h2) of the second container (6) may be 20% or more and 40% or less of the upper height (h1) of the first container (3). The upper height (h2) of the second container (6) may be 15% or more and 35% or less of the upper height (h1) of the first container (3). The upper height (h2) of the second container (6) may be 10% or more and 30% or less of the upper height (h1) of the first container (3). When the height (h1) of the first container (3) is relatively higher than the height (h2) of the second container (6), the amount of aerosol generating material that the cartridge (1) can accommodate may be large.

[0123] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 3 cut in the BB direction according to one embodiment, viewed upward.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, a first container (3) according to one embodiment may have a horizontal width (w1) and a vertical width (w2). The horizontal width (w1) may be the maximum distance in the y-axis direction formed by the outer surface of the side wall (33). The vertical width (w2) may be the maximum distance in the x-axis direction formed by the outer surface of the side wall (33).

[0125] The area formed by the inner surface of the side wall (33) of the first container (3) according to one embodiment may be defined as the area of ​​a closed curve formed by the inner surface of the side wall (33) of the first container (3) in a cross-section cut along a plane parallel to the z-axis of the first container (3). The larger the area formed by the inner surface of the side wall (33) of the first container (3), the greater the amount of aerosol generating material that the first container (3) can accommodate. The area of ​​the inner surface of the side wall (33) in a cross-section cut along a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the first container (3) is 68 More than 80 It may be as follows. However, the area inside the side wall (33) is not limited to the above description.

[0126] The side wall (33) of the first container (3) may have a predetermined thickness (w3). When the outer surfaces of the side walls (33) of the first container (3) have the same area, the smaller the thickness (w3) of the side walls (33), the larger the area formed by the inner surface of the side walls (33) of the first container (3). The smaller the thickness (w3) of the side walls (33), the greater the amount of aerosol-generating material that the first container (3) can accommodate. The smaller the thickness (w3) of the side walls (33) is compared to the horizontal width (w1) and the vertical width (w2), the greater the amount of aerosol-generating material that the first container (3) can accommodate. The thickness (w3) of the side walls (33) may be 2% or more and 7% or less of the horizontal width (w1). The thickness (w3) of the side wall (33) may be 3% or more and 10% or less of the vertical width (w2). However, the thickness (w3) of the side wall (33) is not limited to the above description.

[0127] Figures 9a to 9c are conceptual diagrams schematically illustrating the outline of a side wall according to other embodiments.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 3, 8, and 9a to 9c, the side wall (33) included in the first container (1) may have an outer contour (330a, 330b, 330c). The outer contour (330a, 330b, 330c) may include straight portions (331a, 331b, 331c) and curved portions (332a, 332b, 332c). The side wall (33) of the first container (3) may have an outer contour (330a, 330b, 330c) including straight portions (331a, 331b, 331c) and curved portions (332a, 332b, 332c) in a direction perpendicular to the height direction. 'Height direction' can mean the direction in which the first container extends, i.e. the z-axis direction.

[0129] According to the embodiment, both ends of the straight portions (331a, 331b, 331c) can be connected to both ends of the curved portions (332a, 332b, 332c).

[0130] When the first container (3) is cut in a cross-section perpendicular to the height direction, the shape formed by the outer contour (330a) may be approximately a semicircle. The curved portion (332a) may be an arc-shaped portion whose central angle is a right angle. In this case, when the degree of curvature of at least a portion of the curved portion (332a) increases, the outer contour (330a) may be deformed in an expanding direction.

[0131] Referring to Fig. 9b, when the outer contour (330b) of the curved portion (332b) according to the embodiment is expanded, the area of ​​the inner side of the side wall (33) may increase. When the area of ​​the inner side of the side wall (33) increases, the amount of aerosol generating material that the first container (3) can accommodate may increase. When the curved portion (332b) is deformed in a convex direction with respect to the straight portion, the amount of aerosol generating material that the first container (3) can accommodate may increase. When the curved portion (332b) is deformed, the distance from the straight portion (331b) to the upper end of the curved portion (332b) may not change, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] The cartridge (1) according to the embodiment can maintain a predetermined curvature on the curved portion (332) to ensure the user's convenience of use. If the curved portion (332) has a predetermined curved shape, it can prevent the cartridge (1) from slipping out of the user's hand. The outer contour (330) of the cartridge (1) can have a shape between a semicircle and a rectangle to maintain a balance between the user's convenience of use and the solubility of the aerosol generating substance. The curved portion (332b) can be formed to have a plurality of curvature radii. The 'solubility of the aerosol generating substance' can mean the total amount of the aerosol generating substance that the cartridge (1) can accommodate.

[0133] Referring to Fig. 9c, the curved portion (332c) of the outer contour (330c) may have a trapezoidal shape with a curved vertex of the cross-section. The curved portion (332c) may have a rectangular shape with a rounded vertex of the upper side. When the curved portion (332c) is formed close to a rectangle while maintaining a minimum degree of curvature, an appropriate balance between user convenience and the solubility of the aerosol generating substance can be maintained.

[0134] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (900) according to another embodiment.

[0135] The aerosol generating device (900) may include a control unit (910), a sensing unit (980), an output unit (930), a battery (940), a heater (950), a user input unit (960), a memory (970), and a communication unit (980). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (900) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 10. That is, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (900).

[0136] The sensing unit (980) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (900) or the status around the aerosol generating device (900) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (910). Based on the detected information, the control unit (910) can control the aerosol generating device (900) to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater (950), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0137] The sensing unit (980) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a temperature sensor (922), an insertion detection sensor (924), and a puff sensor (926).

[0138] The temperature sensor (922) can detect the temperature at which the heater (950) (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device (900) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (950), or the heater (950) itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor (922) may be placed around the battery (940) to monitor the temperature of the battery (940).

[0139] The insertion detection sensor (924) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor (924) can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change as the aerosol-generating article is inserted and / or removed.

[0140] The puff sensor (926) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor (926) can detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature changes, flow changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0141] In addition to the sensors (922 to 926) described above, the sensing unit (980) may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0142] The output unit (930) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (900) and provide it to the user. The output unit (930) can include at least one of a display unit (932), a haptic unit (934), and an audio output unit (936), but is not limited thereto. When the display unit (932) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (932) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0143] The display unit (932) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (900) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery (940) of the aerosol generating device (900), the preheating status of the heater (950), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (900) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal product), and the display unit (932) can output the above information to the outside. The display unit (932) can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. In addition, the display unit (932) can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0144] The haptic component (934) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user. For example, the haptic component (934) can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0145] The acoustic output unit (936) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (936) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0146] The battery (940) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (900). The battery (940) can supply power so that the heater (950) can be heated. In addition, the battery (940) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (900) (e.g., the sensing unit (980), the output unit (930), the user input unit (960), the memory (970), and the communication unit (980)). The battery (940) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (940) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] The heater (950) can receive power from the battery (940) to heat the aerosol generating material. Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (900) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery (940) and supplies it to the heater (950). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (900) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (900) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the battery (940) into alternating current power.

[0148] The control unit (910), sensing unit (980), output unit (930), user input unit (960), memory (970), and communication unit (980) can perform functions by receiving power from the battery (940). Although not shown in FIG. 10, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the battery (940) and supplies it to each component.

[0149] In one embodiment, the heater (950) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. In addition, the heater (950) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0150] In another embodiment, the heater (950) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the heater (950) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0151] The user input unit (960) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit (960) may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact electrostatic capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (900) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a battery (940) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0152] The memory (970) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (900), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (910). The memory (970) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (970) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (900), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0153] The communication unit (980) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (980) may include a short-range communication unit (1082) and a wireless communication unit (1084).

[0154] The short-range wireless communication unit (982) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0155] The wireless communication unit (1084) may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit (1084) may also use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device (900) within the communication network.

[0156] The control unit (910) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (900). In one embodiment, the control unit (910) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0157] The control unit (910) can control the temperature of the heater (950) by controlling the supply of power from the battery (940) to the heater (950). For example, the control unit (910) can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery (940) and the heater (950). In another example, the heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater (950) according to a control command from the control unit (910).

[0158] The control unit (910) can analyze the results detected by the sensing unit (980) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (910) can control the power supplied to the heater (950) so that the operation of the heater (950) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensing unit (980). As another example, the control unit (910) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (950) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (950) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensing unit (980).

[0159] The control unit (910) can control the output unit (930) based on the result detected by the sensing unit (980). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (926) reaches a preset number, the control unit (910) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (900) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit (932), the haptic unit (934), and the sound output unit (936).

[0160] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data, such as program modules, in a modulated data signal, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

[0161] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A first container storing an aerosol generating substance and including an opening at the bottom; A second container connected to the lower portion of the first container and receiving an aerosol generating material from the first container to generate an aerosol; and A sealing member interposed between the first container and the second container and covering the opening; A cartridge wherein the first container further includes a protrusion protruding from the inner side of the lower side wall and supporting the sealing member from above.

2. In paragraph 1, A cartridge wherein the upper height of the above protrusion is 1% or more and 10% or less of the upper height of the first container.

3. In paragraph 1, The above sealing member includes an elastic material and is configured to prevent the aerosol generating material from leaking in the direction of the edge of the opening, A cartridge in which the protrusions are arranged in multiple numbers so as to prevent a portion of the sealing member from being deformed in the upper direction of the opening.

4. In paragraph 1, In the cross-section of the first container cut in a direction perpendicular to the upper direction, the area of ​​the inner side of the side wall is 68 More than 80 Below, cartridge.

5. In paragraph 1, A cartridge wherein the upper height of the second container is 10% or more and 30% or less of the upper height of the first container.

6. In paragraph 1, A cartridge wherein the side wall thickness of the first container is 2% or more and 7% or less of the horizontal width of the first container.

7. In paragraph 1, A cartridge wherein the side wall thickness of the first container is 3% or more and 10% or less of the vertical width of the first container.

8. In paragraph 1, A cartridge wherein the first container can accommodate 1.5 ml or more and 4 ml or less of the aerosol generating substance.

9. In paragraph 1, A cartridge wherein the side wall of the first container has an outer contour including a straight portion and a curved portion in a direction perpendicular to the upper direction.

10. In paragraph 9, A cartridge in which the above curved portion has an arc shape with a right central angle.

11. In paragraph 9, A cartridge in which the above curved portion is formed with a plurality of radii of curvature.

12. In paragraph 9, The above curved portion is a cartridge having a trapezoidal shape with a rounded vertex on the short side.

13. The cartridge of any one of paragraphs 1 to 12; A body coupled with the cartridge, into which the aerosol generated from the cartridge flows, and which includes a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article; and An aerosol generating device comprising a heater for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the main body.

14. In paragraph 13, The aerosol generating device controls the heater according to the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material, The aerosol generating device can heat N aerosol generating articles without replacing the cartridge, An aerosol generating device in which the above N has the relationship of mathematical expression 1. [Mathematical Formula 1] (In the above mathematical expression 1, k is an integer greater than or equal to 2.) 15. In paragraph 13, The aerosol generating device controls the heater according to the remaining amount of the aerosol generating material, An aerosol generating device capable of heating 42 or more and 46 or less aerosol generating items without replacing the cartridge.

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