Aerosol generating device comprising oxidation catalyst

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a vaporizer comprising a reservoir for accommodating a liquid composition comprising nicotine and an acid, and a heater assembly for generating an aerosol by heating the liquid composition; and an air flow passage through which the aerosol generated by the vaporizer is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device, wherein an oxidation catalyst may be included in at least one of the inside of the air flow passage and the inside of the reservoir.

Description

Aerosol generating device containing an oxidation catalyst

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device comprising an oxidation catalyst, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device comprising an oxidation catalyst for forming a nicotine salt in at least one of an interior of an airflow passage and an interior of a storage tank.

[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 methods that generate aerosol by heating aerosol-generating materials, rather than by burning cigarettes. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol generators is actively underway.

[0003] Various studies are being conducted to enhance user satisfaction with heated aerosol generators that heat aerosol-generating materials rather than combusting tobacco. These studies have attempted to incorporate nicotine and acid into the aerosol-generating materials, forming nicotine salts through an acid-base reaction. However, these attempts have also struggled to satisfy users' smoking needs.

[0004] Embodiments may provide an aerosol generating device that can improve a user's smoking satisfaction.

[0005] The problems to be solved through the examples 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 examples belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment comprises a vaporizer including a storage tank containing a liquid composition including nicotine and an acid and a heater assembly for heating the liquid composition to generate an aerosol; and an airflow passage through which an aerosol generated in the vaporizer is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device; and an oxidation catalyst may be included in at least one of the interior of the airflow passage and the interior of the storage tank.

[0007] According to the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments, the user's smoking satisfaction can be improved by including an oxidation catalyst for forming a nicotine salt in at least one of the inside of the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device and the inside of the storage tank.

[0008] 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.

[0009] FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic drawings illustrating examples of a cigarette inserted into an aerosol generating device according to embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2b is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in Figure 2a.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view according to an example of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 2a.

[0013] Figures 4a to 4e are cross-sectional views illustrating airflow passages according to embodiments.

[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating airflow passages according to other embodiments.

[0015] Figures 6a and 6b are cross-sectional views illustrating airflow passages according to other embodiments.

[0016] Figures 7a to 7d are cross-sectional views illustrating airflow passages according to other embodiments.

[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views illustrating airflow passages according to other embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view according to an example of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 2a.

[0019] Figures 10a to 10f are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating the storage tank of the cartridge according to embodiments.

[0020] Fig. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0021] The terms used in the examples are selected from widely used, common terms, taking into account the functions within the examples. 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, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the examples should not be defined simply based on their names, but rather based on their meaning and the overall content of the examples.

[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] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0025] Throughout the specification, embodiments are used as arbitrary distinctions to facilitate the description of the invention in this disclosure, and each embodiment is not necessarily exclusive of the others. For example, the configurations disclosed in one embodiment may be applied and / or implemented in other embodiments, and may be modified and applied and / or implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Additionally, the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the embodiments. In this disclosure, singular forms also include plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0027] Some components in the drawings may be exaggerated in size, proportion, etc. Additionally, components depicted in one drawing may not be depicted in another.

[0028] Throughout the specification, “aerosol generating article” means an article used for smoking.

[0029] Additionally, throughout the specification, the "longitudinal direction" of a component may be the direction in which the component extends along one directional axis of the component, wherein the one directional axis of the component may mean the direction in which the component extends longer than the other directional axis transverse to the one directional axis. The "longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article" means the direction in which the aerosol-generating article extends in length or, if the aerosol-generating article is combusted, the direction in which combustion proceeds.

[0030] "Length direction of the aerosol generating device" means the direction in which the length of the aerosol generating device extends. For example, the length direction of the aerosol generating device may mean the z-axis direction in FIG. 2A.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0032] Figures 1a and 1b are drawings showing examples of cigarettes inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a battery (10), a control unit (20), a heater (30), and a vaporizer (40).

[0034] The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include other general-purpose components.

[0035] In addition, although FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate that the aerosol generating device (1) includes a heater (30), the heater (30) may be omitted if necessary.

[0036] In Fig. 1a, a battery (10), a control unit (20), a vaporizer (40), and a heater (30) are illustrated as being arranged in a row. In addition, in Fig. 1b, a vaporizer (40) and a heater (30) are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Figs. 1a and 1b. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), the arrangement of the battery (10), the control unit (20), the heater (30), and the vaporizer (40) may be changed.

[0037] When a cigarette (2) is inserted into an aerosol generating device (1), the aerosol generating device (1) can generate an aerosol by operating a heater (30) and / or a vaporizer (40). The aerosol generated by the heater (30) and / or the vaporizer (40) passes through the cigarette (2) and is delivered to the user.

[0038] If necessary, the aerosol generating device (1) can heat the heater (30) even when the cigarette (2) is not inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0039] The battery (10) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery (10) can supply power to heat the heater (30) or the vaporizer (40), and can supply power required for the control unit (20) to operate. In addition, the battery (10) can supply power required for the operation of the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0040] The control unit (20) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). Specifically, the control unit (20) controls the operation of the battery (10), heater (30), and vaporizer (40) as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). In addition, the control unit (20) can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0041] The control unit (20) 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.

[0042] The heater (30) can be heated by power supplied from the battery (10). For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the heater (30) can be located outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heated heater (30) can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material within the cigarette.

[0043] The heater (30) may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater (30) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (30) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater (30) 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 (1), or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0044] Meanwhile, as another example, the heater (30) may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater (30) may include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

[0045] For example, the heater (30) 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 (2) depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0046] In addition, a plurality of heaters (30) may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the plurality of heaters (30) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette (2) or may be arranged on the exterior of the cigarette (2). In addition, some of the plurality of heaters (30) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette (2), and the rest may be arranged on the exterior of the cigarette (2). In addition, the shape of the heater (30) is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0047] The vaporizer (40) may include a cartridge and a heater assembly. The vaporizer (40) may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to a user by passing through the cigarette (2). In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (40) may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device (1), and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (40) may be delivered to a user by passing through the cigarette (2).

[0048] For example, the vaporizer (40) may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as independent modules.

[0049] The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachable from / attached to the vaporizer (40), or may be manufactured as an integral part of the vaporizer (40).

[0050] The liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition of the liquid storage to the heating element. The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means.

[0051] The vaporizer (40) may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto. Specific details regarding the vaporizer (40) will be described later.

[0052] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery (10), the control unit (20), the heater (30), and the vaporizer (40). For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) may be manufactured in a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged even when the cigarette (2) is inserted.

[0053] Although not illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the aerosol generating device (1) may also be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery (10) of the aerosol generating device (1). Alternatively, the heater (30) may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device (1) are combined.

[0054] The cigarette (2) may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette (2) may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette (2) may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0055] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or the entire first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in his or her mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0056] As an example, outside air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the opening and / or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device (1) may be controlled by the user. Accordingly, the amount of vapor, the smoking sensation, etc. may be controlled by the user. As another example, outside air may be introduced into the interior of the cigarette (2) through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette (2).

[0057] Hereinafter, the aerosol generating device (1) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b.

[0058] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2a, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (100), a heater assembly (200), and a main body (300).

[0060] An aerosol generating material may be stored inside the cartridge (100), and the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (100) may be supplied to the heater assembly (200). Referring to FIG. 2a, the heater assembly (200) may be disposed at the bottom of the cartridge (100) (e.g., in the -z direction of FIG. 2a), but is not limited thereto.

[0061] The heater assembly (200) is positioned between the cartridge (100) and the main body (300) and can generate an aerosol by converting the phase of an aerosol generating material into a gaseous phase. For example, the heater assembly (200) can heat an aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge (100) to generate vapor from the aerosol generating material, and an aerosol can be generated as the vapor generated from the aerosol generating material is mixed with external air introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (200).

[0062] In the examples, 'aerosol' may mean particles created by mixing air with vapor generated by heating an aerosol-generating substance, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0063] In one embodiment, the cartridge (100) may include a mouthpiece (100m) for supplying aerosol to a user. For example, when the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled, the mouthpiece (100m) may connect the interior of the heater assembly (200) and the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1), and the aerosol generated within the heater assembly (200) may be discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1) through the mouthpiece (100m). At this time, the user may contact the mouthpiece (100m) and inhale the aerosol discharged to the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0064] Meanwhile, although FIG. 2a illustrates that the mouthpiece (100m) is included in the cartridge (100), the mouthpiece (100m) may be included as a separate component from the cartridge (100).

[0065] The main body (300) is positioned at the bottom of the heater assembly (200) (e.g., in the -z direction of FIG. 2A) and can support the heater assembly (200). Components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged inside the main body (300). For example, a battery (not shown) for supplying power to components of the aerosol generating device (1) and a processor (not shown) for controlling the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged inside the main body (300).

[0066] However, the battery and processor are only examples of components arranged inside the main body (300), and other components (e.g., user interface, sensors, etc.) may be arranged inside the main body (300) in addition to the components described above.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cover (310) for protecting components of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0068] The cover (310) is arranged to surround at least one area of ​​the cartridge (100), the heater assembly (200), and the main body (300), thereby fixing the positions of the cartridge (100), the heater assembly (200), and the main body (300) and protecting the cartridge (100), the heater assembly (200), and the main body (300) from external impact or the inflow of foreign substances.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the cover (310) may be formed integrally with the main body (300), but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the cover (310) may be detachably coupled to the main body (300).

[0070] Additionally, although not shown in FIG. 2a, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may have a receiving space capable of receiving a cigarette.

[0071] Hereinafter, the coupling relationship between the cartridge (100), heater assembly (200), and main body (300) will be specifically examined with reference to FIG. 2b.

[0072] Figure 2b is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in Figure 2a.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2B, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (100), a heater assembly (200), a main body (300), and a cover (310). The components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 2A, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below. In addition, the components of the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, at least one of the above-described components (e.g., the cover (310)) may be omitted, or other components may be added.

[0074] The cartridge (100) may include a storage tank (110) in which an aerosol generating material is stored and a mouthpiece (100m) for supplying the aerosol generated in the heater assembly (200) to the user.

[0075] The storage tank (110) can be connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the heater assembly (200) when the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are combined, so that the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank (110) can flow into the internal space of the heater assembly (200).

[0076] At this time, the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank (110) may include a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid composition including a non-tobacco material.

[0077] In one embodiment, the liquid composition may comprise nicotine and an acid. The nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0078] Additionally, when an appropriate acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, is added to nicotine, a nicotine salt can be formed through an acid-base reaction. When a nicotine salt is formed by including an acid in a liquid composition, the satisfaction of smoking can be enhanced.

[0079] The acid for forming a nicotine salt can be appropriately selected in consideration of the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device (1), flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming a nicotine salt can be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] Additionally, the liquid composition may include any one or a mixture of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, and vitamin mixtures.

[0081] Flavoring agents may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. Vitamin mixtures may include, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

[0082] Additionally, the liquid composition may include an aerosol former such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0083] For example, the liquid composition may comprise a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may also comprise two or more types of nicotine salts.

[0084] The heater assembly (200) can be detachably coupled to the lower surface of the cartridge (100) (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction in FIG. 2b) and can heat a liquid composition supplied from the storage tank (110) of the cartridge (100) to generate an aerosol.

[0085] For example, the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) may be detachably coupled in such a manner that a first coupling member (not shown) disposed in an area of ​​the heater assembly (200) facing the cartridge (100) is coupled or separated from a second coupling member (not shown) disposed on the lower surface of the cartridge (100), but the coupling method is not limited thereto.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (200) may include a liquid inlet (201) for introducing a liquid composition into the interior of the heater assembly (200), an air inlet (202) for introducing outside air into the interior of the heater assembly (200), and an air outlet (203) for discharging aerosol and / or air generated inside the heater assembly (200) to the exterior.

[0087] The liquid composition stored in the storage tank (110) of the cartridge (100) can be introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (200) through the liquid inlet (201), and a heater (not shown) disposed inside the heater assembly (200) can heat the liquid composition supplied from the storage tank (110).

[0088] Outside air can be introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (200) through the air inlet (202), and inside the heater assembly (200), the vapor generated as the liquid composition is heated can be mixed with the introduced outside air to create an aerosol.

[0089] The aerosol generated inside the heater assembly (200) can move from the heater assembly (200) toward the cartridge (100) through the air outlet (203) connecting the heater assembly (200) and the cartridge (100), and then be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the mouthpiece (100m).

[0090] For example, as the pressure inside the cartridge (100) decreases due to the user's inhalation action toward the mouthpiece (100m), air and / or aerosol inside the heater assembly (200) may move in a direction from the heater assembly (200) toward the mouthpiece (100m) of the cartridge (100), and the user may inhale the air and / or aerosol discharged through the mouthpiece (100m).

[0091] The main body (300) can be detachably coupled to the lower surface of the heater assembly (200) (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction in FIG. 2B) to support the heater assembly (200). For example, the main body (300) can be detachably coupled to the heater assembly (200) in such a way that at least one area is inserted into or separated from an insertion groove (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the heater assembly (200), but the coupling method of the heater assembly (200) and the main body (300) is not limited thereto.

[0092] According to one embodiment, components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) may be arranged inside the main body (300). For example, a battery (not shown) for power supply and a processor (not shown) for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) may be arranged inside the main body (300).

[0093] The battery may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery may be electrically connected to the heater assembly (200) to supply power so that the heater of the heater assembly (200) may be heated. As another example, the battery may also supply power required for the operation of other components of the aerosol generating device (1), such as a processor.

[0094] The processor can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] In one embodiment, the processor can control the power supplied from the battery to the heater of the heater assembly (200). For example, the processor can control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the heater and the duration of power supply so that the heater of the heater assembly (200) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a predetermined temperature.

[0096] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can enable replacement of the cartridge (100) and / or the heater assembly (200) through a structure in which the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are detachably coupled, and the heater assembly (200) and the main body (300) are detachably coupled.

[0097] In one example, if the liquid composition stored in the reservoir (110) of the cartridge (100) is depleted, the user can continue smoking by replacing the existing cartridge (100) with a new cartridge (100). In another example, if the performance of a component (e.g., a heater or a wick) of the heater assembly (200) deteriorates such that a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated, the user can replace the existing heater assembly (200) with a new heater assembly (200) to ensure that a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated.

[0098] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view according to an example of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 2a.

[0099] Specifically, FIG. 3 may be an embodiment of a cartridge (100) and a heater assembly (200) of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 2a, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0100] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the cartridge (100) may include an airflow passage (400), but the cartridge (100) and the airflow passage (400) may be formed separately. For example, the airflow passage (400) may be formed integrally with the main body (300) illustrated in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 3, a heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment may include a liquid inlet (not shown), an air inlet (202), and an air outlet (203).

[0102] The liquid inlet of the heater assembly (200) may be arranged to connect or communicate the interior of the cartridge (100) with the interior of the heater assembly (200) when the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled. Accordingly, the liquid composition supplied from the storage tank (110) of the cartridge (100) may pass through the liquid inlet and flow into the interior of the heater assembly (200).

[0103] For example, the liquid inlet may be positioned in an area where the heater assembly (200) and the cartridge (100) are coupled, and the liquid composition stored in the reservoir (110) of the cartridge (100) may pass through the liquid inlet and flow into the interior of the heater assembly (200).

[0104] In the embodiments, the expression “arranged to be connected or in communication” means that the components are arranged so as to be connected so that a fluid (e.g., air) can flow through them, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

[0105] The air inlet (202) may be arranged to connect or communicate the inside and outside of the heater assembly (200). Air outside the heater assembly (200) (hereinafter, “outside air”) may be introduced into the inside of the heater assembly (200) through the air inlet (202).

[0106] For example, the air inlet (202) may be positioned in another area of ​​the heater assembly (200) separate from the liquid inlet (e.g., a side of the heater assembly (200)). Outside air may pass through the air inlet (202) and be introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (200). The outside air introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (200) may move or flow along a chamber (210) positioned inside the heater assembly (200) and be heated by the heater (230). A detailed description thereof will be provided below.

[0107] The air outlet (203) may be arranged to connect or communicate the inside and outside of the heater assembly (200). Aerosol and / or air generated inside the heater assembly (200) may be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly (200) or to the airflow passage (400) through the air outlet (203).

[0108] For example, the air outlet (203) may be positioned in an area where the heater assembly (200) and the airflow passage (400) are joined, spaced apart from the liquid inlet. Aerosol and / or air inside the heater assembly (200) may be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly (200) through the air outlet (203).

[0109] In a state where the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are combined, the aerosol and / or air discharged to the outside of the heater assembly (200) through the air outlet (203) moves into the inside of the airflow passage (400) and can then be discharged to the outside of the airflow passage (400) through the mouthpiece (100m) by the user's inhalation motion.

[0110] The heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment may further include a recognition terminal (not shown) for recognizing whether the cartridge (100) is coupled. The recognition terminal may be electrically connected to a processor of a main body (e.g., main body (300) of FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B) and may come into contact with an area of ​​the cartridge (100) when the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled.

[0111] The recognition terminal can generate a signal indicating that the cartridge (100) has been in contact with the cartridge (100) when in contact with the cartridge (100), and the generated signal can be transmitted to an electrically connected processor. The processor can detect whether the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled based on the signal transmitted from the recognition terminal.

[0112] For example, the processor may determine that the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled when a signal is transmitted from the recognition terminal, and may determine that the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are separated when signal transmission from the recognition terminal is stopped.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater assembly (200) may include a chamber (210), a wick (220), and a heater (230). The chamber (210) may be formed in an internal space of the heater assembly (200), and in the chamber (210), a liquid composition introduced from a storage tank (110) of a cartridge (100) may be heated by the heater (230) to generate an aerosol.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the chamber (210) may be in fluid communication or fluid connection with the reservoir (110) of the cartridge (100) through a liquid inlet, and the liquid composition stored in the reservoir (110) of the cartridge (100) may be introduced into the interior of the chamber (210) through the liquid inlet.

[0115] The wick (220) is positioned in an area adjacent to the liquid inlet inside the chamber (210) so as to absorb the liquid composition flowing into the interior of the chamber (210) through the liquid inlet. For example, at least one area of ​​the wick (220) is positioned so as to face the liquid inlet so as to absorb the liquid composition flowing into the interior of the chamber (210) through the liquid inlet.

[0116] In one embodiment, the wick (220) may include ceramic fibers or porous ceramics for absorbing the liquid composition. In other words, the wick (220) may be a ceramic wick. However, the wick (220) is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and depending on the embodiment, the wick (220) may be formed of other materials (e.g., cotton or glass).

[0117] The heater (230) may be placed on one side of the wick (220) (e.g., one side facing the +y direction) to heat the liquid composition absorbed in the wick (220). For example, the heater (230) may heat the liquid composition absorbed in the wick (220) using power supplied from a battery of the main body (e.g., the main body (300) of FIG. 2A or 2B).

[0118] The heater (230) may include a metal material that generates heat through electrical resistance. For example, the heater (230) may include stainless steel to prevent corrosion by the liquid composition absorbed into the wick (220), but the metal material of the heater (230) is not limited thereto. In another example, the heater (230) may include a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten.

[0119] In one embodiment, the heater (230) may include a conductive pattern printed on one side of the wick (220). For example, the heater (230) may be formed in a manner in which a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) is printed on the side of the wick (220) facing the +y direction to have a predetermined pattern shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0120] In another embodiment, the heater (230) may include a conductive pattern insert-injected into one side of the wick (220). For example, the heater (230) may be formed by insert-injecting a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) into a predetermined pattern shape into the side of the wick (220). However, the method of forming the heater (230) or the shape of the heater (230) is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In another embodiment (not shown), the heater (230) may include a conductive plate disposed on one side of the wick (220).

[0121] As the heater (230) is positioned on the side of the wick (220), vapor can be generated by heating the liquid composition in an area adjacent to the side of the wick (220) of the chamber (210). The vapor generated from the liquid composition can be mixed with external air introduced into the interior of the chamber (210) through the air inlet (202).

[0122] At this time, outside air can be drawn into the heater assembly (200) through the air inlet (202) and then moved into the chamber (210). The chamber (210) connects the air inlet (202) and the air outlet (203) and can form a flow path through which outside air and / or aerosol moves.

[0123] In one embodiment, a region of the passage connecting the air inlet (202) and the chamber (210) may be formed to extend along an edge of the heater assembly (200) within the heater assembly (200).

[0124] The vapor generated as the liquid composition is heated by the heater (230) may be mixed with external air introduced into the chamber (210), resulting in the generation of an aerosol in an area adjacent to the side of the wick (220) of the chamber (210). The generated aerosol and / or external air may be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly (200) through the air outlet (203).

[0125] Aerosol and / or outside air discharged to the outside of the heater assembly (200) can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the airflow passage (400). The aerosol and / or outside air can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) along the longitudinal direction (e.g., +z direction) of the airflow passage (400).

[0126] An oxidation catalyst (500) may be arranged inside the airflow passage (400). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the oxidation catalyst (500) may be formed in a form extending from the inner wall of the airflow passage (400). That is, it may be formed toward the center from the inner wall of the airflow passage (400). The oxidation catalyst (500) may also be formed in a mesh shape inside the airflow passage (400). The shape and arrangement of the oxidation catalyst (500) are not limited thereto. Specific descriptions of the airflow passage (400) and the oxidation catalyst (500) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0127] Figures 4a to 4e are cross-sectional views illustrating airflow passages according to embodiments.

[0128] In one embodiment, the airflow passage (400) may include an oxidation catalyst (500) therein. The oxidation catalyst (500) may be disposed within the airflow passage (400) to form a nicotine salt when an aerosol flows through the airflow passage (400).

[0129] Specifically, nicotine contained in the aerosol flowing through the airflow passage (400) can form additional nicotine salts by coming into contact with the oxidation catalyst (500). The oxidation catalyst (500) is intended to enhance the user's smoking satisfaction by additionally forming nicotine salts in addition to the nicotine salts contained in the liquid composition stored in the storage tank (110 of FIG. 3) of the cartridge (100 of FIG. 3).

[0130] The oxidation catalyst (500) may be selected from a metal oxidation catalyst, a chlorine-based catalyst, and a combination thereof.

[0131] For example, the metal oxidation catalyst may be one or more selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), gold (Au), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), and tungsten (W). For example, the chlorine-based catalyst may be Cl2, HClO, OCl.- , and ClO2 - There may be one or more selected from the group consisting of .

[0132] The oxidation catalyst (500) placed inside the airflow passage (400) may be made of the above-described material, and may be in the form of the above-described material being coated on the surface of a structure such as plastic.

[0133] In addition, the airflow passage (400) may include a vortex-forming member (420) therein. When the aerosol flows along the airflow passage (400), the movement of the airflow is fast, so the reaction between the aerosol and the oxidation catalyst (500) may not occur well. Therefore, by forming a vortex around the oxidation catalyst (500) using the vortex-forming member (420), the reaction speed with the oxidation catalyst (500) can be increased. Through this, the satisfaction of smoking can be further improved.

[0134] The vortex forming member (420) may include, but is not limited to, one or more selected from the group consisting of, for example, polyurethanes (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), and polypropylene (PP).

[0135] As an example, the vortex forming member (420) may extend from the inner wall of the airflow passage (400) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage (400). Inside the airflow passage (400), aerosol and / or air flow along the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage (400) and are discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), and the vortex forming member (420) may be arranged in a direction transverse to this flow, thereby forming a vortex.

[0136] One or more vortex forming members (420) may be included inside the airflow passage (400). The vortex forming members (420) may be a single member formed integrally. When the vortex forming members (420) are formed as a single member, they may be in the form of a plate and include holes through which aerosol and / or air can flow. Alternatively, the vortex forming members (420) may be spaced apart from the oxidation catalyst (500) by a predetermined distance, thereby forming a vortex around the oxidation catalyst (500). When a plurality of vortex forming members (420) are included inside the airflow passage (400), the plurality of vortex forming members (420) may be spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a vortex.

[0137] The airflow passage (400) and the vortex forming member (420) can be manufactured using a double shot injection molding method, etc. Accordingly, the airflow passage (400) and the vortex forming member (420) can be manufactured as one piece.

[0138] There may be various ways to form a vortex using the vortex-forming member (420). For example, the vortex-forming member (420) may have various shapes. In FIGS. 4A to 4E, the vortex-forming member (420) is illustrated as a bar shape, but may have a shape with unevenness formed on the surface. In addition, the vortex-forming member (420) may be arranged in various ways within the airflow passage (400). The vortex-forming member (420) may also include a rotatable element for generating a vortex.

[0139] As an example, referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4A, inside the airflow passage (400), the vortex forming member (420) may be spaced apart from the oxidation catalyst (500) by a certain distance, thereby forming a vortex around the oxidation catalyst (500). That is, a vortex may be generated due to the distance between the vortex forming member (420) and the oxidation catalyst (500), and thus, contact between the nicotine contained in the aerosol passing through the airflow passage (400) and the oxidation catalyst (500) may increase.

[0140] In Fig. 4a, the oxidation catalyst (500) and the vortex forming member (420) are shown as being arranged one by one on only one side of the inner wall of the airflow passage (400), but there may be a plurality of oxidation catalysts (500) and / or vortex forming members (420).

[0141] As another example, referring to FIG. 4b, both the oxidation catalyst (500) and the vortex forming member (420) are included in multiple numbers inside the airflow passage (400), and the multiple oxidation catalysts (500) and the vortex forming members (420) can all be spaced apart. A vortex can be generated between each of the spaced apart oxidation catalysts (500) and vortex forming members (420).

[0142] As another example, referring to FIG. 4c, both the oxidation catalyst (500) and the vortex forming member (420) are included in multiple numbers inside the airflow passage (400), and some of the oxidation catalysts (500) and the vortex forming members (420) may be in contact with each other. A vortex may be generated between the remaining spaced-apart oxidation catalysts (500) and the vortex forming members (420).

[0143] In FIGS. 4b and 4c, the oxidation catalyst (500) and the vortex forming member (420) are shown as being arranged symmetrically, but as in FIGS. 4d and 4e, the oxidation catalyst (500) and the vortex forming member (420) may be arranged asymmetrically.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 4d and 4e, the flow paths through which aerosol and / or air flow within the airflow passage (400) may not be formed parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage (400). In this case, vortices may be formed relatively more, but the shape, number, and arrangement of the oxidation catalyst (500) and vortex forming member (420) may be appropriately adjusted in consideration of smooth discharge of aerosol, etc.

[0145] Hereinafter, FIGS. 5 to 8 relate to an airflow passage (400) according to other embodiments, and redundant descriptions of the airflow passage (400) and the oxidation catalyst (500) and / or vortex forming member (420) disposed therein are omitted.

[0146] FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating airflow passages according to other embodiments.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the vortex forming member (420) is arranged in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage (400), one side of the vortex forming member (420) may be arranged to face the inner wall of the airflow passage (400), and the other side of the vortex forming member (420) may be arranged to face the center of the airflow passage (400). The vortex forming member (420) may be a single member having a plurality of vortex forming portions.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the longitudinal direction of the vortex forming member (420) may refer to the direction having the longest length in the vortex forming member (420). The direction having the longest length in the vortex forming member (420) may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage (400). In addition, one side and the other side of the vortex forming member (420) may refer to one side and the other side in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the vortex forming member (420).

[0149] According to FIGS. 5a and 5b, one side of the vortex-forming member (420) may be in contact with the inner wall of the airflow passage (400) and the other side may have a plurality of vortex-forming portions. One side of the vortex-forming member (420) may be bonded to the inner wall of the airflow passage (400) using an adhesive or the like, or may be formed integrally with the airflow passage (400) using a double injection method or the like.

[0150] However, although not shown, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and one side of the vortex forming member (420) may face the inner wall of the airflow passage (400), but may not come into contact with the inner wall. Accordingly, the vortex forming member (420) may have a tubular shape with an inner diameter smaller than that of the airflow passage (400), and the aerosol may flow through the inside of the vortex forming member (420) and between the vortex forming member (420) and the airflow passage (400).

[0151] According to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the vortex forming members (420) are symmetrically arranged on the inner wall of the airflow passage (400), and are illustrated as including two vortex forming members (420). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of vortex forming members (420) may be one or more, and may be arranged asymmetrically.

[0152] Referring to the cross-section of the airflow passage (400) illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the other surface of the vortex-forming member (420) arranged to face the center of the airflow passage (400) may have a plurality of vortex-forming portions protruding in a direction toward the center of the airflow passage (400). The shape of the vortex-forming portions is not limited to the illustrated shape and may vary.

[0153] The oxidation catalyst (500) may be positioned between a plurality of vortex forming portions. Since a vortex may be generated between each vortex forming portion, when the oxidation catalyst (500) is positioned between a plurality of vortex forming portions, contact between the nicotine in the aerosol and the oxidation catalyst (500) may be increased.

[0154] In FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b, it is shown that all oxidation catalysts (500) are arranged between each vortex forming section, but the amount or number of oxidation catalysts (500) can be appropriately selected.

[0155] Figures 6a and 6b are cross-sectional views illustrating airflow passages according to other embodiments.

[0156] The oxidation catalyst (500) may be included in a mesh shape within the airflow passage (400). By arranging the oxidation catalyst (500) in a mesh shape within the airflow passage (400), the contact between the nicotine in the aerosol flowing through the airflow passage (400) and the oxidation catalyst (500) can be increased. Accordingly, the user's smoking satisfaction can be improved by increasing the formation of nicotine salts.

[0157] The size of the hole through which the aerosol and / or air passes in the mesh-type oxidation catalyst (500) can increase the contact area between nicotine and the oxidation catalyst (500) as the size of the hole becomes smaller. However, since the aerosol and / or air cannot flow smoothly as the size of the hole becomes smaller, the size of the hole can be appropriately set taking this effect into consideration.

[0158] According to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the mesh-type oxidation catalyst (500) can be arranged in a direction crossing the direction in which the airflow passage (400) extends.

[0159] According to FIG. 6a, a single mesh-type oxidation catalyst (500) may be arranged across the entire inner diameter of the airflow passage (400) in a direction transverse to the direction in which the airflow passage (400) extends. According to FIG. 6b, a plurality of mesh-type oxidation catalysts (500) may be arranged, and the plurality of mesh-type oxidation catalysts (500) may be arranged spaced apart from each other. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0160] Figures 7a to 7d are cross-sectional views illustrating airflow passages according to other embodiments.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the airflow passage (400) may include a mesh-shaped oxidation catalyst (500) and a vortex-forming member (420) therein. When the aerosol flows through the airflow passage (400), it may form a nicotine salt by coming into contact with the mesh-shaped oxidation catalyst (500) disposed within the airflow passage (400).

[0162] As an example, the vortex forming member (420) may extend from the inner wall of the airflow passage (400) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage (400). Inside the airflow passage (400), aerosol and / or air flow along the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage (400) and are discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), and the vortex forming member (420) may be arranged in a direction transverse to this flow, thereby forming a vortex.

[0163] One or more vortex-forming members (420) may be included within the airflow passage (400). The vortex-forming members (420) may be a single member formed integrally. When the vortex-forming members (420) are formed as a single member, they may be in the form of a plate and include holes through which aerosol and / or air can flow. When a plurality of vortex-forming members (420) are included within the airflow passage (400), the plurality of vortex-forming members (420) may be spaced apart from each other to form a vortex.

[0164] As an example, referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A, a plurality of vortex-forming members (420) may be included inside an airflow passage (400), and the plurality of vortex-forming members (420) may be spaced apart from each other. A vortex may be generated between each of the spaced-apart vortex-forming members (420). A mesh-type oxidation catalyst (500) may be arranged spaced apart from the plurality of vortex-forming members (420). Due to the vortex generated between the plurality of vortex-forming members (420), contact between the aerosol and the mesh-type oxidation catalyst (500) may increase.

[0165] As another example, referring to FIG. 7b, a plurality of vortex-forming members (420) may be included inside the airflow passage (400), and the plurality of vortex-forming members (420) may be spaced apart from each other. A vortex may be generated between each of the spaced-apart vortex-forming members (420). Some of the vortex-forming members (420) among the plurality of vortex-forming members (420) may come into contact with the mesh-type oxidation catalyst (500). Due to the vortex generated between the plurality of vortex-forming members (420), contact between the aerosol and the mesh-type oxidation catalyst (500) may increase.

[0166] Although the vortex forming members (420) are illustrated as being symmetrically arranged in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the vortex forming members (420) may be arranged asymmetrically, as in FIGS. 7C and 7D. In addition, the oxidation catalyst (500) and the oxidation catalyst (500) in FIGS. 7A and 7B are illustrated as being integrally formed and arranged in a direction transverse to the direction in which the airflow passage (400) extends over the entire inner diameter of the airflow passage (400), as in FIGS. 7C and 7D, one or more oxidation catalysts (500) may be arranged, and may be arranged asymmetrically. It goes without saying that the shape, number, arrangement, etc. of the vortex forming members (420) and the mesh-type oxidation catalyst (500) may be modified in various ways other than the illustrated embodiment.

[0167] As another example, referring to FIGS. 7c and 7d, the flow paths of aerosol and / or air within the airflow passage (400) may not be formed parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage (400). In this case, vortices may be formed relatively more, but the shape, number, and arrangement of the oxidation catalyst (500) and vortex forming member (420) may be appropriately adjusted in consideration of smooth discharge of aerosol, etc.

[0168] FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views illustrating airflow passages according to other embodiments.

[0169] According to an embodiment, the vortex forming member (420) may be arranged such that its longitudinal direction follows the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage (400), one side of the vortex forming member (420) may face the inner wall of the airflow passage (400), and the other side of the vortex forming member (420) may face the center of the airflow passage (400). The vortex forming member (420) may be a single member having a plurality of vortex forming portions.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the longitudinal direction of the vortex forming member (420) may refer to the direction having the longest length in the vortex forming member (420). The direction having the longest length in the vortex forming member (420) may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage (400). In addition, one side and the other side of the vortex forming member (420) may refer to one side and the other side in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the vortex forming member (420).

[0171] According to FIGS. 8a and 8b, one side of the vortex-forming member (420) may be in contact with the inner wall of the airflow passage (400) and the other side may have a plurality of vortex-forming portions. One side of the vortex-forming member (420) may be bonded to the inner wall of the airflow passage (400) using an adhesive or the like, or may be formed integrally with the airflow passage (400) using a double injection method or the like.

[0172] However, although not shown, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and one side of the vortex forming member (420) may face the inner wall of the airflow passage (400), but may not come into contact with the inner wall. Accordingly, the vortex forming member (420) may have a tubular shape with an inner diameter smaller than that of the airflow passage (400), and the aerosol may flow through the inside of the vortex forming member (420) and between the vortex forming member (420) and the airflow passage (400).

[0173] According to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the vortex forming members (420) are symmetrically arranged on the inner wall of the airflow passage (400), and are illustrated as including two vortex forming members (420). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of vortex forming members (420) may be one or more, and may be arranged asymmetrically.

[0174] Referring to the cross-section of the airflow passage (400) illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b, the other surface of the vortex-forming member (420) arranged to face the center of the airflow passage (400) may have a plurality of vortex-forming portions protruding in a direction toward the center of the airflow passage (400). The shape of the vortex-forming portions is not limited to the illustrated shape and may vary.

[0175] The oxidation catalyst (500) may be arranged in a mesh form between a plurality of vortex-forming portions. Since a vortex may be generated between each vortex-forming portion, when the oxidation catalyst (500) is arranged between a plurality of vortex-forming portions, contact between the nicotine in the aerosol and the oxidation catalyst (500) may be increased. That is, since the oxidation catalyst (500) is in a mesh form, even if the oxidation catalyst (500) is arranged between each vortex-forming portion, a vortex may be smoothly generated, and the generated vortex may increase the formation of nicotine salt while flowing through the mesh-shaped oxidation catalyst (500). Referring to FIG. 8A, the mesh-shaped oxidation catalyst (500) may be arranged such that one side through which the aerosol and / or air flows and the other side do not come into contact with the vortex-forming member (420). That is, the mesh-shaped oxidation catalyst (500) can increase the amount of contact between nicotine contained in the aerosol and the oxidation catalyst (500) by fixing only the two sides to the vortex forming member (420).

[0176] Referring to FIG. 8b, the mesh-shaped oxidation catalyst (500) may be arranged so that both sides are fixed to the vortex-forming member (420), and only one side among the one side and the other side through which the aerosol and / or air flows is in contact with the vortex-forming member (420). However, the arrangement position of the oxidation catalyst (500) is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0177] In FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b, it is shown that all oxidation catalysts (500) are arranged between each vortex forming section, but the amount and number of oxidation catalysts (500) can be appropriately selected.

[0178] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view according to an example of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 2a.

[0179] FIG. 9 may be an embodiment of a cartridge (100) and a heater assembly (200) of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 2a, and a redundant description thereof is omitted below.

[0180] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the cartridge (100) may include an airflow passage (400), but the cartridge (100) and the airflow passage (400) may be formed separately. For example, the airflow passage (400) may be formed integrally with the main body (300) illustrated in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B. The airflow passage (400) is a passage through which an aerosol generated through a vaporizer flows and is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), and a user may inhale the aerosol through a mouthpiece (100 m) in fluid communication with the airflow passage (400).

[0181] Referring to FIG. 9, a cartridge (100) according to one embodiment may include a storage tank (110) for containing a liquid composition and a liquid outlet (111) for discharging the liquid composition to a heater assembly (200). By coupling the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200), the liquid outlet (111) of the cartridge (100) may be in fluid communication with the liquid inlet of the heater assembly (200).

[0182] Although not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the liquid outlet (111) is preferably located at the lower end in the longitudinal direction of the storage tank (110) so that the liquid composition contained in the storage tank (110) can flow smoothly along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., the -z direction in FIG. 9) and be delivered to the heater assembly (200).

[0183] According to an embodiment, the interior of the cartridge (100) may include an oxidation catalyst (500). Specifically, the oxidation catalyst (500) may be included in the interior of the storage tank (110) of the cartridge (100).

[0184] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the oxidation catalyst (500) may be positioned so as to contact the inner wall of the storage tank (110) of the cartridge (100). The oxidation catalyst (500) may also be formed in a mesh shape inside the storage tank (110) of the cartridge (100). The shape and arrangement of the oxidation catalyst (500) are not limited thereto. A specific description of the cartridge (100) and the oxidation catalyst (500) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10F.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 9, a heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment may include a liquid inlet (not shown), an air inlet (202), and an air outlet (203).

[0186] The liquid inlet of the heater assembly (200) may be arranged to connect or communicate the interior of the cartridge (100) with the interior of the heater assembly (200) when the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled. Accordingly, the liquid composition supplied from the storage tank (110) of the cartridge (100) may pass through the liquid inlet and flow into the interior of the heater assembly (200).

[0187] For example, the liquid inlet may be arranged in an area where the heater assembly (200) and the cartridge (100) are coupled. When the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled, the liquid outlet (111) of the cartridge (100) and the liquid inlet of the heater assembly (200) may be arranged to be connected or in communication. Accordingly, the liquid composition stored in the storage tank (110) of the cartridge (100) may pass through the liquid outlet (111) and the liquid inlet and flow into the interior of the heater assembly (200).

[0188] In the embodiments, the expression "arranged to be connected or communicated" means that components are arranged to be connected so that a fluid (e.g., air) can pass through and flow, and the expression may be used with the same meaning below. In the embodiment, it may be understood that the liquid outlet (111) and the liquid inlet can be connected to each other so that the fluid can pass through and flow. For example, when the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled, the liquid outlet (111) and the liquid inlet (the liquid inlet (201) of FIG. 2B) may not be clearly distinguished.

[0189] The air inlet (202) may be arranged to connect or communicate the inside and outside of the heater assembly (200). Air outside the heater assembly (200) (hereinafter, “outside air”) may be introduced into the inside of the heater assembly (200) through the air inlet (202).

[0190] For example, the air inlet (202) may be positioned in another area of ​​the heater assembly (200) separate from the liquid inlet (e.g., a side of the heater assembly (200)). Outside air may pass through the air inlet (202) and be introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (200). The outside air introduced into the interior of the heater assembly (200) may move or flow along a chamber (210) positioned inside the heater assembly (200) and be heated by the heater (230). A detailed description thereof will be provided below.

[0191] The air outlet (203) may be arranged to connect or communicate the inside and outside of the heater assembly (200). Aerosol and / or air generated inside the heater assembly (200) may be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly (200) or to the airflow passage (400) through the air outlet (203).

[0192] For example, the air outlet (203) may be positioned in an area where the heater assembly (200) and the airflow passage (400) are joined, spaced apart from the liquid inlet. Aerosol and / or air inside the heater assembly (200) may be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly (200) through the air outlet (203).

[0193] When the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are combined, the aerosol and / or air discharged to the outside of the heater assembly (200) through the air outlet (203) can move into the inside of the airflow passage (400) and can be discharged to the outside of the airflow passage (400) through the mouthpiece (100m).

[0194] The heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment may further include a recognition terminal (not shown) for recognizing whether the cartridge (100) is coupled. The recognition terminal may be electrically connected to a control unit of a main body (e.g., main body (300) of FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B) and may come into contact with an area of ​​the cartridge (100) when the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled.

[0195] The recognition terminal can generate a signal indicating that it has made contact with the cartridge (100) when it comes into contact with the cartridge (100), and the generated signal can be transmitted to an electrically connected control unit. The control unit can detect whether the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled based on the signal transmitted from the recognition terminal.

[0196] For example, the control unit can determine that the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are coupled when a signal is transmitted from the recognition terminal, and can determine that the cartridge (100) and the heater assembly (200) are separated when the signal transmission from the recognition terminal is stopped.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 9, the heater assembly (200) may include a chamber (210), a wick (220), and a heater (230). The chamber (210) may be formed in an internal space of the heater assembly (200), and in the chamber (210), a liquid composition introduced from a storage tank (110) of a cartridge (100) may be heated by the heater (230) to generate an aerosol.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the chamber (210) may be in fluid communication or fluid connection with the reservoir (110) of the cartridge (100) through a liquid inlet, and the liquid composition stored in the reservoir (110) of the cartridge (100) may be introduced into the interior of the chamber (210) through the liquid inlet.

[0199] The wick (220) is positioned in an area adjacent to the liquid inlet inside the chamber (210) so as to absorb the liquid composition flowing into the interior of the chamber (210) through the liquid inlet. For example, at least one area of ​​the wick (220) is positioned so as to face the liquid inlet so as to absorb the liquid composition flowing into the interior of the chamber (210) through the liquid inlet.

[0200] In one embodiment, the wick (220) may include ceramic fibers or porous ceramics for absorbing the liquid composition. In other words, the wick (220) may be a ceramic wick. However, the wick (220) is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and depending on the embodiment, the wick (220) may be formed of other materials (e.g., cotton or glass).

[0201] The heater (230) may be placed on one side of the wick (220) (e.g., one side facing the +y direction) to heat the liquid composition absorbed in the wick (220). For example, the heater (230) may heat the liquid composition absorbed in the wick (220) using power supplied from a battery of the main body (e.g., the main body (300) of FIG. 2A or 2B).

[0202] The heater (230) may include a metal material that generates heat through electrical resistance. For example, the heater (230) may include stainless steel to prevent corrosion by the liquid composition absorbed into the wick (220), but the metal material of the heater (230) is not limited thereto. In another example, the heater (230) may include a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten.

[0203] In one embodiment, the heater (230) may include a conductive pattern printed on one side of the wick (220). For example, the heater (230) may be formed in a manner in which a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) is printed on the side of the wick (220) facing the +y direction to have a predetermined pattern shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0204] In another embodiment, the heater (230) may include a conductive pattern insert-injected into one side of the wick (220). For example, the heater (230) may be formed by insert-injecting a metal material (e.g., stainless steel) into a predetermined pattern shape into the side of the wick (220). However, the method of forming the heater (230) or the shape of the heater (230) is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In another embodiment (not shown), the heater (230) may include a conductive plate disposed on one side of the wick (220).

[0205] As the heater (230) is positioned on the side of the wick (220), vapor can be generated by heating the liquid composition in an area adjacent to the side of the wick (220) of the chamber (210). The vapor generated from the liquid composition can be mixed with external air introduced into the interior of the chamber (210) through the air inlet (202).

[0206] At this time, outside air can be drawn into the heater assembly (200) through the air inlet (202) and then moved into the chamber (210). The chamber (210) connects the air inlet (202) and the air outlet (203) and can form a flow path through which outside air and / or aerosol moves.

[0207] In one embodiment, a region of the passage connecting the air inlet (202) and the chamber (210) may be formed to extend along an edge of the heater assembly (200) within the heater assembly (200).

[0208] The vapor generated as the liquid composition is heated by the heater (230) may be mixed with external air introduced into the chamber (210), resulting in the generation of an aerosol in an area adjacent to the side of the wick (220) of the chamber (210). The generated aerosol and / or external air may be discharged to the outside of the heater assembly (200) through the air outlet (203).

[0209] Aerosol and / or outside air discharged to the outside of the heater assembly (200) can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the airflow passage (400). The aerosol and / or outside air can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) along the longitudinal direction (e.g., +z direction) of the airflow passage (400).

[0210] Figures 10a to 10f are enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating the storage tank of the cartridge according to embodiments.

[0211] Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10F, the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (100) may refer to the longest longitudinal direction in the cartridge (100). The direction having the longest length of the cartridge (100) may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The longitudinal direction of the cartridge (100) may refer to the z-axis direction in FIGS. 10A to 10F.

[0212] According to one embodiment, the storage tank (110) of the cartridge (100) may include an oxidation catalyst (500) therein. The storage tank (110) may not only accommodate a liquid composition including nicotine and an acid, but may also include the oxidation catalyst (500). The oxidation catalyst (500) may be included in the storage tank (110) in various shapes, arrangements, and numbers.

[0213] An oxidation catalyst (500) is placed inside the storage tank (110), so that nicotine in the liquid composition and the oxidation catalyst (500) can come into contact to form additional nicotine salts. Since the liquid composition contains nicotine and an acid, a nicotine salt is included in the liquid composition. Since the nicotine salt is additionally formed due to the oxidation catalyst (500), the user's smoking satisfaction can be improved.

[0214] The oxidation catalyst (500) may be selected from a metal oxidation catalyst, a chlorine-based catalyst, and a combination thereof.

[0215] For example, the metal oxidation catalyst may be one or more selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), gold (Au), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), and tungsten (W). For example, the chlorine-based catalyst may be Cl2, HClO, OCl. - , and ClO2 - There may be one or more selected from the group consisting of .

[0216] The oxidation catalyst (500) placed inside the storage tank (110) of the cartridge (100) may be made of the above-described material, and may be in the form of the above-described material being coated on the surface of a structure such as plastic.

[0217] As an example, referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10A, at least a portion of the oxidation catalyst (500) may be positioned to contact the inner wall of the storage tank (110). The oxidation catalyst (500) may be adhered to the inner wall of the storage tank (110) or may be formed integrally with the storage tank (110). The integral formation of the storage tank (110) and the oxidation catalyst (500) may be performed through insert molding.

[0218] The oxidation catalyst (500) can form a nicotine salt by coming into contact with the liquid composition contained inside the storage tank (110). The oxidation catalyst (500) can be placed at a relatively lower portion of the storage tank (110) to form a nicotine salt even when a small amount of the liquid composition remains. Specifically, it can be placed at a lower portion in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (100) (e.g., a lower portion in the z-axis direction).

[0219] In Fig. 10a, one oxidation catalyst (500) is illustrated, but a plurality of oxidation catalysts (500) may be included. In addition, the shape and arrangement of the oxidation catalyst (500) may vary.

[0220] Referring to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 10b, the oxidation catalyst (500) is in contact with the inner wall of the storage tank (110), and the longitudinal direction of the oxidation catalyst (500) may be arranged in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (100). The longitudinal direction of the oxidation catalyst (500) may mean a direction having the longest length in the oxidation catalyst (500). The longitudinal direction of the oxidation catalyst (500) may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (100).

[0221] By placing the oxidation catalyst (500) in contact with the inner wall in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (100), the liquid composition can be smoothly discharged to the liquid outlet (111).

[0222] In addition, the oxidation catalyst (500) is arranged to extend to the lower part of the length direction of the cartridge (100) (e.g., the lower part in the z-axis direction), so that a nicotine salt can be formed even when a small amount of liquid composition remains.

[0223] However, it is not limited to what is shown in Fig. 10b, and the shape, placement location, number, etc. of the oxidation catalyst (500) can be set in various ways.

[0224] In an embodiment such as FIG. 10b, the oxidation catalyst (500) may be arranged apart from the liquid outlet passage (111a) leading to the liquid outlet (111). This arrangement allows the liquid composition to flow smoothly into the liquid outlet (111).

[0225] Next, referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10c, one surface of the oxidation catalyst (500) faces the inner wall of the cartridge (100), the other surface of the oxidation catalyst (500) is arranged to face the center of the cartridge (100), and the other surface of the oxidation catalyst (500) may have a plurality of protrusions. By forming the protrusions on the other surface of the oxidation catalyst (500), contact between nicotine and the oxidation catalyst (500) can be increased. The shape of the protrusions is not limited to the shape illustrated and may be formed in various ways.

[0226] In an embodiment such as FIG. 10c, the oxidation catalyst (500) may be arranged apart from a liquid discharge passage (111a) leading to a liquid discharge port (111). The liquid discharge passage (111a) may refer to a passage through which the liquid composition stored in the storage tank (110) leads to the liquid discharge port (111). This arrangement allows the liquid composition to smoothly flow out to the liquid discharge port (111).

[0227] Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10d, the oxidation catalyst (500) can be placed on the inner wall of the liquid discharge passage (111a) of the storage tank (110).

[0228] The oxidation catalyst (500) is arranged on the inner wall of the liquid outlet passage (111a), so that even when a small amount of liquid composition remains, it can come into contact with nicotine passing through the liquid outlet passage (111a) to form a nicotine salt.

[0229] Referring to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 10e, at least a portion of the oxidation catalyst (500) may be mesh-shaped. Although Fig. 10e illustrates that the entire oxidation catalyst (500) is mesh-shaped, only a portion may be formed in a mesh-shaped manner.

[0230] By forming the oxidation catalyst (500) in a mesh shape, the contact between the nicotine in the liquid composition contained in the storage tank (110) and the oxidation catalyst (500) can be increased. Accordingly, by increasing the formation of nicotine salt, the user's smoking satisfaction can be improved.

[0231] As the size of the holes of the mesh-type oxidation catalyst (500) becomes smaller, the contact area between nicotine and the oxidation catalyst (500) can be increased. However, since the liquid composition cannot flow smoothly as the size of the holes becomes smaller, the size of the holes can be appropriately set in consideration of the above-described influences.

[0232] The mesh-type oxidation catalyst (500) may be arranged in a direction such that its length direction crosses the length direction of the cartridge (100). When the oxidation catalyst (500) is mesh-type, even if the oxidation catalyst (500) is arranged in a direction crosswise to the flow direction of the liquid composition, i.e., the direction in which the liquid composition is discharged to the heater assembly (200) through the liquid outlet (111) (e.g., -z direction), the liquid composition can flow smoothly.

[0233] Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10f, the oxidation catalyst (500) may be at least partially mesh-shaped and may be arranged in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction) transverse to the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the liquid outflow passage (111a).

[0234] The oxidation catalyst (500) is disposed in the liquid outlet passage (111a), so that even when a small amount of liquid composition remains, it can contact with nicotine passing through the liquid outlet passage (111a) to form a nicotine salt. In addition, since the mesh-shaped oxidation catalyst (500) is disposed, even when the oxidation catalyst (500) is disposed in a direction transverse to the flow direction of the liquid composition (e.g., -z direction), the liquid composition can flow smoothly.

[0235] According to one embodiment, a plurality of oxidation catalysts (500) may be included inside the storage tank (110). The arrangement and shape of the oxidation catalysts (500) described above may be mixed.

[0236] FIGS. 10a to 10f illustrate examples in which one oxidation catalyst (500) is placed inside a storage tank (110), but the amount or number of oxidation catalysts (500) can be appropriately selected.

[0237] Fig. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0238] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (20), a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and at least one heater (18, 24). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 11. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components illustrated in Fig. 11 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0239] The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (20). Based on the detected information, the control unit (20) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick (S) and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0240] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (131), a puff sensor (132), an insertion detection sensor (133), a reuse detection sensor (134), a cartridge detection sensor (135), a cap detection sensor (136), and a movement detection sensor (137).

[0241] The temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18), or the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0242] The temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0243] A temperature sensor (131) may be placed around the power source (11) to monitor the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor (131) may be placed adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0244] A temperature sensor (131) is placed inside the body and can detect the internal temperature of the body.

[0245] The puff sensor (132) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (132) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (132) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0246] The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S) according to a change in the permittivity inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (133) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0247] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0248] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0249] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick (S) including a wrapper made of a metallic material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the stick (S).

[0250] A reuse detection sensor (134) can detect whether the stick (S) has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0251] At least some of the wrappers constituting the stick (S) may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be positioned corresponding to a position where at least some of the wrappers whose color changes due to the aerosol are disposed when the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick (S) is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1) while passing through the stick (S), the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0252] The cartridge detection sensor (135) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (135) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0253] The cap detection sensor (136) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. If the cap is separated from the body, the cartridge (19) and a portion of the body covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (136) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0254] A motion detection sensor (137) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (137) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0255] In addition to the sensors (131 to 137) described above, the sensor (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0256] The output unit (14) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (14) may include at least one of a display (141), a haptic unit (142), and an audio output unit (143), but is not limited thereto. When the display (141) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (141) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0257] The display (141) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) may refer to various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the heater (18), the insertion / removal status of the stick (S) and / or cartridge (19), the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display (141) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (141) may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (141) may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0258] The haptic unit (142) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (142) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (142) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0259] The acoustic output unit (143) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (143) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0260] The power source (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1), such as a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), and a memory (17). The power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0261] Although not shown in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (11) and may include a switching element.

[0262] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) when the voltage level of the power supply (11) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (11) when the voltage level of the power supply (11) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0263] The heater (18) can receive power from the power source (11) and heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the stick (S). Although not illustrated in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power source (11) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (11) into alternating current power.

[0264] The control unit (20), sensor (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), and memory (17) can receive power from the power source (11) and perform their functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 11, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power source (11) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 11, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (11) and the heater (18). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high frequency switching current applied from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The low pass filter can prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to a sensor (13), such as an insertion detection sensor (133).

[0265] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18) 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. Additionally, the heater (18) 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.

[0266] In another embodiment, the heater (18) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (18) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0267] The input unit (15) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (15) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0268] The display (141) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (141) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added-on to the display (141) panel.

[0269] Meanwhile, the input unit (15) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0270] The memory (17) is a hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (20). The memory (17) 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 (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0271] The communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (16) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0272] The short-range wireless communication unit 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.

[0273] The wireless communication unit 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.

[0274] Although not shown in FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (11) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0275] The control unit (20) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (20) can include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may 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 to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0276] The control unit (20) can control the temperature of the heater (18) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18). The control unit (20) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) sensed by the temperature sensor (131). The control unit (20) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (20) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

[0277] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (11) between the power supply (11) and the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (24), the heater (18), or the induction coil. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (20) may control the power supply circuit.

[0278] The control unit (20) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (11) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0279] The control unit (20) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (11) to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The control unit (20) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The control unit (20) can control the current supplied from the power source (11) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0280] The control unit (20) can control the voltage output from the power source (11) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0281] The control unit (20) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (11). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source (11). As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (18) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0282] The control unit (20) can control power to be supplied to the heater (18) using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0283] For example, the control unit (20) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18) using the PWM method. The control unit (20) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0284] For example, the control unit (20) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (20) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (18) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0285] The control unit (20) can prevent the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) from overheating. For example, the control unit (20) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (20) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (20) can determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24).

[0286] The control unit (20) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (11). The control unit (20) can check the temperature of the power source (11) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (131).

[0287] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1), the control unit (20) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (20) can control the power source (11) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (20) can block charging of the power source (11).

[0288] When the power of the aerosol generating device (1) is turned on, the control unit (20) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (20) can control to use the power stored in the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit (20) can stop using the power stored in the power source (11).

[0289] The control unit (20) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (20) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0290] The control unit (20) can determine whether a stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). The control unit (20) can determine that the stick (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (133). If it is determined that the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (20) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (20) can supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

[0291] The control unit (20) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (20) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). For example, the control unit (20) can determine that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (20) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0292] The control unit (20) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18) according to the state of the stick (S) detected by the sensor (13). The control unit (20) can check the level range that includes the level of the signal of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit (20) can determine the moisture content of the stick (S) according to the checked level range.

[0293] When the stick (S) is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (20) can control the power supply time to the heater (18) to increase the preheating time of the stick (S) compared to the normal state.

[0294] The control unit (20) can determine whether the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (134). For example, the control unit (20) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has not been used. For example, the control unit (20) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has been used. If it is determined that the stick (S) has been used, the control unit (20) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0295] The control unit (20) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (135). For example, the control unit (20) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0296] The control unit (20) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (20) can preheat the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (20) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (20) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (20) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0297] The control unit (20) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (20) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (17). For example, the control unit (20) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the cartridge heater (24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0298] The control unit (20) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (132). For example, the control unit (20) can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (20) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (132). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (20) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18).

[0299] The control unit (20) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (136). For example, the control unit (20) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0300] The control unit (20) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor (13). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (132) reaches a preset number, the control unit (20) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (141), the haptic unit (142), and the sound output unit (143). For example, the control unit (20) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on a determination that the stick (S) does not exist in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (20) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on a determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (20) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) to the user through the output unit (14).

[0301] The control unit (20) can store and update the history of events that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event may include operations such as detection of insertion of a stick (S), initiation of heating of the stick (S), detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), termination of heating of the stick (S), power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharge of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc. performed in the aerosol generating device (1). The history of the event may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of a stick (S), the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (133), etc. For example, if a given event is overheating detection of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), etc.

[0302] The control unit (20) can control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (20) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authorization of the aerosol generating device (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1) based on the data regarding the use authorization. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (20) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (20) can release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (18) when user authentication is completed.

[0303] The control unit (20) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity, operation mode, etc. of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1) via a display of the external device.

[0304] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (20) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (142) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (141) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0305] The control unit (20) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (20) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0306] The control unit (20) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (13) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (16), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (20) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (20) can store, in the memory (17), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (13) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (17) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1) for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming an artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (20) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (13), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory (17), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0307] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0308] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0309] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, A vaporizer comprising a reservoir containing a liquid composition comprising nicotine and an acid and a heater assembly for heating the liquid composition to produce an aerosol; and An airflow passage through which an aerosol generated in the vaporizer is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device; An aerosol generating device, wherein an oxidation catalyst is included in at least one of the interior of the airflow passage and the interior of the storage tank.

2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the oxidation catalyst is selected from a metal oxidation catalyst, a chlorine-based catalyst, and a combination thereof.

3. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein at least a portion of the oxidation catalyst is mesh-type.

4. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the airflow passage includes an oxidation catalyst inside and further includes a vortex forming member that forms a vortex around the oxidation catalyst.

5. In paragraph 4, An aerosol generating device in which the above vortex forming member extends from the inner wall of the airflow passage in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage and is spaced apart from the oxidation catalyst at a certain distance to form a vortex.

6. In paragraph 4, The longitudinal direction of the above vortex forming member is arranged in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage, One side of the above vortex forming member faces the inner wall of the airflow passage, and the other side faces the center of the airflow passage, An aerosol generating device, wherein the other surface of the above vortex forming member has a plurality of vortex forming sections.

7. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device, wherein the oxidation catalyst is disposed between a plurality of the vortex forming sections.

8. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the airflow passage includes a mesh-shaped oxidation catalyst inside and further includes a vortex forming member that forms a vortex around the oxidation catalyst.

9. In paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device, wherein the vortex forming members are a plurality of members, extend from the inner wall of the airflow passage in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage, and the plurality of vortex forming members are arranged spaced apart from each other.

10. In paragraph 8, The longitudinal direction of the above vortex forming member is arranged in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage, One side of the above vortex forming member faces the inner wall of the airflow passage, and the other side faces the center of the airflow passage, An aerosol generating device, wherein the other surface of the above vortex forming member has a plurality of vortex forming sections.

11. In paragraph 10, An aerosol generating device, wherein the oxidation catalyst is disposed between a plurality of the vortex forming sections.

12. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the airflow passage includes a mesh-shaped oxidation catalyst inside, and the mesh-shaped oxidation catalyst is arranged in a direction transverse to the direction in which the airflow passage extends.

13. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the storage tank contains an oxidation catalyst therein, and at least a portion of the oxidation catalyst is arranged to contact the inner wall of the storage tank.

14. In paragraph 13, An aerosol generating device wherein the longitudinal direction of the oxidation catalyst is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the storage tank.

15. In paragraph 13, An aerosol generating device, wherein at least a portion of the oxidation catalyst is mesh-shaped, and the longitudinal direction of the oxidation catalyst is arranged in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the storage tank.

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