Aerosol generating apparatus including mouthpiece and mouthpiece manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

This aerosol generating apparatus comprises: a housing; and a mouthpiece coupled to the housing and including a chamber accommodating a liquid aerosol generating material, wherein the chamber may comprise a main chamber, an elongated chamber positioned to be spaced apart from the housing with the main chamber interposed therebetween, and a water repellent structure formed on the inner surface of the elongated chamber.

Description

Aerosol generating device including a mouthpiece and mouthpiece manufacturing device

[0001] The various embodiments below relate to an aerosol generating device including a mouthpiece and a mouthpiece manufacturing device.

[0002] Research is underway on non-combustion cigarettes. Aerosol-generating devices heat aerosol-generating substances to produce aerosol.

[0003] The background technology described above is technology that the inventor possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be said to be a publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the application for the present invention.

[0004] An aerosol generating device comprising a liquid aerosol generating substance generates an aerosol by heating or vibrating the liquid aerosol generating substance in an atomizing space. The liquid aerosol generating substance may be stored within a chamber.

[0005] If the liquid aerosol generating substance is not smoothly discharged from the chamber, residual aerosol generating substance may occur.

[0006] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a housing including an atomizing space and a chamber containing a liquid aerosol generating material, and a mouthpiece coupled to the housing, wherein the chamber may include a main chamber, an elongated chamber positioned spaced apart from the housing with the main chamber interposed therebetween, and a water-repellent structure formed on an inner surface of the elongated chamber.

[0007] An apparatus for manufacturing a mouthpiece of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a core mold for injection molding the mouthpiece and an outer mold surrounding at least a portion of the core mold, wherein the core mold comprises a main body having a shape corresponding to the main chamber and an elongated body extending from the main body and having a shape corresponding to the elongated chamber, wherein the elongated body comprises an elongated body end face positioned spaced apart from the main body and an elongated body side face formed between the elongated body end face and the main body, and a water-repellent structure forming body may be arranged on at least a portion of the elongated body side face.

[0008] An aerosol generating device and a mouthpiece manufacturing device according to one embodiment can increase water / oil repellency within the chamber so that a liquid aerosol generating material does not stagnate in the chamber.

[0009] In addition, the aerosol generating device and the mouthpiece manufacturing device according to one embodiment can improve the liquid formation phenomenon of the liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber so that no residual amount of the aerosol generating material remains.

[0010] An aerosol generating device and a mouthpiece manufacturing device according to one embodiment can remove elements that interfere with injection molding when manufacturing a mouthpiece.

[0011] The effects of the aerosol generating device and the mouthpiece manufacturing device according to the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3b is a front view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a mouthpiece of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 4c shows a cross-section of the mouthpiece along line AA of Fig. 4a.

[0020] Figure 4d shows a cross-section of the mouthpiece along the BB line of Figure 4a.

[0021] FIG. 4e is a bottom view of a mouthpiece of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a core mold of a mouthpiece manufacturing device according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5b is an enlarged view of the “C” portion of Figure 5a.

[0024] Figure 5c is an enlarged view of the “D” portion of Figure 5b.

[0025] Figure 5d is an enlarged view of the “E” portion of Figure 5b.

[0026] The terms used in the embodiments are selected from widely used, common terms, taking into account their functions. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 each illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a body (10) and a cartridge (19).

[0031] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a battery (11), a control unit (12), and a sensor (13). At least one of the battery (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor (13) may be disposed inside the body (10). The body (10) may be equipped with a cartridge (19), which is an aerosol generating article. A user may inhale the aerosol by putting a mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge (19) in his / her mouth.

[0032] In one embodiment, the cartridge (19) can accommodate an aerosol-generating substance in an internal chamber (20). The aerosol-generating substance can be in any of a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor components, or can be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0033] In one embodiment, the cartridge (19) can be detachably coupled to the body (10). The cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10) by being inserted into the body (10). The body (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can be introduced into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air introduced into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (23).

[0034] In one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a chamber (20) for receiving an aerosol generating material. A liquid delivery means (25) for impregnating the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the chamber (20). The liquid delivery means (25) may include a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0035] In one embodiment, the heater (24) may be disposed in the cartridge (19) or the body (10). Although the drawing illustrates that the heater (24) is disposed inside the cartridge (19), the present invention is not limited thereto, and the heater (24) may be disposed in the body (10) and be detachably disposed from the cartridge (19). The heater (24) may include an electrically conductive track, and the electrically conductive track of the heater (24) may be a coil structure that winds the liquid delivery means (25). Alternatively, the heater (24) may be formed in a structure that contacts a portion of the liquid delivery means (25).

[0036] In one embodiment, the heater (24) can generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery means (25) is heated by the heater (24), an aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (23).

[0037] In one embodiment, an airflow channel (23) may be provided in the cartridge (19). The airflow channel (23) may communicate with the outside of the cartridge and an atomizing space in which a heater (24) or a liquid delivery means (25) is disposed. One end of the airflow channel (23) may be opened to the atomizing space in which the heater (24) or the liquid delivery means (25) is disposed, and the other end of the airflow channel (23) may be communicated with a mouthpiece.

[0038] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the airflow channel (23) may extend along the length of the cartridge (19) from one side of the chamber (20) of the cartridge (19). Or, for example, referring to FIG. 2, the airflow channel (23) may extend along the length of the cartridge (19) by penetrating the chamber (20) of the cartridge (19).

[0039] In one embodiment, the battery (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device. The battery (11) can be a power source or power source. The battery (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor (13), and the heater (24).

[0040] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the battery (11), the sensor (13), and the cartridge (19).

[0041] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may include at least one processor. The at least one 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, the at least one processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0042] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may include a memory. The memory may be operatively connected to at least one processor, and the memory may store executable instructions. The at least one processor may control the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) by executing the instructions stored in the memory.

[0043] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the operation of a display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device. The control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device to determine whether the aerosol generating device is operable.

[0044] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (24) so ​​that the operation of the heater (24) is initiated or terminated based on the results detected by the sensor (13).

[0045] For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (24) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (24) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the result detected by the sensor (13).

[0046] In one embodiment, the sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a motion detection sensor. For example, the sensor (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (24), the temperature of the battery (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10).

[0047] For example, the sensor (13) can sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor (13) can sense whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor (13) can sense the movement of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0048] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, FIG. 3b is a front view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3c is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Here, FIG. 3b illustrates a state of the aerosol generating device with the cap removed.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 or 2) may include a housing (110) (e.g., the body (10) of FIG. 1 or 2) and a mouthpiece (120) (e.g., the cartridge (19) of FIG. 1 or 2).

[0050] In the following, any overlapping content with that described above will be omitted. It should be understood that, in electronic devices, some components and structures may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable to a person skilled in the art, with reference to the drawings and descriptions below. Furthermore, in electronic devices, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be combined, unless it is technically clearly impossible.

[0051] In one embodiment, the housing (110) and the mouthpiece (120) may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device (100). Alternatively, the housing (110) and the mouthpiece (120) may house other components of the aerosol generating device (100) internally and protect them from the exterior. The mouthpiece (120) may be coupled to the housing (110). In one example, the housing (110) and the mouthpiece (120) may be formed integrally. In another example, the housing (110) and the mouthpiece (120) may be coupled so as to be detachably coupled to each other.

[0052] For example, the housing (110) may be a main body or body (e.g., body (10) of FIG. 1 or 2) of the aerosol generating device (100). The mouthpiece (120) may be a sub body or cartridge (e.g., cartridge (19) of FIG. 1 or 2).

[0053] In one embodiment, the housing (110) may include a battery (103) (e.g., battery (11) of FIG. 1 or 2), a control unit (102) (e.g., control unit (12) of FIG. 1 or 2), a heater (104) (e.g., heater (24) of FIG. 1 or 2), and a wick (105) (e.g., liquid delivery means (25) of FIG. 1 or 2).

[0054] In one embodiment, the battery (103) can supply power necessary for the operation of the components of the aerosol generating device (100). The control unit (102) can control the operation of at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0055] In one embodiment, the heater (104) may be placed within the housing (110). An atomizing space (106) may be provided inside the housing (110). The heater (104) may be placed in the atomizing space (106). The heater (104) may heat the wick (105). The heater (104) may be attached to the wick (105).

[0056] In one embodiment, the wick (105) may be placed in the atomizing space (106). The upper end of the wick (105) may have a portion that protrudes from the atomizing space (106) in a direction toward the mouthpiece (120) (e.g., in the +Z direction in FIG. 3C). The wick (105) may inhale a liquid substance or an aerosol generating substance.

[0057] In one embodiment, the wick (105) may be formed of a porous rigid body that absorbs the aerosol-generating material. For example, the wick (105) may be formed of a porous ceramic. The wick (105) may be more rigid and heat-resistant than a wick made of cotton. The wick (105) may be formed of a material that does not deform or undergoes minimal deformation.

[0058] In one embodiment, the heater (104) may be electrically connected to the battery (103) through a terminal. The heater (104) may receive power from the battery (103) and generate heat. The heater (104) may be a resistive heater.

[0059] The wick (105) can receive and absorb an aerosol generating substance from the mouthpiece (120). The heater (104) can heat the wick (105) that has absorbed the aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol in the atomizing space (106).

[0060] In one embodiment, the housing (110) may have an aerosol passage (107) communicating with the atomizing space (106). The aerosol passage (107) may be communicated from the atomizing space (106) to the exterior of the housing (110). The aerosol passage (107) may convey aerosol generated in the atomizing space (106) to the exterior of the housing (110). For example, the aerosol passage (107) may convey the aerosol to the mouthpiece (120).

[0061] In one embodiment, the cap (130) may cover at least a portion of the mouthpiece (120). For example, the cap (130) may cover the inlet of the mouthpiece (120).

[0062] Fig. 4a is a perspective view of a mouthpiece of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, Fig. 4c is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece taken along line AA of Fig. 4a, Fig. 4d is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece taken along line BB of Fig. 4a, and Fig. 4e is a bottom view of the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E, the mouthpiece (120) may include at least one of a chamber (e.g., chamber (20) of FIG. 1 or 2) and an airflow channel (124) (e.g., airflow channel (23) of FIG. 1 or 2). The mouthpiece (120) may store an aerosol generating substance in the chamber. The chamber may be a reservoir.

[0064] In one embodiment, the chamber may include a main chamber (121) and an elongated chamber (122) positioned spaced apart from the housing (110) with the main chamber (121) interposed therebetween. The main chamber (121) and the elongated chamber (122) are configured to be in communication so that an aerosol generating material can be stored therein.

[0065] An intake port may be arranged on the upper side of the mouthpiece (120) (e.g., the +Z direction side in FIG. 4a). The intake port may communicate with the airflow channel (124) and may be communicated to the outside of the mouthpiece (120).

[0066] In one embodiment, the airflow channel (124) may be in communication with the aerosol path (107) and the intake port. The airflow channel (124) may be physically partitioned from the main chamber (121) and / or the elongated chamber (122). The aerosol generated in the atomization space (106) may travel to the intake port through the airflow channel (124).

[0067] In one embodiment, the elongated chamber (122) may include a first elongated chamber (122A) and a second elongated chamber (122B) arranged with an airflow channel (124) therebetween. The first elongated chamber (122A) and the second elongated chamber (122B) may be formed as elongated cavities extending upward from the main chamber (121) (e.g., in the +Z direction of FIG. 4B). The first elongated chamber (122A) and the second elongated chamber (122B) may have a shape that is symmetrical about the airflow channel (124).

[0068] The first elongated chamber (122A) and the second elongated chamber (122B) can contribute to miniaturization of the mouthpiece (120). For example, if the first elongated chamber (122A) and the second elongated chamber (122B) do not exist, unexpected shrinkage may occur in spaces such as the airflow channel (124) when the mouthpiece (120) comes out of the mold when manufacturing the mouthpiece (120) by injection molding. On the other hand, if the first elongated chamber (122A) and the second elongated chamber (122B) are formed with the airflow channel (124) between them, the shape of the mouthpiece (120) can be maintained even when it comes out of the mold.

[0069] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122) may include a water-repellent structure (123). The water-repellent structure (123) can prevent a liquid aerosol-generating substance from remaining within the elongated chamber (122) due to surface tension. By applying the water-repellent structure (123) to the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122), the aerosol-generating substance can easily move toward the main chamber (121) (e.g., in the -Z direction in FIG. 4b). Since no residual aerosol-generating substance remains in the elongated chamber (122), the aerosol-generating substance contained in the mouthpiece (120) can be completely consumed.

[0070] In one embodiment, the water-repellent structure (123) may be formed with a roughened structure. The roughened structure may increase the surface roughness of the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122). The roughened surface of the elongated chamber (122) may enhance water / oil repellency, and the aerosol generating material may flow out of the elongated chamber (122) well. For example, the roughened structure may be formed by a tool (e.g., a micro drill) after injection molding of the mouthpiece (120).

[0071] In particular, referring to FIGS. 4C, 4D, and 4E, the water-repellent structure (123) may include a groove formed concavely from the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122). The grooves may be configured in multiple numbers. For example, the grooves may include a first groove (123A), a second groove (123B), and a third groove (123C) arranged adjacent to each other in the first elongated chamber (122A). The number of grooves may be configured depending on the size and material of the mouthpiece (120).

[0072] Likewise, the second elongated chamber (122B) may also be provided with a plurality of grooves. For example, the grooves of the first elongated chamber (122A) and the grooves of the second elongated chamber (122B) may have mirror-symmetrical shapes centered around the airflow channel (124). For simplicity of explanation, the grooves formed in the first elongated chamber (122A) will be described below.

[0073] In particular, referring to FIG. 4d, the groove may be formed to be elongated along a longitudinal direction (e.g., + / -Z direction in FIG. 4d) from the mouthpiece (120) toward the housing (110). The groove may include a straight section along the longitudinal direction, a curved section that is continuous with one end of the straight section and contacts the main chamber (121), and an extended section configured to have a radius of curvature.

[0074] For example, the third groove (123C) may include a straight section (123C-1) formed elongated along the longitudinal direction (+ / -Z direction) of the first elongated chamber (122A), a curved section (123C-2) that is continuous with one end of the straight section (123C-1) and contacts the main chamber (121), and an extended section (123C-3) that is configured to have a radius of curvature and is located at the other end of the straight section (123C-1).

[0075] The straight section (123C-1) may be formed as an elongated recess formed along the longitudinal inner surface of the first elongated chamber (122A). The width of the straight section (123C-1) (e.g., the length in the + / - X direction in FIG. 4d) may be constant. The depth of the straight section (123C-1) (e.g., the length in the -Y direction in FIG. 4d) may be constant. The constant width and / or depth of the straight section (123C-1) may be advantageous for injection molding of the mouthpiece (120).

[0076] The curved section (123C-2) may be configured as a recess that is continuous with one end of the straight section (123C-1) (e.g., the end of the straight section (123C-1) facing the -Z direction in FIG. 4d). The width and depth of the curved section (123C-2) may be the same as the width and depth of the straight section (123C-1). The curved section (123C-2) may have a path that curves in a direction toward the outside of the mouthpiece (120) as it goes toward the housing (110) (e.g., the -Z direction in FIG. 4d). The outward gradient of the curved section (123C-2) may be advantageous for injection molding of the mouthpiece (120). The curved section (123C-2) may prevent deformation that may occur when the mouthpiece (120) is released from the mold.

[0077] The extended section (123C-3) may be configured as a recess located at the other end of the straight section (123C-1) (e.g., the end of the straight section (123C-1) facing the +Z direction in FIG. 4d). The width of the extended section (123C-3) may be the same as the width of the straight section (123C-1). Meanwhile, the depth of the extended section (123C-3) may decrease as it moves away from the straight section (123C-1). The degree to which the depth of the extended section (123C-3) decreases may decrease as it moves away from the straight section (123C-1). At this time, the extended section (123C-1) may be configured to have a curvature. For example, when the extended section (123C-1) is viewed from the side (e.g., when viewed in the -X direction in FIG. 4d), the extended section (123C-1) may be configured in a shape having a curvature.

[0078] The first groove (123A) and / or the second groove (123B) of the first elongated chamber (122A) may also include straight sections, curved sections, and extended sections that are identical or similar to the straight section (123C-1), curved section (123C-2), and extended section (123C-3) of the third groove (123C). Similarly, the first groove, the second groove, and / or the third groove of the second elongated chamber (122B) may also include straight sections, curved sections, and extended sections.

[0079] In particular, referring to FIG. 4E, the water-repellent structure (123) may include a protrusion (123D). The protrusion (123D) may protrude from the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122). For example, the protrusion (123D) may protrude from the inner surface of the first elongated chamber (122A) toward the inner space of the first elongated chamber (122A). The protrusion (123D) may be formed as a ridge that is elongated along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the + / -Z direction in FIG. 4E). The protrusion (123D) may be formed in multiple numbers.

[0080] The second elongated chamber (122B) may also include a protrusion that is identical or similar to the protrusion (123D) of the first elongated chamber (122A).

[0081] In one embodiment, the water-repellent structure (123) may be formed of an inner surface of an elongated chamber (122) having a surface roughness greater than the surface roughness of the inner surface of the main chamber (121). For example, the water-repellent structure (123) may be formed by corroding the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122).

[0082] The water-repellent structure (123) reduces the surface tension between the liquid aerosol generating substance contained in the elongated chamber (122) and the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122), thereby increasing the water-repellent / oil-repellent properties, thereby allowing the aerosol generating substance to easily move out of the elongated chamber (122).

[0083] Fig. 5a is a perspective view of a core mold (220) of a mouthpiece manufacturing device according to one embodiment, and Fig. 5b is an enlarged view of part "C" of Fig. 5a. Fig. 5c is an enlarged view of part "D" of Fig. 5b, and Fig. 5d is an enlarged view of part "E" of Fig. 5b.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d, a manufacturing device for a mouthpiece (120) of an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may include a core mold (220) for injection molding the mouthpiece (120) and an outer mold surrounding at least a portion of the core mold (220). The outer shape of the mouthpiece (120) may be formed by a space defined between the core mold (220) and the outer mold. The mouthpiece (120) may be manufactured by injection molding.

[0085] In one embodiment, the core mold (220) may include a main body (221), an elongated body (222), and a water-repellent structure forming body (223).

[0086] The main body (221) may have a shape corresponding to the main chamber (e.g., the main chamber (121) of FIG. 4b).

[0087] The elongated body (222) may extend from the main body (221) and have a shape corresponding to an elongated chamber (e.g., an elongated chamber (122) of FIG. 4B). The elongated body (222) may include a first elongated body (222A) and a second elongated body (222B). The elongated body (222) may include an elongated body end face and an elongated body side face. For example, the first elongated body (222A) may include a first elongated body end face (2221A) and a first elongated body side face (2222A). The first elongated body end face (2221A) may be positioned spaced apart from the main body (221). The first elongated body side surface (2222A) may be defined as a surface between the first elongated body end surface (2221A) and the main body (221).

[0088] The water-repellent structure forming body (223) can be formed on the elongated body (222). For example, the water-repellent structure forming body (223) can be formed on the first elongated body side surface (2222A) of the first elongated body (222A).

[0089] In one embodiment, the water-repellent structure forming body (223) may include a straight protruding body, a curved protruding body, and an extended protruding body.

[0090] In particular, referring to FIGS. 5C and 5D, the water-repellent structure-forming body (223) can form grooves by injection molding. The water-repellent structure-forming body (223) can form a plurality of grooves. For example, the water-repellent structure-forming body (223) on the second elongated body (222B) can include a first water-repellent structure-forming body (223A), a second water-repellent structure-forming body (223B), and a third water-repellent structure-forming body (223C). The water-repellent structure-forming body (223) on the first elongated body (222A) can also have the same or similar structure as the water-repellent structure-forming body on the second elongated body (222B).

[0091] The first water-repellent structure forming body (223A) may include a straight protruding body (223A-1), a curved protruding body (223A-2), and an extended protruding body (223A-3).

[0092] The straight protruding body (223A-1) may be configured as a protrusion having a straight path formed along the longitudinal direction from the mouthpiece (120) toward the housing (110). The width and / or height of the straight protruding body (223A-1) may be constant.

[0093] The curved protrusion body (223A-2) is continuous with one end of the straight protrusion body (223A-1) and can be in contact with at least a portion of the main body (221). The width and height of the curved protrusion body (223A-2) may be the same as the width and height of the straight protrusion body (223A-1). The curved protrusion body (223A-2) may have a path that curves away from the second elongated body side surface as it gets farther away from the straight protrusion body (223A-1). The outward slope of the curved protrusion body (223A-2) can prevent deformation of the mouthpiece when the core mold (220) is pulled out during injection molding.

[0094] The extended protrusion body (223A-3) may be configured as a protrusion located at the other end of the straight protrusion body (223A-1). The width of the extended protrusion body (223A-3) may be the same as the width of the straight protrusion body (223A-1). The height of the extended protrusion body (223A-3) may decrease as it moves away from the straight protrusion body (223A-1). The degree to which the height of the extended protrusion body (223A-3) decreases may decrease as it moves away from the straight protrusion body (223A-1). At this time, the extended protrusion body (223A-3) may be configured to have a radius of curvature (R). Defects in injection molding may be minimized by the radius of curvature (R) of the extended protrusion body (223A-3).

[0095] The second water-repellent structure forming body (223B) and / or the third water-repellent structure forming body (223C) may also include a straight protrusion body, a curved protrusion body, and an extended protrusion body that are identical or similar to the straight protrusion body (223A-1), the curved protrusion body (223A-2), and the extended protrusion body (223A-3) of the first water-repellent structure forming body (223A). Meanwhile, the distance between adjacent curved protrusion bodies may increase from the straight protrusion body toward the end of the curved protrusion body.

[0096] In one embodiment, the water-repellent structure forming body (223) may include a groove. The groove may be formed as a recess sunken from one side of the elongated body (222). The groove may be formed to be elongated along the longitudinal direction.

[0097] In one embodiment, the water-repellent structure forming body (223) may include a protruding structure formed on the outer surface of the elongated body (222). For example, a first elongated body side surface (2222A) may have a protruding structure having a convex and / or concave pattern formed thereon, so that a fine curve may be formed on the outer surface of the first elongated body side surface (2222A).

[0098] According to an embodiment of the aerosol generating device (100), the water / oil repellency within the chamber is increased, thereby preventing the liquid aerosol generating substance from stagnating within the chamber. This improves the phenomenon of the liquid aerosol generating substance forming within the chamber, thereby enabling the complete consumption of the aerosol generating substance within the chamber. In addition, the mouthpiece manufacturing device according to an embodiment can improve the manufacturing characteristics of the injection molding of the mouthpiece (120) of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0099] An aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment includes a housing (110) and a chamber for accommodating a liquid aerosol generating substance, and a mouthpiece (120) coupled to the housing (110), wherein the chamber may include a main chamber (121), an elongated chamber (122) positioned spaced apart from the housing (110) with the main chamber (121) interposed therebetween, and a water-repellent structure (123) formed on the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122).

[0100] In one embodiment, the water-repellent structure (123) may include grooves (123A, 123B, 123C) concavely formed from the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122).

[0101] The above-mentioned home (123A, 123B, 123C) may be formed to be elongated along the longitudinal direction from the mouthpiece (120) toward the housing (110).

[0102] The above home (123C) may include a straight section (123C-1) along the longitudinal direction and a curved section (123C-2) that is continuous with one end of the straight section (123C-1) and contacts the main chamber (121).

[0103] The above home (123C) further includes an extension section (123C-3) configured to have a curvature, and the extension section (123C-1) can be located at the other end of the straight section (123C-1).

[0104] In one embodiment, the water-repellent structure (123) may include a protrusion (123D) protruding from the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122).

[0105] The above protrusion (123D) may be formed to be elongated along the longitudinal direction from the mouthpiece (120) toward the housing (110).

[0106] In one embodiment, the water-repellent structure (123) may be formed of an inner surface of an elongated chamber (122) having a surface roughness greater than the surface roughness of the inner surface of the main chamber (121).

[0107] The above water-repellent structure (123) can be formed by corrosion treatment of the inner surface of the elongated chamber (122).

[0108] At least one of the housing (110) or the mouthpiece (120) includes an atomizing space (106), and the mouthpiece (120) further includes an airflow channel (124) formed along a longitudinal direction and communicating with the atomizing space (106), and the elongated chamber (122) may be composed of a first elongated chamber (122A) and a second elongated chamber (122B) arranged with the airflow channel (124) interposed therebetween.

[0109] In one embodiment, the mouthpiece (120) can be manufactured by injection molding.

[0110] An apparatus for manufacturing a mouthpiece (120) of an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment comprises a core mold (220) for injection molding of the mouthpiece (120) and an outer mold surrounding at least a portion of the core mold (220), wherein the core mold (220) comprises a main body (221) having a shape corresponding to the main chamber (121), an elongated body (222) extending from the main body (221) and having a shape corresponding to the elongated chamber (122), and a water-repellent structure forming body (223) formed on the elongated body (222), wherein the elongated body (222) comprises an elongated body end face (2221A) spaced apart from the main body (221) and an elongated body side face (2221A) between the elongated body end face (2221A) and the main body (221). The body (223) including the surface (2222A) and the water-repellent structure forming body can be arranged on at least a part of the elongated body side surface (2222A).

[0111] The above water-repellent structure forming body (223) may include a straight protruding body (223A-1) formed along a longitudinal direction from the mouthpiece (120) toward the housing (110), a curved protruding body (223A-2) that is continuous with one end of the straight protruding body (223A-1) and contacts at least a portion of the main body (221), and an extended protruding body (223A-3) configured to have a radius of curvature (R) at the other end of the straight protruding body (223A-1).

[0112] The above water-repellent structure forming body (223) may be composed of a plurality of bodies, and the distance between adjacent curved protrusion bodies may increase from the straight protrusion body to the end of the curved protrusion body.

[0113] In one embodiment, the water-repellent structure forming body (223) may include a protrusion formed on the elongated body side surface (2222A).

[0114] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, Housing; and A mouthpiece comprising a chamber for receiving a liquid aerosol generating substance, the mouthpiece being coupled to the housing, The above chamber, Main chamber; an elongated chamber positioned apart from the housing with the main chamber interposed therebetween; and An aerosol generating device comprising a water-repellent structure formed on the inner surface of the above-mentioned elongated chamber.

2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the water-repellent structure includes a groove formed concavely from the inner surface of the elongated chamber.

3. In paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device wherein the above groove is formed elongated along the longitudinal direction from the mouthpiece toward the housing.

4. In paragraph 3, The above home, A straight section along the longitudinal direction; and A curved section that is continuous with one end of the straight section and is in contact with the main chamber; An aerosol generating device comprising:

5. In paragraph 4, The above home further includes an extension section configured to have a curvature, An aerosol generating device, wherein the above-mentioned extension section is located at the other end of the above-mentioned straight section.

6. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the water-repellent structure includes a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the elongated chamber.

7. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device, wherein the protrusion is formed to be elongated along the longitudinal direction from the mouthpiece toward the housing.

8. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the water-repellent structure is formed by the inner surface of an elongated chamber having a surface roughness greater than the surface roughness of the inner surface of the main chamber.

9. In paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device in which the above water-repellent structure is formed by corrosion treatment of the inner surface of the elongated chamber.

10. In paragraph 3, At least one of the housing or the mouthpiece comprises an atomizing space, and the mouthpiece further comprises an airflow channel formed along the longitudinal direction and communicating with the atomizing space, An aerosol generating device, wherein the elongated chamber is composed of a first elongated chamber and a second elongated chamber arranged with the airflow channel therebetween.

11. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the above mouthpiece is manufactured by injection molding.

12. In a device for manufacturing a mouthpiece of an aerosol generating device according to paragraph 1, Comprising a core mold for injection molding the above mouthpiece and an outer mold surrounding at least a portion of the core mold, The above core mold, A main body having a shape corresponding to the main chamber; An elongated body extending from the main body and having a shape corresponding to the elongated chamber; and Including a body forming a water-repellent structure formed on the above-mentioned elongated body, The elongated body includes an elongated body end surface spaced apart from the main body and an elongated body side surface between the elongated body end surface and the main body, A mouthpiece manufacturing device, wherein the water-repellent structure forming body is arranged on at least a portion of the side surface of the elongated body.

13. In paragraph 12, The above water-repellent structure forming body is, A straight protruding body formed along the longitudinal direction from the mouthpiece toward the housing; A curved protruding body that is continuous with one end of the straight protruding body and contacts at least a part of the main body; and A mouthpiece manufacturing device comprising an extended protrusion body configured to have a radius of curvature at the other end of the straight protrusion body.

14. In paragraph 13, The above water-repellent structure forming body is composed of multiple parts, A mouthpiece manufacturing device, wherein the distance between adjacent curved protrusion bodies increases from the straight protrusion body toward the end of the curved protrusion body.

15. In paragraph 12, A mouthpiece manufacturing device, wherein the water-repellent structure forming body includes a protrusion formed on the side surface of the elongated body.

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