Cartridge and aerosol-generating device comprising same

Abstract

This cartridge for an aerosol-generating device may comprise: a container having, in one surface thereof, an insertion hole through which an aerosol-generating article is inserted; a chamber which is accommodated in the container, and in which an aerosol-generating material is stored; an insertion space which is accommodated in the container to be divided from the chamber, and which communicates with the insertion hole; and a blocker which is disposed in the end region of the insertion space positioned on the side opposite to the insertion hole, and which blocks one portion of the insertion space.

Description

Cartridge and aerosol generating device containing same

[0001] The various embodiments below relate to cartridges and aerosol generating devices comprising the same.

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

[0003] An aerosol generating device is being developed that generates aerosol from a cartridge and guides it to an aerosol generating article, and research is being conducted to guide the generated aerosol to the outside of the aerosol generating article.

[0004] 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.

[0005] An object of one embodiment is to provide a cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same for effectively determining whether an aerosol generating article is reusable.

[0006] An object of one embodiment is to provide a cartridge for directing an aerosol to a side surface of an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0007] An object of one embodiment is to provide a cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same, which evenly guide aerosol to the side surface of an insertion space into which an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0008] An object of one embodiment is to provide a cartridge and an aerosol generating device comprising the same that does not cause difficulty in aspiration of the aerosol.

[0009] An object of one embodiment is to provide a cartridge and an aerosol generating device comprising the same, which provides a mark on a used aerosol generating article to prevent reuse.

[0010] A cartridge for an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a container having an insertion port formed on one side into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, a chamber accommodated in the container and storing an aerosol generating material, an insertion space accommodated in the container so as to be partitioned from the chamber and communicating with the insertion port, and a blocker disposed at an end region of the insertion space located on an opposite side of the insertion port and blocking a portion of the insertion space.

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a housing including a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface, wherein an insertion port into which an aerosol generating article is inserted is formed on the first surface, a chamber accommodated in the housing and in which an aerosol generating substance is stored, an insertion space accommodated in the housing so as to be partitioned from the chamber and communicating with the insertion port, and a blocker disposed in an end region of the insertion space located on an opposite side of the insertion port and blocking a portion of the insertion space in a direction in which the insertion space is viewed from the insertion port.

[0012] According to some embodiments, it is possible to effectively determine whether an aerosol generating article is reusable.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the aerosol can be evenly directed to the side surface of the insertion space into which the aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the aerosol may not cause unwanted aerosol inhalation resistance during aerosol inhalation.

[0015] In some embodiments, a mark may be provided on aerosol generating articles after use to prevent reuse.

[0016] The effects of the cartridge and the aerosol generating device including the same 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.

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3b is an exploded view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the structure of an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates the upper body of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment with an aerosol generating article inserted therein according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views and plan views of a cartridge according to one embodiment, and FIGS. 6C and 6D are cross-sectional views of the cartridge taken along line AA of FIG. 6A.

[0023] Figure 7 shows the flow of aerosol in a cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing numbers may be used for similar or related components.

[0026] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A "module" or "unit" may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0027] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0029] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0030] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0032] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0033]

[0034] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0036] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0037] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may function as a temperature sensor. As an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance to the heater (18). The impedance to the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0038] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0039] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0040] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the power protection circuit.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0042] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0043] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0044] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0045] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0046] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When the user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow within the insertion space may occur, and accordingly, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0047] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0048] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating item. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0049] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0050] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the coil through which a current flows. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0051] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0052] In one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a color change may occur in a portion of a wrapper surrounding the exterior of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

[0054] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol generating article is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol generating article.

[0055] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0056] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The permittivity within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0057] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) may detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0058] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product and / or the type of aerosol-generating product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0060] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or 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.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), a preheating status of the heater (18, 24), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display can include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display, if it includes a touch pad, can also be used as an input unit (15). The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) can include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. In addition, the power source (11) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), the output unit (14), the input unit (15), the communication unit (16), and the 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. The power source (11) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be powered by the power source (11) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0066] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material, such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0067] In one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0068] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) can include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (12). For example, 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. For example, 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.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can include at least one processor. The control unit (12) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (12) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (11).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18, 24) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on the power profile. The control unit (12) can also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as an insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control using the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a change in the controlled power.

[0079] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or to stop supplying power to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than a second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using (e.g., discharging) the power stored in the power source (11). The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heaters (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the heaters (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heaters (18, 24) when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heaters (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heaters (18, 24) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (18, 24).

[0084] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)), the control unit (12) can control to stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or prevent power from being supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (17). Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (18, 24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has been generated and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (12) can also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0089] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (12) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). As another example, the control unit (12) may control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (1) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to visually, tactilely and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), and the like.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1) when authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power source (11), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0095] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may transmit data on the sensed values ​​of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) may perform an operation of determining a user's suction pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc., using the learning model received from the server.

[0098] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0099] The aerosol generating article referred to in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (18) may be arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol-generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, and the two or more aerosol-generating rods may each include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0100] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage unit containing the aerosol-generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (1) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0101]

[0102] Figure 2 shows an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (183, 24) (e.g., the heater (18, 24) of FIG. 1). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide an upper-open space (hereinafter, “insertion space”) into which an aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10).

[0105] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge (19) may provide an insertion space for accommodating the aerosol-generating article (2). In this case, the insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the cartridge (19) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the cartridge (19), and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude outside the cartridge (19). Furthermore, in this case, the aerosol-generating device (1) may not include a heater (183).

[0106] In one embodiment, the depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the region containing the aerosol-generating material and / or medium in the aerosol-generating article (2). The user may hold the upper end of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale air.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) can heat the aerosol-generating article (2). The heater (183) can extend upwardly around the space (i.e., the insertion space) into which the aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (183) can be in the form of a tube (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The heater (183) can have a shape including a hollow space on the inside and surrounding the hollow space. In this case, the heater (183) can be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film can be referred to as a film heater. The heater (183) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (183) can heat the outside of the aerosol-generating article (2) inserted into the hollow space. In the present disclosure, the heater (183) may be referred to as an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the heater (183). Through this, the heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) can be reduced.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0109] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as current flows through the electrically resistive material. In this case, the electrical resistance heater can be electrically connected to a power source (11) and can directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0110] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) that surrounds at least a portion of the heater (183) (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater (183). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may further be included on the outside of the induction coil (not shown) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (183). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0112] Unlike the drawing, the aerosol generating device (1) may not include a heater (183). The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated directly or indirectly by the cartridge heater (24), or may not be substantially heated. Indirect heating may mean that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol during the process in which the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) passes through the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, the aerosol generating device (1) may be referred to as a non-heating (or indirect heating) aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating rod of the aerosol generating article (2) may include an additive such as a basic substance. Based on this basic substance, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This basic nicotine can flow into the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol flowing into the aerosol generating article (2) from the cartridge (19) described below.

[0113] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the heater (183) may include an internal heating heater. For example, the internal heating heater may include various heating elements, such as a rod-shaped or tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, or a needle-shaped heating element. The internal heating heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol generating article (2) and may be configured to heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10). For example, a space may be formed on one side of the housing (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (10) so that the cartridge (19) may be mounted on the housing (10). Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the housing (10).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) and / or the cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure through which air can be introduced from the outside into the interior of the housing (10) when the cartridge (19) is inserted. The introduced air can pass through the cartridge (19) and enter the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN) and flow into the user's oral cavity. The airflow channel (CN) may include various structures to reduce residual droplets or facilitate airflow.

[0116] In FIG. 2, the cartridge (19) is positioned laterally relative to the aerosol-generating article (2), and the airflow channel (CN) is formed from the side of the aerosol-generating article (2) to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2), but the positions of the cartridge (19) and the airflow channel (CN) are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge (19) may be positioned adjacent to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2), and in this case, the airflow channel (CN) may be formed in a substantially straight shape so as to connect the cartridge (19) and the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a storage portion (C0) containing an aerosol generating material, a cartridge heater (24), and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery means may impregnate the aerosol generating material supplied from the chamber (C0). For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) can heat the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19). For example, the cartridge heater (24) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0119] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as a current flows through the electrically resistive material. As another example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating type heater. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (24) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or winds) a liquid delivery means and / or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means.

[0120] Unlike the illustration, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may be included inside the housing (10). In this case, the cartridge (19) and the cartridge heater (24) may be separated by removing the cartridge (19).

[0121] In one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on heat generation from a cartridge heater (24). For example, vapor may be generated from an aerosol generating material impregnated in a liquid delivery means as the aerosol generating material is heated by the cartridge heater (24), and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with outside air introduced into the cartridge (19). The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may be introduced into an aerosol generating article (2) through an airflow channel (CN). Tobacco or a flavoring material may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the aerosol generating article (2), and the aerosol added with tobacco or a flavoring material may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0122]

[0123] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3b is an exploded view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a lower body (110), an upper body (120), a cartridge (19), and a cap (130).

[0125] The lower body (110) can accommodate various components necessary for power supply or control, such as a power source (e.g., power source (11) of FIG. 2) and a control unit (e.g., control unit (12) of FIG. 2), within it. The lower body (110) can form the outer shape of the aerosol generating device (1). The upper body (120) can be placed on the upper side of the lower body (110) (e.g., the +Z direction side in FIG. 3b). The cartridge (19) can be coupled to the upper body (120).

[0126] The upper body (120) may include at least one of a mount (123) and a column (124). The mount (123) may be positioned on the upper side (e.g., the +Z direction side in FIG. 3B) of the lower body (110). The mount (123) may provide a cartridge receiving space (1234) into which the lower part of the cartridge (19) may be inserted. The mount (123) may surround the lower part of the cartridge (19) inserted into the cartridge receiving space (1234) by an inner wall (1231). The mount (123) may be connected to the cartridge (19).

[0127] The column (124) may be arranged on the upper side (e.g., the +Z direction side in FIG. 3b) of the lower body (110). The column (124) may extend upward from one side of the mount (123). The column (124) may face one side wall of the cartridge (19). The column (124) may have a shape that surrounds one side wall of the cartridge (19). The column (124) may support one side wall of the cartridge (19).

[0128] The cartridge (19) may include a container (191). The container (191) may include at least one of a first container (1911) and a second container (1912). The first container (1911) may be coupled to an upper side (e.g., the +Z direction side in FIG. 3B) of the second container (1912). The first container (1911) may provide a space (C0, see FIG. 6D) for storing liquid therein. The first container (1911) may provide an insertion space (192, see FIG. 6D) that is formed by being open at the upper side and extending vertically. The aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the insertion space (192). One side wall of the first container (1911) may face the column (124).

[0129] The second container (1912) can be coupled to the lower side (e.g., the -Z direction side in FIG. 3b) of the first container (1911). The second container (1912) can provide a space in which a wick (e.g., a liquid delivery means) (195, see FIG. 6d) and a heater (e.g., a cartridge heater (24)) (194, see FIG. 6d) are installed therein. The second container (1912) can be inserted into the cartridge receiving space (1234). The mount (123) can surround the second container (1912). The second container (1912) can be coupled to the mount (123).

[0130] The cap (130) can be coupled to the upper side of the lower body (110). The cap (130) can cover the upper body (120) and the cartridge (19). The side wall of the cap (130) can surround the side of the cartridge (19) and the side of the upper body (120). The upper wall of the cap (130) can cover the upper part of the cartridge (19) and the upper part of the column (124).

[0131] The cap (130) may have an opening (132). The opening (132) may be formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space (192, see FIG. 6d). The opening (132) may be connected to one end or the upper end of the insertion space (192). The cap (130) may have a cap inlet (133). The cap inlet (133) may be formed by opening one side of the cap (130). Air may be introduced into the interior of the aerosol generating device (1) through the cap inlet (133).

[0132]

[0133] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the structure of an aerosol generating article (2) according to one embodiment.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating article (2) according to one embodiment may include a first filter segment (S1), a medium segment (S2), a second filter segment (S3), and a wrapper (S5).

[0135] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article (2) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (S5). The wrapper (S5) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged. The wrapper (S5) may comprise a material having high thermal conductivity.

[0136] For example, a first filter segment (S1) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (S51), a medium segment (S2) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (S52), and a second filter segment (S3) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (S53). Then, the entire aerosol generating article (2) may be repackaged by a fifth wrapper (S55).

[0137] In one embodiment, the first wrapper (S51), the second wrapper (S52), and the third wrapper (S53) may be manufactured from porous paper. For example, the porosity of each of the first wrapper (S51), the second wrapper (S52), and the third wrapper (S53) may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of each of the first wrapper (S51), the second wrapper (S52), and the third wrapper (S53) may be within a range of 70 um to 80 um. In addition, the basis weight of each of the first wrapper (S51), the second wrapper (S52), and the third wrapper (S53) may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 may be included within the scope of.

[0138] In one embodiment, the fifth wrapper (S55) may be made of sterile paper (MFW). For example, the weight of the fifth wrapper (S55) is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 It can be included within the range of . In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (S55) can be included within the range of 64um to 70um.

[0139] In one embodiment, the first filter segment (S1) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. Alternatively, the first filter segment (S1) may be composed of a paper filter and a porous molding, etc. The first filter segment (S1) may be colored or flavored.

[0140] In one embodiment, the medium segment (S2) may be filled with a medium. For example, the medium segment (S2) may include a cavity, and the cavity may be filled with a medium. In another example, the medium segment (S2) may include a cellulose acetate filter or a paper filter, and the medium may be inserted into and filled in the cellulose acetate filter or the paper filter.

[0141] For example, the medium substrate filled in the medium segment (S2) may include at least one component of granular tobacco (tobacco granules), reconstituted tobacco, and tobacco cut filler. In general, tobacco granules have significantly lower moisture and / or aerosol-forming agent content than other types of tobacco materials (e.g., cut filler, reconstituted tobacco, etc.), and thus can significantly reduce the generation of visible smoke, thereby facilitating the smokeless function of the aerosol generating device (1). However, the diameter, density, filling ratio, composition ratio of constituent materials, heating temperature, etc. of the tobacco granules may vary, and this may vary depending on the embodiment. The diameter of the tobacco granules may be about 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm. Within this numerical range, the appropriate hardness and ease of manufacturing of the tobacco granules are ensured, and the probability of vortex generation within the cavity can be increased.

[0142] Additionally, the medium segment (S2) may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring agent such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the medium segment (S2) by spraying it onto the medium segment (S2).

[0143] In one embodiment, the medium filled in the medium segment (S2) may be pH-treated. For example, the medium substrate may be pH-treated to have alkalinity by a pH adjuster. The pH adjuster is alkaline and may include, for example, at least one of potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and calcium oxide (CaO). However, the material included in the pH adjuster is not limited to the examples described above, and any material that produces less negative odor during smoking may be used. The alkaline pH adjuster may increase the pH of the medium substrate included in the medium segment (S2). Compared to a medium substrate not treated with the alkaline pH adjuster, the amount of nicotine released from the medium substrate treated with the alkaline pH increases. That is, in the case of the medium substrate treated with the alkaline pH, a sufficient nicotine yield can be achieved from the medium segment (S2) even at a low temperature.

[0144] In one embodiment, the medium segment (S2) may include a slurry or a paper-based sheet having a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, or may include tobacco granules having a pH adjusted to a range of 7.0 to 9.5. The medium substrate may include nicotine, and by performing a basic pH treatment therein, free nicotine (nicotine in a gaseous state) may be transferred from the medium substrate even under non-heated conditions or relatively low temperature conditions. That is, by adjusting the pH of the medium substrate of the medium segment (S2) to a range of 7.0 to 9.5, volatile free nicotine may be transferred under non-heated conditions (or low-temperature heating conditions), and a sufficient level of smoky flavor intensity may be realized.

[0145] In one embodiment, the second filter segment (S3) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter. In addition, the second filter segment (S3) may include at least one fragrance capsule. For example, the second filter segment (S3) may be a cellulose acetate filter having at least one fragrance capsule inserted therein. In addition, the second filter segment (S3) may be composed of a cellulose acetate filter mixed with a fragrance material.

[0146] In one embodiment, nicotine can be adsorbed to at least one of the first filter segment (S1) and the second filter segment (S3). As the medium segment (S2) is pH-treated in the range of 7.0 to 9.5, even under non-heated conditions, nicotine in the medium segment (S2) can be actively transferred to the first filter segment (S1) or the second filter segment (S3) in a free nicotine state, and the nicotine transferred from the medium segment (S2) can be adsorbed to at least one of the first filter segment (S1) and the second filter segment (S3). Since the first filter segment (S1) or the second filter segment (S3) together with the medium segment (S2) also contain nicotine, the aerosol generating article (2) can be used even without preheating of the aerosol generating device (1). This not only increases user convenience, but also enables sufficient nicotine delivery even under non-heated (or low-temperature heated) conditions, thereby providing a satisfying taste sensation.

[0147] In one embodiment, a cooling segment (not shown) may be included between the medium segment (S2) and the second filter segment (S3). The cooling segment may cool the aerosol passing through the medium segment (S2). For example, the cooling segment may be made of cellulose acetate and may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. For example, the cooling segment may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the cooling segment may be made of paper and may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior.

[0148]

[0149] FIG. 5 illustrates the upper body (120) of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment with an aerosol generating article (2) according to one embodiment inserted therein.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 5, the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the column (124) (e.g., + / -X direction in FIG. 5). For example, the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2) may be arranged sequentially from the upper portion (1243) of the column (124).

[0151] At least a part of the first sensor (13-1) is exposed from the side (1242) of the column (124) toward the insertion space (192) and can detect the state of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the insertion space (192), and at least a part of the second sensor (13-2) is exposed from the side (1242) of the column (124) toward the insertion space (192) and can detect the state of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the insertion space (192).

[0152] In one embodiment, the first sensor (13-1) may be configured as a first capacitance sensor, and the second sensor (13-2) may be configured as a second capacitance sensor. The first capacitance sensor and / or the second capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The first capacitance sensor and / or the second capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the capacitance of a segment (compartment) of an adjacent aerosol-generating article (2). For example, when the moisture content of each segment of the aerosol-generating article (2) is different, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductor may be different, and the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance sensor may indicate a capacitance value corresponding to each of the segments.

[0153] When the aerosol generating article (2) is fully inserted into the insertion space (192), the first sensor (13-1) can be positioned at a position corresponding to the medium segment (S2) of the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the first sensor (13-1) can be positioned at a position spaced horizontally (e.g., along the XY plane in FIG. 5) away from the medium segment (S2). When the aerosol generating article (2) is fully inserted into the insertion space (192), the second sensor (13-2) can be positioned at a position corresponding to the first filter segment (S1) of the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the second sensor (13-2) can be positioned at a position spaced horizontally (e.g., along the XY plane in FIG. 5) away from the first filter segment (S1).

[0154] When the first sensor (13-1) (e.g., the sensor unit (13) of FIG. 1) is configured as a first capacitance sensor and the second sensor (13-2) (e.g., the sensor unit (13) of FIG. 1) is configured as a second capacitance sensor, the first sensor (13-1) can detect the degree of wetness (over-wetting) of the medium segment (S2), and the second sensor (13-2) can detect the degree of wetness (over-wetting) of the first filter segment (S1). In one example, the area of ​​the first sensor (13-1) exposed toward the insertion space (192) and the area of ​​the second sensor (13-2) exposed toward the side surface of the insertion space (192) may be the same. Since the exposure area of ​​the first sensor (13-1) and the exposure area of ​​the second sensor (13-2) are the same, interference between the two sensors can be minimized.

[0155] In one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is over-humidified based on first information (e.g., change in electrostatic capacity of the medium segment (S2)) received from the first sensor (13-1). The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is reusable based on second information (e.g., change in electrostatic capacity of the first filter segment (S1)) received from the second sensor (13-2).

[0156] In one embodiment, when the first sensor (13-1) is configured as a first capacitance sensor and the second sensor (13-2) is configured as a second capacitance sensor, electric fields of different frequency bands can be applied to the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2).

[0157] For example, an electric field of a first frequency band sensitive to moisture detection may be applied to the first sensor (13-1). For example, an electric field of a second frequency band sensitive to aerosol generating substances (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol) may be applied to the second sensor (13-2).

[0158] Depending on the frequency of the electric field applied to the capacitance sensor, the capacitance value may be measured differently. If an electric field of the same frequency is applied to the first sensor (13-1) and the second sensor (13-2), there may be cases where an overlapping portion appears between the range between the maximum and minimum capacitance values ​​measured for the aerosol-generating article (2) in a humid state and the range between the maximum and minimum capacitance values ​​measured for the aerosol-generating article (2) in a reusable state. In this case, it may not be clearly distinguished whether the aerosol-generating article (2) is in a humid state or a reusable state.

[0159] To prevent this, the control unit (12) can apply an electric field of a first frequency band sensitive to detection of moisture to the first sensor (13-1) and an electric field of a second frequency band sensitive to detection of aerosol generating substances to the second sensor (13-2) so that the range between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the electrostatic capacitance measured by the first sensor (13-1) and the range between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the electrostatic capacitance measured by the second sensor (13-2) do not overlap with each other.

[0160] For example, in a high-humidity environment such as the rainy season, the aerosol-generating article (2) may be in an over-humidified state. The over-humidification may cause the wettability of the aerosol-generating article (2) to change. If the wettability of the aerosol-generating article (2) changes, the dielectric constant may change, and thus the measured capacitance value may change. In an over-humidified state, the first filter segment (S1), the medium segment (S2), and the second filter segment (S3) of the aerosol-generating article (2) may all become wet with moisture, and thus may exhibit a capacitance value that converges to the corresponding humidity.

[0161] For example, an aerosol generated by a wick (e.g., wick (195) of FIG. 6d) and a heater (e.g., heater (194) of FIG. 6d) may enter a first filter segment (S1) of an aerosol-generating article (2) and move to a second filter segment (S3) via a medium segment (S2). As the aerosol moves in a downstream direction (e.g., Z direction of FIG. 5) of the aerosol-generating article (2), the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be wetted more by the aerosol than the downstream portion. In the used aerosol-generating article (2), the first filter segment (S1) upstream of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be wetted more by an aerosol-generating material (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol) than the downstream medium segment (S2).

[0162] The control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (2) is in an over-humidified state if the change in electrostatic capacity between the first point in time (before the aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted into the insertion space (192)) and the second point in time (after the aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted into the insertion space (192)) measured by the first sensor (13-1) is greater than a first set value. The first set value may be the maximum value of the change in electrostatic capacity in the aerosol-generating article (2) in a normal state. Here, the normal state may be defined as a non-over-humidified state rather than an over-humidified state.

[0163] When the aerosol generating article (2) is determined to be in an over-humidified state, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is in an over-humidified reusable state if the change in electrostatic capacity between the first time point and the second time point measured by the second sensor (13-2) is greater than a second set value. The second set value may be the maximum value of the change in electrostatic capacity in the aerosol generating article (2) in an over-humidified non-used state.

[0164] When the aerosol generating article (2) is determined to be in a normal (non-humidified) state, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating article (2) is in a normal reusable state if the change in electrostatic capacity between the first time point and the second time point measured by the second sensor (13-2) is greater than a third set value. The third set value may be the maximum value of the change in electrostatic capacity in the aerosol generating article (2) in a normal non-used state.

[0165]

[0166] FIGS. 6a and 6b are perspective views and plan views of a cartridge (19) according to one embodiment, and FIGS. 6c and 6d are cross-sectional views of the cartridge taken along line AA of FIG. 6a.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, the cartridge (19) may include a container (191), a chamber (C0), an insertion space (192), a blocker (193), a heater (194) and a wick (195).

[0168] The container (191) may include a first container (1911) and a second container (1912). The first container (1911) may be formed with an insertion port (1920) into which an aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted. An insertion space (192) connected to the insertion port (1920) may be arranged in the first container (1911). A chamber (C0) may be accommodated in the first container (1911) so as to be partitioned from the insertion space (192), and an aerosol generating substance may be stored in the chamber (C0). For example, the aerosol generating substance may be in a liquid state. The insertion space (192) and the chamber (C0) may be partitioned by an inner wall.

[0169] Accordingly, the chamber (C0) of the first container (1911) in which the liquid aerosol generating substance is stored can be arranged to surround the aerosol generating article (2) and / or the insertion space (192), thereby increasing space efficiency for storing the aerosol generating substance.

[0170] A heater (194) and a wick (195) may be placed in the second container (1912). The wick (195) may be connected to the chamber (C0). The wick (195) may be supplied with a liquid aerosol generating substance from the chamber (C0). The heater (194) (e.g., cartridge heater (24)) may heat the wick (195). The heater (194) may be wound multiple times around the wick (195).

[0171] Outside air can be introduced into the aerosol generating device (1) through the cap inlet (e.g., the cap inlet (133) of FIG. 3b). The air introduced from the cap inlet (133) can pass through the cartridge inlet (e.g., the cartridge inlet (196) of FIG. 3b) and be introduced into the interior of the cartridge (19). The air that has passed through the cartridge inlet (196) can flow toward the insertion space (192) after being introduced into the second container (1912). The air can pass through the aerosol generating article (2) accompanied by the aerosol generated in the second container (1912).

[0172] In one embodiment, the blocker (193) may be positioned at an end region of the insertion space (192) located on the opposite side of the insertion port (1920) to block a portion of the insertion space (192). For example, the blocker (193) may be positioned at a region of the insertion space (192) between the insertion port (1920) and the wick (195). For example, the blocker (193) may be positioned at a position where a stick stopper is formed to prevent the aerosol generating article (2) from entering the insertion space (192).

[0173] In particular, referring to FIG. 6b, when looking at the insertion space (192) from the insertion port (1920) in the direction (-Z direction), the blocker (193) can be placed in the center of the insertion space (192). The blocker (193) is placed to overlap the central region of the insertion space (192), so that a part of the path corresponding to the central region among the paths of the aerosol passing through the insertion space (192) can be blocked. The aerosol generated by the wick (195) and the heater (194) cannot move along the central path of the insertion space (192) at the point where it meets the blocker (193). The aerosol can be guided toward the edge of the insertion space (192) by the blocker (193).

[0174] In particular, referring to FIGS. 6c and 6d, the blocker (193) may include a base (1931) and a bridge (1932). The base (1931) may be connected to a side surface (1923) of the insertion space (192) by the bridge (1932). The base (1931) may have a circular shape when viewed from the insertion port (1920) toward the insertion space (192) (in the -Z direction). For example, the base (1931) may have a disc shape. As another example, the base (1931) may have a cylindrical shape. In this case, a recess may be formed in the central portion of the cylindrical shape.

[0175] By connecting the base (1931) and the side surface (1923) of the insertion space (192) with the bridge (1932), the base (1931) can be maintained in its position within the insertion space (192). By the bridge (1932), the base (1931) can be placed in the central region of the insertion space (192), and a space can be provided to allow aerosol to flow to the outside of the base (1931).

[0176] For example, two bridges (1932) may be connected to the base (1931) at opposite positions. Alternatively, three or more bridges (1932) may be applied to securely fix the base (1931).

[0177] In one embodiment, the blocker (193) may further include a pillar (1933). The pillar (1933) may protrude from the base (1931) toward the insertion opening (1920). The pillar (1933) may have a sharp tip (1933A) pointing toward the insertion opening (1920).

[0178] When the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the insertion space (192), an end of the aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., the first filter segment (S1) of FIG. 4) can be inserted into a pillar (1933) of the blocker (193). The pillar (1933) can serve to fix the aerosol generating article (2) in place within the insertion space (192) when the aerosol generating device (1) is in operation.

[0179] Additionally, the pillar (1933) may provide a mark at the end of the aerosol-generating article (2). For example, when the aerosol-generating article (2) is removed from the insertion space (192) after smoking, a recessed groove having a shape corresponding to that of the pillar (1933) may be formed on the end surface of the aerosol-generating article (2). The mark by the pillar (1933) may be used to determine whether the aerosol-generating article (2) has been used, and thus the blocker (193) may contribute to preventing reuse of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0180] In one embodiment, the height (H) of the pillar (1933) may be less than the length of the first filter segment (e.g., the first filter segment (S1) of FIG. 4). Here, the height (H) of the pillar (1933) may be defined from the base (1931) to the tip (1933A). This prevents the pillar (1933) from penetrating into the medium segment (e.g., the medium segment (S2) of FIG. 4) of the aerosol generating article (2). This can prevent the front end of the medium segment (S2) from being undesirably opened, thereby preventing the medium from escaping outside the aerosol generating article (2).

[0181] In one embodiment, the pillar (1933) may be positioned at the end face of the insertion space (192), and the blocker (193) may not include the base (1931) and the pillar (1933). For example, unlike FIGS. 6b, 6c, and 6d, the insertion space (192) may extend to the second container (1912), and the wick (195) and the heater (194) may be positioned adjacent to the end face of the insertion space (192) (e.g., adjacent in the -X direction). In this case, the pillar (1933) may be positioned within the insertion space (192) without the aid of the bridge (1932).

[0182] Referring again to FIG. 6b, when looking from the insertion port (1920) toward the insertion space (192), the area of ​​the base (1931) (or pillar (1933)) may be less than half of the area of ​​the insertion space (192). If the area of ​​the base (1931) exceeds half of the area of ​​the insertion space (192), it may affect the flowability of the aerosol, making it difficult for the user to inhale the aerosol. Meanwhile, the area of ​​the base (1931) may be set so as to sufficiently guide the aerosol to the side surface (1923) of the insertion space (192).

[0183]

[0184] Figure 7 shows the flow (P) of aerosol in a cartridge (19) according to one embodiment.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 7, in a cartridge (19) according to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated from a heater (194) and a wick (195). The flow (P) of the aerosol thus generated may flow into the insertion space (192) and move to the lower end of the blocker (193). The flow of the aerosol (P) to the insertion port (1920) is blocked by the blocker (193). The aerosol flow (P) may avoid the blocker (193) and be guided to the outside of the blocker (193). The aerosol flow (P) induced to the side surface (1923) of the insertion space (192) by the blocker (193) flows into the aerosol generating article (2), and at this time, the first wrapper (e.g., the first wrapper (S51) of FIG. 4) surrounding the first filter segment (e.g., the first filter segment (S1) of FIG. 4) of the aerosol generating article (2) can be sufficiently wetted by the aerosol.

[0186] By sufficiently wetting the first wrapper (S51) of the aerosol generating article (2), the recognition rate of the second sensor (e.g., the second sensor (13-2) of FIG. 5) comprising a capacitive sensor can be increased. Through this, the recognition rate of whether the aerosol generating article (2) is over-moistened or whether it is to be reused can be increased.

[0187] If there is no blocker (193), the aerosol flow (P) will be evenly formed within the insertion space (192), and the first wrapper (S51) of the aerosol generating article (2) may not be sufficiently wetted by this aerosol flow (P). This may be a factor that lowers the recognition rate of the second sensor (13-2).

[0188]

[0189] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a cartridge (29) according to one embodiment.

[0190] Among the components of the cartridge (29) illustrated in FIG. 8, descriptions of components identical / similar to the components of the cartridge (19) illustrated in FIGS. 6a to 6d will be omitted for simplicity.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 8, the cartridge (29) may include a first container (2911), a second container (2912), a chamber (C1), an insertion space (292), a blocker (293), a heater (294), and a wick (295). An insertion port (2920) into which an aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted may be formed in the first container (2911), and the insertion port (2920) and the insertion space (292) may be connected to each other.

[0192] In one embodiment, the blocker (293) may include a plate-shaped base (2931) connected to a side surface (2923) of the insertion space (292) and a plurality of through holes formed in the base (2931). The through holes may serve as passages through which aerosols may pass.

[0193] The above through holes may include inner through holes (2933-1) arranged on the inside of the base (2931) and outer through holes (2933-2) arranged on the outside of the base (2931), based on half the radius of the base (2931). Alternatively, the blocker (293) may only include outer through holes (2933-2) while omitting the inner through holes (2933-1).

[0194] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the outer through holes (2933-2) may be larger than the area of ​​the inner through holes (2933-1). The aerosol may flow more through the outer through holes (2933-2). This allows the first wrapper (S51) of the first filter segment (S1) of the aerosol generating article (2) to be sufficiently wetted by the aerosol.

[0195] According to an embodiment of the cartridge (19, 29) and the aerosol generating device (1) including the cartridge, the aerosol generating article (2) can be evenly guided to the side surface (1923, 2923) of the insertion space (192, 292) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, and it is possible to effectively determine whether the aerosol generating article (2) is over-moistened or reused. In addition, it is possible not to cause unwanted aerosol inhalation resistance during aerosol inhalation, and a mark can be provided on the aerosol generating article (2) after use to prevent reuse.

[0196]

[0197] A cartridge (19, 29) for an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a container (191, 291) having an insertion port (1920, 2920) formed on one side into which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, a chamber (C0, C1) accommodated in the container (191, 291) and in which an aerosol generating material is stored, an insertion space (192, 292) accommodated in the container (191, 291) so as to be partitioned from the chamber (C0, C1) and communicating with the insertion port (1920, 2920), and a blocker (192, 293) disposed in an end region of the insertion space (192, 292) located on the opposite side of the insertion port (1920, 2920) and blocking a portion of the insertion space (192, 292).

[0198] In one embodiment, when looking at the insertion space (192) from the insertion hole (1920), the blocker (193) may be placed in the center of the insertion space (192).

[0199] In one embodiment, the blocker (193) may include a base (1931) and a bridge (1932) connecting the base (1931) and a side surface (1923) of the insertion space (192).

[0200] When viewed from the insertion port (1920) toward the insertion space (192), the area of ​​the base (1931) may be less than half the area of ​​the insertion space (192).

[0201] The above blocker (193) may further include a pillar (1933) protruding from the base (1931) toward the insertion port (1920).

[0202] The above pillar (1933) may have a sharp tip (1933A) pointing towards the insertion hole (1920).

[0203] In one embodiment, the blocker (293) may include a plate-shaped base (2931) connected to a side surface (2923) of the insertion space (292) and a plurality of through holes (2933-1, 2933-2) formed in the base (2931).

[0204] Based on half the radius of the base (2931), the area of ​​the through holes (2933-2) arranged on the outside of the base (2931) may be larger than the area of ​​the through holes (2933-1) arranged on the inside of the base (2931).

[0205] In one embodiment, the cartridge (19, 29) may further include a wick (195, 295) accommodated in the container (191, 291) and connected to the chamber (C0, C1) to provide the aerosol generating substance in a liquid state, and a heater (194, 294) for heating the wick (195, 295).

[0206] The above blocker (193) can be placed between the wick (195) and the insertion hole (1920).

[0207] The above blocker (193) may include a pillar (1933) protruding from the end surface of the insertion space (192) facing the insertion hole (1920).

[0208] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a housing (10) including a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface, wherein an insertion port into which an aerosol generating article is inserted is formed on the first surface, a chamber (C0) accommodated in the housing (10) and in which an aerosol generating material is stored, an insertion space accommodated in the housing (10) to be partitioned from the chamber (C0) and communicating with the insertion port, and a blocker (193) disposed in an end region of the insertion space located on an opposite side of the insertion port and blocking a portion of the insertion space in a direction when the insertion space is viewed from the insertion port.

[0209] The above blocker (193) may include a base (1931) including a plate, a bridge (1932) connecting the base (1931) and a side surface of the insertion space, and a pillar (1933) protruding from the base (1931) toward the insertion port.

[0210] The above pillar (1933) may have a sharp tip (1933A) facing the insertion port.

[0211] The housing (10) includes a lower body (110) in which a power source (11) or a control unit (12) is accommodated, an upper body (120) disposed on one side of the lower body (110), a cartridge (19) coupled to the upper body (120), and a cap (130) coupled to the lower body (110) so as to cover at least one of the upper body (120) or the cartridge (19), and the chamber (C0), the insertion space, and the blocker (193) can be disposed in the cartridge (19).

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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 a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, A container having an insertion port formed on one side into which an aerosol generating article is inserted; A chamber, which is accommodated in the above container and in which an aerosol generating substance is stored; An insertion space, which is accommodated in the container and is separated from the chamber and communicates with the insertion port; and A blocker disposed at the end region of the insertion space opposite to the insertion port and blocking a portion of the insertion space; A cartridge containing.

2. In paragraph 1, A cartridge in which the blocker is positioned in the center of the insertion space when viewed from the insertion port.

3. In paragraph 1, The above blocker is, base; and A bridge connecting the side surface of the above base and the above insertion space; A cartridge containing.

4. In paragraph 3, A cartridge, wherein, when viewed from the insertion port toward the insertion space, the area of ​​the base is less than half the area of ​​the insertion space.

5. In paragraph 3, A cartridge wherein the blocker further comprises a pillar protruding from the base toward the insertion port.

6. In paragraph 5, The cartridge, wherein the pillar has a sharp tip facing the insertion port.

7. In paragraph 1, The above blocker is, A plate-shaped base connected to the side surface of the above insertion space; and A plurality of through holes formed in the above base; A cartridge containing.

8. In paragraph 7, A cartridge in which the area of ​​the through holes arranged on the outside of the base is greater than the area of ​​the through holes arranged on the inside of the base, based on half the radius of the base.

9. In paragraph 1, A wick, which is accommodated in the container and connected to the chamber to provide the aerosol generating material in a liquid state; and A heater for heating the above wick; A cartridge containing more.

10. In paragraph 9, A cartridge wherein the blocker is disposed between the wick and the insertion port.

11. In paragraph 9, A cartridge wherein the blocker comprises a pillar protruding from an end surface of the insertion space opposite the insertion port.

12. In the aerosol generating device, A housing comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a side surface between the first surface and the second surface, wherein an insertion port into which an aerosol generating article is inserted is formed in the first surface; A chamber accommodated in the housing and in which an aerosol generating substance is stored; An insertion space accommodated in the housing so as to be separated from the chamber and communicating with the insertion port; and A blocker disposed at the end region of the insertion space on the opposite side of the insertion port, and blocking a portion of the insertion space in a direction viewed from the insertion port; An aerosol generating device comprising:

13. In paragraph 12, The above blocker is, A base containing a plate; a bridge connecting the side surface of the base and the insertion space; and A pillar protruding from the base toward the insertion port; An aerosol generating device comprising:

14. In paragraph 13, An aerosol generating device, wherein the above pillar has a sharp tip facing the insertion port.

15. In paragraph 14, The above housing, A lower body that houses the power or control unit; An upper body arranged on one side of the lower body; A cartridge coupled to the upper body; and A cap coupled to the lower body so as to cover at least one of the upper body or the cartridge; Including, An aerosol generating device, wherein the chamber, insertion space and blocker are arranged in the cartridge.

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