KR102490573B1 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device includes a cartridge storing an aerosol generating material for generating an aerosol; an absorbent portion disposed on the cartridge to absorb the aerosol-generating substance; a device that is detachably connected to the cartridge and includes a coupling groove into which the cartridge is coupled; and an atomizer generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material absorbed in the absorption unit.

Description

Aerosol generating device {Aerosol generating device}

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device including a structure in which an atomizer is in close contact with an absorbing unit.

There is an increasing demand for an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol in a non-combustion method, replacing the method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. An aerosol-generating device is, for example, a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in a non-combustible manner and supplies it to a user, or generates a flavored aerosol by passing vapor generated from an aerosol-generating material through a flavoring medium. to be.

The aerosol-generating device includes an absorber for absorbing an aerosol-generating material for generating an aerosol, and an atomizer for generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the absorber.

Here, conventionally, the atomizer is disposed at a predetermined distance from the absorbing unit, or is implemented to be disposed in a state in which the atomizer is not in close contact with the atomizer. Accordingly, in the aerosol generating device according to the prior art, since the atomizer cannot sufficiently atomize the aerosol generating material absorbed in the absorber, there is a problem in that the possibility of splashing increases during the aerosol generating process.

Embodiments provide an aerosol generating device capable of reducing the likelihood of splashing.

Embodiments may implement an aerosol generating device.

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a cartridge in which an aerosol generating material for generating an aerosol is stored; an absorbent portion disposed on the cartridge to absorb the aerosol-generating substance; a device that is detachably connected to the cartridge and includes a coupling groove into which the cartridge is coupled; and an atomizer generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material absorbed in the absorption unit. When the cartridge is coupled to the coupling groove, the absorber pressurizes the atomizer.

As described above, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments improves the contact force between the atomizer and the absorbing part so that the aerosol generating material absorbed in the absorbing part can smoothly move to the atomizing device, so the work of atomizing the aerosol generating material Ease of use can be improved.

Since the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments can atomize the aerosol generating material absorbed in the absorbing part while the atomizer is in close contact with the absorbing part, it is possible to reduce the possibility of splashing in the process of generating the aerosol.

In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments, the atomizer may stably generate an aerosol because the absorbing portion remains pressed by the atomizer even when an external force such as external vibration or shaking occurs.

1 is a block diagram of an example of an aerosol generating device.
Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment on the basis of before the cartridge is coupled to the coupling groove.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2;
5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2;
6 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;
9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;
10 is a schematic perspective view showing some components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a coupling process of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11;
14 and 15 are schematic side cross-sectional views showing an enlarged operation state of a part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 .
16 and 17 are schematic side cross-sectional views showing enlarged other parts of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 .
18 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of an atomizer.
19 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment including the atomizer of FIG. 18;

The terms used in the embodiments have been selected from general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but they may vary depending on the intention of a person skilled in the art, precedent, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in a specific case, there is also a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the term used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, not simply the name of the term.

When it is said that a certain part "includes" a certain component throughout the specification, it means that it may further include other components without excluding other components unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as “…unit” and “…module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Embodiments relate to a structure in which the absorbing unit is brought into close contact with the atomizer. However, the embodiments are not limited by specific examples to be described later, and it will be clear to those skilled in the art that other modifications may be included as long as the absorber can be brought into close contact with the atomizer.

Atomization is to convert the phase of an aerosol-generating substance to generate an aerosol.

As an example, the atomizer may generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The atomizer of the aerosol-generating device may transform the phase of the aerosol-generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method to atomize the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations. The atomizer may include a vibrator generating ultrasonic vibrations.

The vibrator may generate vibration of a short period. The vibration generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration may be, for example, 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz. Due to the short-period vibration generated from the vibrator, the aerosol-generating material may be vaporized and/or atomized into an aerosol.

The vibrator may include, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic, and the piezoelectric ceramic generates electricity (voltage) by a physical force (pressure) and, conversely, generates vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied thereto. It is a functional material that can mutually convert mechanical forces. Therefore, vibration (physical force) is generated by electricity applied to the vibrator, and such small physical vibration can break the aerosol-generating material into small particles and atomize it into an aerosol.

The vibrator may be electrically connected to the circuit by a pogo pin or a C-clip. Accordingly, the vibrator may vibrate by receiving current from a pogo pin or a C-clip. However, the type of element connected to supply current to the vibrator is not limited as described above.

As another example, the atomizer may be a heating element for atomizing the aerosol generating material absorbed in the absorber. In this case, the atomizer may be a heating element having a flat shape including a mesh structure.

The atomizer may include a heater capable of heating the aerosol generating material by generating heat. The heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater is not limited to the above example, and may be applied without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. The aerosol-generating material absorbed in the absorber may be heated by the heater, resulting in an aerosol.

The heater may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials are titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy containing, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

1 is a block diagram of an example of an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 110, an atomizer 120, a sensor 130, a user interface 140, a memory 150, and a processor 160. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 . Depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, those skilled in the art can understand that some of the hardware configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added. .

As an example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a body, and in this case, hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 100 are located in the body.

As another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a main body and a cartridge, and hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be separately located in the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located on the main body and the cartridge, respectively.

Hereinafter, the operation of each element will be described without limiting the space where each element included in the aerosol generating device 100 is located.

The battery 110 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100 . That is, the battery 110 may supply power so that the atomizer 120 can atomize the aerosol generating material. In addition, the battery 110 may supply power necessary for the operation of other hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 100, that is, the sensor 130, the user interface 140, the memory 150, and the processor 160. there is. The battery 110 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

For example, the battery 110 may be a nickel-based battery (eg, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (eg, a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-phosphate battery, or a lithium-based battery). titanate battery, lithium-ion battery or lithium-polymer battery). However, the type of battery 110 that can be used in the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited as described above. If necessary, the battery 110 may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

The atomizer 120 receives power from the battery 110 under the control of the processor 160 . The atomizer 120 may atomize the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating device 100 by receiving power from the battery 110 .

The atomizer 120 may be located in the body of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 100 includes a main body and a cartridge, the atomizer 120 may be located in the cartridge or separately located in the main body and the cartridge. When the atomizer 120 is located in the cartridge, the atomizer 120 may receive power from the battery 110 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge. In addition, when the atomizer 120 is divided into the main body and the cartridge, parts requiring power supply in the atomizer 120 may receive power from the battery 110 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

The atomizer 120 generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material inside the cartridge. Aerosol means a suspension in which liquid and/or solid fine particles are dispersed in a gas. Accordingly, the aerosol generated from the atomizer 120 may refer to a state in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material and air are mixed. For example, the atomizer 120 may convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material into a gaseous phase through vaporization and/or sublimation. In addition, the atomizer 120 may generate an aerosol by discharging liquid and/or solid aerosol-generating substances into fine particles.

For example, in one embodiment the heater may be part of a cartridge. Also, the cartridge may include a liquid delivery unit and a liquid storage unit, which will be described later. The aerosol-generating material contained in the liquid reservoir may move to the liquid delivery means, and the heater may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the liquid delivery means. For example, a heater may be wound around the liquid delivery means or disposed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

As another example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include an accommodation space capable of accommodating cigarettes, and the heater may heat the cigarette inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100 . As the cigarette is accommodated in the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 100, the heater may be located inside and/or outside the cigarette. As such, the heater may heat the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette to generate an aerosol.

Meanwhile, the heater may be an induction heating type heater. The heater may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette or cartridge by induction heating, and the cigarette or cartridge may include a susceptor capable of being heated by the induction heater. The aerosol generating device 100 may include at least It may include one sensor 130 . A result sensed by at least one sensor 130 is transmitted to the processor 160, and according to the sensing result, the processor 160 controls the operation of the atomizer 120, restricts smoking, and inserts a cartridge (or cigarette) / The aerosol generating device 100 may be controlled so that various functions such as non-judgment and notification display are performed.

For example, at least one sensor 130 may include a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may detect a user's puff based on at least one of a change in flow of air flowing in from the outside, a change in pressure, and detection of sound. The puff detection sensor may detect the start timing and end timing of the user's puff, and the processor 160 may determine a puff period and a non-puff period according to the detected start timing and end timing of the puff. can judge

Also, at least one sensor 130 may include a user input sensor. The user input sensor may be a sensor capable of receiving a user's input, such as a switch, a physical button, or a touch sensor. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor capable of detecting a user's input by generating a change in capacitance when the user touches a predetermined area formed of a metal material and detecting the change in capacitance. there is. The processor 160 may determine whether a user's input has occurred by comparing values before and after the change in capacitance received from the capacitive sensor. When the value before and after the capacitance change exceeds a preset threshold, the processor 160 may determine that a user's input has occurred.

Also, at least one sensor 130 may include a motion sensor. Information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 100, such as an inclination, moving speed, and acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100, may be acquired through a motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor may include a moving state of the aerosol generating device 100, a stationary state of the aerosol generating device 100, a state where the aerosol generating device 100 is tilted at an angle within a predetermined range for a puff, and each puff action. Information about the tilted state of the aerosol generating device 100 may be measured at an angle different from that during the puff operation. The motion sensor may measure motion information of the aerosol generating device 100 using various methods known in the art. For example, the motion sensor may include an acceleration sensor capable of measuring acceleration in three directions, an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, and a gyro sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in three directions.

Also, at least one sensor 130 may include a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence or distance of an approaching object or an object existing nearby without mechanical contact by using electromagnetic field force or infrared rays, through which a user approaches the aerosol generating device 100. It can be detected whether or not

Also, at least one sensor 130 may include an image sensor. The image sensor may include, for example, a camera for obtaining an image of an object. The image sensor may recognize an object based on an image acquired by a camera. The processor 160 may determine whether the user is in a situation to use the aerosol generating device 100 by analyzing the image acquired through the image sensor. For example, when the user brings the aerosol generating device 100 close to the lips to use the aerosol generating device 100, the image sensor may acquire an image of the lips. The processor 160 may analyze the obtained image to determine that the user is in a situation to use the aerosol generating device 100 when the lips are determined. Through this, the aerosol generating device 100 may operate the atomizer 120 in advance or preheat the heater.

In addition, the at least one sensor 130 may include a consumables attachment/detachment sensor capable of detecting attachment or detachment of consumables (eg, cartridges, cigarettes, etc.) that may be used in the aerosol generating device 100 . For example, the consumables detachment sensor may detect whether consumables are in contact with the aerosol generating device 100 or determine whether consumables are detached by an image sensor. In addition, the consumable detachment sensor may be an inductance sensor that detects a change in inductance value of a coil that can interact with a marker of consumables, or a capacitance sensor that detects a change in capacitance value of a capacitor that can interact with markers of consumables.

Also, at least one sensor 130 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect the temperature at which the heater (or aerosol generating material) of the atomizer 120 is heated. The aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater, or the heater itself may serve as the temperature sensor instead of including the separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, a separate temperature sensor may be further included in the aerosol generating device 100 while the heater serves as the temperature sensor. In addition, the temperature sensor may detect not only the temperature of the heater but also the temperature of internal parts such as a printed circuit board (PCB) and a battery of the aerosol generating device 100.

Also, the at least one sensor 130 may include various sensors that measure information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 100 . For example, the at least one sensor 130 may include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the surrounding environment, and an atmospheric pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the surrounding environment.

The sensor 130 that may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the above-described type, and may further include various sensors. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a fingerprint sensor capable of acquiring fingerprint information from a user's finger for user authentication and security, an iris recognition sensor analyzing an iris pattern of a pupil, and a vein injection from a palm image. It may include a vein recognition sensor that detects the amount of infrared absorption of reduced hemoglobin, a face recognition sensor that recognizes feature points such as eyes, nose, mouth, and facial contours in a 2D or 3D manner, and a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor. .

In the aerosol generating device 100, only some of the examples of the various sensors 130 illustrated above may be selected and implemented. In other words, the aerosol generating device 100 may combine and utilize information sensed by at least one of the sensors described above.

The user interface 140 may provide information about the status of the aerosol-generating device 100 to the user. The user interface 140 includes a display or lamp that outputs visual information, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, and an input/output (I/O) that receives information input from a user or outputs information to the user. ) Terminals for data communication with interfacing means (e.g., buttons or touch screens) or receiving charging power, wireless communication with external devices (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.) may include various interfacing means such as a communication interfacing module.

However, only some of the various user interface 140 examples exemplified above may be selected and implemented in the aerosol generating device 100.

The memory 150 is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device 100, and the memory 150 may store data processed by the processor 160 and data to be processed. The memory 150 may be a random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). It can be implemented in different types.

The memory 150 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The processor 160 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The processor 160 may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs executable by the microprocessor are stored. Also, those skilled in the art can understand that the processor 160 may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The processor 160 analyzes a result sensed by at least one sensor 130 and controls subsequent processes to be performed.

Based on a result sensed by at least one sensor 130, the processor 160 may control power supplied to the atomizer 120 so that the operation of the atomizer 120 starts or ends. In addition, the processor 160 determines the amount of power supplied to the atomizer 120 so that the atomizer 120 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol based on the result sensed by the at least one sensor 130 and You can control when power is supplied. For example, the processor 160 may control the current supplied to the vibrator of the atomizer 120 so that the vibrator vibrates at a predetermined frequency.

In one embodiment, the processor 160 may initiate the operation of the atomizer 120 after receiving a user input for the aerosol generating device 100 . In addition, the processor 160 may start the operation of the atomizer 120 after detecting a user's puff using a puff sensor. In addition, the processor 160 may count the number of puffs using a puff sensor and stop supplying power to the atomizer 120 when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined number.

The processor 160 may control the user interface 140 based on a result sensed by the at least one sensor 130 . For example, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number after counting the number of puffs using a puff sensor, the processor 160 provides the user with an aerosol generating device 100 using at least one of a lamp, a motor, and a speaker. ) can be foretold that it will end soon.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 may be included in the aerosol generating system along with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 by receiving power from the battery of the cradle while being accommodated in the accommodation space inside the cradle.

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

Figure 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment on the basis of before the cartridge is coupled to the coupling groove, Figure 3 is a part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 It is a schematic side cross-sectional view shown enlarged, FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom perspective view showing a part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is an aerosol generation according to the embodiment shown in FIG. It is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the device.

2 to 5, the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment includes a cartridge 11 storing an aerosol generating material 111a for generating an aerosol, and a cartridge for absorbing the aerosol generating material 111a ( 11) disposed in the absorber 12 (or liquid delivery means), detachably connected to the cartridge 11, and a device 14 including a coupling groove 141 to which the cartridge 11 is coupled, and the absorber ( 12) and an atomizer 13 for generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the atomizer 13 . When the cartridge 11 is coupled to the coupling groove 141, the absorber 12 may pressurize the atomizer 13. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment can achieve the following operational effects.

First, the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may improve contact force between the atomizer 13 and the absorbing part 12 . Therefore, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment, since the aerosol generating material 111a absorbed in the absorber 12 can smoothly move to the atomizer 13, the operation of atomizing the aerosol generating material 111a ease of use can be improved.

Second, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment, since the atomizer 13 can atomize the aerosol generating material absorbed in the absorbing part 12 in a state in which it is in close contact with the absorbing part 12, an aerosol is generated. In the process of doing this, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an accidental occurrence. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment can solve the inconvenience that the user may experience due to the action.

Third, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment, even if an external force such as external vibration or shaking occurs, the absorbing part 12 is maintained in a state pressurized by the atomizer 13, so the aerosol generating device 10 can stably execute an operation to generate an aerosol.

Hereinafter, the cartridge 11, the absorption unit 12, the atomizer 13, and the device 14 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5 , the cartridge 11 may be detachably coupled to the device 14 while accommodating the aerosol generating material 111a therein. The cartridge 11 may be coupled to the device 14 as it is inserted into the coupling groove 141 of the device 14, and may be separated from the device 14 as it is separated from the coupling groove 141. In a modified embodiment, the cartridge 11 may remain coupled to the device 14 by a snap-fit method, a screw coupling method, a magnetic coupling method, an interference fit method, or the like.

The cartridge 11 may hold the aerosol generating material 111a in any one state, such as, for example, a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material 111a 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.

The liquid composition may include, for example, any one of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these ingredients. Fragrance may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor components, etc., but is not limited thereto. Flavoring agents can include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Liquid compositions may also contain aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

For example, a liquid composition may comprise a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. A liquid composition may also include two or more nicotine salts. Nicotine salts can be formed by adding a suitable acid, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. The nicotine can be either naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine in any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected in consideration of the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 10, flavor or taste, solubility, and the like. For example, acids for the formation of nicotine salts include benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid , citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or a single acid selected from the group consisting of malic acid or the above It may be a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

The cartridge 11 may include an accommodating portion 11a (or liquid storage portion) for accommodating the aerosol generating material 111a therein. 'Accommodating the aerosol-generating material' inside the accommodating part 11a means that the accommodating part 11a simply performs a function of containing the aerosol-generating material 111a, such as the use of a container, and the accommodating part ( It means including an element that impregnates (contains) an aerosol-generating material 111a such as a sponge, cotton, or cloth into the inside of 11a).

Although not shown, at least a portion of the accommodating portion 11a may include a transparent material so that the aerosol generating material 111a accommodated inside the cartridge 11 can be visually confirmed from the outside. The accommodating portion 11a may be entirely made of a material such as transparent plastic or glass, or only a part thereof may be made of a transparent material.

The cartridge 11 may include a holding surface 11b (shown in FIG. 3). The holding surface 11b supports one end of the absorption portion 12. Accordingly, the absorbing portion 12 can absorb the aerosol generating material 111a accommodated in the accommodating portion 11a while being disposed inside the cartridge 11 . The holding surface 11b may be arranged to face the accommodating portion 11a at the lower part of the main body of the cartridge 11 .

The cartridge 11 may include a through hole 11c (shown in FIG. 2). The through hole 11c may be a hole through which the other end of the absorber 12 passes. The other end of the absorber 12 may protrude from the cartridge 11 through the through hole 11c and contact the atomizer 13.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5 , the absorbent part 12 is disposed on the cartridge 11 . The absorbing part 12 may absorb the aerosol generating material 111a of the accommodating part 11a.

The atomizer 13 may generate an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material 111a absorbed in the absorbing part 12 . For example, the absorber 12 may be a wick, but is not limited thereto.

The absorption portion 12 may be formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, but this is exemplary and may be formed in another shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped as long as it can absorb the aerosol generating material 111a stored in the accommodating portion 11a. The absorber 12 may have a predetermined rigidity so as to pressurize the atomizer 13 . The absorbent part 12 may be made of a strand.

In addition, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and the embodiments to be described later, the atomizer 13 is disposed on the device 14 and the absorber 12 is disposed on the cartridge 11, but is not limited thereto. not. That is, as long as the absorber 12 can press the atomizer 13, the absorber 12 may be disposed on the device 14, and the atomizer 13 may be disposed on the cartridge 11.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5 , the device 14 serves as the main body of the aerosol generating device 10 . The device 14 includes a coupling groove 141 to which the cartridge 11 is coupled. Coupling groove 141 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cartridge 11 to be coupled to the cartridge (11). The coupling groove 141 may be formed in a larger size than the cartridge 11 .

Meanwhile, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment, the arrows shown in FIG. 2 are not intended to limit a specific direction, and the cartridge 11 is coupled to the coupling groove 141 or the coupling groove 141 It will be understood to indicate one direction that is separated from

The device 14 includes a mouthpiece 142 having a discharge passage 142a through which generated aerosol is discharged, a main body 143 including a coupling groove 141, and each of the mouthpiece 142 and the main body 143. It may further include a hinge (144, Hinge) coupled to.

The mouthpiece 142 is a part that is inserted into the user's oral cavity. The mouthpiece 142 may include a discharge hole 142b through which generated aerosol is discharged to the outside. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the atomizer 120 may move along the discharge passage 142a and may be delivered to the user through the discharge hole 142b.

The mouthpiece 142 may be connected to the body 143 so as to be movable between an open position (OP, shown in FIG. 2) and a closed position (CP, shown in FIG. 5). In the open position OP, the coupling groove 141 may be in an open state. Accordingly, the cartridge 11 may be coupled to the device 14 by being coupled to the coupling groove 141 at the open position OP. In the closed position CP, the coupling groove 141 may be in a closed state. Thus, the cartridge 11 can be accommodated inside the aerosol generating device 10 in the closed position CP.

The mouthpiece 142 may rotate between an open position (OP) and a closed position (CP) about the hinge 144 . That is, the hinge 144 may perform a function of connecting the mouthpiece 142 and the body 143 so that the mouthpiece 142 rotates between the open position (OP) and the closed position (CP). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment is implemented to move between the open position (OP) and the closed position (CP) through a relatively easy operation of rotating the mouthpiece 142, so that the cartridge 11 It is possible to improve the ease of the work of coupling to the coupling groove 141. Hinge 144 may be a hinge.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5 , the mouthpiece 142 may include a first connector 1421 . The first connector 1421 may be electrically connected to the atomizer 13 . The first connector 1421 may be a wire used to apply power or electricity to the atomizer 13 . The first connector 1421 may be disposed inside the mouthpiece 142 .

When the mouthpiece 142 includes the first connector 1421 , the body 143 may include the second connector 1431 . The second connector 1431 is electrically connected to the first connector 1421 when the mouthpiece 142 is positioned in the closed position CP. The second connector 1431 may be connected to the battery 110 . Therefore, when the second connection part 1431 and the first connection part 1421 are electrically connected in the sealed position CP, the second connection part 1431 may transmit power of the battery 110 to the first connection part 1421. . Accordingly, the atomizer 13 may atomize the aerosol generating material 111a absorbed in the absorbing part 12 by the power transmitted from the first connection part 1421 . The second connector 1431 may be a wire used to electrically connect to the first connector 1421 . The second connector 1431 may be disposed inside the main body 143 .

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5 , the device 14 may further include a protrusion 145 .

The protruding portion 145 serves to press the absorbing portion 12 toward the atomizer 13. The protrusion 145 may protrude toward the coupling groove 141 . When the cartridge 11 is coupled to the coupling groove 141, the protruding portion 145 may press the absorbing portion 12 toward the atomizer 13. Accordingly, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment, the atomizer 13 and the absorbing portion 12 are brought into close contact with each other through the protruding portion 145 only by coupling the cartridge 11 to the coupling groove 141. can make it

In a state in which the absorbing unit 12 is pressurized by the atomizer 13 , the atomizer 13 may generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material 111a absorbed in the absorbing unit 12 . The protrusion 145 may be coupled to the body 143 . The protrusion 145 may be integrally formed with the body 143 . The protrusion 145 may be formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, but this is exemplary and may be formed in another shape such as a rectangular parallelepiped as long as it can press the absorber 12 . The protrusion 145 may be implemented as a spring having elasticity.

The protruding part 145 may press the absorbing part 12 toward the atomizer 13 by pressing a bracket (not shown) supporting the absorbing part 12 . The bracket may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the outer side of the absorber 12 .

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 , when the device 14 includes the protrusion 145 , the cartridge 11 may include the insertion hole 111 . When the cartridge 11 is coupled to the coupling groove 141, the protruding portion 145 may be inserted into the insertion hole 111 to press the absorption portion 12. The insertion hole 111 may be formed in a smaller size than the absorption part 12 . The holding surface 11b may be formed on the cartridge 11 at a portion where the insertion hole 111 is located. The insertion hole 111 may have a larger size than the protruding portion 145 or may have the same size as the protruding portion 145 so that the protruding portion 145 may be inserted therein. The insertion hole 111 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the protrusion 145 .

6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. It is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .

The aerosol generating device 20 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 includes a cartridge 21 having an accommodating portion 21a, an absorbing portion 22, an atomizer 23, and a coupling groove 241. It includes a device 24 having In the aerosol generating device 20 according to another embodiment, the cartridge 21, the absorber 22, the atomizer 23, and the device 24 are implemented in roughly the same manner as described above, so that the following overlaps. The explanation given is omitted and the difference is mainly explained.

In addition, in the aerosol generating device 20 according to another embodiment, the arrows shown in FIG. 6 are not intended to limit a specific direction, but are intended to indicate one direction in which the cartridge 21 is coupled to the coupling groove 241. should be understood as

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8 , in the aerosol generating device 20 according to another embodiment, the device 24 may further include a rotating part 244 .

The rotating part 244 may be rotatably disposed on the main body 243 . The rotating part 244 may be disposed on the main body 243 so as to be rotatable between a first position (P1, shown in FIG. 6) and a second position (P2, shown in FIG. 7). In the first position (P1), one end of the rotating part 244 may protrude toward the coupling groove 241 so as to contact the cartridge 21. In the second position P2 , the other end of the rotating part 244 may protrude toward the coupling groove 241 so as to press the absorbing part 22 toward the atomizer 23 .

When the cartridge 21 is coupled to the coupling groove 241, the rotating part 244 can be rotated from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Accordingly, in the aerosol generating device 20 according to another embodiment, the rotating part 244 can press the absorbing part 22 toward the atomizer 23 by coupling the cartridge 21 to the coupling groove 241. Therefore, it is possible to improve the ease of the work of attaching the absorber 22 and the atomizer 23 to each other. The absorber 22 may have a predetermined rigidity to pressurize the atomizer 23 .

The rotating part 244 may rotate while being accommodated in the receiving groove 24a (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ) of the device 24 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , the rotation unit 244 may be formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction as a whole, but this is exemplary and is rotatably disposed on the main body 243 to press the absorption unit 22. It may be formed in a different shape as long as possible. The first direction may be a direction crossing the direction in which the aerosol generating device 20 extends. Rotating part 244 may include a metal material or the like.

9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;

Referring to FIG. 9 , the rotation unit 244 may include a first rotation member 2441 and a second rotation member 2442 .

The first rotating member 2441 may be one of the rotating parts 244 protruding toward the coupling groove 241 at the first position P1. The second rotating member 2442 may rotate together with the first rotating member 2441 to pressurize the absorber 22 . The second rotating member 2442 may be the other single member of the rotating part 244 protruding toward the coupling groove 241 at the second position P2. The second rotating member 2442 may be inserted into the insertion hole 211 of the cartridge 21 at the second position P2 to press the absorber 22 . The second rotation member 2442 may be connected to the first rotation member 2441 . The second rotating member 2442 may be integrally formed with the first rotating member 2441 .

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9 , the device 24 may further include a shaft member 245 .

The shaft member 245 is disposed on the body 243. One end and the other end of the shaft member 245 may be coupled to the body 243 and fixed. The rotation unit 244 may rotate between the first position P1 and the second position P2 around the shaft member 245 . Shaft member 245 may be formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the first direction.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9 , the device 24 may further include a connection member 246 .

The connecting member 246 connects the rotating part 244 and the shaft member 245. The connecting member 246 may be connected to each of the rotating part 244 and the shaft member 245 so that the rotating part 244 is supported by the shaft member 245 . A plurality of connection members 246 may be disposed along the first direction. The connection member 246, the shaft member 245, and the rotation unit 244 may be integrally formed.

The connection member 246 may include an elastic material so as to elastically rotate the rotating part 244 to the first position P1 as the cartridge 21 is separated from the coupling groove 241 . The connection member 246 may include a metal material having elasticity, a synthetic resin material, or the like. For example, the connection member 246 may include a material such as aluminum.

Hereinafter, the cartridge 21 is coupled to the coupling groove 241, or the cartridge 21 is separated from the coupling groove 241 in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for an embodiment related to the operation of the rotating part 244. Explain. The counterclockwise direction or the clockwise direction described in the embodiments to be described below does not limit a specific direction, but is used to distinguish the direction of rotation of the rotation unit 244 .

First, in a state where the rotating part 244 is positioned at the first position P1 as shown in FIG. 6 , the cartridge 21 may be coupled to the coupling groove 241 . When the cartridge 21 is coupled to the coupling groove 241, the first rotating member 2441 may be in contact with the cartridge 21 and rotate around the shaft member 245. For example, the first rotating member 2441 may rotate counterclockwise based on FIG. 6 . The second rotating member 2442 rotates together with the first rotating member 2441, and the rotating part 244 may be positioned at the second position P2. Accordingly, the second rotating member 2442 is inserted into the insertion hole 211 of the cartridge 21 coupled to the coupling groove 241, as shown in FIG. can be pushed towards.

In a state in which the absorbing part 22 is pressurized by the atomizer 23 , the atomizer 23 may generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material absorbed in the absorbing part 22 . The generated aerosol may move along the discharge passage 242a and the discharge hole 242b of the mouthpiece 242 and be inhaled into the user's oral cavity.

Next, in the process of rotating the rotating part 244 to the second position (P2), the shaft member 245 may not rotate together with the rotating part 244. This is because the shaft member 245 has one end and the other end fixed to the main body 243. The connecting member 246 may be deformed while being connected to each of the shaft member 245 and the rotating part 244, as shown by dotted lines in FIG. 9 while the rotating part 244 rotates to the second position P2. .

Next, in a state where the rotating part 244 is positioned at the second position P2 as shown in FIG. 7 , the cartridge 21 may be separated from the coupling groove 241 . When the cartridge 21 is separated from the first rotating member 2441 as shown in FIG. 9, the connecting member 246 rotates the rotating part 244 in a clockwise direction with reference to FIG. can be rotated In this case, the first rotating member 2441 protrudes toward the coupling groove 214, and the second rotating member 2442 can be separated from the insertion hole 211. Accordingly, the rotation unit 244 may be located at the first position P1, which is the initial position.

10 is a schematic perspective view showing some components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the device 24 may further include a spring device 247 . The spring device 247 provides restoring force so that the rotating part 244 rotates from the second position P2 to the first position P1. That is, as the cartridge 21 is separated from the coupling groove 241, the spring device 247 may elastically rotate the rotating part 244 to the first position P1.

The spring device 247 may include an elastic material to provide restoring force. The spring device 247 may be a spring wound around the shaft member 245 . In an embodiment in which the device 24 includes a spring device 247, the shaft member 245 may be disposed on the main body 243 so as to rotate together with the rotating part 244.

11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a coupling process of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 .

The aerosol generating device 30 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 includes a cartridge 31 having an accommodating portion 31a, an absorbing portion 32, an atomizer 33, and a coupling groove 341. It includes a device 34 having In the aerosol generating device 30 according to another embodiment, the cartridge 31, the absorber 32, the atomizer 33, and the device 34 are implemented in roughly the same manner as described above, so the following Redundant descriptions will be omitted, and description will focus on the differences.

In addition, in the aerosol generating device 30 according to another embodiment, the arrows shown in FIG. 11 are not intended to limit a specific direction, but indicate one direction in which the cartridge 31 is coupled to the coupling groove 341. should be understood as for

Referring to FIG. 11 , the aerosol generating device 30 according to another embodiment may further include a cover 310. The cover 310 may be coupled to the cartridge 31 to cover an end of the absorber 32 before the cartridge 31 is coupled to the coupling groove 341 . The cover 310 may perform a function of protecting the absorber 32 from the outside while the cartridge 31 is separated from the device 34 .

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, in the aerosol generating device 30 according to another embodiment, the absorbing unit 32 has a press position (PP, shown in FIG. 13) and a separation position (SP, shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13). 12) can be placed on the cartridge 31 to move between them.

When the cartridge 31 is coupled to the coupling groove 341, the absorber 32 may be positioned at a pressing position PP that presses the atomizer 33. Accordingly, since the aerosol generating device 30 according to another embodiment can position the absorbing part 32 at the pressing position PP by the operation of coupling the cartridge 31 to the coupling groove 341, the absorbing part It is possible to improve the ease of the work of bringing the atomizer 32 and the atomizer 33 into close contact with each other.

The absorbing part 32 may contact the atomizer 33 at the pressing position PP. The absorption portion 32 is at the pressing position PP, the through hole 31c of the cartridge 31 (shown in FIGS. 11 to 13) and the insertion hole 34a of the device 34 (shown in FIGS. 11 to 13). ) to be inserted into the atomizer (33). The absorber 32 may protrude from the cartridge 31 at the pressing position PP and contact the atomizer 33. The insertion hole 34a may communicate with the coupling groove 341 .

At the pressurized position (PP), the atomizer 33 may generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material absorbed in the absorbing part 32 . The generated aerosol may move along the discharge passage 342a and the discharge hole 342b of the mouthpiece 342 and be inhaled into the user's oral cavity.

When the cartridge 31 is separated from the coupling groove 341, the absorber 32 may be located at a spaced position SP spaced from the atomizer 33. The absorber 32 may have a predetermined rigidity so as to be movable between the pressing position PP and the separation position SP.

The absorber 32 may include a protruding member 32a. The protruding member 32a may protrude outward from the main body of the absorbing part 32 in contact with the atomizer 33. The protruding member 32a may be located at one end of the absorber 32 . One end of the absorbent portion 32 may be supported on the holding surface 31b of the cartridge 31. Accordingly, the absorbing portion 32 may absorb the aerosol generating material accommodated in the accommodating portion 31a while the separation position SP is maintained. The holding surface 31b may be disposed in the lower part of the main body of the cartridge 31, facing the accommodating portion 31a.

11 to 13, in another aerosol generating device 30, the device 34 may further include an induction member 344.

The guide member 344 protrudes toward the atomizer 33 to guide the absorbing part 32 to move to the pressing position PP. The guide member 344 may protrude toward the coupling groove 341 at a position toward the atomizer 33 . The guide member 344 may move the absorber 32 to the pressing position PP while the cartridge 31 is coupled to the coupling groove 341 . The induction member 344 may be located below the main body 343 . The guide member 344 may be integrally formed with the body 343.

When the device 34 includes the guide member 344 , the cartridge 31 may include an insertion groove 311 . An induction member 344 may be inserted into the insertion groove 311 . Accordingly, the absorber 32 may come into contact with the guide member 344 while the cartridge 31 is coupled to the coupling groove 341 . The insertion groove 311 may be formed in a portion where one end of the absorber 32 is located.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13 , in another aerosol generating device 30 , the device 34 may further include a sliding surface 345 .

In the process of coupling the cartridge 31 to the coupling groove 341, the sliding surface 345 and the lower surface of the absorption portion 32 may contact each other. In the process of coupling the cartridge 31 to the coupling groove 341, the lower surface of the absorber 32 may first come into contact with the sliding surface 345 and then come into contact with the guide member 344. The sliding surface 345 may be connected to the guide member 344 . The sliding surface 345 may be disposed toward the coupling groove 341 .

14 and 15 are schematic side cross-sectional views showing an enlarged operation state of a part of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 .

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 15 , the guide member 344 may include a support surface 3441 and a guide surface 3442 .

The support surface 3441 supports the absorber 32 at the pressing position PP. Accordingly, in the aerosol generating device 30 according to another embodiment, the absorber 32 remains supported on the support surface 3441 at the pressing position PP even when an external force such as external vibration or shaking occurs. Since it can come into contact with the firearm 33, the atomizer 33 can stably perform an operation of atomizing the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the absorbing part 32.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the support surface 3441 may support the lower surface of the absorber 32 . Support surface 3441 can be coupled to guide surface 3442 . The support surface 3441 may be located closer to the atomizer 33 than the guide surface 3442 . The support surface 3441 may extend along a direction parallel to the direction in which the cartridge 31 is coupled to the coupling groove 341 .

The guide surface 3442 induces the absorption part 32 to move to the pressing position PP. The guide surface 3442 may be inclined with respect to the support surface 3441 . The guide surface 3442 may be disposed between the support surface 3441 and the sliding surface 345 . As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the absorption part 32 sequentially moves the sliding surface 345, the guide surface 3442, and the support surface 3441 from the separation position SP to the pressing position PP. ) can be moved. The absorber 32 may move from the pressing position PP to the separation position SP by sequentially moving the support surface 3441 , the guide surface 3442 , and the sliding surface 345 .

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the inclined surface 321 of the absorber 32 may contact the guide surface 3442 in the course of coupling the cartridge 31 to the coupling groove 341 . The inclined surface 321 may be inclined with the lower surface of the absorption part 32 . The inclined surface 321 may have the same slope as that of the induction surface 3442 . Accordingly, in the aerosol generating device 30 according to another embodiment, since the absorbing part 32 can easily move along the guide surface 3442 through the inclined surface 321, the absorbing part 32 is moved to the pressing position (PP). ) can improve the ease of moving to the work. An included angle between the inclined surface 321 and the absorbing portion 32 may have the same value as an included angle between the guide surface 3442 and the sliding surface 345 .

16 and 17 are schematic side cross-sectional views showing enlarged other parts of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 .

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, 16, and 17, the aerosol generating device 30 according to another embodiment may further include a restoring member 35.

Since the restoring member 35 elastically presses the absorbing part 32, when the cartridge 31 is separated from the coupling groove 341, the restoring member 35 moves the absorbing part 32 to the separation position SP. . Accordingly, in the aerosol generating device 30 according to another embodiment, the cartridge 31 can be moved to the separation position SP through a relatively easy operation of separating the cartridge 31 from the coupling groove 341. can be implemented

The restoring member 35 may be disposed outside the absorbing part 32 . The restoring member 35 may be wound around the absorbing part 32 . The restoring member 35 may be a spring having elasticity.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, 16, and 17, the aerosol generating device 30 according to another embodiment may further include a support part 36.

The support part 36 supports the restoring member 35 . The support part 36 may include a first support member 361 and a second support member 362 .

The first support member 361 supports one side of the restoring member 35 . The first support member 361 may be disposed on the cartridge 31 . The first support member 361 may be integrally formed with the cartridge 31 . One side of the restoration member 35 may be supported by the first restoration support surface 3611 of the first support member 361 (shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 ). The restoring member 35 may be disposed to surround a part of the outer side of the first support member 361 .

The second support member 362 supports the other side of the restoring member 35 at the pressing position PP. The second support member 362 may be disposed on the absorbing part 32 . The second support member 362 may move together with the absorbing part 32 while the absorbing part 32 moves between the pressing position PP and the separation position SP. The other side of the restoring member 35 may be supported by the second restoring support surface 3621 (shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 ) of the second support member 362 at the pressing position PP. The restoring member 35 may be disposed to surround a part of the outer side of the second support member 362 .

When the absorber 32 moves from the spaced position SP to the press position PP as the cartridge 31 is coupled to the coupling groove 341, the restoring member 35 extends the aerosol generating device 30. The length may be reduced based on the direction. In a state in which one side and the other side of the restoration member 35 are supported by the first restoration support surface 3611 and the second restoration support surface 3621, respectively, the restoration member 35 is as indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. The second support member 362 may be pressed toward the support surface 3441 through the restoring force by the elastic force.

When the cartridge 31 is separated from the coupling groove 341, the length of the restoring member 35 may increase based on the direction in which the aerosol generating device 30 extends. In this case, in a state in which one side of the restoring member 35 is supported by the first restoring support surface 3611, the restoring member 35, as shown in FIG. 362 can be moved towards guide surface 3442. Accordingly, the absorber 32 may move together with the second support member 362 to move to the separation position SP.

18 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an atomizer, and FIG. 19 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment including the atomizer of FIG. 18 .

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 , an aerosol generating device 40 according to another embodiment may include a cartridge 41 , an absorber 42 , and an atomizer 120 . In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the absorber 42 and the atomizer 120 are disposed in the cartridge 41, but by modifying them, the absorber 42 and the atomizer 120 are a device (not shown). ) may be placed.

18 and 19 will be described based on the embodiment in which the atomizer 120 is a vibrator.

The atomizer 120 may include a holding part 122 through which the aerosol passes. As an example, the holding part 122 may be used in combination with the absorbing part 42 . At this time, at least a part of the holding part 122 may contact the absorbing part 42 . The aerosol-generating substances stored in the accommodating portion 41a may flow into the conveying passage 40b of the cartridge 41 and be absorbed by the absorbing portion 42 .

As another example, the holding portion 122 may replace the absorbent portion 42 of the cartridge 41 . Like the absorbing part 42, the holding part 122 can absorb the aerosol generating material stored in the accommodating part 41a of the cartridge 41. The holding unit 122 functions as a place where aerosol is generated by transmitting the vibration of the vibrating member 121 to the aerosol generating material and maintaining it in an optimal state for absorbing and converting the aerosol generating material into aerosol. can

The vibrating member 121 may transmit ultrasonic vibration to the holding part 122 . The aerosol-generating material of the holder 122 may be atomized into an aerosol according to ultrasonic vibration provided from the vibrating member 121 . The atomized aerosol passes through the holding part 122 and moves to the discharge passage 40a so that it can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity. The vibrating member 121 may vibrate each of the holding part 122 and the absorbing part 42 . Since the vibrating member 121 is implemented substantially the same as the previously described vibrator, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The holding part 122 may have a gas permeable structure so that aerosol can pass therethrough. As an example, the holding part 122 may include a mesh shape or a plate shape. When the holding part 122 has a plate shape, a plurality of holes may be formed in the holding part 122 . The hole formed in the holding portion 122 may have a size of 1 μm or more to 50 μm or less to prevent passage of the aerosol generating material in a liquid state.

The holding part 122 may be disposed between the discharge passage 40a and the absorption part 42 . When the holding portion 122 includes a mesh shape or a plate shape with a plurality of holes, the generated aerosol passes through the holding portion 122 and flows into the discharge passage 40a, whereas atomization The aerosol-generating material in a liquid state that has not been released does not pass through the holding part 122 . Therefore, in the aerosol generating device 40 according to another embodiment, since only the aerosol passes through the holder 122, inconvenience that may be experienced by the user due to splashing during the process of generating the aerosol can be eliminated.

As another example, the holding portion 122 may include a porous material through which aerosols can pass. The generated aerosol may pass through the holder 122 according to the pressure change according to the user's inhalation, and then flow into the discharge passage 40a to be inhaled into the user's oral cavity.

On the other hand, it is natural that the holder 122 may be included in the above-described embodiments of the aerosol generating devices 10, 20, and 30.

The vibrating member 121 may be disposed to surround the side surface of the holding part 122 . For example, when the holding part 122 has a cylindrical shape, the vibrating member 121 may have a cylindrical shape having a cavity therein. In this case, the cylindrical holding part 122 may be disposed in the inner cavity of the vibrating member 121 having a cylindrical shape. The vibrating member 121 may provide ultrasonic vibration toward the outer surface of the holding part 122, and thus, atomization efficiency may be improved.

An aerosol generating device 40 according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 19 may include a protrusion 145 . Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 40 according to another embodiment is implemented so that the aerosol generating material does not pass through the holding part 122, and the protruding part 145 directs the absorbing part 42 toward the vibrating member 121. Since it can be pressurized, it is possible to further reduce the possibility of splashing in the process of generating an aerosol. Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 40 according to another embodiment may include a rotation unit 244 and an induction member 344.

Those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will be able to understand that it may be implemented in a modified form within a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed methods are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the present invention.

10, 20, 30, 40, 100: aerosol generating device 245: shaft member
11, 21, 31, 41: cartridge 246: connecting member
12, 22, 32, 42: absorption part P1: first position
13, 23, 33, 120: atomizer P2: 2nd position
14, 24, 34: device 321: slope
11a, 21a, 31a, 41a: receiving part 344: guide member
141, 241, 341: coupling groove 3441: support surface
142, 242, 342: mouthpiece 3442: guide surface
143, 243, 343: body 345: sliding surface
144: hinge 35: restoration member
145: protrusion 36: support
OP: open position 361: first support member
CP: closed position 362: second support member
1421: first connection part PP: pressing position
1431: 2nd connection part SP: separation position
244: rotating part

Claims (15)

a cartridge storing an aerosol generating material for generating an aerosol;
an absorbent portion disposed on the cartridge to absorb the aerosol-generating substance;
a device that is detachably connected to the cartridge and includes a coupling groove into which the cartridge is coupled; and
An atomizer for generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material absorbed in the absorption unit;
When the cartridge is coupled to the coupling groove, the absorbing portion pressurizes the atomizer, the aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The device further comprises a body including the coupling groove, and a mouthpiece connected to the body to move between an open position in which the coupling groove is opened and a closed position in which the coupling groove is closed. According to claim 2,
The device further comprises a protruding portion protruding toward the coupling groove to press the absorbing portion toward the atomizer. According to claim 3,
The cartridge includes an insertion hole into which the protrusion is inserted,
When the cartridge is coupled to the coupling groove, the protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole to press the absorption portion. According to claim 2,
The mouthpiece includes a first connector electrically connected to the atomizer,
The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the main body further includes a second connection part electrically connected to the first connection part when the mouthpiece is positioned in the closed position. According to claim 2,
The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge includes a holding surface supporting one end of the absorbing portion and a through hole through which the other end of the absorbing portion passes. According to claim 1,
The device further includes a rotating part rotatably disposed between a first position protruding toward the coupling groove to contact the cartridge and a second position pressing the absorber toward the atomizer,
The aerosol generating device, wherein the cartridge rotates the rotating part to the second position as it is coupled to the coupling groove. According to claim 7,
The aerosol generating device, wherein the rotation unit includes a first rotation member protruding toward the coupling groove at the first position, and a second rotation member rotating together with the first rotation member to pressurize the absorption unit. According to claim 7,
The rotating part rotates around a shaft member coupled to the main body of the device,
The device further comprises a connecting member connecting the shaft member and the rotation unit, the aerosol generating device. According to claim 9,
When the cartridge is separated from the coupling groove, the connecting member elastically rotates the rotation unit to the first position. According to claim 1,
The absorber is movable between a pressing position for pressurizing the atomizer when the cartridge is coupled to the coupling groove and a spaced position spaced apart from the atomizer when the cartridge is separated from the coupling groove,
The device further comprises a guide member protruding toward the atomizer to guide the absorber to move to the pressing position. According to claim 11,
The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the guide member includes a support surface for supporting the absorber at the pressing position, and a guide surface inclined with respect to the support surface to guide the absorber to move to the press position. According to claim 12,
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the absorption portion includes an inclined surface having the same slope as the guide surface and contacting the guide surface. According to claim 11,
When the cartridge is separated from the coupling groove, the aerosol generating device further comprises; a restoring member that elastically moves the absorber to the spaced position. 15. The method of claim 14,
Further comprising a; support for supporting the restoration member,
The aerosol support unit includes a first support member disposed on the cartridge to support one side of the restoration member, and a second support member disposed on the absorption unit to support the other side of the restoration member in the pressing position. generating device.

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