KR102545829B1 - Device for generating aerosol - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. An aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes: a first container having an inner wall defining an elongated insertion space and having a chamber for storing a liquid between the outer wall and the inner wall; a second container combined with the first container; a wick installed in the second container and connected to the chamber; And a cartridge including a heater for heating the wick; a sensor adjacent to the cartridge; a body to which the cartridge and the sensor are coupled; A body defining a sensing area formed between the cartridge and the sensor and a non-sensing area other than the sensing area; and a shielding unit covering at least a portion of the non-sensing area, and the sensor may include an aerosol generating device that detects a change in electromagnetic properties of the sensing area.

Description

Aerosol generating device {DEVICE FOR GENERATING AEROSOL}

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

Aerosol generating devices are for extracting certain components from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain materials of various components. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substance included in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, many studies on these aerosol generating devices have been conducted.

The present disclosure aims to solve the foregoing and other problems.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device in which the efficiency of a space for storing liquid is increased and the aerosol flow distance is reduced, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency of the aerosol.

Another purpose is information about cartridges. It may be to provide a sensor that senses at least one of information about the liquid stored in the cartridge and information about the stick.

Another object may be to prevent the accuracy of the sensor from being affected by a user's body or an external object.

Another purpose may be to block electromagnetic waves directed to the sensor from outside the device.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object, a first container having an inner wall defining a long insertion space and having a chamber for storing a liquid between the outer wall and the inner wall; a second container combined with the first container; a wick installed in the second container and connected to the chamber; And a cartridge including a heater for heating the wick; a sensor adjacent to the cartridge; a body to which the cartridge and the sensor are coupled; A body defining a sensing area formed between the cartridge and the sensor and a non-sensing area other than the sensing area; and a shielding unit covering at least a portion of the non-sensing area, wherein the sensor detects a change in electromagnetic properties of the sensing area.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device in which the efficiency of a space for storing liquid is increased and the flow distance of the aerosol is reduced, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency of the aerosol, can be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, information on the cartridge. A sensor for detecting at least one of information about the liquid stored in the cartridge and information about the stick may be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the accuracy of a sensor from being affected by a user's body or an external object.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, electromagnetic waves directed to the sensor from outside the device may be blocked.

Additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are given as examples only.

1 to 15 are diagrams illustrating examples of aerosol generating devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar elements are given the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are given or used together in consideration of ease of writing the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinct from each other by themselves.

In addition, in 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 embodiment disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure , it should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but other elements may exist in the middle. It should be. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 may include a body 110 and a cartridge 40 coupled to one side of the body 110. Cartridge 40 may store liquid. The cartridge 40 may include a first container 41 for storing liquid and a second container 42 disposed under the first container 41 . The first container 41 may provide a long insertion space 414 . Insertion space 414 may be opened toward the upper side. The stick 80 (see FIG. 2 ) may be inserted into the insertion space 414 .

The body 110 may have a shape extending vertically. The body 110 may provide a space in which various components may be disposed. The body 110 may include a lower body 110a and an upper body 110b disposed above the lower body 110a.

The lower body 110a may have a shape extending vertically. The lower body 110a may face the lower portion of the cartridge 40 . The upper body 110b may have a shape extending upward from the lower body 110a. The upper body (110b) may be arranged in parallel with the cartridge (40). The upper body (110b) may face the side of the cartridge (40). The upper body 110b may face the side walls 411 and 421 of the cartridge 40.

The detachable space 115 may be located between the lower body 110a and the upper body 110b. The cartridge 40 may be detachably coupled to the body 110 in the detachable space 115 . The detachable space 115 may be divided into a first detachable space 115a and a second detachable space 115b located below the first detachable space 115a. The first container 41 may be located in the first detachment space 115a. The second container 42 may be located in the second detachment space 115b.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a cap 120. The cap 120 may cover at least a portion of the body 110 and the cartridge 40 . The cap 120 may be detachable from the body 110 . The cap 120 is disposed above the lower body 110a and may cover the upper body 110b.

The sidewall 121 of the cap 120 may cover the side of the upper body 110b and the side of the cartridge 40 . The upper wall 122 of the cap 120 may cover the upper portion of the upper body 110b and the upper portion of the cartridge 40 .

The opening 124 may be formed by opening an upper wall 122 of the cap 120 . The opening 124 of the cap 120 is formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space 414 and may communicate with the insertion space 414 . The stick 80 (see FIG. 2 ) may pass through the opening 124 and be inserted into the insertion space 414 .

Sensor 62 may be disposed adjacent cartridge 40 . Sensor 62 may face cartridge 40 . The sensor 62 may face the detachable space 115 . Sensor 62 may be disposed on the outside of cartridge 40 . The sensor 62 may be installed on the upper body 110b.

The sensor 62 includes information on whether the cartridge 40 is coupled, information on whether the stick 80 is inserted into the insertion space 414, information about the stick 80 inserted into the insertion space 414, At least one of information on the capacity of liquid stored in the cartridge 40 may be sensed. The sensor 62 may face the first container 41 . Sensor 62 may face insertion space 414 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the cartridge 40 may include a first container 41 and a second container 42 disposed under the first container 41 . The first container 41 may be elongated. The first container 41 may have a hollow shape.

The first container 41 may have an outer wall 411 and an inner wall 412 . The outer wall 411 may extend vertically. The outer wall 411 may extend along the outer circumference of the first container 41 .

The inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may extend vertically. The inner wall 412 may extend along the inner circumference of the first container 41 . The inner wall 412 may be spaced inward from the outer wall 411 . Upper sides of the outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be connected to each other. The inner wall 412 may extend circumferentially to form a cylinder shape. The inner wall 412 surrounds the insertion space 414 (see FIG. 3) and may define the insertion space 414.

The outer wall 411 of the first container 41 may be referred to as an outer side wall 411 of the first container 41 or a side wall 411 of the container 41 . The inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may be referred to as an inner side wall 412 .

The outer wall 411 of the first container 41 may include a first outer wall 411a and a second outer wall 411b. The first outer wall 411a of the first container 41 may face the first sidewall 111a of the upper body 110b. The second outer wall 411b of the container 41 may face the first outer wall 411a. The second outer wall 411b may face the outside. The first outer wall 411a and the second outer wall 411b may form the periphery of the side of the first container 41 . The second outer wall 411b may be disposed outside the aerosol generating device 100 than the first outer wall 411a.

The first outer wall 411a of the first container 41 may be referred to as a first outer side wall 411a of the first container 41 . The second outer wall 411b of the first container 41 may be referred to as a second outer side wall 411b of the first container 41 .

The container 41 may provide a first chamber C1 storing liquid therein. The first chamber C1 may be formed between the outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 . The first chamber C1 may be referred to as a storage space.

The flow path part 20 may be formed on the inner lower part of the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 . Inhaled air may pass through the passage part 20 . The flow path part 20 may communicate with the first chamber C1.

The second container 42 may provide a second chamber C2 therein. The second chamber C2 may be located below the flow path part 20 . The second chamber C2 may communicate with the flow path.

The wick 31 may be installed in the second chamber C2 inside the second container 42 . The wick 31 may be connected to the inside of the first chamber C1. The wick 31 may receive liquid from the first chamber C1. The wick 31 may be disposed adjacent to the lower end of the first chamber C1. The wick 31 may be disposed below the flow path part 20 .

The heater 32 may heat the wick 31 . The heater 32 may be installed in the second chamber C2. The heater 32 may wind the wick 31 . The heater 32 may generate an aerosol by heating the wick 31 receiving the liquid.

Air introduced into the second chamber C2 may sequentially pass through the passage part 20 and the insertion space 414 . The air introduced into the second chamber C2 may be accompanied by aerosol generated from the wick 31 . The aerosol generated from the wick 31 may be delivered to the stick 80 inserted into the insertion space 414 through the passage part 20 .

Accordingly, since the first chamber C1 of the first container 41 providing a storage space is disposed to surround the stick 80, the efficiency of the space for storing the liquid can be increased. In addition, since the distance from the wick 31 and the heater 32 to the insertion space 414 into which the stick 80 is inserted may be close, the heat transfer efficiency of the aerosol may be increased.

The controller 51 may be disposed inside the body 110 . The control unit 51 may control on/off of the device. The control unit 51 is electrically connected to the heater 32 and may control supply of electric power to the heater 32 so that the heater 32 heats the wick. The controller 51 may be disposed adjacent to the heater 32 .

The battery 52 may be disposed inside the body 110 . The battery 52 may supply power to various components of the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 52 may be electrically connected to the controller 51 . The battery 52 may be disposed inside the lower body 110a.

The cartridge 40 and the upper body 110b may be disposed side by side on the upper side of the lower body 110a. The lower body 110a may face the lower portion of the cartridge 40 . The upper body (110b) may face the side of the cartridge (40). The cartridge 40 may be partially surrounded by an upper surface of the lower body 110a and one surface of the upper body 110b.

Sensor 62 may be disposed on the outside of cartridge 40 . Sensor 62 may be positioned to face cartridge 40 . The sensor 62 may be disposed to face the first container 41 . electric field. The sensor 62 may be installed on the upper body 110b.

The sensor 62 may measure changes in electromagnetic characteristics caused by adjacent objects. The sensor 62 can measure changes in the state of adjacent objects. Sensor 62 may be a proximity sensor.

The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the sensor 62 to control the operation of the sensor 62 . The control unit 51 may receive information acquired by the sensor 62 . The controller 51 may determine information about the cartridge, information about the stick, information about the liquid stored in the cartridge, and the like, based on the information acquired by the sensor 62 .

The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may be made of a light-transmitting material. At least a portion of the outer wall 411 may include a window through which light is transmitted. The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be made of a material having low light reflectance and refractive index and high transmittance. The outer wall 411 may be transparent. The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be made of plastic. The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be made of polyethylene, polystyrene, Teflon or the like. Materials constituting the outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 are not limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may extend in a circumferential direction along the vertical direction to form an insertion space 414 therein. The insertion space 414 may be formed by vertically opening the inside of the inner wall 412 . A stick (see FIG. 80 2 ) may be inserted into the insertion space 414 . The inner wall 412 may be disposed between the first chamber C1 and the insertion space 414 . The inner wall 412 may define an insertion space. The insertion space 414 may communicate with the outside.

The insertion space 414 may have a shape corresponding to a portion into which the stick 80 is inserted. The insertion space 414 may extend vertically and long. The insertion space 414 may have a cylindrical shape. When the stick 80 is inserted into the insertion space 414 , the stick 80 may be surrounded by the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 and closely adhered to the inner wall 412 .

The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 may be connected to each other by the upper wall 413 of the first container 41 . The first chamber C1 may be defined by the outer wall 411 , the inner wall 412 , and the upper wall 413 of the first container 41 and the side wall 421 and the lower wall 422 of the second container 42 . there is.

The wick 31 may be disposed on the lower side of the insertion space 414 . The wick 31 may be disposed below the flow path part 20 . The wick 31 is connected to the first chamber C1. The liquid may be received and absorbed from the first chamber C1. The wick 31 may be inserted between the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 and the lower wall 422 of the second container 42 . The wick 31 may be formed to extend in one direction. The wick 31 may be disposed long in the left and right directions.

The heater 32 may be disposed around the wick 31 . The heater 32 may be wound around the wick 31 along the direction in which the wick 31 extends. The heater 32 may apply heat to the wick. The heater 32 may generate an aerosol from the liquid absorbed by the wick 31 by electric resistance heating. The heater 32 is connected to the controller 51 so that its operation can be controlled.

The passage part 20 may be formed between the insertion space 414 and the wick 31 . Aerosol generated from the wick 31 may pass through the passage part 20 and flow toward the insertion space 414 . The passage part 20 may have a shape in which the width narrows and then widens along the flow direction of the aerosol. The flow direction of the aerosol may be upward.

The passage part 20 may be surrounded by an upper passage wall 220 protruding inward from the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 . An upper portion of the flow path portion 20 may be surrounded by an upper flow path wall 220 and a lower portion of the flow path portion 20 may be surrounded by a lower flow path wall 210 . The lower passage wall 210 may be coupled to a lower portion of the upper passage wall 220 . The wick 31 may be inserted between the lower passage wall 210 and the lower wall 422 of the second container 42 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , the flow path unit 20 may be divided into a first flow path 21 , a second flow path 22 , and a third flow path 23 .

The first flow path 21 may be located adjacent to the wick 31 . The first flow passage 21 may be disposed above the wick 31 . The second passage 22 may be located adjacent to the insertion space 414 . The second passage 22 may be connected to the insertion space 414 .

The third flow path 23 may be located between the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 . The third flow path 23 may be located above the first flow path 21 . The second flow path 22 may be located above the third flow path 23 . The third flow path 23 may connect the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 .

A width W3 of the third passage 23 may be smaller than a width W1 of the first passage 21 . A width W3 of the third passage 23 may be smaller than a width W2 of the second passage 22 . The maximum width W1 of the first passage 21 and the maximum width W2 of the second passage 22 may be substantially the same or similar. The maximum width W1 of the first passage 21 may be greater than the maximum width W2 of the second passage 22 . The width W2 of the second passage 22 may be smaller than the width W0 of the insertion space 414 .

The flow path part 20 may become narrower as it goes from the first flow path 21 to the third flow path 23 . The passage part 20 may have a wider width as it moves from the third passage 23 toward the second passage. The width W2 of the second passage 22 may gradually increase toward the insertion space 414 .

Accordingly, the aerosol is collected from the first flow path 21 to the narrow third flow path 23 and then diffuses through the second flow path 22, even if the aerosol is not uniformly generated from the wick 31. It can be uniformly introduced into the bottom of the stick (80, see FIG. 2) (see FIG. 7).

The width W1 of the first flow path 21 may become narrower toward the third flow path 23 . The width W2 of the second flow path 22 may become narrower toward the third flow path 23 .

The degree to which the width W1 of the first flow passage 21 narrows toward the third flow passage 23 is the degree to which the width W2 of the second flow passage 22 decreases toward the third flow passage 23. could be more abrupt. The distance L1 to reach from the maximum width W1 of the first passage 21 to the width W3 of the third passage 23 is the distance L1 from the maximum width W2 of the second passage 22 to the third passage. It may be shorter than the distance L2 to reach the width W3 of (23). That is, the change in width versus length may be greater when moving from the first flow path 21 to the third flow path 23 .

The width formed in the left-right direction of the first flow path 21 is W1, the width formed in the left-right direction of the second flow path 22 is W2, the width formed in the left-right direction of the third flow path 23 is W3, and the first flow path 21 If the vertical length of ) is L1 and the vertical length of the second flow path 22 is L2, (W1-W3)/(L1)> (W2-W3)/(L2) may have the same relationship.

The vertical length L1 of the first flow path 21 may be shorter than the vertical length L2 of the second flow path 22 (L1 < L2).

Accordingly, while reducing the length of the flow path in the first flow path 21, it is possible to secure a space for guiding the liquid to be atomized and collected in the third flow path 23, and the aerosols collected in the third flow path 23 can pass through the second flow path 23. It can be uniformly diffused and flowed into the insertion space 414 through the passage 22 (see FIG. 7).

The length of the third passage 23 in the vertical direction may be shorter than the length L1 of the first passage 21 in the vertical direction. The length of the third passage 23 in the vertical direction may be shorter than the length L2 of the second passage 22 in the vertical direction.

The width W2 of the second passage 22 gradually increases in the radially outward direction from the third passage 23 toward the insertion space 414, and then substantially constant width W2 from a section forming the maximum width W2. ) and may extend toward the insertion space 414.

The first flow path surface 211 may surround the first flow path 21 . The second flow path surface 221 may surround the second flow path 22 . The third flow path surface 231 may surround the third flow path 23 .

The first passage surface 211 may form an inner surface of the lower passage wall 210 . The second flow path surface 221 and the third flow path surface 231 may form an inner surface of the upper flow path wall 220 .

The first flow path surface 211 and the third flow path surface 231 may not form a continuous surface and may be spaced apart from each other. The first flow path surface 211 may extend vertically. The first flow path surface 211 may extend in a circumferential direction. The first flow path surface 211 may be formed in a ring shape.

The first flow path 21 extends with substantially the same width W1 toward the third flow path 23, and then the width W1 rapidly narrows near the third flow path 23 so that the third flow path 23 The width W3 may be reached.

Accordingly, the space of the first flow path 21 is secured between the first flow path surface 211 and the wick 31 to generate and flow aerosol up to the portion between the first flow path surface 211 and the wick 31. can be done smoothly.

The third flow path surface 231 may form a continuous surface with the second flow path surface 221 . The third flow path surface 231 may extend vertically. The third flow path surface 231 may extend in the circumferential direction. The third flow path surface 231 may be formed in a ring shape.

The second flow path surface 221 may include an extended portion that gradually expands outward toward the insertion space 414 . The second flow path surface 221 may include a portion inclined outward toward the insertion space 414 . The second flow path surface 221 may include an extended portion gradually expanding in a radially outward direction toward the insertion space 414 . The second flow path surface 221 may have a substantially funnel shape or a Venturi shape.

The second flow path surface 221 extends gradually outward from the third flow path surface 231 toward the insertion space 414 and forms a substantially constant width W2 from a section forming the maximum width W2. and may extend toward the insertion space 414.

The second flow path surface 221 may include a portion that extends roundly outward toward the insertion space 414 . The second flow path surface 221 may extend upward from the third flow path surface 231 in a radially outwardly rounded shape.

Accordingly, when the aerosol diffuses from the third passage 23 to the second passage 22, flow resistance may be reduced.

The width W2 of the second passage 22 may be maximized at an upper end of the second passage 22 contacting a lower end of the insertion space 414 . The width W2 of the upper end of the second passage 22 may be smaller than the width W0 of the insertion space 414 .

The protruding surface 417 may be located between the lower end of the insertion space 414 and the upper end of the second passage 22 . The protruding surface 417 may protrude inward from the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 . The protruding surface 417 may support the edge of the lower end of the stick 80 (see FIG. 2). The protruding surface 417 may protrude inward to determine the maximum width W2 of the second passage 22 .

The protruding surface 417 may form an upper surface of the upper passage wall 220 protruding inward from the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 . The protruding surface 417 may extend substantially vertically from the inner surface of the inner wall 412 . The protruding surface 417 and the inner surface of the inner wall 412 may face the insertion space 414 . The second flow path surface 221 may be formed to extend downward from the protruding surface 417 .

For example, the protruding length L3 of the protruding surface 417 may be formed to such an extent that the loss of flow rate of the aerosol is minimized while the edge of the lower end of the stick 80 is supported.

The wick 31 is disposed to extend along the width direction of the first flow path 21 , and the heater 32 may be wound around the wick 31 along the direction in which the wick 31 extends.

The width W1 of the first flow path 21 may be greater than the width W4 of the heater 32 . A width W3 of the third passage 23 may be smaller than a width W4 of the heater 32 . The width direction of the passage part 20 may be a left-right direction.

Accordingly, when the heater 32 heats the liquid absorbed by the wick 31 to generate an aerosol, even if there is a deviation in the aerosol generating area of the wick 31, the aerosol is collected in the third flow path 23 and then It can be uniformly diffused into the insertion space 414 from the 2 passages 22 .

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first bending section 222 and the second bending section 223 formed on the second flow path surface 221 may be convexly bent in opposite directions.

The first bending section 222 may be formed below the second flow path surface 221 . The first bending section 222 may be formed adjacent to the third passage 23 . The first bending section 222 may be convexly bent from the third flow path surface 231 toward the inside of the first container 41 .

The second bending section 223 may be formed above the second flow path surface 221 . The second bending section 223 may be formed adjacent to the insertion space 414 . The second bending section 223 may be convexly bent from the first bending section 222 toward the outside of the first container 41 . The second bending section 223 is a portion that is convexly bent toward the outside of the first container 41 and then extends toward the insertion space 414 with a substantially constant width near the insertion space 414. can include

Accordingly, the aerosol diffuses outward along the first bending section 222 of the second flow path surface 221, and the insertion space 414 along the second bending section 223 of the second flow path surface 221. ) can be introduced with straightness (see FIG. 7). In addition, flow energy loss of the aerosol diffused from the third passage 23 to the second passage 22 can be reduced.

The upper passage wall 220 may extend downward from the inner wall 412 of the first container 41 . The upper passage wall 220 may have a shape protruding inward from the inner wall 412 . The second flow path surface 221 and the third flow path surface 231 may form an inner surface of the upper flow path wall 220 .

The lower passage wall 210 may be coupled to a lower portion of the upper passage wall 220 . The first passage surface 211 may form an inner surface of the lower passage wall 210 .

The groove part 226 may be formed in the lower part of the upper passage wall 220 . The groove part 226 may be formed by being depressed upward from the lower part of the upper passage wall 220 .

The insertion part 216 may be formed on the upper part of the lower passage wall 210 . The insertion part 216 may be formed on the upper side of the first flow path surface 211 .

The insertion part 216 may protrude upward from the top of the lower passage wall 210 . The insertion part 216 may be inserted into the groove part 226 and come into close contact with each other. When the insertion part 216 is inserted into the groove part 226, the upper passage wall 220 and the lower passage wall 210 may be coupled to each other. The lower passage wall 210 may be coupled to the lower part of the upper passage wall 220 to be replaceable.

The lower passage wall 210 may define the width W1 (see FIG. 4 ) of the first passage 21 . The width W1 of the first flow path 21 may vary according to the degree to which the first flow path surface 211 constituting the inner surface of the lower flow path wall 210 is depressed in the left and right directions.

As the first flow path surface 211 of the lower flow path wall 210 is formed closer to the inner side, the width W1 of the first flow path 21 may become narrower. As the first flow path surface 211 of the lower flow path wall 210 is formed closer to the outer side, the width W1 of the first flow path 21 may become wider.

Accordingly, the width W1 of the first passage 21 may be defined or changed according to the standard of the lower passage wall 210 coupled to the upper passage wall 220 .

Accordingly, the length W1 at which the wick 31 is exposed to the first flow path 21 and the width W4 at which the heater 32 is wound around the wick 31 are changed, so that the liquid is atomized from the wick 31. area can be defined.

The first flow path surface 211 may extend vertically. The first flow path surface 211 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the wick 31 . The first flow path surface 211 may define the length L1 of the first flow path 21 .

The extension surface 212 may form part of the inner surface of the upper passage wall 220 and the inner surface of the lower passage wall 210 . The extension surface 212 may be formed between the first flow path surface 211 and the third flow path surface 231 .

The extension surface 212 may be connected to an upper end of the first flow path surface 211 . The extension surface 212 may be connected to a lower end of the third flow path surface 231 . The extension surface 212 may be referred to as a connection surface 212 . The extension surface 212 may extend from the upper end of the first flow path surface 211 in the left and right directions. The extension surface 212 may extend from the lower end of the third flow path surface 231 in the left and right directions.

The extending surface 212 may be spaced upwardly from the wick 31 . The extension surface 212 may be disposed in the width direction of the first flow path 21 . The extension surface 212 may extend from an upper end of the first flow path surface 211 toward the third flow path 23 . The extension surface 212 may connect the first flow path surface 211 and the third flow path surface 231 . The extending surface 212 may be spaced apart from the wick 31 and face the wick 31 .

The separation distance between the extension surface 212 and the wick 31 may be substantially the same as the height L1 of the first flow path 21 . The extension surface 212 may be disposed to face the wick 31 based on the first flow path 21 . The extending surface 212 may be disposed substantially parallel to the wick 31 . The extension surface 212 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the first flow path surface 211 . The extension surface 212 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the third flow path surface 231 .

An end of the first flow path 21 may be surrounded by the first flow path surface 211 , the wick 31 , and the extension surface 212 . The aerosol atomized at the end of the wick 31 may stay at the end of the first flow path 21 .

Accordingly, a space can be formed at the end of the wick 31 so that the atomized aerosol can flow and gather, and the suction force can be easily applied to the end of the wick 31 .

In addition, since a turbulent flow is formed at the end of the first flow path 21 by the aerosol atomized at the end of the wick 31, even if there is a deviation in the aerosol generating area in the wick 31, the aerosol can be uniformly mixed. It can be (see Fig. 7).

The first edge portion 213 may be formed between the first flow path surface 211 and the extension surface 212 . The first edge portion 213 may contact the edge portion of the upper end of the first flow path 21 . The first edge portion 213 may extend from the first flow path surface 211 toward the extension surface 212 in a rounded shape.

The second edge portion 214 may be formed between the extension surface 212 and the third flow path surface 231 . The second edge portion 214 may be formed adjacently between the first flow path 21 and the third flow path 23 . The second edge portion 214 may extend roundly from the extension surface 212 toward the third flow path surface.

Accordingly, the flow energy loss of the aerosol diffused from the first flow path 21 to the third flow path 23 can be reduced.

The wick insertion surface 215 may form a lower end of the lower passage wall 210 . The wick insertion surface 215 may extend in the width direction of the first flow path 21 . The wick insertion surface 215 may have an opening corresponding to the end shape of the wick 31 so that the wick 31 is inserted therein. The wick insertion surface 215 may be connected to the first flow path surface 211 .

The wick 31 may be inserted between the wick insertion surface 215 and the lower wall 422 of the second container 42 . When the wick 31 is inserted, the wick insertion surface 215 may directly contact the upper end of the wick 31 . The wick insertion surface 215 is in close contact with the wick 31 to prevent liquid from leaking to the outside.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the above-described upper passage wall 220 (see FIG. 5 ) and the lower passage wall 210 (see FIG. 5 ) may be integrally formed without being coupled to form the passage wall 220a. The flow path wall 220a may have substantially the same shape as the combination of the upper flow path wall 220 and the lower flow path wall 210 .

Accordingly, a coupling process between components can be excluded, and leakage of liquid through a coupling portion between components can be prevented.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the first extension surface 212a may constitute a part of the inner surface of the lower passage wall 210b. The first extension surface 212a may contact the first flow path 21 . The first extension surface 212a may be connected to an upper end of the first flow path surface 211 . The first extension surface 212a may extend from the upper end of the first flow path surface 211 in the left and right directions. The first edge portion 213 may be formed between the first flow path surface 211 and the first extension surface 212a.

The second extension surface 212b may constitute a part of the inner surface of the upper passage wall 220b. The second extension surface 212b may contact the first flow path 21 . The second extension surface 212b may be connected to a lower end of the third flow path surface 231 . The second extension surface 212b may extend from the lower end of the third flow path surface 231 in the left and right directions. The second edge portion 214 may be formed between the first extension surface 212b and the third flow path surface 231 .

The depression 212c may be formed by being depressed upward by a predetermined depth between the first extension surface 212a and the second extension surface 212b. The depression 212c may be formed between a portion where the lower passage wall 210b and the upper passage wall 220b are coupled. The recessed portion 212c may face an upper portion of the first flow path 21 .

Accordingly, by the aerosol atomized at the end of the wick 31, a turbulent flow is further formed at a position adjacent to the recessed portion 212c, so that even if there is a deviation in the aerosol generating area in the wick 31, the aerosol is uniformly distributed. you can mix

Referring to FIG. 9 , the controller 51 may be electrically connected to various components. The control unit 51 may control connected components.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include an output unit 55. The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the output unit 55 . The output unit 55 may transmit various types of information to the user, such as power on/off, operation of the heater 32, stick information, liquid information, cartridge information, and battery information. The control unit 51 may control the output unit 55 to deliver information to the user based on various types of information received from the components.

The output unit 55 may include a display 551 . The display 551 may deliver information to a user by displaying information on the outside.

The output unit 55 may include a haptic output unit 552 . The haptic output unit 552 may deliver information to the user through vibration. The haptic output unit 552 may include a vibration motor.

The output unit 55 may include an audio output unit 553 . The sound output unit 553 may transmit information to a user by outputting a sound according to information. The sound output unit 553 may include a speaker.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include an input unit 54. The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the input unit 54 . A user may input various commands such as turning on/off power and operating the heater 32 to the input unit 54 . The control unit 51 may receive a command from the input unit 54 and control the operation of components.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include a memory 56 . The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the memory 56 . Memory 56 may store data for information. The memory 56 may receive and store data on various types of information from the control unit 51 or may transmit stored data to the control unit 51 . The control unit 51 may control operations of elements based on data received from the memory 56 .

The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the sensor 62 . The sensor 62 may measure changes in electromagnetic characteristics caused by adjacent objects. The sensor 62 can measure changes in the state of adjacent objects. Sensor 62 may be a proximity sensor. The sensor 62 may detect a change in capacitance. For example, sensor 62 may be a capacitive sensor or a capacitance sensor. For example, the sensor 62 may be a magnetic proximity sensor. The type of sensor 62 is not limited thereto.

The control unit 51 may receive information about changes in electromagnetic characteristics from the sensor 62 . The controller 51 may analyze values output from the sensor 62 according to acquired information to determine information about the cartridge, information about the liquid stored in the cartridge, information about the stick, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the lower body 110a may face the lower portion of the cartridge 40 . The upper body 110b is disposed above the lower body 110a and may face the side of the cartridge 40 .

The sensor 62 may be installed on the upper body 110b. The sensor 62 may face one side of the first container 41 . The sensor 62 may extend long in the vertical direction along the first container 41 .

The shielding unit 63 may block electromagnetic waves from passing through. The shielding unit 63 may limit the influence of the sensor 62 from the external electromagnetic field of the aerosol generating device 100 . The shielding unit 63 may be made of a material through which electromagnetic fields do not pass. For example, the shield unit 63 may be made of a conductor or a ferromagnetic material, but is not limited thereto.

10 and 12, the upper body (110b) may include a first side wall (111a) facing the side of the cartridge (40). The first sidewall 111a may contact one side of the cartridge 40 . The first sidewall 111a may face the first outer wall 411a of the first container 41 . The sensor 62 may be disposed adjacent to the first sidewall 111a. The sensor 62 may face the first sidewall 111a.

The upper body 110b may include a second sidewall 111b opposite to the first sidewall 111a. The second sidewall 111b may face the outside. The first sidewall 111a and the second sidewall 111b may form the circumference of the side of the upper body 110b. The second sidewall 111b may be disposed outside the aerosol generating device 100 than the first sidewall 111a. The second sidewall 111b may cover the sensor 62 .

The detachable space 115 may be formed between the first side wall 111a and the lower body 110a. The cartridge 40 may be coupled to the body 110 in the detachable space 115 . The sensor 62 may be installed on the upper body 110b and face the detachable space 115. The sensor 62 may face the cartridge 40 coupled with the body 110 .

The body 110 may include an insertion wall 113 disposed on the upper side of the lower body 110a. The insertion wall 113 may partition at least a portion of the detachable space 115 between the upper body 110b and the lower body 110a. The insertion wall 113 may surround at least a portion of the second container 42 (see FIG. 1 ).

The detachable space 115 may be divided into a first detachable space 115a and a second detachable space 115b located below the first detachable space 115a. The first container 41 may be located in the first detachment space 115a. The second container 42 may be located in the second detachment space 115b. The insertion wall 113 may surround the second attachment space 115b (see FIG. 1).

The body 110 may define a sensing area and a non-sensing area, which is an area excluding the sensing area. The sensing area may be formed between the cartridge 40 and the sensor 62 .

The sensor 62 may be coupled to the body 110 adjacent to the sensing area. The sensor 62 may be disposed inside the body 110 . The sensor 62 may detect changes in electromagnetic characteristics of the sensing area. For example, when the cartridge 40 is coupled to or detached from the body 110, a change in electromagnetic characteristics may appear in the sensing area. For example, when the stick 80 is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 414, a change in electromagnetic characteristics may appear in the sensing area. For example, when the stick 80 is used, a change in electromagnetic characteristics may appear in the sensing area depending on the degree of use. For example, a change in electromagnetic characteristics may appear in the sensing area according to a change in the capacity of the liquid stored in the first container 41 .

The shielding unit 63 may cover at least a part of the non-sensing area, which is an area other than the sensing area. The shielding unit 63 may surround a portion of the sensor 62 at positions other than between the cartridge 40 and the sensor 62 . The shielding unit 63 may block passage of an external electromagnetic field toward the sensor 62 . As the sensor 62, the shielding unit 63 can affect the sensor 62 with an electromagnetic field from the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

The shield unit 63 may include a first part 632 surrounding some of the sides of the sensor 62 . The first part 632 of the shield unit 63 may be disposed along the circumference of the second sidewall 111b. The first part 632 may be coupled to the second sidewall 111b. The first part 632 may surround a part of the sensor 62 and may not surround a space between the cartridge 40 and the sensor 62 . The first part 632 may not be disposed on the first sidewall 111b.

The shield unit 63 may include a second part 632 disposed above the sensor 62 . The second part 632 of the shield unit 63 may cover the top of the sensor 62 . The second part 632 may be disposed on the upper wall 112 of the upper body 110b. The second part 632 may be coupled to the upper wall 112 of the upper body 110b.

The shield unit 63 may include a third part 633 disposed along the circumference of the insertion wall 113 . The third part 633 of the shield unit 63 may surround the side of the second detachable space 115b. The third part 633 may surround a part of the side of the second container 42 .

The shield unit 63 may include a fourth part 634 disposed between the lower body 110a and the upper body 110b. The fourth part 634 of the shield unit 63 may cover the lower part of the sensor 63 . The fourth part 634 may be disposed under the upper body 110b.

The fourth part 634 of the shield unit 63 may be disposed above the lower body 110a. The fourth part 634 may cover the lower part of the second attachment space 115b. The fourth part 634 may cover the lower part of the cartridge 40 or the lower part of the second container 41 .

Referring to FIG. 13 , the third area A3 may be defined as an area surrounding the second outer wall 411b of the first container 41 from the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 . The third area A3 may surround a portion of the sidewall 121 of the cap 120 . The first area A1 and the second area A2 may be defined as portions surrounding the side of the aerosol generating device 100 in areas other than the third area A3. The second area A2 may be disposed below the third area A3. The first area A1 and the second area A2 may surround the shield unit 63 .

When using the aerosol generating device 100, the user may come into contact with the aerosol generating device 100 in the first area A1 and the second area A2. The shielding unit 63 may block electromagnetic waves from entering the sensor 62 in the first area A1 and the second area A2.

Accordingly, even if the body or an external object comes into contact with the aerosol generating device 100, the accuracy of the sensor 62 can be maintained.

When using the aerosol generating device 100, the user may not come into contact with the aerosol generating device 100 in the third area A3. The sidewall 121 of the cap 120 is formed on at least a part of a portion covering the first container 41 and may include a window through which light is transmitted.

Accordingly, the user can visually check the liquid stored in the first container 41 through the window of the cap 120 in the third area A3.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 , the cap 120 may cover at least a portion of the body 110 and the cartridge 40 . The sidewall 121 of the cap 120 may cover the sidewalls 411 and 421 of the cartridge 40 and the sidewall 111 of the upper body 110b. The upper wall 122 of the cap 120 may cover the upper wall 413 of the cartridge 40 and the upper wall 112 of the upper body 110b. The cap 120 may be detachably coupled to the body 110 . The fourth part 634 of the shield unit 63 may be disposed under the cap 120 .

The shielding unit 63 may be installed on at least some of the outer walls 121 and 122 of the cab 120 . The shield unit 63 may be moved along with the cap 120 . When the cap 120 is coupled to the body 110, the shield unit 63 may surround the outside of the sensor 62. When the cap 120 is separated from the body 110, the shield unit 63 may also be separated from the body 110 together with the cap 120.

The shielding unit 63 may include a fifth part 635 disposed along the circumference of the sidewall 121 of the cap 120 . The fifth part 635 of the shield unit 63 may surround the side of the sensor 62 . The fifth part 635 may cover the side walls 411 and 421 of the cartridge 40 and the side wall 111 of the upper body 110b.

The sidewall 121 of the cap 120 is formed on at least a portion of the portion covering the first container 41 and may include a window 121a through which light is transmitted. The fifth part 635 of the shield unit 63 may not cover the portion where the window 121a is formed.

The shield unit 63 may include a sixth part 636 disposed on the upper wall 122 of the cap 120 . The sixth part 636 may cover an upper portion of the sensor 62 . The sixth part 636 may cover the upper wall 413 of the cartridge 40 and the upper wall 112 of the upper body 110b.

Accordingly, even if the body or an external object comes into contact with the aerosol generating device 100, the accuracy of the sensor 62 can be maintained. In addition, the user can visually check the liquid stored in the first container 41 through the window 121a of the cap 120 .

1 to 15, the aerosol generating device 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an inner wall 412 defining an elongated insertion space 414, and an outer wall 411 and the inner wall a first container 41 having a chamber C1 for storing liquid between 412; a second container 42 coupled to the first container 41; a wick 31 installed in the second container 42 and connected to the chamber C1; And a cartridge 40 including a heater 32 for heating the wick 31; a sensor (62) disposed adjacent to said cartridge (40); a body 110 to which the cartridge 40 and the sensor 62 are coupled; A body 110 defining a sensing area formed between the cartridge 40 and the sensor 62 and a non-sensing area other than the sensing area; and a shielding unit 63 covering at least a portion of the non-sensing area, and the sensor 62 may detect a change in electromagnetic characteristics of the sensing area.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 110 includes a lower body 110a facing the lower portion of the cartridge 40; and an upper body 110b disposed above the lower body 110a and facing a side of the cartridge 40, and the sensor 62 may be installed on the upper body 110b. .

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper body 110b includes a first side wall 111a facing the side of the cartridge 40; and a second sidewall 111b opposite to the first sidewall 111a, and the shielding unit 63 is disposed along the circumference of the second sidewall 111b, and the side of the sensor 62 It may include a first part 631 covering the.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shield unit 63 is disposed on the upper wall of the upper body 110a and includes a second part 632 covering the upper portion of the sensor 62. can

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 110 is disposed above the lower body 110a and includes an insertion wall 113 surrounding at least a portion of the second container 42. The sensor 62 faces the first container 41, and the shield unit 63 includes a third part 633 disposed along the circumference of the insertion wall 113. can

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shield unit 63 is disposed between the lower body 110a and the upper body 110b, and covers the lower portion of the sensor 62 with a fourth fourth. Part 634 may be included.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fourth part 634 may cover the lower portion of the cartridge 40 and the lower portion of the sensor 62 .

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cap 120 covering at least a portion of the body 110 and the cartridge 40 and having an opening 124 communicating with the insertion space 414 is formed. Including, the shield unit 63, may be installed on at least a portion of the outer wall (121, 122) of the cap (120).

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shield unit 63 is disposed along the circumference of the side wall 121 of the cap 120, and the fifth part surrounds the side of the sensor 62. (635).

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shield unit 63 is disposed on the upper wall 122 of the cap 120, and the sixth part 636 covering the upper part of the sensor 62 can include

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may be made of a material through which electromagnetic fields do not pass.

Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined or combined in their respective components or functions (Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function).

For example, configuration A described in a specific embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if the coupling between components is not directly described, it means that coupling is possible except for cases where coupling is impossible (For example, a configuration "A" described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings). and a configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible).

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention (although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments Its, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure.More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art).

Claims (11)

a first container having an inner wall defining an elongated insertion space, and having a chamber storing a liquid between the outer wall and the inner wall; a second container combined with the first container; a wick installed in the second container and connected to the chamber; And a cartridge including a heater for heating the wick;
a sensor adjacent to the cartridge;
a body to which the cartridge and the sensor are coupled; A body defining a sensing area formed between the cartridge and the sensor and a non-sensing area other than the sensing area; and
And a shielding unit covering at least a part of the non-sensing area,
The sensor,
An aerosol generating device for detecting a change in electromagnetic properties of the sensing region.
According to claim 1,
the body,
a lower body facing the lower portion of the cartridge; and
It is disposed on the upper side of the lower body and includes an upper body facing the side of the cartridge,
The sensor,
An aerosol generating device installed on the upper body.
According to claim 2,
The upper body,
a first sidewall facing a side of the cartridge; and
Including a second side wall opposite to the first side wall,
The shielding unit,
and a first part disposed along a circumference of the second sidewall and covering a side portion of the sensor.
According to claim 2,
The shielding unit,
An aerosol generating device comprising a second part disposed on an upper wall of the upper body and covering an upper portion of the sensor.
According to claim 2,
the body,
It is disposed on the upper side of the lower body and includes an insertion wall surrounding at least a portion of the second container,
The sensor,
Facing the first container, the shielding unit,
An aerosol generating device comprising a third part disposed along the perimeter of the insertion wall.
According to claim 2,
The shielding unit,
An aerosol generating device comprising a fourth part disposed between the lower body and the upper body and covering a lower portion of the sensor.
According to claim 6,
The fourth part,
An aerosol generating device covering a lower portion of the cartridge and a lower portion of the sensor.
According to claim 1,
Further comprising a cap covering at least a portion of the body and the cartridge and having an opening communicating with the insertion space;
The shielding unit,
An aerosol generating device installed on at least a portion of an outer wall of the cap.
According to claim 8,
The shielding unit,
An aerosol generating device comprising a fifth part disposed along a circumference of a sidewall of the cap and surrounding a side portion of the sensor.
According to claim 8,
The shielding unit,
An aerosol generating device comprising a sixth part disposed on an upper wall of the cap and covering an upper portion of the sensor.
According to claim 1,
The shielding unit,
An aerosol generator made of a material impermeable to electromagnetic fields.

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