KR102593730B1 - Multi cartridge and aerosol-generating apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same are provided. An aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first liquid reservoir storing a first liquid composition, a second liquid reservoir storing a second liquid composition different from the first liquid composition, and the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition. It may include a vaporizing element that generates an aerosol by vaporizing at least one of the compositions.

Description

Multi-cartridge and aerosol-generating device including the same {MULTI CARTRIDGE AND AEROSOL-GENERATING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME}

The present disclosure relates to a multi-cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same. More specifically, it relates to a multi-cartridge capable of storing and supplying a plurality of liquid compositions with different compositions and an aerosol generating device including the same.

Recently, demand for alternative products that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes is increasing. For example, the demand for devices that generate aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette (e.g. cigarette-type electronic cigarette) is increasing, and accordingly, research on electrically heated aerosol-generating devices is actively underway.

Recently, a hybrid type aerosol generating device has been proposed that uses a cigarette and a cartridge containing a liquid composition containing an aerosol former. In the proposed aerosol generating device, an aerosol is formed as the liquid composition in the cartridge is vaporized, and the formed aerosol passes through the cigarette and is inhaled into the user's mouth.

However, in the proposed aerosol generating device, the amount of atomization actually generated is significantly smaller than that of the aerosol formed in the cartridge due to the removal ability of the cigarette. In addition, when flavoring agents are added to the liquid composition, the specific gravity of the aerosol former is reduced, further reducing the amount of atomization. Additionally, this limits the amount of flavoring agent added to the liquid composition, making it difficult to improve flavor expression.

The technical problem to be solved through several embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a multi-cartridge capable of storing and supplying a plurality of liquid compositions having different compositions and an aerosol generating device including the same.

Another technical problem to be solved through some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a method for controlling the degree of vaporization of a plurality of liquid compositions stored in a multi-cartridge.

Another technical problem to be solved through some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can provide a user-customized smoking experience using a multi-cartridge.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In order to solve the above technical problem, an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first liquid reservoir storing a first liquid composition, and a second liquid reservoir storing a second liquid composition different from the first liquid composition. and a vaporization element that generates an aerosol by vaporizing at least one of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a housing defining a receiving space for receiving an aerosol-generating article, wherein an airflow path is formed to allow the generated aerosol to pass through the aerosol-generating article contained in the receiving space, wherein the first liquid phase The composition may include an aerosol former, and the second liquid composition may include a flavoring agent.

In some embodiments, the vaporizing element can co-vaporize the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition in a vaporization space.

In some embodiments, the vaporizing element includes a first vaporizing element that vaporizes the first liquid composition to generate a first aerosol and a second vaporizing element that vaporizes the second liquid composition to generate the second aerosol, An airflow pass may be formed to mix the first aerosol and the second aerosol.

In some embodiments, the first liquid reservoir is included in a first cartridge, the second liquid reservoir is included in a second cartridge, and may further include a cartridge holder on which the first cartridge and the second cartridge are mounted. You can.

In some embodiments, the degree of vaporization of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition may be adjusted based on user input.

In some embodiments, the vaporizing element includes a first vaporizing element that vaporizes the first liquid composition to generate a first aerosol and a second vaporizing element that vaporizes the second liquid composition to generate the second aerosol, It may further include a control unit that adjusts the degree of vaporization of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition by controlling the power supplied to the first vaporization element and the second vaporization element.

In some embodiments, the first liquid composition is delivered to the vaporization element through a first delivery path, and the degree of vaporization of the first liquid composition may be controlled by the degree of opening of the first delivery path.

In order to solve the above technical problem, a multi-cartridge according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first liquid reservoir storing a first liquid composition, a second liquid reservoir storing a second liquid composition different from the first liquid composition, and It may include a vaporizing element for vaporizing at least one of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above, a multi-cartridge for storing and supplying a plurality of liquid compositions having different compositions may be provided. For example, a multi-cartridge may be provided that supplies a first liquid composition containing an aerosol former and a second liquid composition containing a flavoring agent. This multi-cartridge can simultaneously increase the specific gravity of the aerosol former and flavoring agent, thereby increasing the amount of atomization and scent expression.

Additionally, the degree of vaporization of each liquid composition can be accurately controlled by adjusting the degree of opening of the path through which the liquid composition is delivered or adjusting the power supplied to the vaporization element.

Additionally, by controlling the degree of vaporization of the liquid composition by the user, a customized smoking experience can be provided to the user. For example, users can receive a customized smoking experience by freely adjusting the degree of vaporization of each flavor in a multi-cartridge containing different flavors.

The effects according to the technical idea of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

1 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a multi-cartridge according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a multi-cartridge according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
3 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a multi-cartridge according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
4 and 5 are exemplary diagrams for explaining a method of controlling the degree of vaporization of a multi-cartridge according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method of providing a user-friendly smoking experience using a multi-cartridge according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
7 to 9 illustrate various types of aerosol generating devices to which multi-cartridges can be applied according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and may be implemented in various different forms. The following examples are merely intended to complete the technical idea of the present disclosure and to be used in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs. It is provided to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure, and the technical idea of the present disclosure is only defined by the scope of the claims.

When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, in describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used with meanings that can be commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly specifically defined. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, singular forms also include plural forms, unless specifically stated otherwise in the context.

Additionally, in describing the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is another component between each component. It will be understood that elements may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

As used in this disclosure, “comprises” and/or “comprising” refers to a referenced component, step, operation and/or element that includes one or more other components, steps, operations and/or elements. Does not exclude presence or addition.

Before describing various embodiments of the present disclosure, some terms used in the following embodiments will be clarified.

In the following embodiments, “aerosol former” may mean a substance that can facilitate the formation of an aerosol. Examples of aerosol formers include, but are not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In the art, aerosol formers may be used interchangeably with terms such as moisturizers, humectants, etc.

In the following examples, “aerosol-forming substrate” may mean a material capable of forming an aerosol. Aerosols may contain volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid.

For example, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as leaf tobacco, cut tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc., and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine, tobacco extract, and/or various flavors. It may include a liquid composition based on. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. The aerosol-forming substrate may further include an aerosol-forming agent to stably form an aerosol.

In the following embodiments, “aerosol generating device” may refer to a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. Please refer to Figures 7 to 9 for some examples of aerosol generating devices.

In the following examples, “aerosol-generating article” may mean an article capable of generating an aerosol. Aerosol-generating articles can include an aerosol-forming substrate. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article may include a cigarette, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, "puff" refers to the user's inhalation, and inhalation may refer to the situation of pulling the product into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose. .

In the following embodiments, “longitudinal direction” may mean a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

In the following embodiments, “multi cartridge” may be a term that conceptually refers to a cartridge and/or cartridge system capable of storing and supplying a plurality of liquid compositions. For example, a multi-cartridge may include both a cartridge in the form of a single structure in which a plurality of liquid compositions are stored, and a cartridge system including a plurality of cartridges in which at least one liquid composition is stored. Refer to FIGS. 1 to 3 for various examples of multi-cartridges.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-cartridge capable of storing and supplying a plurality of liquid compositions (or aerosols formed therefrom) having different compositions may be provided. Here, the fact that the composition of the liquid composition is different may include not only the case where the composition components are different, but also the case where the composition ratio is different. These multi-cartridges can be applied to liquid-type or hybrid-type aerosol generating devices (e.g. 100-1 to 100-3 in FIGS. 7 to 9) to increase scent expression and atomization amount, and provide users with a customized smoking experience. This can be done, but this will be explained later.

There may be various ways to implement the above-described multi-cartridge. For example, a multi-cartridge may be implemented in a form in which a plurality of liquid compositions are stored in a cartridge in the form of a single structure, or a plurality of cartridges may be implemented in a form in which a plurality of cartridges are mounted on a cartridge holder (e.g. 33 in FIG. 3). Hereinafter, various examples of implementation (implementation) of the multi-cartridge will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, the liquid composition will be abbreviated as "liquid".

1 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a multi-cartridge 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-cartridge 10 according to this embodiment may have a structure in which a plurality of liquid phases L1 and L2 are vaporized together within the vaporization space.

Specifically, as shown, the multi-cartridge 10 may include a plurality of liquid reservoirs 11 and 12, a wicking element 14, a vaporizing element 15, and an air flow pipe 13. However, Figure 1 shows only components related to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can recognize that other general-purpose components may be further included in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1 .

Additionally, all components shown in FIG. 1 may not be essential components of the multi-cartridge 10. For example, the multi-cartridge 10 may be implemented with some of the components shown in FIG. 1 omitted. As a more specific example, the multi-cartridge 10 may be implemented in a form in which the wicking element 14, vaporizing element 14, airflow pipe 13, etc. are omitted.

In addition, Figure 1 shows as an example a case where the multi-cartridge 10 is provided with two liquid reservoirs 11 and 12 (or the number of liquid reservoirs), but the number of liquid reservoirs (or liquid reservoirs) is three or more. Of course it could happen. However, in the following, for convenience of understanding, the explanation will be continued assuming that there are two liquid storage tanks (or liquids) unless otherwise specified. Hereinafter, each component of the multi-cartridge 10 will be described.

Among the plurality of liquid storage tanks 11 and 12, the first liquid storage tank 11 may store the first liquid phase (L1), and the second liquid storage tank 12 may store the second liquid phase (L2). In other words, the first liquid storage tank 11 and the second liquid storage tank 12 have separate liquid storage spaces and can store different types of liquids L1 and L2. For example, a first liquid storage tank 21 and a second liquid storage tank 22 may be formed by separating a predetermined liquid storage space by a partition. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

As previously mentioned, the first liquid phase (L1) may have a different composition from the second liquid phase (L2). However, the detailed composition of each liquid phase (L1, L2) may vary depending on the embodiment.

In some embodiments, the first liquid phase (L1) may include an aerosol former and the second liquid phase (L2) may include a flavoring agent. In this case, as the first liquid phase (L1) is vaporized, the amount of atomization increases, and at the same time, as the second liquid phase (L2) is vaporized, the scent expression may also increase. In other words, the specific gravity of the aerosol forming agent can be increased through the first liquid phase (L1), and separately, the specific gravity of the flavoring agent can be increased through the second liquid phase (L2), so that the amount of atomization and fragrance development can be achieved at the same time. It can increase.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the first liquid phase (L1) may include a first flavoring agent, and the second liquid phase (L2) may include a second flavoring agent that is different from the first flavoring agent. In this case, as the first liquid phase (L1) is vaporized, the expression of the first flavor may increase, and at the same time, as the second liquid phase (L2) is vaporized, the expression of the second flavor may also increase. In other words, the specific gravity of the first flavor can be increased through the first liquid (L1), and separately, the specific gravity of the second flavor can be increased through the second liquid (L2), so that the first flavor and Expression of the second flavoring agent may be simultaneously increased.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the first liquid phase (L1) may include a flavorant and an aerosol former, and the second liquid phase (L2) may also include a flavorant and an aerosol former. At this time, the flavoring agent contained in the first liquid phase (L1) and the flavoring agent contained in the second liquid phase (L2) may be the same or different. Even in this case, the amount of atomization can simultaneously increase scent expression.

Next, the wicking element 14 can absorb the plurality of liquids L1 and L2 stored in each liquid reservoir 11 and 12 and transfer them to the vaporization element 15. The wicking element 14 may be implemented with a material that can absorb liquid substances well, such as cotton, silica, bead aggregate, porous material (e.g. porous ceramic), etc., but according to the present disclosure It is not limited to this. The wicking element 14 may be implemented in any material (or shape) as long as it can absorb the liquid phase (L1, L2). Wicking element 14 may be replaced with other types of liquid delivery means known in the art.

Next, the vaporizing element 15 can generate an aerosol by vaporizing the liquid phases L1 and L2 delivered by the wicking element 14. As shown, the vaporization element 15 may be implemented as a heating element (e.g. a heating coil) that vaporizes the liquid phases L1 and L2 through heating, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the vaporization element 15 may be implemented as a vibration element that vaporizes the liquid through vibration. However, in the following, for convenience of understanding, the description will be continued assuming that the vaporization element 15 is implemented as a heating element.

Figure 1 shows as an example that a plurality of liquid phases L1 and L2 are vaporized together through one vaporization element 15, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the vaporization element 15 is the first vaporization element 15. It may be composed of a first vaporization element that vaporizes the liquid phase (L1) and a second vaporization element that vaporizes the second liquid phase (L2). For example, the vaporizing element 15 mainly absorbs the first heating element and the second liquid phase (L2), which heats the area (e.g. the left area) where the wicking element 14 mainly absorbs and delivers the first liquid phase (L1). It may be configured with a second heating element that heats the delivery area (e.g. right side). In this case, the degree of vaporization (or degree of supply) of the liquid phase (L1, L2) can be independently adjusted through the power supplied to each vaporization element.

Next, the airflow pipe 13 may refer to a structure through which gases such as aerosol (A) or air formed (generated) by the vaporization element 15 are transmitted. Figure 1 shows as an example that the airflow pipe 13 is located in the center of the multi-cartridge 10, but this can be modified depending on the design of the airflow path.

So far, the multi-cartridge 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the multi-cartridge 20 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 2. However, for clarity of the present disclosure, description of content that overlaps with the previous embodiments will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-cartridge 20 according to this embodiment may have a structure in which a plurality of liquid phases L1 and L2 are vaporized independently of each other to form an aerosol, and the formed aerosols are mixed.

Specifically, as shown, the multi-cartridge 20 includes a plurality of liquid reservoirs 21 and 22, a plurality of wicking elements 24 and 26, a plurality of vaporization elements 25 and 27, and an air flow pipe 23. It can be included.

The liquid storage tanks 21 and 22 may correspond to the liquid storage tanks 11 and 12 of the previous embodiment. Therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

Next, among the plurality of wicking elements, the first wicking element 24 can absorb the first liquid phase L1 from the first liquid storage tank 21 and transfer it to the first vaporization element 25. Additionally, the second wicking element 26 may absorb the second liquid phase L2 from the second liquid reservoir 22 and transfer it to the second vaporization element 27.

Next, among the plurality of vaporization elements 25 and 27, the first vaporization element 25 can vaporize the first liquid phase L1 to generate a first aerosol, and the second vaporization element 27 can vaporize the first liquid phase L1 to generate a first aerosol. (L2) can be vaporized to generate a second aerosol. The generated first aerosol and second aerosol may meet in a predetermined mixing space, be mixed, and then move through the air flow pipe 23. Alternatively, the first aerosol and the second aerosol may be mixed within the airflow pipe 23.

Next, the airflow pipe 23 may correspond to the airflow pipe 13 of the previous embodiment. Therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

So far, the multi-cartridge 20 according to several other embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to FIG. 2. Hereinafter, the multi-cartridge 30 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the multi-cartridge 30 according to this embodiment may have a structure in which a plurality of cartridges 31 and 32 are mounted. To this end, the multi-cartridge 30 may be configured to include a plurality of cartridges 31 and 32 and a cartridge holder 33.

Each cartridge (31, 32) may correspond to a single cartridge or the above-described multi-cartridge (e.g. 10, 20). Each cartridge (31, 32) may have only a storage function for the liquid phases (L1, L2) or may also have a vaporization function for the liquid phases (L1, L2). Each cartridge 31, 32 may be mounted on or detached from the cartridge holder 33. To avoid redundant description, further description of the cartridges 31 and 32 will be omitted.

Next, the cartridge holder 33 may refer to a structure on which a plurality of cartridges 31 and 32 are mounted. The cartridge holder 33 may only have a function of mounting a plurality of cartridges 31 and 32, and may further have a function of controlling the degree of supply or degree of vaporization of the liquids L1 and L2 stored in the cartridges 31 and 32. It may be available. The method of controlling the degree of vaporization of the liquid phase (L1, L2) will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

So far, the multi-cartridge 30 according to further embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to FIG. 3. Hereinafter, various methods of controlling the degree of vaporization (or degree of supply) of the liquid phase (e.g. L1) stored in the above-described multi-cartridges 10 to 30 will be described with reference to the drawings of FIG. 4 and below.

4 and 5 are exemplary diagrams for explaining a method of controlling the degree of vaporization of the multi-cartridge 40 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, in FIGS. 4 and 5, illustration of components such as a wicking element (e.g. 14), a vaporization element (e.g. 15), and an airflow pipe (e.g. 13) is omitted to provide convenience of understanding. In addition, the multi-cartridge 40 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may correspond to the multi-cartridges 10 to 30 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, and the direction of the arrows shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and Thickness refers to the direction and amount of liquid transfer. In addition, Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a case where the delivery amount of the second liquid phase (L2) is adjusted to be greater than that of the first liquid phase (L1).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first liquid L1 stored in the first liquid storage tank 41 may be delivered through the first delivery path 43, and the first liquid L1 stored in the second liquid storage tank 42 may be delivered. The second liquid phase L2 may be delivered through the second delivery path 44. For example, the first liquid phase L1 may be delivered to the wicking element (e.g. 14) or the vaporizing element (e.g. 15) through the first delivery path 43.

In this case, the multi-cartridge 40 can control the degree of vaporization of the liquid phase (L1, L2) through the adjustment members (45 to 48) that control the degree of opening of the liquid delivery path (43, 44). Specifically, the multi-cartridge 40 includes a first adjustment member 45, 47 that adjusts the degree of opening of the first delivery path 43 and a second adjustment member (45, 47) that adjusts the degree of opening of the second delivery path 44. 46, 48). In addition, the degree of supply (e.g. supply speed, supply amount) of the liquid phase (L1, L2) can be adjusted as the degree of opening of each delivery path (43, 44) is adjusted by each adjustment member (45 to 48). Additionally, as a result, the degree of vaporization of each liquid phase (L1, L2) can be adjusted. For example, vaporization of the first liquid phase (L1) may be stopped as the first adjustment member 45 closes the first delivery path 43, and the first adjustment member 45 closes the first delivery path 43. By completely opening, vaporization of the first liquid phase (L1) may be accelerated.

Meanwhile, ways to implement the adjustment members 45 to 48 may vary.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the adjustment members 45 and 46 are disposed perpendicular to the liquid delivery paths 43 and 44 and may be implemented as structures that open or close the liquid delivery paths 43 and 44. You can.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 5, the adjustment members 47 and 48 may be implemented as a rotating plate on which a plurality of holes 481 and 482 of different sizes are formed. The rotating plate 48 can control the degree of supply of the liquid phase (L1, L2) through a plurality of holes (481, 482). For example, as the first hole 481, which is relatively small in size, is positioned on the second liquid delivery path 44 by rotation, the supply amount of the second liquid L2 may be relatively reduced, and the relative size may be reduced. As the large second hole 482 is positioned on the second liquid delivery path 44 by rotation, the supply amount of the second liquid L2 may be relatively increased. Of course, as the portion where the hole (e.g. 481, 482) is not formed due to rotation is located on the second liquid delivery path 44, the supply of the second liquid L2 may be stopped.

However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and the adjustment members 45 to 48 may be implemented based on various types of valve structures known in the art.

Meanwhile, according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the degree of vaporization of the liquid phase (L1, L2) may be adjusted through the power supplied to the vaporization elements (e.g. 25, 27). For example, the degree of vaporization of the first liquid phase (L1) can be adjusted by adjusting the power supplied to the first vaporization element (e.g. 25) that vaporizes the first liquid phase (L1). This is because as the power supplied to the first vaporization element (e.g. 25) increases, the vaporization amount (or vaporization speed) of the first liquid phase (L1) will also increase. The power supplied to the vaporization elements (e.g. 25, 27) may be controlled by a control unit (e.g. 120 in FIG. 7).

So far, a method of controlling the degree of vaporization of the liquid phase (L1, L2) in the multi-cartridge 40 has been described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. According to the above, by adjusting the degree of opening of the liquid delivery path (43, 44) through the adjustment members (45 to 48) or adjusting the output supplied to the vaporization elements (e.g. 25, 27), the liquid phase (L1, L2) ) The degree of vaporization can be accurately and easily controlled.

Hereinafter, a method of providing a user-customized smoking experience using the multi-cartridge 40 described above with reference to FIG. 6 will be described. In particular, Figure 6 shows as an example a case where a multi-cartridge is composed of three cartridges (51 to 53; or liquid storage tanks), and each cartridge (51 to 53) stores different liquid phases (L1 to L3). there is. Hereinafter, it will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

As described above, when the degree of vaporization of each liquid phase (L1 to L3) is adjusted, a customized smoking experience can be provided to the user. Specifically, when the degree of vaporization of each liquid (L1 to L3) is implemented to be adjusted based on user input, the type and amount of ingredients contained in the aerosol (e.g. A1, A2) are changed according to the user input, thereby customizing user-customized smoking. Experience can be provided. In other words, a customized smoking experience can be provided by the user adjusting the degree of vaporization of each liquid (L1 to L3) according to the user's preference. For example, the control unit (e.g. 120 in FIG. 7) can generate a user-customized aerosol (e.g. A1, A2) by adjusting the degree of vaporization of each liquid phase (L1 to L3) based on the received user input. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

As a specific example, as shown, the user adjusts the first liquid phase (L1) and the second liquid phase (L2) to be vaporized at the same rate, so that the components of the first liquid phase (L1) and the second liquid phase (L2) are uniform. It is possible to generate a tailored aerosol (A1) that is well combined. For example, a user can generate an aerosol in which the components of the first flavor and the components of the second flavor are uniformly combined.

Alternatively, the user adjusts each of the first liquid phase (L1), the second liquid phase (L2), and the third liquid phase (L3) to be vaporized at different rates, so that the components of the first to third liquid phases (L1 to L3) are different from each other. Different proportions of combined aerosols (A2) can be generated. For example, a user can generate an aerosol in which the ingredients of the first to third flavors are combined in different ratios.

In some embodiments, multiple cartridges may be configured as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this case, the user can receive a customized smoking experience by installing a cartridge containing the preferred liquid into the cartridge holder (e.g. 33) and changing the degree of vaporization of the liquid. Additionally, the user can receive various smoking experiences by changing the cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder (e.g. 33).

In addition, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit (e.g. 120 in FIG. 7) of an aerosol generating device (e.g. 100-1 in FIG. 7) to which a multi-cartridge is applied can provide various convenience functions for a customized smoking experience. there is.

For example, the control unit (e.g. 120 in FIG. 7) may provide storage and load functions for liquid combination information. Here, the combination information may include information about the type of liquid and the degree of vaporization. In this example, when an aerosol with the user's preferred characteristics is formed, the user can store the combination including the type of liquid and the degree of vaporization and later load the saved information to receive the preferred aerosol again.

As another example, the control unit (e.g. 120 in FIG. 7) may provide a history storage function for liquid combination information. Additionally, the control unit may separately store or recommend to the user liquid combinations repeatedly used by the user or liquid combinations used continuously.

As another example, the control unit (e.g. 120 in FIG. 7) may provide an automatic liquid combination function. As a more specific example, the control unit can randomly combine multiple liquids (e.g. randomly determine the type and degree of vaporization of the liquid and combine them) and provide them to the user (e.g. randomly determine the type and degree of vaporization of the liquid with each puff). combined and provided to the user). Alternatively, when the user specifies the base liquid, the control unit may randomly combine the base liquid with other liquids and provide the user. Alternatively, the control unit determines the base liquid based on the liquid combination history (e.g. determines a liquid with a high frequency of use, a liquid with a short interval of use, a liquid used recently, etc. as the base liquid), and randomly adds other liquids to the determined base liquid. They can be combined and provided to users. Alternatively, the control unit may combine liquids with a recipe that the user has not experienced based on the liquid combination history and provide the liquid to the user (e.g. combining liquids at a ratio that does not exist in the existing history). Alternatively, the control unit may change and provide a combination of liquids based on the degree of liquid consumption (e.g., reduce the degree of vaporization of liquids that are largely consumed or have a fast rate of depletion, or adjust the degree of vaporization of liquids that are less consumed or have a slow rate of depletion. increases).

So far, a method of providing a user-customized smoking experience using a multi-cartridge (e.g. 40) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to FIG. 6. Hereinafter, various types of aerosol generating devices (100-1 to 100-3) to which the above-described multi-cartridges (e.g. 10 to 40) can be applied (or including the above-described multi-cartridges) with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. Let me explain.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram schematically showing an aerosol generating device 100-1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 100-1 may include a housing, a mouthpiece 110, a vaporizer 1, a battery 130, and a control unit 120. However, only components related to the embodiment of the present disclosure are shown in FIG. 7 . Accordingly, a person skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can recognize that other general-purpose components may be further included in addition to the components shown in FIG. 7 . For example, the aerosol generating device 100-1 includes an input module (e.g. button, touchable display, etc.) for receiving commands from the user, and an output module (e.g. for outputting information such as the status of the device, smoking information, etc.). LED, display, vibration motor, etc.) may be further included. Hereinafter, each component of the aerosol generating device 100-1 will be described.

The housing may form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 100-1. It may be desirable for the housing to be made of a material that can protect the internal components.

Next, the mouthpiece 110 is located at one end of the aerosol generating device 100-1 and may be in contact with the user's mouth. The user can inhale the aerosol generated from the vaporizer 1 by holding the mouthpiece 110 in the mouth and puffing.

Next, the vaporizer 1 can generate an aerosol by vaporizing the liquid composition. The vaporizer 1 may be a component corresponding to the above-described multi-cartridges (e.g. 10 to 40) or may be a component including the above-described multi-cartridges (e.g. 10 to 40). In order to exclude redundant description, further description of the vaporizer 1 will be omitted.

Next, the battery 130 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100-1. For example, the battery 130 can supply power so that the vaporizer 1 can generate aerosol, and can supply power necessary for the control unit 120 to operate.

Additionally, the battery 130 can supply power necessary to operate electrical components such as a display (not shown), a sensor (not shown), and a motor (not shown) installed in the aerosol generating device 100-1.

Next, the control unit 120 can generally control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100-1. For example, the control unit 120 may control the operations of the vaporizer 1 and the battery 130, and may also control the operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device 100-1. The control unit 120 can control the power supplied by the battery 130, the vaporization speed of the vaporizer 1, etc. Additionally, the control unit 120 may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 100-1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 100-1 is in an operable state.

The control unit 120 may be implemented by at least one processor. The control unit may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the microcontroller. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains will readily understand that the control unit 120 may be implemented with other types of hardware.

Hereinafter, other types of aerosol generating devices 100-2 and 100-3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. However, for clarity of the present disclosure, description of content that overlaps with the previous embodiment will be omitted.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining aerosol generating devices 100-2 and 100-3 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the drawings of FIG. 8 and below show as an example a state in which the aerosol-generating article 150 is accommodated (inserted) in the devices 100-2 and 100-3.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the aerosol generating devices 100-2 and 100-3 according to this embodiment may further include a heater unit 140 that heats the aerosol-generating article 150. In addition, the aerosol generating devices 100-2 and 100-3 may have an airflow path formed so that the aerosol generated in the vaporizer 1 passes through the aerosol-generating article 150 and is delivered to the user.

Figure 8 illustrates that the heater unit 140 (or aerosol-generating article 150) and the vaporizer 1 are arranged in parallel, and Figure 9 illustrates the heater section 140 (or aerosol-generating article 150) and the vaporizer ( 1) shows that they are arranged in a row. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating devices 100-2 and 100-3 is not limited to the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, and the arrangement of components may be changed at any time.

The heater unit 140 may heat the aerosol-generating article 150 accommodated in the receiving space. The receiving space may be formed by the housing of the aerosol generating device (100-2, 100-3). Specifically, when the aerosol-generating article 150 is accommodated in the accommodating space of the aerosol-generating device 100-2, 100-3, the heater unit 140 operates on the aerosol-generating article 150 by the power supplied from the battery 130. ) can be heated.

The operation method and/or implementation form of the heater unit 140 may vary.

For example, the heater unit 140 may operate in a resistance heating method. For example, the heater unit 140 includes an electrically insulating substrate (e.g., a substrate made of polyimide) and an electrically conductive track, and generates electrical resistive heating as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. May contain elements.

As another example, the heater unit 140 may operate in an induction heating method. For example, the heater unit 140 may include an induction coil and a heating element (ie, a susceptor) that is inductively heated by the induction coil. The susceptor may be located outside or inside the aerosol-generating article 150.

However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and the heater unit 140 may be operated in any manner as long as it can heat the aerosol-generating article 150 to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating devices 100-2 and 100-3 (e.g. when a temperature profile is stored in advance), or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

The aerosol-generating article 150 may have a structure similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the aerosol-generating article 150 may be divided into an aerosol-forming substrate portion containing an aerosol-forming substrate (e.g. an aerosol-forming agent, nicotine-generating substrate, etc.) and a filter portion including a filter material. At least a portion of the aerosol-forming base unit may be inserted into the aerosol generating devices 100-2 and 100-3, and the filter unit may be exposed to the outside, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The user can smoke with the filter part in his mouth.

So far, various types of aerosol generating devices (100-1 to 100-3) to which multi-cartridges (e.g. 10 to 40) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied have been described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. .

In the above, even though all the components constituting the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as being combined or operated in combination, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure, all of the components may be operated by selectively combining one or more of them.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features. I can understand that there is. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of rights of the technical ideas defined by this disclosure.

10, 20, 30, 40: Multi-cartridge
11, 12, 21, 22, 41, 42: Liquid storage tank
13, 23: Airflow tube
14: 24, 26: Wicking element
15, 25, 27: vaporizing elements
31, 32, 51, 52, 53: Cartridges
33: Cartridge holder
43, 44: Liquid delivery path
45, 46, 47, 48: Control member
100-1, 100-3, 100-3: Aerosol generating device
1: Vaporizer
110: Mouthpiece
120: control unit
130: battery
140: Heater unit
150: Aerosol-generating article

Claims (11)

a first liquid storage tank storing the first liquid composition;
a second liquid storage tank storing a second liquid composition different from the first liquid composition; and
a vaporizing element that generates an aerosol by vaporizing at least one of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition; and
It includes an adjustment member that adjusts the degree of supply of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition to the vaporization element,
The control member is,
A first rotating plate on which a plurality of holes of different sizes are formed and which adjusts the degree of opening of the first delivery path for delivering the first liquid composition to the vaporization element, and
A plurality of holes of different sizes are formed, and a second rotating plate is provided to adjust the degree of opening of the second delivery path for delivering the second liquid composition to the vaporization element,
The first rotating plate rotates by positioning at least one of a plurality of holes formed in the first rotating plate on the first transmission path or by positioning an area in which the plurality of holes is not formed on the first transmission path. Adjusting the degree of opening of the first delivery path,
The second rotating plate is rotated by positioning at least one of a plurality of holes formed in the second rotating plate on the second transmission path or by positioning an area in which the plurality of holes is not formed on the second transmission path. An aerosol-generating device that adjusts the degree of opening of the second delivery path. According to claim 1,
It further includes a housing forming a receiving space for accommodating an aerosol-generating article,
An airflow path is formed so that the generated aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the receiving space,
The first liquid composition includes an aerosol former,
The second liquid composition includes a flavoring agent,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The first liquid composition includes a flavoring agent and an aerosol former,
The second liquid composition also includes a flavoring agent and an aerosol former.
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The vaporizing element vaporizes the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition together in the vaporization space,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The vaporizing element is
It includes a first vaporization element that vaporizes the first liquid composition to generate a first aerosol and a second vaporization element that vaporizes the second liquid composition to generate a second aerosol,
An airflow pass is formed to mix the first aerosol and the second aerosol,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The first liquid reservoir is included in the first cartridge,
The second liquid reservoir is included in the second cartridge,
Further comprising a cartridge holder on which the first cartridge and the second cartridge are mounted,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The degree of vaporization of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition is adjusted based on user input,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The vaporization element includes a first vaporization element that vaporizes the first liquid composition to generate a first aerosol and a second vaporization element that vaporizes the second liquid composition to generate a second aerosol,
Further comprising a control unit that adjusts the degree of vaporization of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition by controlling the power supplied to the first vaporization element and the second vaporization element,
Aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The degree of vaporization of the first liquid composition is controlled by the degree of opening of the first delivery path,
The degree of vaporization of the second liquid composition is controlled by the degree of opening of the second delivery path,
Aerosol generating device. delete a first liquid storage tank storing the first liquid composition;
a second liquid storage tank storing a second liquid composition different from the first liquid composition; and
a vaporizing element for vaporizing at least one of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition; and
It includes an adjustment member that adjusts the degree of supply of the first liquid composition and the second liquid composition to the vaporization element,
The control member is,
A first rotating plate on which a plurality of holes of different sizes are formed and which adjusts the degree of opening of the first delivery path for delivering the first liquid composition to the vaporization element, and
A plurality of holes of different sizes are formed, and a second rotating plate is provided to adjust the degree of opening of the second delivery path for delivering the second liquid composition to the vaporization element,
The first rotating plate rotates by positioning at least one of a plurality of holes formed in the first rotating plate on the first transmission path or by positioning an area in which the plurality of holes is not formed on the first transmission path. Adjusting the degree of opening of the first delivery path,
The second rotating plate rotates by positioning at least one of a plurality of holes formed in the second rotating plate on the second transmission path or by positioning an area in which the plurality of holes is not formed on the second transmission path. A multi-cartridge that adjusts the degree of opening of the second delivery path.

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