AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure includes a body; a cartridge configured to be coupled to the body and comprising: a first container portion having an inner wall defining an elongated insertion space and a chamber formed between an outer wall and the inner wall configured to store a liquid therein, a second container portion adjacent to the first container portion, a wick mounted in the second container portion to be in communication with the chamber, and a heater configured to heat the wick; a sensor disposed adjacent to the cartridge, wherein the sensor is configured to sense electromagnetic properties around; and a shielding unit configured to shield the sensor from external interference.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

BACKGROUND ART

An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various research on aerosol-generating devices has been conducted.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device capable of increasing the efficiency of use of space for storing a liquid and reducing the distance that an aerosol moves, thereby increasing the efficiency of transfer of the aerosol without substantial heat loss.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide a sensor capable of sensing at least one of information about a cartridge, information about a liquid stored in the cartridge, or information about a stick.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to prevent the accuracy of the sensor from being affected by the body of a user or an external object.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to block electromagnetic waves that travel toward the sensor from the outside of a device.

Solution to Problem

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above and other objects, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a body; a cartridge configured to be coupled to the body and comprising: a first container portion having an inner wall defining an elongated insertion space and a chamber formed between an outer wall and the inner wall configured to store a liquid therein, a second container portion adjacent to the first container portion, a wick mounted in the second container portion to be in communication with the chamber, and a heater configured to heat the wick; a sensor disposed adjacent to the cartridge, wherein the sensor is configured to sense electromagnetic properties around; and a shielding unit configured to shield the sensor from external interference.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, the efficiency of use of space for storing a liquid may be increased, and the distance that an aerosol moves may be reduced, thereby making it possible to increase the efficiency of transfer of the aerosol without substantial heat loss.

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, a sensor capable of sensing at least one of information about a cartridge, information about a liquid stored in the cartridge, or information about a stick may be provided.

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

According to at least one of embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to block electromagnetic waves that travel toward the sensor from the outside of a device.

Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, because various changes and modifications will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are merely given by way of example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features, and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 15 are views showing examples of an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.

In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and sprit of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that although the terms “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another component, there are no intervening components present.

As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating device 100 may include a body 110 and a cartridge 40 coupled to one side of the body 110. The cartridge 40 may store a liquid therein. The cartridge 40 may include a first container portion 41 for storing a liquid and a second container portion 42 disposed under the first container portion 41. The first container portion 41 may provide an elongated insertion space 414. The insertion space 414 may be open upwards. A stick 80 (refer to FIG. 2) may be inserted into the insertion space 414.

The body 110 may have a shape extending in an upward-downward direction. The body 110 may provide a space in which various components are disposed. The body 110 may include a lower body 110a and an upper body 110b disposed on the lower body 110a.

The lower body 110a may have a shape extending in the upward-downward direction. The lower body 110a may face the lower portion of the cartridge 40. The upper body 110b may have a shape extending upwards from the lower body 110a. The upper body 110b may be disposed parallel to the cartridge 40. The upper body 110b may face the side surface of the cartridge 40. The upper body 110b may face the side walls 411 and 421 of the cartridge 40.

A mounting 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 mounting space 115. The mounting space 115 may be divided into a first mounting space 115a and a second mounting space 115b located under the first mounting space 115a. The first container portion 41 may be located in the first mounting space 115a. The second container portion 42 may be located in the second mounting 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 capable of being removed from the body 110. The cap 120 may be disposed on the lower body 110a, and may cover the upper body 110b.

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

An opening 124 may be formed such that a portion of the upper wall 122 of the cap 120 is open. The opening 124 in the cap 120 may be formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space 414, and may communicate with the insertion space 414. The stick 80 (refer to FIG. 2) may be inserted into the insertion space 414 through the opening 124.

A sensor 62 may be disposed adjacent to the cartridge 40. The sensor 62 may face the cartridge 40. The sensor 62 may face the mounting space 115. The sensor 62 may be disposed outside the cartridge 40. The sensor 62 may be mounted on the upper body 110b.

The sensor 62 may sense at least one of information about whether the cartridge 40 is coupled to the body 110, information about whether the stick 80 is inserted into the insertion space 414, information about the stick 80 inserted into the insertion space 414, or information about the amount of the liquid stored in the cartridge 40. The sensor 62 may face the first container portion 41. The sensor 62 may face the insertion space 414.

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

The first container portion 41 may include an outer wall 411 and an inner wall 412. The outer wall 411 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The outer wall 411 may extend along the outer periphery of the first container portion 41.

The inner wall 412 of the first container portion 41 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The inner wall 412 may extend along the inner periphery of the first container portion 41. The inner wall 412 may be spaced inwards apart from the outer wall 411. The upper side of the outer wall 411 and the upper side of the inner wall 412 may be connected to each other. The inner wall 412 may extend in a circumferential direction to form a cylindrical shape. The inner wall 412 may surround the insertion space 414 (refer to FIG. 3) to define the insertion space 414.

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

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

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

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

A flow passage 20 may be formed in the lower portion of the inner wall 412 of the first container portion 41. The suctioned air may pass through the flow passage 20. The flow passage 20 may communicate with the first chamber C1.

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

A wick 31 may be mounted in the second chamber C2 formed in the second container portion 42. The wick 31 may be connected to the interior of the first chamber C1. The wick 31 may receive a 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 in the lower portion of the flow passage 20.

A heater 32 for heating the wick 31 may be provided. The heater 32 may be mounted in the second chamber C2. The heater 32 may be wound around the wick 31. The heater 32 may heat the wick 31, which receives the liquid, to generate an aerosol.

The air introduced into the second chamber C2 may sequentially pass through the flow passage 20 and the insertion space 414. The air introduced into the second chamber C2 may contain the aerosol generated from the wick 31. The aerosol generated from the wick 31 may be delivered to the stick 80, which is inserted into the insertion space 414, through the flow passage 20.

Accordingly, the first chamber C1 of the first container portion 41, which provides the storage space therein, may be disposed so as to surround the stick 80, and thus the efficiency of use of space for storing a liquid may be increased. Also, the distance from the wick 31 and the heater 32 to the insertion space 414, into which the stick 80 is inserted, may be short, thus making it possible to increase the efficiency of transfer of the aerosol without substantial heat loss.

A controller 51 may be disposed inside the body 110. The controller 51 may control the on/off operation of the device. The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the heater 32 to control the supply of 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 arranged parallel to each other above 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 surface of the cartridge 40. A portion of the cartridge 40 may be surrounded by the upper surface of the lower body 110a and one surface of the upper body 110b.

The sensor 62 may be disposed outside the cartridge 40. The sensor 62 may be disposed so as to face the cartridge 40. The sensor 62 may be disposed so as to face the first container portion 41. The sensor 62 may be mounted in the upper body 110b.

The sensor 62 may measure a change in electromagnetic properties caused by a neighboring object. The sensor 62 may measure a change in the state of a neighboring object. The 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 controller 51 may receive information acquired by the sensor 62. The controller 51 may determine information about the cartridge, information about the stick, and information about the liquid stored in the cartridge based on the information acquired by the sensor 62.

The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 of the first container portion 41 may be made of a material that is capable of transmitting light. At least a portion of the outer wall 411 may include a window that is capable of transmitting light. The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 may be made of a material having low light reflectance, a low refractive index, and high light 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. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any specific material of the outer wall 411 or the inner wall 412.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner wall 412 of the first container portion 41 may extend both in the upward-downward direction and in the circumferential direction to form the insertion space 414 therein. The insertion space 414 may be formed such that the interior of the inner wall 412 is open in the upward-downward direction. The stick 80 (refer to FIG. 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 the insertion space. The insertion space 414 may communicate with the outside.

The insertion space 414 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the portion of the stick 80 that is inserted thereinto. The insertion space 414 may be elongated in the upward-downward direction. 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 portion 41, and may come into close contact with the inner wall 412.

The outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 of the first container portion 41 may be connected to each other via the upper wall 413 of the first container portion 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 portion 41 and by the side wall 421 and the lower wall 422 of the second container portion 42.

The wick 31 may be disposed below the insertion space 414. The wick 31 may be disposed below the flow passage 20. The wick 31 may be connected to the first chamber C1 to receive the liquid from the chamber C1 and absorb the same. The wick 31 may be inserted into the space between the inner wall 412 of the first container portion 41 and the lower wall 422 of the second container portion 42. The wick 31 may be formed so as to extend in one direction. The wick 31 may be elongated in a leftward-rightward direction.

The heater 32 may be disposed around the wick 31. The heater 32 may be wound around the wick 31 in 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 in the wick 31 using an electrical resistance heating method. The heater 32 may be connected to the controller 51, so the operation thereof may be controlled by the controller 51.

The flow passage 20 may be formed between the insertion space 414 and the wick 31. The aerosol generated from the wick 31 may flow toward the insertion space 414 through the flow passage 20. The flow passage 20 may have a shape that narrows at the middle and widens at the end in the direction in which the aerosol flows. The direction in which the aerosol flows may be the upward direction.

The flow passage 20 may be surrounded by an upper passage wall 220, which protrudes inwards from the inner wall 412 of the first container portion 41. The upper portion of the flow passage 20 may be surrounded by the upper passage wall 220, and the lower portion of the flow passage 20 may be surrounded by a lower passage wall 210. The lower passage wall 210 may be coupled to the lower portion of the upper passage wall 220. The wick 31 may be inserted into the space between the lower passage wall 210 and the lower wall 422 of the second container portion 42.

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

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

The third flow passage 23 may be located between the first flow passage 21 and the second flow passage 22. The third flow passage 23 may be located above the first flow passage 21. The second flow passage 22 may be located above the third flow passage 23. The third flow passage 23 may cause the first flow passage 21 and the second flow passage 22 to communicate with each other therethrough.

The width W3 of the third flow passage 23 may be smaller than the width W1 of the first flow passage 21. The width W3 of the third flow passage 23 may be smaller than the width W2 of the second flow passage 22. The maximum width W1 of the first flow passage 21 and the maximum width W2 of the second flow passage 22 may be substantially equal to or similar to each other. The maximum width W1 of the first flow passage 21 may be greater than the maximum width W2 of the second flow passage 22. The width W2 of the second flow passage 22 may be smaller than the width W0 of the insertion space 414.

The width of the flow passage 20 may gradually decrease from the first flow passage 21 to the third flow passage 23. The width of the flow passage 20 may gradually increase from the third flow passage 23 to the second flow passage 22. The width W2 of the second flow passage 22 may gradually increase in a direction approaching the insertion space 414.

The aerosol that flows through the first flow passage 21 is concentrated in the third flow passage 23, which has a relatively small width, and is then diffused through the second flow passage 22. Accordingly, even if the aerosol is not uniformly generated from the wick 31, the aerosol may be uniformly introduced into the lower portion of the stick 80 (refer to FIG. 2), as shown in FIG. 7.

The width W1 of the first flow passage 21 may gradually decrease in a direction approaching the third flow passage 23. The width W2 of the second flow passage 22 may gradually decrease in the direction approaching the third flow passage 23.

The degree to which the width W1 of the first flow passage 21 decreases in the direction approaching the third flow passage 23 may be greater than the degree to which the width W2 of the second flow passage 22 decreases in the direction approaching the third flow passage 23. The distance L1 by which the width of the flow passage 20 changes from the maximum width W1 of the first flow passage 21 to the width W3 of the third flow passage 23 may be shorter than the distance L2 by which the width of the flow passage 20 changes from the maximum width W2 of the second flow passage 22 to the width W3 of the third flow passage 23. That is, the ratio of the width change to the length ((W1-W3)/L1) from the first flow passage 21 to the third flow passage 23 may be greater than the ratio of the width change to the length ((W2-W3)/L2) from the second flow passage 22 to the third flow passage 23.

In other words, the first to third flow passages 21 to 23 may have the following relationship.

$\left(\text{W1-W3}\right)/\text{L1 >}\left(\text{W2-W3}\right)/\text{L2}$

Here, “W1” represents the width of the first flow passage 21 in the leftward-rightward direction, “W2” represents the width of the second flow passage 22 in the leftward-rightward direction, “W3” represents the width of the third flow passage 23 in the leftward-rightward direction, “L1” represents the length of the first flow passage 21 in the upward-downward direction, and “L2” represents the length of the second flow passage 22 in the upward-downward direction.

The length L1 of the first flow passage 21 in the upward-downward direction may be shorter than the length L2 of the second flow passage 22 in the upward-downward direction (L1 < L2).

Accordingly, it is possible to secure space for inducing the liquid to be atomized and concentrated in the third flow passage 23 while reducing the length of the first flow passage 21 and to cause the aerosol concentrated in the third flow passage 23 to be uniformly diffused and introduced into the insertion space 414 through the second flow passage 22 (refer to FIG. 7).

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

The second flow passage 22 may extend from the third flow passage 23 toward the insertion space 414 such that the width W2 thereof gradually increases in the radially outward direction, and may further extend from the portion thereof at which the width W2 reaches the maximum width W2 to the insertion space 414 while maintaining the maximum width W2 substantially constant.

A first passage surface 211 may surround the first flow passage 21. A second passage surface 221 may surround the second flow passage 22. A third passage surface 231 may surround the third flow passage 23.

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

The first passage surface 211 and the third passage surface 231 may be spaced apart from each other, rather than forming a continuous surface. The first passage surface 211 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The first passage surface 211 may extend in the circumferential direction. The first passage surface 211 may be formed in a ring shape.

The first flow passage 21 may extend toward the third flow passage 23 while maintaining the width W1 substantially constant, and the width W1 of the first flow passage 21 may sharply decrease to a width equivalent to the width W3 of the third flow passage 23 from the portion of the first flow passage 21 that is adjacent to the third flow passage 23 to the third flow passage 23.

Accordingly, space for the first flow passage 21 may be secured between the first passage surface 211 and the wick 31, thus making it possible to ensure smooth generation and flow of the aerosol in the space between the first passage surface 211 and the wick 31.

The third passage surface 231 may form a continuous surface with the second passage surface 221. The third passage surface 231 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The third passage surface 231 may extend in the circumferential direction. The third passage surface 231 may be formed in a ring shape.

The second passage surface 221 may include a portion that extends toward the insertion space 414 so as to gradually widen in the outward direction. The second passage surface 221 may include a portion that is inclined in the outward direction toward the insertion space 414. The second passage surface 221 may include a portion that extends toward the insertion space 414 so as to gradually widen in the radially outward direction. The second passage surface 221 may have substantially the shape of a funnel or a venturi tube.

The second passage surface 221 may extend from the third passage surface 231 toward the insertion space 414 so as to gradually widen in the outward direction, and may further extend from the portion thereof that has the maximum width W2 to the insertion space 414 while maintaining the maximum width W2 substantially constant.

The second passage surface 221 may include a portion that extends toward the insertion space 414 so as to be rounded in the outward direction. The second passage surface 221 may extend upwards from the third passage surface 231 so as to be rounded in the radially outward direction.

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

The width W2 of the second flow passage 22 may be maximized at the upper end of the second flow passage 22, which is contiguous with the lower end of the insertion space 414. The width W2 of the upper end of the second flow passage 22 may be smaller than the width W0 of the insertion space 414.

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

The protruding surface 417 may form the upper surface of the upper passage wall 220, which protrudes inwards from the inner wall 412 of the first container portion 41. The protruding surface 417 may extend from the inner surface of the inner wall 412 so as to be substantially perpendicular thereto. The protruding surface 417 and the inner surface of the inner wall 412 may face the insertion space 414. The second passage surface 221 may be formed so as to extend downwards from the protruding surface 417.

For example, the length L3 that the protruding surface 417 protrudes may be set to a length capable of supporting the edge of the lower end of the stick 80 while minimizing the reduction in the flow rate of the aerosol.

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

The width W1 of the first flow passage 21 may be larger than the width W4 of the heater 32. The width W3 of the third flow passage 23 may be smaller than the width W4 of the heater 32. The width direction of the flow passage 20 may be the leftward-rightward direction.

Accordingly, when the heater 32 heats the liquid absorbed in the wick 31 to generate an aerosol, even if the aerosol is not uniformly generated throughout the wick 31, the aerosol may be concentrated in the third flow passage 23, and may then be uniformly diffused from the second flow passage 22 to the insertion space 414.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a first curved section 222 and a second curved section 223, which are formed at the second passage surface 221, may be curved so as to be convex in opposite directions.

The first curved section 222 may be formed at the lower portion of the second passage surface 221. The first curved section 222 may be formed adjacent to the third flow passage 23. The first curved section 222 may be curved so as to be convex from the third passage surface 231 toward the interior of the first container portion 41.

The second curved section 223 may be formed at the upper portion of the second passage surface 221. The second curved section 223 may be formed adjacent to the insertion space 414. The second curved section 223 may be curved so as to be convex from the first curved section 222 toward the outside of the first container portion 41. The second curved section 223 may be curved so as to be convex toward the outside of the first container portion 41, and may include a portion that extends from a position adjacent to the insertion space 414 to the insertion space 414 with a substantially constant width.

Accordingly, the aerosol may diffuse outwards along the first curved section 222 of the second passage surface 221, and may then flow straight into the insertion space 414 along the second curved section 223 of the second passage surface 221 (refer to FIG. 7). In addition, it is possible to reduce loss of the flow energy of the aerosol diffusing from the third flow passage 23 to the second flow passage 22.

The upper passage wall 220 may extend downwards from the inner wall 412 of the first container portion 41. The upper passage wall 220 may have a shape that protrudes inwards from the inner wall 412. The second passage surface 221 and the third passage surface 231 may form the inner surface of the upper passage wall 220.

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

A groove portion 226 may be formed in the lower portion of the upper passage wall 220. The groove portion 226 may be formed so as to be recessed upwards in the lower portion of the upper passage wall 220.

The insertion portion 216 may be formed at the upper portion of the lower passage wall 210. The insertion portion 216 may be formed above the first passage surface 211.

The insertion portion 216 may be formed so as to protrude upwards from the upper portion of the lower passage wall 210. The insertion portion 216 may be inserted into the groove portion 226 so as to be in close contact therewith. When the insertion portion 216 is inserted into the groove portion 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 removably coupled to the lower portion of the upper passage wall 220.

The lower passage wall 210 may define the width W1 (refer to FIG. 4) of the first flow passage 21. The width W1 of the first flow passage 21 may vary depending on the extent to which the first passage surface 211, which forms the inner surface of the lower passage wall 210, is depressed in the leftward-rightward direction.

As the first passage surface 211 of the lower passage wall 210 is located further inwards, the width W1 of the first flow passage 21 may decrease. As the first passage surface 211 of the lower passage wall 210 is located further outwards, the width W1 of the first flow passage 21 may increase.

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

Accordingly, the area of the wick 31, in which the liquid is atomized, may be defined by setting the length W1 of the portion of the wick 31 that is exposed to the first flow passage 21 and the width W4 of the portion of the wick 31, around which the heater 32 is wound.

The first passage surface 211 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The first passage surface 211 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the wick 31. The first passage surface 211 may define the length L1 of the first flow passage 21.

An extended surface 212 may form a portion of the inner surface of the upper passage wall 220 and a portion of the inner surface of the lower passage wall 210. The extended surface 212 may be formed between the first passage surface 211 and the third passage surface 231.

The extended surface 212 may be connected to the upper end of the first passage surface 211. The extended surface 212 may be connected to the lower end of the third passage surface 231. The extended surface 212 may be referred to as a connection surface 212. The extended surface 212 may be formed so as to extend from the upper end of the first passage surface 211 in the leftward-rightward direction. The extended surface 212 may be formed so as to extend from the lower end of the third passage surface 231 in the leftward-rightward direction.

The extended surface 212 may be spaced upwards apart from the wick 31. The extended surface 212 may be disposed in the width direction of the first flow passage 21. The extended surface 212 may extend from the upper end of the first passage surface 211 toward the third flow passage 23. The extended surface 212 may connect the first passage surface 211 to the third passage surface 231. The extended surface 212 may be spaced apart from the wick 31, and may face the wick 31.

The spacing distance between the extended surface 212 and the wick 31 may be substantially equal to the height L1 of the first flow passage 21. The extended surface 212 may be disposed opposite the wick 31 with respect to the first flow passage 21. The extended surface 212 may be disposed substantially parallel to the wick 31. The extended surface 212 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the first passage surface 211. The extended surface 212 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the third passage surface 231.

An end portion of the first flow passage 21 may be surrounded by the first passage surface 211, the wick 31, and the extended surface 212. The aerosol atomized at the end portion of the wick 31 may remain in the end portion of the first flow passage 21.

Accordingly, a space in which the aerosol atomized at the end portion of the wick 31 can gather may be formed, and suction force may effectively act on the end portion of the wick 31, as well as the middle portion thereof.

Also, since turbulence is formed in the end portion of the first flow passage 21 by the aerosol atomized at the end portion of the wick 31, even if the aerosol is not uniformly generated throughout the wick 31, the aerosol may be evenly distributed (refer to FIG. 7).

A first edge portion 213 may be formed between the first passage surface 211 and the extended surface 212. The first edge portion 213 may be contiguous with the edge portion of the upper end of the first flow passage 21. The first edge portion 213 may extend in a rounded form from the first passage surface 211 to the extended surface 212.

A second edge portion 214 may be formed between the extended surface 212 and the third passage surface 231. The second edge portion 214 may be formed at a position between the first flow passage 21 and the third flow passage 23 so as to be adjacent thereto. The second edge portion 214 may extend in a rounded form from the extended surface 212 to the third passage surface 231.

Accordingly, it is possible to reduce loss of the flow energy of the aerosol diffusing from the first flow passage 21 to the third flow passage 23.

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

The wick 31 may be inserted into the space between the wick insertion surface 215 and the lower wall 422 of the second container portion 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 may be in close contact with the wick 31, thus preventing the liquid from leaking to the outside.

Referring to FIG. 6, the upper passage wall 220 (refer to FIG. 5) and the lower passage wall 210 (refer to FIG. 5) described above may be integrated to form a passage wall 220a, rather than being coupled to each other. The shape of the passage wall 220a may be substantially the same as the overall shape of the assembly of the upper passage wall 220 and the lower passage wall 210.

Accordingly, a process of coupling the components to each other may be eliminated, and leakage of the liquid through a gap between components that are coupled to each other may be prevented.

Referring to FIG. 8, a first extended surface 212a may form a portion of the inner surface of the lower passage wall 210b. The first extended surface 212a may be contiguous with the first flow passage 21. The first extended surface 212a may be connected to the upper end of the first passage surface 211. The first extended surface 212a may extend from the upper end of the first passage surface 211 in the leftward-rightward direction. The first edge portion 213 may be formed between the first passage surface 211 and the first extended surface 212a.

A second extended surface 212b may form a portion of the inner surface of the upper passage wall 220b. The second extended surface 212b may be contiguous with the first flow passage 21. The second extended surface 212b may be connected to the lower end of the third passage surface 231. The second extended surface 212b may extend from the lower end of the third passage surface 231 in the leftward-rightward direction. The second edge portion 214 may be formed between the first extended surface 212b and the third passage surface 231.

A depressed portion 212c may be formed between the first extended surface 212a and the second extended surface 212b so as to be depressed upwards to a predetermined depth. The depressed portion 212c may be formed between the portion of the lower passage wall 210b and the portion of the upper passage wall 220b that are coupled to each other. The depressed portion 212c may face the upper portion of the first flow passage 21.

Accordingly, turbulence caused by the aerosol atomized at the end portion of the wick 31 may be formed to a greater extent in the vicinity of the depressed portion 212c. Therefore, even if the aerosol is not uniformly generated throughout the wick 31, the aerosol may be evenly distributed.

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

The aerosol-generating device 100 may include an output interface 55. The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the output interface 55. The output interface 55 may provide a user with various pieces of information, such as information about on/off operation of the power source, information about whether the heater 32 is operating, information about the stick, information about the liquid, information about the cartridge, and information about the battery. The controller 51 may control the output interface 55 to provide information to the user based on various pieces of information received from the components.

The output interface 55 may include a display 551. The display 551 may display information to the outside to provide the same to the user.

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

The output interface 55 may include a sound output interface 553. The sound output interface 553 may output a sound corresponding to information to provide the information to the user. The sound output interface 553 may include a speaker.

The aerosol-generating device 100 may include an input interface 54. The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the input interface 54. The user may input various commands, such as turning on or turning off of the power source and activation or deactivation of the heater 32, to the input interface 54. The controller 51 may receive a command from the input interface 54 to control the operation of the components.

The aerosol-generating device 100 may include a memory 56. The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the memory 56. The memory 56 may store therein data on information. The memory 56 may receive and store data on various pieces of information from the controller 51, or may transmit stored data to the controller 51. The controller 51 may control the operation of the components based on data received from the memory 56.

The controller 51 may be electrically connected to the sensor 62. The sensor 62 may measure a change in electromagnetic properties caused by a neighboring object. The sensor 62 may measure a change in the state of a neighboring object. The sensor 62 may be a proximity sensor. The sensor 62 may sense a change in capacitance. For example, the sensor 62 may be an electrostatic capacitive sensor or a capacitance sensor. For example, the sensor 62 may be a magnetic proximity sensor. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any specific type of sensor 62.

The controller 51 may receive information about changes in electromagnetic properties from the sensor 62. The controller 51 may analyze a value that is output from the sensor 62 according to the acquired information, and may 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 may be disposed on the lower body 110a, and may face the side portion of the cartridge 40.

The sensor 62 may be mounted in the upper body 110b. The sensor 62 may face one side of the first container portion 41. The sensor 62 may be elongated in the upward-downward direction along the first container portion 41.

A shielding unit 63 may block the transmission of electromagnetic waves. The shielding unit 63 may prevent the sensor 62 from being affected by an electromagnetic field present outside the aerosol-generating device 100. The shielding unit 63 may be made of a material that does not allow an electromagnetic field to pass therethrough. For example, the shielding unit 63 may be made of a conductive material or a ferromagnetic material, without being limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, the upper body 110b may include a first side wall 111a facing the side surface of the cartridge 40. The first side wall 111a may be in contact with one side of the cartridge 40. The first side wall 111a may face the first outer wall 411a of the first container portion 41. The sensor 62 may be disposed adjacent to the first side wall 111a. The sensor 62 may face the first side wall 111a.

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

The mounting 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 mounting space 115. The sensor 62 may be mounted in the upper body 110b so as to face the mounting space 115. The sensor 62 may face the cartridge 40 coupled to the body 110.

The body 110 may include an insertion wall 113 disposed on the lower body 110a. The insertion wall 113 may partition at least a portion of the mounting 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 portion 42 (refer to FIG. 1).

The mounting space 115 may be divided into a first mounting space 115a and a second mounting space 115b located beneath the first mounting space 115a. The first container portion 41 may be located in the first mounting space 115a. The second container portion 42 may be located in the second mounting space 115b. The insertion wall 113 may surround the second mounting space 115b (refer to FIG. 1).

The body 110 may define a sensing region and a non-sensing region, which is a region other than the sensing region. The sensing region may be formed between the cartridge 40 and the sensor 62.

The sensor 62 may be coupled to the body 110 at a position adjacent to the sensing region. The sensor 62 may be disposed inside the body 110. The sensor 62 may sense a change in the electromagnetic properties in the sensing region. For example, when the cartridge 40 is coupled to or removed from the body 110, electromagnetic properties may change in the sensing region. For example, when the stick 80 is inserted into or separated from the insertion space 414, electromagnetic properties may change in the sensing region. For example, when the stick 80 is used, electromagne70tic properties may change in the sensing region according to the extent to which the stick 80 has been used. For example, electromagnetic properties may change in the sensing region according to a change in the amount of the liquid stored in the first container portion 41.

The shielding unit 63 may cover at least a portion of the non-sensing region, which is a region other than the sensing region. The shielding unit 63 may surround a portion of the sensor 62 at a position other than the position between the cartridge 40 and the sensor 62. The shielding unit 63 may block the transmission of an external electromagnetic field to the sensor 62. The shielding unit 63 may prevent the sensor 62 from being affected by an electromagnetic field present outside the aerosol-generating device 100.

The shielding unit 63 may include a first part 631, which surrounds a portion of the side portion of the sensor 62. The first part 631 of the shielding unit 63 may be disposed along the periphery of the second side wall 111b. The first part 631 may be coupled to the second side wall 111b. The first part 631 may surround a portion of the sensor 62, and may not surround the space between the cartridge 40 and the sensor 62. The first part 631 may not be disposed on the first side wall 111b.

The shielding unit 63 may include a second part 632, which is disposed above the sensor 62. The second part 632 of the shielding unit 63 may cover the upper portion 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 shielding unit 63 may include a third part 633, which is disposed along the periphery of the insertion wall 113. The third part 633 of the shielding unit 63 may surround the side portion of the second mounting space 115b. The third part 633 may surround a portion of the side portion of the second container portion 42.

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

The fourth part 634 of the shielding unit 63 may be disposed on the lower body 110a. The fourth part 634 may cover the lower portion of the second mounting space 115b. The fourth part 634 may cover the lower portion of the cartridge 40 or the lower portion of the second container portion 41.

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

When using the aerosol-generating device 100, the user may touch the aerosol-generating device 100 in the first region A1 and the second region A2. The shielding unit 63 may block the transmission of electromagnetic waves to the sensor 62 in the first region A1 and the second region A2.

Accordingly, the accuracy of the sensor 62 may be maintained even when the body of the user or an external object touches the aerosol-generating device 100.

When using the aerosol-generating device 100, the user may not touch the aerosol-generating device 100 in the third region A3. The side wall 121 of the cap 120 may include a window, which is formed in at least a portion of the portion covering the first container portion 41 and transmits light.

Accordingly, the user is capable of visually checking the state of the liquid stored in the first container portion 41 through the window of the cap 120 in the third region 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 side wall 121 of the cap 120 may cover the side walls 411 and 421 of the cartridge 40 and the side wall 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 shielding unit 63 may be disposed under the cap 120.

The shielding unit 63 may be mounted on at least a portion of the outer walls 121 and 122 of the cap 120. The shielding unit 63 may be moved together with the cap 120. When the cap 120 is coupled to the body 110, the shielding unit 63 may surround the periphery of the sensor 62. When the cap 120 is separated from the body 110, the shielding 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, which is disposed along the periphery of the side wall 121 of the cap 120. The fifth part 635 of the shielding unit 63 may surround the side portion 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 side wall 121 of the cap 120 may include a window 121a, which is formed in at least a portion of the portion covering the first container portion 41 and transmits light. The fifth part 635 of the shielding unit 63 may not cover the portion in which the window 121a is formed.

The shielding unit 63 may include a sixth part 636, which is disposed on the upper wall 122 of the cap 120. The sixth part 636 may cover the 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, the accuracy of the sensor 62 may be maintained even when the body of the user or an external object touches the aerosol-generating device 100. Also, the user is capable of visually checking the state of the liquid stored in the first container portion 41 through the window 121a of the cap 120.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 15, an aerosol-generating device 100 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body 110, a cartridge 40 configured to be coupled to the body 110 and comprising a first container portion 41 having an inner wall 412 defining an elongated insertion space 414 and a chamber C1 formed between an outer wall 411 and the inner wall 412 to store a liquid therein, a second container portion 42 coupled to the first container portion 41, a wick 31 mounted in the second container portion 42 and to be in communication with the chamber C1, and a heater 32 for heating the wick 31, a sensor 62 disposed adjacent to the cartridge 40, wherein the sensor 62 may be configured to sense electromagnetic properties around, and a shielding unit 63 configured to shield the sensor 62 from external interference.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 110 may include a lower body 110a and an upper body 110b disposed on the lower body 110a and positioned adjacent to the cartridge 40, wherein the sensor 62 may be disposed at the upper body 110b.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper body 110b may include a first side wall 111a facing an outer wall of a side of the cartridge 40 and a second side wall 111b disposed opposite the first side wall 111a, the shielding unit 63 may include a first part 631 disposed at the second side wall 111b to cover the side portion of the sensor 62.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may include a second part 632 disposed at an upper wall of the upper body 110a to cover the upper portion of the sensor 62.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the body 110 may include an insertion wall 113 disposed on the lower body 110a to surround at least a portion of the second container portion 42, the sensor 62 may face the first container portion 41, and the shielding unit 63 may include a third part 633 disposed at the insertion wall 113.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may include a fourth part 634 disposed between the lower body 110a and the upper body 110b.

In addition, in accordance with 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.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may further include a cap 120, which covers at least a portion of the body 110 and the cartridge 40 and has an opening 124 corresponding to the insertion space 414. The shielding unit 63 may be disposed at at least a portion of of the cap 120.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may include a fifth part 635 disposed at a side wall 121 of the cap 120 to cover the side portion of the sensor 62.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may include a sixth part 636 disposed at an upper wall 122 of the cap 120 to cover the upper portion of the sensor 62.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the shielding unit 63 may be made of a material that blocks transmission of electromagnetic waves.

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, 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.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, 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

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

a body;

a cartridge configured to be coupled to the body and comprising: a first container portion having an inner wall defining an elongated insertion space and a chamber formed between an outer wall and the inner wall configured to store a liquid therein, a second container portion adjacent to the first container portion, a wick mounted in the second container portion to be in communication with the chamber, and a heater configured to heat the wick;

a sensor disposed adjacent to the cartridge, wherein the sensor is configured to sense electromagnetic properties around; and

a shielding unit configured to shield the sensor from external interference.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises:

a lower body; and

an upper body disposed on the lower body and positioned adjacent to the cartridge,

wherein the sensor is disposed at the upper body.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the upper body comprises:

a first side wall facing an outer wall of a side of the cartridge; and

a second side wall disposed opposite the first side wall,

wherein the shielding unit comprises a first part disposed at the second side wall to cover a side portion of the sensor.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the shielding unit comprises a second part disposed at an upper wall of the upper body to cover an upper portion of the sensor.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the body comprises an insertion wall disposed on the lower body to surround at least a portion of the second container portion,

wherein the sensor faces the first container portion, and

wherein the shielding unit comprises a third part disposed at the insertion wall.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the shielding unit comprises a fourth part disposed between the lower body and the upper body.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the fourth part covers a lower portion of the cartridge and a lower portion of the sensor.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a cap configured to cover at least a portion of the body and the cartridge, the cap having an opening corresponding to the insertion space,

wherein the shielding unit is disposed at at least a portion of the cap.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein the shielding unit comprises a fifth part disposed at a side wall of the cap to cover a side portion of the sensor.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein the shielding unit comprises a sixth part disposed at an upper wall of the cap to cover an upper portion of the sensor.

11. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the shielding unit is made of a material that blocks transmission of electromagnetic waves.