JP7579968B2 - Aerosol Generator - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a variety of components. The substances contained in the medium may be flavoring substances of various components. For example, the substances contained in the medium may contain nicotine components, herbal components, and/or coffee components. In recent years, much research has been conducted into such aerosol generating devices.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that improves the efficiency of the space used to store liquid.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that reduces the flow distance of the aerosol and improves the heat transfer efficiency of the aerosol.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device in which the flow path is designed to distribute the aerosol evenly across the stick.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-mentioned object, an aerosol generating device is provided, which includes a container that extends in the vertical direction and includes a chamber that stores a liquid between an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall including an insertion space into which a stick is inserted, a wick that is disposed below the insertion space and connected to the chamber to absorb the liquid, and a heater that is disposed around the wick, and a flow path is formed between the insertion space and the wick, the flow path including a first flow path located adjacent to the wick, a second flow path located adjacent to the insertion space and connected to the insertion space, and a third flow path located between the first flow path and the second flow path, connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, and having a width smaller than the width of the first flow path and the width of the second flow path.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device can be provided that is designed so that a stick can be inserted inside a container that has a chamber formed therein for storing a liquid, thereby improving the efficiency of the space for storing the liquid.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the heater that generates an aerosol by heating a wick connected to a chamber that stores a liquid can be positioned so that the distance from the heater to the stick is small, thereby reducing the flow distance of the aerosol and providing an aerosol generating device with improved heat transfer efficiency.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generated from the core may vary depending on the location of generation, but has the advantage that it can be evenly dispersed in the stick by passing through a flow path that narrows and then widens.

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

The above and other objects, features and other characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of simplicity of description with reference to the drawings, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description for components are intended only for ease of explanation of the specification and do not have any special meaning or function.

In this disclosure, those aspects well known to those skilled in the art are omitted for the sake of brevity. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate an understanding of various technical features, and that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives in addition to those specifically disclosed in the accompanying drawings.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

When referring to an element as being "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there may be other elements in between. On the other hand, when referring to an element as being "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.

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

Hereinafter, the directions of the aerosol generating device are defined based on the Cartesian coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1 to 10. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device. Here, the direction toward +x with respect to the origin may mean the rightward direction, and the direction toward -x may mean the leftward direction. And the y-axis direction may be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device. Here, the direction toward +y with respect to the origin may mean the upward direction, and the direction toward -y may mean the downward direction. Referring to FIG. 1, the container 10 may have a shape that extends vertically. The container 10 may have a hollow shape. The container 10 may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically.

The container 10 may include an outer wall 11 and an inner wall 12. The outer wall 11 may extend vertically. The outer wall 11 may extend along an outer edge of the container 10. The outer wall 11 may extend circumferentially to form a cylindrical shape.

The inner wall 12 can extend vertically. The inner wall 12 can extend along the inner edge of the container 10. The inner wall 12 can extend circumferentially to form a cylindrical shape.

The inner wall 12 may be spaced inward from the outer wall 11. The inner wall 12 may be spaced radially inward from the outer wall 11. The outer wall 11 and the inner wall 12 may be connected to each other at their upper sides.

The chamber 101 may be formed between the outer wall 11 and the inner wall 12. The chamber 101 may extend in a vertical direction. The chamber 101 may extend in a circumferential direction along the outer wall 11 and the inner wall 12. The chamber 101 may have a cylindrical shape. The liquid may be stored in the chamber 101.

The flow path 20 may be formed on the lower inner side of the inner wall 12. The inhaled air may pass through the flow path 20.

The wick 31 can be connected to the chamber 101. The wick 31 can absorb liquid stored in the chamber 101.

The stick 40 may extend vertically. The stick 40 may have a cylindrical shape. The stick 40 may be inserted inside the container 10. The stick 40 may be inserted inside the inner wall 12 of the container 10. The aerosol generated from the wick 31 may be transmitted to the stick 40 through the flow path portion 20. The stick 40 may be referred to as an aerosol generating member 40.

Therefore, by arranging the chamber 101 of the container 10 in which the liquid is stored to surround the stick 40, the efficiency of the liquid storage space can be improved.

Therefore, the wick 31 connected to the chamber 101 that stores the liquid and the heater 32 (see FIG. 2) that heats the liquid to generate an aerosol can be positioned so that the distance from the stick 40 is small, improving the efficiency of heat transfer of the aerosol.

The body 50 may have a vertically elongated shape. The body 50 may have a hollow shape. The body 50 may have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape.

The container 10 and the main body 50 can be connected to each other. The container 10 can be disposed on the upper side of the main body 50. The container 10 can be detachably connected to the main body 50. The container 10 and the main body 50 can form a continuous surface.

The control unit 51 may be disposed inside the main body 50. The control unit 51 may control the on/off of the device. The control unit 51 may be electrically connected to the heater 32 (see FIG. 2) and may control the supply of power to the heater 32 so that the heater 32 heats the wick. The control unit 51 may be disposed below the heater 32. The control unit 51 may be disposed in close contact with the heater 32.

The battery 52 may be disposed inside the main body 50. The battery 52 may supply power to the device. The battery 52 may be electrically connected to the control unit 51 and/or the terminal 53. The battery 52 may be disposed below the control unit 51. The battery 52 may extend in the vertical direction.

The terminal 53 may be disposed at an end of the main body 50. The terminal 53 may be electrically connected to an external power source to receive power and transmit it to the battery 52. The terminal 53 may be disposed at the bottom of the main body 50. The terminal 53 may be disposed below the battery 52.

Referring to FIG. 2, the inner wall 12 may extend circumferentially in the vertical direction to form an insertion space 102 on the inside. The insertion space 102 may be formed by opening the inside of the inner wall 12 to the top and bottom. The stick 40 (see FIG. 1) may be inserted into the insertion space 102. The inner wall 12 may be disposed between the chamber 101 and the insertion space 102.

The insertion space 102 may have a shape corresponding to the portion into which the stick 40 is inserted. The insertion space 102 may be elongated vertically. The insertion space 102 may have a cylindrical shape. When the stick 40 is inserted into the insertion space 102, the stick 40 may be surrounded by the inner wall 12 and may be in close contact with the inner wall 12.

The outer wall 11 and the inner wall 12 can be connected to each other via the upper part 15 of the container 10. The chamber 101 can be defined by the outer wall 11, the inner wall 12, the upper part 15 and the lower part 16 of the container 10.

The wick 31 may be disposed below the insertion space 102. The wick 31 may be disposed below the flow path portion 20. The wick 31 may be connected to the chamber 101 to absorb the liquid stored in the chamber 101. The wick 31 may be inserted between the inner wall 12 and the lower portion 16 of the container 10. The wick 31 may be extended in one direction. The wick 31 may be disposed long in the left-right direction.

The heater 32 can be arranged around the core 31. The heater 32 can be wound around the core 31 in the direction in which the core 31 extends. The heater 32 can generate an aerosol from the liquid absorbed by the core 31 by electrical resistance heating. The heater 32 can be connected to the control unit 51 (see FIG. 1) to control the power supply to the heater.

The flow path portion 20 may be formed between the insertion space 102 and the core 31. The aerosol generated from the core 31 may pass through the flow path portion 20 and flow toward the insertion space 102. The flow path portion 20 may have a shape that narrows and then widens in the direction of the aerosol flow. The flow direction of the aerosol may be an upward direction.

The flow passage section 20 may be surrounded by an upper flow passage wall 220 protruding inward from the inner wall 12. The upper part of the flow passage section 20 may be surrounded by the upper flow passage wall 220, and the lower part of the flow passage section 20 may be surrounded by the lower flow passage wall 210. The lower flow passage wall 210 may be joined to the lower part of the upper flow passage wall 220. The core 31 may be inserted between the lower flow passage wall 210 and the lower part 16 of the container 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, the flow path portion 20 can be divided into a first flow path 21, a second flow path 22, and a third flow path 23.

The first flow path 21 can be located adjacent to the wick 31. The first flow path 21 can be disposed above the wick 31. The second flow path 22 can be located adjacent to the insertion space 102. The second flow path 22 can be in communication with the insertion space 102.

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

The width W3 of the third flow path 23 may be smaller than the width W1 of the first flow path 21. The width W3 of the third flow path 23 may be smaller than the width W2 of the second flow path 22. The maximum width W1 of the first flow path 21 and the maximum width W2 of the second flow path 22 may be substantially the same or approximately the same. The maximum width W1 of the first flow path 21 may be larger than the maximum width W2 of the second flow path 22. The width W2 of the second flow path 22 may be smaller than the width W0 of the insertion space 102.

The flow path portion 20 may have a narrower width from the first flow path 21 to the third flow path 23. The flow path portion 20 may have a wider width from the third flow path 23 to the second flow path. The width W2 of the second flow path 22 may gradually increase toward the insertion space 102. Therefore, the aerosol is collected from the first flow path 21 to the narrow third flow path 23 and then diffused through the second flow path 22. Therefore, even if the aerosol is not generated uniformly from the core 31, it can flow uniformly into the bottom of the stick 40 (see FIG. 1) (see FIG. 6).

The width W1 of the first flow path 21 can become smaller as it approaches the third flow path 23. The width W2 of the second flow path 22 can become smaller as it approaches the third flow path 23.

The degree to which the width W1 of the first flow path 21 decreases toward the third flow path 23 may be greater than the degree to which the width W2 of the second flow path 22 decreases toward the third flow path 23. The distance L1 from the maximum width W1 of the first flow path 21 to the width W3 of the third flow path 23 may be shorter than the distance L2 from the maximum width W2 of the second flow path 22 to the width W3 of the third flow path 23. In other words, the amount of change in width relative to length may gradually increase from the first flow path 21 to the third flow path 23.

If the width of the first flow path 21 in the left-right direction is W1, the width of the second flow path 22 in the left-right direction is W2, the width of the third flow path 23 in the left-right direction is W3, the length of the first flow path 21 in the up-down direction is L1, and the length of the second flow path 22 in the up-down direction is L2, then the relationship can be (W1-W3)/(L1)>(W2-W3)/(L2).

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

Therefore, while reducing the length of the first flow path 21, a space can be secured to guide the liquid to atomize and collect in the third flow path 23, and the aerosol collected in the third flow path 23 can flow through the second flow path 22 while being uniformly diffused into the insertion space 102 (see Figure 6).

The vertical length of the third flow path 23 may be shorter than the vertical length L1 of the first flow path 21. The vertical length of the third flow path 23 may be shorter than the vertical length L2 of the second flow path 22.

The second flow path 22 can gradually expand in width W2 radially outward from the third flow path 23 toward the insertion space 102, and then extend from the section that forms the maximum width W2 to the insertion space 102 with a substantially constant width W2.

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

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

The first flow path surface 211 and the third flow path surface 231 do not form a continuous surface and can be separated. The first flow path surface 211 can extend vertically. The first flow path surface 211 can extend in a circumferential direction. The first flow path surface 211 can be formed in a ring shape.

The first flow path 21 can extend toward the third flow path 23 with substantially the same width W1 and then suddenly narrow near the third flow path 23 to reach the width W3 of the third flow path 23.

Therefore, by ensuring a space for the first flow path 21 between the first flow path surface 211 and the wick 31, it is possible to facilitate the generation and flow of aerosol up to the area between the first flow path surface 211 and the wick 31.

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

The second flow path surface 221 may include a portion that extends so as to gradually widen in an outward direction toward the insertion space 102. The second flow path surface 221 may include a portion that is inclined outward toward the insertion space 102. The second flow path surface 221 may include a portion that extends so as to gradually widen in a radially outward direction toward the insertion space 102. The second flow path surface 221 may form an approximately funnel shape or a Venturi shape.

The second flow path surface 221 can extend from the third flow path surface 231 toward the insertion space 102 so as to gradually widen outward, and then extend toward the insertion space 102 while forming a substantially constant width W2 from the section that forms the maximum width W2.

The second flow path surface 221 may include a portion that curves outward toward the insertion space 102. The second flow path surface 221 may curve upward from the third flow path surface 231 in a radially outward direction.

Therefore, when the aerosol diffuses from the third flow path 23 to the second flow path 22, the flow resistance can be reduced.

The width W2 of the second flow passage 22 may be maximum at the upper end of the second flow passage 22 that contacts the lower end of the insertion space 102. The width W2 of the upper end of the second flow passage 22 may be smaller than the width W0 of the insertion space 102.

The protruding surface 17 can be located between the lower end of the insertion space 102 and the upper end of the second flow path 22. The protruding surface 17 can protrude inward from the inner wall 12 of the container 10. The protruding surface 17 can support the edge of the lower end of the stick 40. The protruding surface 17 can protrude inward to determine the maximum width W2 of the second flow path 22.

The protruding surface 17 may constitute the upper surface of the upper flow path wall 220 that protrudes inward from the inner wall 12. The protruding surface 17 may extend substantially perpendicularly from the inner surface 121 of the inner wall 12. The protruding surface 17 and the inner surface 121 may face the insertion space 102. The second flow path surface 221 may extend downward from the protruding surface 17.

The length L3 of the protruding surface 17 is preferably formed to a degree that supports the edge of the lower end of the stick 40 (see FIG. 1) while minimizing the loss of aerosol flow.

The core 31 is arranged to extend in the width direction of the first flow path 21, and the heater 32 can be wound around the core 31 in the direction in which the core 31 extends.

The width W1 of the first flow path 21 may be greater than the width W4 of the heater 32. The width W3 of the third flow path 23 may be less than the width W4 of the heater 32. When the container 10 extends in the vertical direction, the width direction of the flow path section 20 may be the horizontal direction.

Therefore, when the heater 32 heats the liquid absorbed in the wick 31 to generate an aerosol, even if there is a deviation in the aerosol generation location of the wick 31, the aerosol can be collected in the third flow path 23 and then uniformly diffused from the second flow path 22 into the insertion space 102.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the first bent section 222 and the second bent section 223 formed on the second flow path surface 221 can be bent to bulge in opposite directions.

The first bent section 222 may be formed at the bottom of the second flow path surface 221. The first bent section 222 may be formed adjacent to the third flow path 23. The first bent section 222 may be bent so as to bulge from the third flow path surface 231 toward the inside of the container 10.

The second bent section 223 may be formed on the upper part of the second flow path surface 221. The second bent section 223 may be formed adjacent to the insertion space 102. The second bent section 223 may be bent so as to bulge from the first bent section 222 toward the outside of the container 10. The second bent section 223 may include a portion that, after being bent so as to bulge toward the outside of the container 10, extends toward the insertion space 102 with a substantially constant width in a vicinity adjacent to the insertion space 102.

Therefore, the aerosol can diffuse outward along the first bent section 222 of the second flow path surface 221 and flow straight into the insertion space 102 along the second bent section 223 of the second flow path surface 221 (see FIG. 6).

This reduces the flow energy loss of the aerosol diffusing from the third flow path 23 to the second flow path 22.

The upper flow path wall 220 may extend downward from the inner wall 12. The upper flow path wall 220 may have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner wall 12. The second flow path surface 221 and the third flow path surface 231 may form the inner surface of the upper flow path wall 220.

The lower flow passage wall 210 may be joined to the lower portion of the upper flow passage wall 220. The first flow passage surface 211 may constitute the inner surface of the lower flow passage wall 210.

The groove 226 may be formed in the lower portion of the upper flow passage wall 220. The groove 226 may be formed by being recessed upward from the lower portion of the upper flow passage wall 220.

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

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

The lower flow passage wall 210 can determine the size of the width W1 (see FIG. 3) of the first flow passage 21. The width W1 of the first flow passage 21 can be changed depending on the degree to which the first flow passage surface 211, which constitutes the inner surface of the lower flow passage wall 210, is recessed in the left-right direction.

The closer the first flow passage surface 211 of the lower flow passage wall 210 is formed to the inside, the smaller the width W1 of the first flow passage 21 can be. The closer the first flow passage surface 211 of the lower flow passage wall 210 is formed to the outside, the larger the width W1 of the first flow passage 21 can be. Therefore, the width W1 of the first flow passage 21 can be determined or changed by combining a lower flow passage wall 210 of a specific specification with the upper flow passage wall 220.

Therefore, by changing the length W1 of the wick 31 (see FIG. 3) exposed to the first flow path 21 and the width W4 of the heater 32 (see FIG. 3) wound around the wick 31, the area over which the liquid is atomized in the wick 31 can be determined.

The first flow path surface 211 can extend in the vertical direction. The first flow path surface 211 can be formed substantially perpendicular to the core 31. The first flow path surface 211 can define the length L1 of the first flow path 21.

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

The extension surface 212 may be connected to the upper end of the first flow path surface 211. The extension surface 212 may be connected to the lower end of the third flow path surface 231. The extension surface 212 may be extended in the left-right direction from the upper end of the first flow path surface 211. The extension surface 212 may be extended in the left-right direction from the lower end of the third flow path surface 231.

The extension surface 212 may be spaced upward from the core 31. The extension surface 212 may be disposed in the width direction of the first flow path 21. The extension surface 212 may extend from the upper end of the first flow path surface 211 toward the third flow path 23. The extension surface 212 may connect the first flow path surface 211 and the third flow path surface 231. The extension surface 212 may be spaced away from the core 31 and face the core 31.

The distance between the extension surface 212 and the core 31 may be substantially the same as the height L1 of the first flow path 21. The extension surface 212 may be disposed to face the core 31 with respect to the first flow path 21. The extension surface 212 may be disposed substantially parallel to the core 31. The extension surface 212 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the first flow path surface 211. The extension surface 212 may be formed substantially perpendicular to the third flow path surface 231.

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

This allows a space to be created in which the atomized aerosol flows and gathers at the end of the wick 31, and the suction force can easily act all the way to the end of the wick 31.

Therefore, the aerosol atomized at the end of the wick 31 creates a turbulent flow at the end of the first flow path 21, so that the aerosol can be mixed uniformly even if there is a deviation in the location where the aerosol is generated in the wick 31 (see Figure 6).

The first edge portion 213 may be formed between the first flow path surface 211 and the extension surface 212. The first edge portion 213 may contact the edge portion of the upper end of the first flow path 21. The first edge portion 213 may be bent and extended from the first flow path surface 211 toward the extension surface 212.

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

This reduces the flow energy loss of the aerosol diffusing from the first flow path 21 to the third flow path 23.

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

The wick 31 can be inserted between the wick insertion surface 215 and the lower portion 16 of the container 10. When the wick 31 is inserted, the wick insertion surface 215 can be in direct contact with the upper end of the wick 31. The wick insertion surface 215 is in close contact with the wick 31, thereby preventing liquid from leaking out.

Referring to FIG. 5, the upper flow passage wall 220 (see FIG. 4) and the lower flow passage wall 210 (see FIG. 4) may not be combined but may be integrally formed to form the flow passage wall 220a. The flow passage wall 220a may be substantially the same shape as the combined upper flow passage wall 220 and lower flow passage wall 210.

This makes it possible to omit the bonding process between the components, and prevents liquid from leaking through the bonding sites between the components.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first extension surface 212a may constitute a part of the inner surface of the lower flow passage wall 210b. The first extension surface 212a may be in contact with the first flow passage 21. The first extension surface 212a may be connected to the upper end of the first flow passage surface 211. The first extension surface 212a may extend in the left-right direction from the upper end of the first flow passage surface 211. The first edge portion 213 may be formed between the first flow passage surface 211 and the first extension surface 212a.

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

The recess 212c may be formed by recessing upward to a predetermined depth between the first extension surface 212a and the second extension surface 212b. The recess 212c may be formed at a portion where the lower flow passage wall 210b and the upper flow passage wall 220b are joined. The recess 212c may face the upper portion of the first flow passage 21.

As a result, the aerosol atomized at the end of the wick 31 creates more turbulence at the location adjacent to the depression 212c, so that the aerosol can be mixed uniformly even if there is a deviation in the location where the aerosol is generated in the wick 31.

Referring to FIG. 8, the upper portion 15 of the container 10 may be formed on the upper side of the outer wall 11 and the inner wall 12, and may connect the outer wall 11 and the inner wall 12. The upper portion 15 of the container 10 may cover the upper side of the chamber 101. The upper portion 15 of the container 10 may extend in a circumferential direction to surround the insertion space 102.

The inner surface 121 of the container 10 can form the inner surface of the inner wall 12 and the upper portion 15. The inner surface 121 of the container 10 can extend in the vertical direction.

The inclined surface 152 is formed between the upper end surface 151 and the inner surface 121 of the container 10, and can connect the upper end surface 151 and the inner surface 121. The inclined surface 152 can be gently extended from the upper end surface 151 to the inner surface 121 of the container 10. The inclined surface 152 can extend from the inner surface 121 toward the upper end surface 151 so as to gradually widen in the radially outward direction. The inclined surface 152 has an outward inclination, so that it can form a shape that gradually narrows toward the bottom. The inner surface 121, the upper end surface 151, and the inclined surface 152 can form a continuous surface.

The width W0 formed by the lower end of the inclined surface 152 may be smaller than the width W5 formed by the upper end of the inclined surface 152. The width W formed by the lower end of the inclined surface 152 and the width W0 formed by the inner surface 121 may be substantially the same.

Therefore, the stick 40 can be easily inserted into the insertion space 103.

Referring to FIG. 9, the plug 41 may be disposed at the bottom of the stick 40. The filter portion 43 may be disposed at the top of the stick 40. The granule portion 42 may be disposed inside the stick 40 between the plug 41 and the filter portion 43. The medium may be contained in the granule portion 42.

A user can inhale air by holding the filter part 43 of the stick 40 inserted in the container 10 in their mouth. When the user inhales air through the stick 40, the aerosol generated in the core 31 passes through the flow path part 20 and then flows into the granule part 42 through the plug 41. The aerosol that flows into the granule part 42 contains the medium components and flows into the filter part 43, where it is filtered and provided to the user.

Referring to FIG. 8, the main body 50' can extend in the left-right direction. The container 10 can be coupled to the left or right side of the main body 50'. The container 10 can be coupled to the inside of the main body 50'.

The control unit 51' may be disposed inside the main body 50'. The control unit 51' may be disposed below the heater 32. The control unit 51' may be disposed adjacent to the heater 32.

The battery 52' may be disposed inside the main body 50'. The battery 52' may be disposed on one side of the container 10. The battery 52' may extend in the vertical direction along the container 10.

The terminal 53' may be disposed inside the main body 50'. The terminal 53' may be disposed adjacent to the control unit 51' and the battery 52'.

In summary, referring to Figures 1 to 10, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a container 10 that extends in the vertical direction and has a chamber 101 for storing a liquid between an outer wall 11 and an inner wall 12, and has an insertion space 102 inside the inner wall 12 into which a stick 40 is inserted, a wick 31 that is disposed below the insertion space 102 and connected to the chamber 101 and absorbs the liquid, a heater 32 that is disposed around the wick 31, and a heater 32 that is disposed around the insertion space 102. 102 and the core 31, and the flow path portion 20 includes a first flow path 21 located adjacent to the core 31, a second flow path 22 located adjacent to the insertion space 102 so as to communicate with the insertion space 102, and a third flow path 23 located between the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 so as to communicate the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22, and having a width W3 smaller than the width W1 of the first flow path 21 and the width W2 of the second flow path 22.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second flow path 22 may include a portion whose width gradually increases toward the insertion space 102.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second flow path 22 may have a width W2 that gradually increases radially outward from the third flow path 23 toward the insertion space 102, and may extend toward the insertion space 102 with a substantially constant width W2 from the section that forms the maximum width W2.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first flow path 21 can extend toward the third flow path 23 with a constant width W1.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the vertical length L1 of the first flow path 21 may be shorter than the vertical length L2 of the second flow path 22.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the widths of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 may decrease toward the third flow path 23, and the amount of change in width relative to the length of the first flow path 21 may be greater than the amount of change in width relative to the length of the second flow path 22.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the relationship may be (W1-W3)/(L1)=(W2-W3)/(L2), where W1 represents the width of the first flow path, W2 represents the width of the second flow path, W3 represents the width of the third flow path, L1 represents the length of the first flow path, and L2 represents the length of the second flow path.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second flow passage 22 may further include a second flow passage surface 221 surrounding the second flow passage 22, and the second flow passage surface 221 may include a portion that is inclined radially outward toward the insertion space 102.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second flow path surface 221 may include a portion that is bent and extends toward the insertion space 102.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second flow path surface 221 may include a first bent section 222 formed adjacent to the third flow path 23 and bent to bulge toward the inside of the container 10, and a second bent section 223 formed adjacent to the insertion space 102 and bent to bulge toward the outside of the container 10.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device may further include a first flow path surface 211 that extends vertically and surrounds the first flow path 21, a third flow path surface 231 that extends vertically and surrounds the third flow path 23, and an extension surface 212 that connects the first flow path surface 211 and the third flow path surface 231 and faces the core 31 while being spaced apart from the core 31.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the core 31 can extend in the width direction of the first flow path 21, and the extension surface 212 can extend parallel to the core 31.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the core 31 extends in a width direction of the first flow path 21, the heater 32 is wound around the core 31, and the width of the third flow path 23 may be smaller than the width of the heater 32 wound around the core 31.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the width W2 of the upper end of the second flow path 22 may be smaller than the width W0 of the insertion space 102.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a protruding surface 17 located between the lower end of the insertion space 102 and the upper end of the second flow path 22, protruding inward from the inner wall 12 of the container 10, and supporting the edge of the lower end of the stick 40 inserted into the insertion space 102.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include an inclined surface 152 that extends from the inner surface 121 of the container 10 toward the upper end surface 151 of the container 10 at an outward angle.

The specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above and other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or distinct. The configurations or functions of specific elements or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. In other words, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible, except in cases where it is described that the combination is not possible.

Although the embodiments have been described above in accordance with a number of illustrative examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that many other variations and embodiments are possible within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and/or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and/or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (15)

A container extending in a vertical direction and having a chamber for storing a liquid between an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall having an insertion space into which a stick is inserted;
a wick disposed under the insertion space and connected to the chamber to absorb the liquid;
a heater disposed about the wick;
A flow path is formed between the insertion space and the core,
The flow path portion is
a first flow passage located adjacent to the wick;
A second flow path located adjacent to the insertion space so as to communicate with the insertion space;
An aerosol generating device comprising: a third flow path located between the first flow path and the second flow path so as to connect the first flow path and the second flow path, the third flow path having a width smaller than the width of the first flow path and the width of the second flow path. A second flow path surface surrounding the second flow path is
a first bent section adjacent to the third flow path and bent so as to bulge toward the inside of the container;
a second bent section adjacent to the insertion space and bent so as to bulge toward the outside of the container,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 . The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the second flow path has a width that gradually increases radially outward from the third flow path toward the insertion space, and extends from the section that forms the maximum width to the insertion space with a constant width. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path extends toward the third flow path with a constant width. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the vertical length of the first flow path is shorter than the vertical length of the second flow path. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the widths of the first flow path and the second flow path become smaller toward the third flow path, and the amount of change in width relative to the length of the first flow path is greater than the amount of change in width relative to the length of the second flow path. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the relationship is (W1-W3)/(L1)>(W2-W3)/(L2).
Here, W1 indicates the width of the first flow path, W2 indicates the width of the second flow path, W3 indicates the width of the third flow path, L1 indicates the length of the first flow path, and L2 indicates the length of the second flow path. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second flow path surface surrounding the second flow path includes a portion that is inclined radially outward toward the insertion space. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the second flow path surface includes a portion that is bent and extends toward the insertion space. The first flow path surface extends vertically around the first flow path,
The third flow path surface extends vertically and surrounds the third flow path,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein an extension surface connecting the first flow path surface and the third flow path surface is spaced apart from the wick and faces the wick. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10 , wherein the wick extends in a width direction of the first flow path, and the extension surface extends parallel to the wick. The core extends in a width direction of the first flow path,
The heater is wound around the core along the longitudinal direction of the core,
The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein a width of the third flow passage is smaller than a width of the heater wound around the core. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the second flow path at the upper end of the second flow path is smaller than the width of the insertion space. The aerosol generating device of claim 13, wherein a protruding surface is located between the lower end of the insertion space and the upper end of the second flow path, protrudes inward from the inner wall of the container, and supports the edge of the lower end of the stick inserted into the insertion space. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface extends from the inner surface of the container toward the upper end surface of the container at an outward angle.

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