AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE INCLUDING AEROSOL FLOW PATH

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0090162 filed on Jul. 9, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

One or more embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating device including an aerosol flow path.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, demands for alternative articles to overcome disadvantages of general cigarettes have increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for devices that generate an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette stick (e.g., cigarette-like electronic cigarettes). Accordingly, research on a cigarette stick (or an aerosol-generating article) and an electrically heated aerosol-generating device, to which the cigarette stick is applied, is being actively conducted.

The above description has been possessed or acquired by the inventor(s) in the course of conceiving the present disclosure and is not necessarily an art publicly known before the present application is filed.

SUMMARY

An aerosol-generating device delivers a liquid aerosol-generating substance stored in a chamber to a wick and generates an aerosol through a heater module that heats the wick. In order to reconsider the manufacturing economy and efficiency, it is necessary to reduce the size of the wick or secure the durability of the wick. In addition, when modifying the arrangement, shape, and size of the wick, the arrangement and structural design of various components related to the structure of the wick are required.

Therefore, the design and research regarding the wick and various components of the aerosol-generating device related thereto are in progress.

According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a first housing structure including an atomization space and a first aerosol flow path communicating with the atomization space, a second housing structure including a chamber that accommodates an aerosol-generating substance, an intake that discharges an aerosol, and a second aerosol flow path that communicates with the intake from the first aerosol flow path, and second housing structure detachably coupled to the first housing structure, a wick disposed inside the atomization space, and an absorbent member including a protruding area protruding from the second housing structure, the absorbent member delivering an aerosol-generating substance from the chamber to the wick. The first aerosol flow path is deployed in a direction surrounding the wick and the protruding area of the absorbent member.

The wick may include a first surface facing the protruding area, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of third surfaces extending from the first surface to the second surface. The plurality of third surfaces may include a plurality of first lateral surfaces facing each other, and a plurality of second lateral surfaces disposed between the plurality of first lateral surfaces and having a larger area than the plurality of first lateral surfaces.

The first aerosol flow path may extend in a direction surrounding at least one of the plurality of second lateral surfaces.

The first aerosol flow path may include a plurality of first aerosol flow paths. The plurality of first aerosol flow paths may extend in a direction surrounding the plurality of second lateral surfaces, respectively.

The wick may be formed of ceramic or a porous thermally conductive material.

The absorbent member may be formed of felt or a cotton material.

The second aerosol flow path may include a plurality of second aerosol flow paths. The plurality of second aerosol flow paths may be respectively disposed on both sides of the wick.

The second aerosol flow path may include a first flow path region connected to the first aerosol flow path, surrounding the absorbent member, and bent at least once, and a second flow path region communicating from the first flow path region to the intake.

The first flow path region may include a plurality of first flow path regions. The plurality of first flow path regions may include respectively disposed on both sides of the absorbent member.

The first housing structure may include a first sealing member that is disposed to face the second housing structure and partially surrounds the protruding area of the absorbent member.

The second housing structure may include a second sealing member that is disposed to face the first sealing member and partially surrounds the protruding area of the absorbent member together with the first sealing member.

The first sealing member may include a first opening that communicates with the first aerosol flow path and is disposed on at least one of both sides of the protruding area of the absorbent member.

The second sealing member may include a second opening that communicates with the second aerosol flow path and is disposed to face the first opening.

The first opening may be formed to protrude from the first sealing member and may be inserted into the second opening.

The second opening may be formed to protrude from the second sealing member and may be inserted into the first opening.

Additional aspects of embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

According to embodiments, an aerosol-generating device may be implemented to deliver an aerosol formed in an atomization space to an intake through a first aerosol flow path and a second aerosol flow path adjacent to a wick and an absorbent member.

Also, the aerosol-generating device may improve the structural efficiency of the absorbent member and the wick, and improve the liquid delivery efficiency from a chamber to the absorbent member and the wick.

The effects of the aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly understood from the following description by one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device in an exploded state according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of some components of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 4E is a perspective view of some components of an aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 spirit 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.

Hereinbelow, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the embodiments may be readily implemented by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 each illustrate an aerosol-generating device 1 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one of a body 10 and a cartridge 19.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one of a battery 11, a controller 12, and a sensor 13. The at least one of the battery 11, the controller 12, and the sensor 13 may be disposed inside the body 10. A cartridge 19, which is an aerosol-generating article, may be mounted on the body 10. A user may inhale an aerosol while holding a mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge 19 in the mouth.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may accommodate an aerosol-generating substance in a chamber 20 therein. The aerosol-generating substance may have any one state among a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The cartridge 19 may be inserted into the body 10 and thereby mounted on the body 10. The body 10 may be formed with a structure allowing outside air to be introduced into the body 10 in the state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted thereinto. At this time, outside air introduced into the body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 and flow toward the user's oral cavity through an airflow channel 23.

In one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may include the chamber 20 that accommodates an aerosol-generating substance. A liquid delivery part 25 that is impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed inside the chamber 20. The liquid delivery part 25 may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

In one embodiment, a heater 24 may be disposed in the cartridge 19 or the body 10. The drawing illustrates that the heater 24 is disposed inside the cartridge 19, however, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the heater 24 may be provided in the body 10 and disposed to be removable from the cartridge 19. The heater 24 may include an electrically conductive track, and the electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may have a structure of a coil that is wound around the liquid delivery part 25. Alternatively, the heater 24 may be formed in a structure contacting a partial region of the liquid delivery part 25.

In one embodiment, the heater 24 may generate an aerosol. The aerosol may be generated as the liquid delivery part 25 is heated by the heater 24. The generated aerosol may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel 23.

In one embodiment, the airflow channel 23 may be provided in the cartridge 19. The airflow channel 23 may allow an atomization space in which the heater 24 or the liquid delivery part 25 is disposed to communicate with the outside of the cartridge. One end of the airflow channel 23 may be open to the atomization space in which the heater 24 or the liquid delivery part 25 is disposed, and the other end of the airflow channel 23 may communicate with a mouthpiece 35.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, the airflow channel 23 may be elongated from one side of the chamber 20 of the cartridge 19 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19. Alternatively, for example, referring to FIG. 2, the airflow channel 23 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19 through the chamber 20 of the cartridge 19.

In one embodiment, the battery 11 may supply power for components of the aerosol-generating device 1 operate. The battery 11 may be a power source or a power supply. The battery 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, and the heater 24.

In one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may control the operation of at least one of the battery 11, the sensor 13, and the cartridge 19.

In one embodiment, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, the at least one processor may also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

In one embodiment, the controller 12 may include a memory. The memory may be operatively connected to the at least one processor, and the memory may store executable instructions. The at least one processor may control the operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 by executing the instructions stored in the memory.

In one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the operation of a display, a motor, and the like installed in the aerosol-generating device 1. The controller 12 may verify a state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an operable state.

In one embodiment, the controller 12 may analyze a sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensor 13 and control processes to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensor 13, the controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 24 to initiate or terminate the operation of the heater 24.

For example, based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensor 13, the controller 12 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 24 and a time for which the power is supplied, such that the heater 24 may be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

In one embodiment, the sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a movement detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater 24, the temperature of the battery 11, or the temperature inside and outside the body 10.

For example, the sensor 13 may sense a user's puff. f. For example, the sensor 13 may sense whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor 13 may sense the movement of the aerosol-generating device 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment, FIG. 3C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device 100 in an exploded state according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1 of FIG. 1 or 2) may include at least one housing structure 111 and 112.

Hereinafter, the description provided above is not repeated, and it is obvious that a portion of the components and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following diagrams and descriptions. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the at least one housing structure 111 and 112 may form an exterior of the aerosol-generating device 100. Alternatively, the at least one housing structure 111 and 112 may accommodate other components of the aerosol-generating device 100 therein and protect the components from the outside.

In one embodiment, the at least one housing structure 111 and 112 may be formed of two housing structures, and the at least one housing structure 111 and 112 may include, for example, a first housing structure 111 and a second housing structure 112.

However, herein, terms such as “first” or “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from other components, and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). In addition, the terms such as “first” and “second” may be omitted, changed, or replaced as needed.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112 may be removably coupled to each other. For example, the first housing structure 111 may be a main body or a body portion (e.g., the body 10 of FIG. 1 or 2) of the aerosol-generating device 100. The second housing structure 112 may be a sub-body or a cartridge (e.g., the cartridge 19 of FIG. 1 or 2).

In one embodiment, a cover 113 may surround at least partial regions of outer circumferential surfaces of the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112. The cover 113 may be a separate component which is removable from the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112. Alternatively, the cover 113 may be a partial component continuous with the first housing structure 111. The cover 113 may assist in the coupling of the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 111 may accommodate at least one of a battery 105 (e.g., the battery 11 of FIG. 1 or 2), a controller 107 (e.g., the controller 12 of FIG. 1 or 2), and a heater module 120 (e.g., the heater 24 of FIG. 1 or 2).

In one embodiment, the battery 105 may supply power required for operations of the components of the aerosol-generating device 100. The controller 107 may control the operation of at least one component of the aerosol-generating device 100.

In one embodiment, the heater module 120 may be disposed in the first housing structure 111. An atomization space 115 may be provided inside the first housing structure 111. The heater module 120 may be disposed in the atomization space 115.

In one embodiment, the heater module 120 may heat a wick 121 and a heater 125. The heater 125 may be coupled to one surface (e.g., a surface in the −Z direction) of the wick 121 to heat the wick 121.

In one embodiment, the wick 121 may be disposed in the atomization space 115. One surface (e.g., a surface in the +Z direction) of the wick 121 may be at least partially exposed to one side of the first housing structure 111. The wick 121 may absorb a liquid substance or an aerosol-generating substance.

In one embodiment, a terminal 126 may be electrically connected to the heater module 120. The terminal 126 may supply power to the heater module 120. The terminal 126 may be disposed inside the first housing structure 111.

In one embodiment, the heater 125 may be electrically connected to the battery 105 via the terminal 126. The heater 125 may receive power from the battery 105 and generate heat. The heater 125 may be a resistive heater.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 111 may be provided with a first aerosol flow path 119 communicating with the atomization space 115. The first aerosol flow path 119 may communicate with the outside of the first housing structure 111 from the atomization space 115. For example, as shown in the drawings, the first aerosol flow path 119 may be disposed on at least one side (e.g., in the +Y direction or the −Y direction) of the heater module 120.

In one embodiment, the first aerosol flow path 119 may deliver an aerosol generated in the atomization space 115 to the outside of the first housing structure 111. For example, the first aerosol flow path 119 may communicate with a second aerosol flow path 129 of the second housing structure 112 to deliver the aerosol to the second housing structure 112.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure 112 may include at least one of a chamber 127 (e.g., the chamber 20 of FIG. 1 or 2) and an airflow channel 131 (e.g., the airflow channel 23 of FIG. 1 or 2). The second housing structure 112 may store the aerosol-generating substance in the chamber 127. The chamber 127 may be a reservoir.

In one embodiment, a mouthpiece 130 may be disposed on one side (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the second housing structure 112. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 130 may cover an upper portion of the second housing structure 112. The mouthpiece 130 may include an intake 135 communicating with the outside of the second housing structure 112.

In one embodiment, the airflow channel 131 may communicate with the second aerosol flow path 129 and the intake 135. The airflow channel 131 may be physically partitioned from the chamber 127. The intake 135 may receive the aerosol generated in the atomization space 115 from the airflow channel 131.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 111 may be removably coupled to the second housing structure 112. For example, the second housing structure 112 may be removably inserted into one side (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the first housing structure 111. When the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112 are coupled, the first aerosol flow path 119 and the second aerosol flow path 129 may communicate with each other.

In one embodiment, when the second housing structure 112 is coupled to the first housing structure 111, the second housing structure 112 may supply the aerosol-generating substance stored in the chamber 127 to the wick 121.

For example, when the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112 are coupled, the wick 121 may be directly or indirectly connected to the chamber 127. For example, a partial region of an absorbent member 158 is connected to the chamber 127, and the other region (e.g., a lower surface or a surface in the −Z direction) of the absorbent member 158 may be connected to the wick 121.

In one embodiment, the wick 121 may receive and absorb the aerosol-generating substance from the second housing structure 112. The heater module 120 may heat the wick 121 that has absorbed the aerosol-generating substance to generate an aerosol in the atomization space 115.

In one embodiment, when the second housing structure 112 is coupled to the first housing structure 111, the second aerosol flow path 129 and the first aerosol flow path 119 may communicate with each other. The user may inhale air from the intake 135 while holding the mouthpiece 130 in the mouth. The aerosol formed in the atomization space 115 may pass through the first aerosol flow path 119, the second aerosol flow path 129, and the airflow channel 131 and be delivered to the intake 135.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112 may be independently replaced. For example, the consumption cycle of the aerosol-generating substance stored in the second housing structure 112 and the appropriate replacement cycle of the first housing structure 111 may be different from each other. The user may separately replace only the second housing structure 112 or separately replace only the first housing structure 111.

For example, the consumption cycle of the aerosol-generating substance stored in the second housing structure 112 may be shorter than the appropriate replacement cycle of the first housing structure 111. When the second housing structure 112 is replaced multiple times, the first housing structure 111 may be replaced only once. By replacing only the second housing structure 112, the user may use the first housing structure 111 for a longer period of time, thereby reducing the replacement cost of some components.

In one embodiment, a first sealing member 151 may be disposed on an upper surface (e.g., a surface in the +Z direction) of the first housing structure 111. The first sealing member 151 may extend to one side (e.g., in the +Z direction). At least a partial region of an upper surface of the first sealing member 151 may be open to form the first aerosol flow path 119. The first aerosol flow path 119 may communicate with the inside (e.g., the atomization space 115) of the first housing structure 111.

In one embodiment, the first sealing member 151 may be disposed to surround at least a partial region of the wick 121. For example, the wick 121 may be disposed on one side (e.g., in the −Z direction) of the first sealing member 151. The first sealing member 151 may form an upper surface of the atomization space 115.

In one embodiment, a case 155 may be disposed to surround at least a partial region of the wick 121. The case 155 may be coupled to the first sealing member 151 to form the atomization space 115 between the first sealing member 151 and the case 155.

In one embodiment, the terminal 126 may be disposed and secured to the bottom of the case 155. The terminal 126 may protrude from the case 155 toward the atomization space 115 and may be connected to the heater 125 of the heater module 120. A pair of terminals 126 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other horizontally.

In one embodiment, the heater 125 may be heated when a current is supplied by the terminal 126. The heater 125 may be coupled to one surface of the wick 121. For example, the heater 125 may be insert-coupled to a bottom surface (e.g., the surface in the −Z direction) of the wick 121. The heater 125 may heat the wick 121 when a current is supplied.

In one embodiment, the heater 125 may form a pattern on a lower surface of the wick 121. For example, the heater 125 may form a pattern that is bent multiple times or extends along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the X direction) of the wick 121.

In one embodiment, the wick 121 may be formed of a porous rigid body that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the wick 121 may be formed of a porous ceramic. The wick 121 formed of a ceramic material may have higher rigidity and heat resistance than a wick formed of a cotton material or a resin material. The wick 121 may be formed of a material that does not change in shape or has little change in shape. In addition, the wick 121 formed of a ceramic material may have excellent durability and lifespan, and may increase the replacement cycle of the first housing structure 111 to which the wick 121 is coupled.

In one embodiment, an airflow inlet 155a may communicate with the outside of the first housing structure 111. The airflow inlet 155a may supply air to the atomization space 115. The airflow inlet 155a may be formed at the bottom of the case 155.

In one embodiment, the plurality of the airflow inlets 155a may be formed to form a multi-hole shape. The airflow inlets 155a may be spaced apart from the terminal 126 in a horizontal direction. Alternatively, the airflow inlet 155a may be formed by opening a lateral wall of the case 155 and/or a lateral wall of the first sealing member 151. The first aerosol flow path 119 may be formed at a position facing the airflow inlet 155a.

In one embodiment, the first sealing member 151 may cover the upper surface of the case 155. The first sealing member 151 may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the first sealing member 151 may be formed of a rubber or silicone material.

In one embodiment, the airflow inlet 155a and the first aerosol flow path 119 may be disposed parallel in both directions (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). For example, the airflow inlet 155a may be formed at the lower side of the atomization space 115. The first aerosol flow path 119 may extend from the atomization space 115 in a direction facing the second housing structure 112. Air may be introduced into the atomization space 115 through the airflow inlet 155a and discharged to the outside of the atomization space 115 through the first aerosol flow path 119. The aerosol generated by heating the wick 121 and the air surrounding it may flow toward the first aerosol flow path 119.

In one embodiment, a second sealing member 152 may be disposed on a lower surface (e.g., a surface in the −Z direction) of the second housing structure 112. The second sealing member 152 may be disposed to surround at least a partial region of the first housing structure 111 and the first sealing member 151 in a state where the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112 are coupled.

In one embodiment, the second sealing member 152 may be a partial region or a partial structure of the second housing structure 112. For example, the second sealing member 152 may be formed integrally with the lower surface of the second housing structure 112 and may be a partial region surrounding the absorbent member 158 exposed to the lower surface of the second housing structure 112.

In one embodiment, a chamber hole 127a may communicated with the chamber 127. The chamber hole 127a may be formed on one side (e.g., in the −Z direction) of the chamber 127. The aerosol-generating substance stored in the chamber 127 may be delivered to the wick 121 through the chamber hole 127a and the absorbent member 158.

In one embodiment, the absorbent member 158 may be disposed on a lower portion of the chamber hole 127a. The absorbent member 158 may absorb the aerosol-generating substance that has passed through the chamber hole 127a. For example, the absorbent member 158 may be formed of felt or a cotton material.

In one embodiment, the absorbent member 158 may penetrate the second sealing member 152. A partial region (e.g., the surface in the −Z direction or the lower surface) of the absorbent member 158 may be exposed to the outside of the second housing structure 112. The absorbent member 158 may protrude from the second housing structure 112 to be connected to the wick 121. For example, when the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112 are coupled, the absorbent member 158 and the wick 121 may come into contact with each other or face each other.

In one embodiment, a protective film may be removably attached to a lower surface of the absorbent member 158. The protective film may be formed of a waterproof material. The protective film may prevent the aerosol-generating substance from leaking from the absorbent member 158. Before coupling the second housing structure 112 to the first housing structure 111, the user may remove the protective film from the absorbent member 158.

In one embodiment, when the second housing structure 112 is coupled to the first housing structure 111, the second housing structure 112 may supply the aerosol-generating substance to the wick 121. For example, the aerosol-generating substance stored in the chamber 127 may pass through the chamber hole 127a and be absorbed into the absorbent member 158, and the absorbent member 158 that has absorbed the aerosol-generating substance may contact the wick 121 to deliver the aerosol-generating substance. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed into the wick 121 may diffuse inside the wick 121. The heater 125 may heat the aerosol-generating substance on the wick 121 to generate an aerosol.

In one embodiment, the first sealing member 151 may seal a partial region of the wick 121 that protrudes outward from the atomization space 115. When the second housing structure 112 is coupled to the first housing structure 111, the first sealing member 151 may seal between the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure 112 may include a switching member 160. The switching member 160 may be formed on one surface (e.g., a surface in the −Z direction) of the second housing structure 112 that is coupled to the first housing structure 111.

In one embodiment, a switch 170 may be provided in the first housing structure 111. An accommodation space 161 may be a partial region of the first housing structure 111 for accommodating the switch 170. The switch 170 may detect whether the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112 are coupled.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment, FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment, and FIGS. 4D and 4E are perspective views of some components of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E, the aerosol-generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include the first aerosol flow path 119 and the second aerosol flow path 129.

Hereinafter, the description provided above is not repeated, and it is obvious that a portion of the components and structure of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be replaced, added, or omitted within a scope easily understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following diagrams and descriptions. In addition, at least one component or feature of the embodiments described above may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100 unless this is technically and clearly infeasible.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 111 may include the first aerosol flow path 119. The first aerosol flow path 119 may communicate with the outside of the first housing structure 111 from the atomization space 115. For example, the first aerosol flow path 119 may deliver the aerosol generated in the atomization space 115 to the second aerosol flow path 129 of the second housing structure 112.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure 112 may include a second aerosol flow path 129. The second aerosol flow path 129 may communicate with the intake 135 that discharges an aerosol. For example, the second aerosol flow path 129 may deliver the aerosol from the first aerosol flow path 119 provided in the first housing structure 111 to the intake 135.

In one embodiment, the absorbent member 158 may include a protruding area 158a that protrudes from the second housing structure 112. The protruding area 158a may be inserted into the first housing structure 111. For example, when the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112 are coupled, the protruding area 158a may be disposed on the inside of the first housing structure 111.

In one embodiment, the absorbent member 158 may be formed of felt or a cotton material. The absorbent member 158 may absorb a liquid aerosol-generating substance from the chamber 127 and deliver the liquid aerosol-generating substance to the wick 121. The protruding area 158a may be disposed to face the wick 121 or to contact the wick 121, so that the liquid aerosol-generating substance may move from the absorbent member 158 to the wick 121.

In one embodiment, the wick 121 may be formed of a ceramic or porous thermally conductive material. The wick 121 may be heated by the heater 125 and may atomize the liquid aerosol-generating substance. The aerosol atomized by the wick 121 may spread into the atomization space 115.

In one embodiment herein, the protruding area 158a of the absorbent member 158 may reduce the volume of the wick 121, improve space efficiency, and provide manufacturing advantages for the aerosol-generating device 100.

For example, considering the material properties of the absorbent member 158 and the wick 121, the aerosol-generating device 100 may provide manufacturing economy and efficiency by reducing the volume of the wick 121 and increasing the volume of the absorbent member 158.

In one embodiment, the first aerosol flow path 119 may be deployed in a direction (e.g., in the +Z direction) that at least partially surrounds the wick 121 and the protruding area 158a of the absorbent member 158. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the first aerosol flow path 119 may be deployed in a direction (e.g., the +Z direction) that surrounds a partial region of both side surfaces (e.g., surfaces in the Y-axis direction) of the wick 121 and a partial region of both sides of the protruding area 158a.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first aerosol flow path 119 may be deployed adjoining the wick 121 and the protruding area 158a of the absorbent member 158. Here, being deployed adjoining one component may refer to being deployed adjacent to one component, being deployed to surround one component, being deployed parallel to one component, or being deployed in the same direction as a direction in which one component extends.

In one embodiment herein, as the first aerosol flow path 119 is deployed in a direction surrounding the wick 121 and the absorbent member 158, the aerosol-generating device 100 may provide space efficiency or the manufacturing difficulty of the wick 121 may be improved.

For example, when the first aerosol flow path 119 extends through either the wick 121 or the absorbent member 158, it is necessary to provide an opening or a groove in the wick 121 and the absorbent member 158 for the first aerosol flow path 119 to pass through. The first aerosol flow path 119 may be disposed adjacent to the side surface of the wick 121 and the protruding area 158a and deployed to surround the wick 121 and the protruding area 158a, thereby ensuring autonomy and efficiency in the arrangement and structural design of the wick 121 and the absorbent member 158.

In one embodiment, the wick 121 may include a first surface 121a, a first surface 121b, and a plurality of third surfaces 121c. The first surface 121a may face the protruding area 158a of the absorbent member 158. Alternatively, the first surface 121a may be a surface (or an upper surface) facing the first housing structure 111. The second surface 121b may be a surface opposite to the first surface 121a. Alternatively, the first surface 121b may be a surface on which the heater 125 is disposed or a surface (or a lower side) facing the atomization space 115. The plurality of third surfaces 121c may be surfaces extending from the first surface 121a to the second surface 121b. Alternatively, the plurality of third surfaces 121c may be side surfaces (or lateral surfaces).

In one embodiment, the wick 121 may have a hexahedral shape. Alternatively, the wick 121 may have a rectangular or elongated hexahedral shape. For example, the plurality of third surfaces 121c may include a plurality of first lateral surfaces 121d and a plurality of second lateral surfaces 121e. The plurality of second lateral surfaces 121e may be disposed between the plurality of first lateral surfaces 121d and may have a larger area than the plurality of first lateral surfaces 121d. However, this is only one example, and the wick 121 may be formed of a geometric structure of various shapes. For example, the first surface 121a, the first surface 121b, and the plurality of third surfaces 121c may be continuous with each other in at least a partial region.

In one embodiment, the first aerosol flow path 119 may extend in a direction surrounding at least one of the plurality of second lateral surfaces 121e. The first aerosol flow path 119 has an elongated structure along the second lateral surface 121e, thereby providing aerosol delivery efficiency compared to a case where the first aerosol flow path 119 extends to surround the first lateral surface 121d.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 111 may include a plurality of first aerosol flow path 119. The plurality of first aerosol flow paths 119 may extend in a direction surrounding each of the plurality of second lateral surfaces 121e. The plurality of second aerosol flow paths 129 may extend to surround the relatively wide second lateral surfaces 121e, respectively, thereby providing aerosol delivery efficiency.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure 112 may include the plurality of second aerosol flow paths 129. The plurality of second aerosol flow paths 129 may be disposed on both sides of the wick 121, respectively. The plurality of second aerosol flow paths 129 may communicate with the plurality of first aerosol flow paths 119, respectively. The plurality of second aerosol flow paths 129 may provide the aerosol received from the plurality of first aerosol flow paths 119 to the intake 135.

In one embodiment, the second aerosol flow path 129 may include a first flow path region 129a and a second flow path region 129b. The first flow path region 129a may be connected to the first aerosol flow path 119. The first flow path region 129a surrounds the absorbent member 158 and may be bent at least once. The second flow path region 129b may communicate with the intake 135 from the first flow path region 129a.

In one embodiment herein, the first flow path region 129a may be bent at least once and extend to surround a plurality of surfaces (e.g., side surface and upper surface) of the absorbent member 158, thereby providing the space efficiency and the aerosol delivery efficiency of the aerosol-generating device 100.

In one embodiment, the second aerosol flow path 129 may include the plurality of first flow path regions 129a. The plurality of first flow path regions 129a may be arranged on both sides of the absorbent member 158, respectively. The second flow path region 129b may be formed as a single flow path. The plurality of first flow path regions 129a may extend to surround the plurality of lateral surfaces of the absorbent member 158.

In one embodiment herein, the second aerosol flow path 129 may have a shape in which the plurality of first flow path regions 129a merges into the second flow path region 129b and extends to the intake 135. The plurality of first flow path regions 129a may be disposed to surround the plurality of side surfaces of the absorbent member 158, thereby providing the aerosol delivery efficiency of the second aerosol flow path 129.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 111 may include the first sealing member 151, and the second housing structure 112 may include the second sealing member 152. At least one of the first sealing member 151 and the second sealing member 152 may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, a flexible material, or a waterproof material. The first sealing member 151 and the second sealing member 152 may be coupled to each other to seal the coupled area of the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112.

In one embodiment herein, since the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112 are removably coupled to each other, an aerosol or a liquid aerosol-generating substance may leak to the outside from the coupled area. Alternatively, outside air or foreign substances may be introduced into the aerosol-generating device 100 through the coupled area. The first sealing member 151 and the second sealing member 152 may stably seal the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112 by preventing leakage and inflow.

In one embodiment, the first sealing member 151 may be disposed to face the second housing structure 112. The first housing structure 111 may partially surround the protruding area 158a of the absorbent member 158. The first sealing member 151 may be disposed to surround the protruding area 158a, thereby preventing a liquid aerosol-generating substance from leaking in an undesirable direction or to an undesirable target through the protruding area 158a.

In one embodiment, the second sealing member 152 may be disposed to face the first sealing member 151. The second sealing member 152 may partially surround the protruding area 158a of the absorbent member 158 together with the first sealing member 151.

For example, the first sealing member 151 and the second sealing member 152 may be disposed to surround a side surface (e.g., the surface in the XY plane direction) of the protruding area 158a. The second sealing member 152 may be disposed to surround the protruding area 158a and the wick 121, thereby assisting the movement of the liquid aerosol-generating substance from the protruding area 158a to the wick 121.

In one embodiment, the first sealing member 151 may include a first opening 119a. The first opening 119a may communicate with the first aerosol flow path 119. The first opening 119a may be an outlet of the first aerosol flow path 119. The first opening 119a may be disposed on at least one of both sides of the protruding area 158a of the absorbent member 158.

In one embodiment, the second sealing member 152 may include a second opening 129c. The second opening 129c may communicate with the second aerosol flow path 129. The second opening 129c may be disposed to face each of the first openings 119a. The second opening 129c may be an inlet of the second aerosol flow path 129.

In one embodiment, the first opening 119a may protrude from the first sealing member 151 to be inserted into the second opening 129c. Since the first opening 119a may be inserted into the second opening 129c, it may be possible to reduce or prevent the aerosol delivered from the first aerosol flow path 119 to the second aerosol flow path 129 from leaking to the outside. In addition, it may provide the coupling stability of the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112.

In one embodiment, the second opening 129c may protrude from the second sealing member 152 to be inserted into the first opening 119a. Since the second opening 129c may be inserted into the first opening 119a, it may be possible to reduce or prevent the aerosol delivered from the first aerosol flow path 119 to the second aerosol flow path 129 from leaking to the outside. In addition, it may provide the coupling stability of the first housing structure 111 and the second housing structure 112. In addition, referring to FIGS. 4D and 4E, when coupled to the second sealing member 152 so that the second sealing member 152 surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first sealing member 151, the protruding shape of the second opening 129c may be provided on the inner side of the outer circumferential surface of the second sealing member 152 to provide the structural stability.

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.

The above detailed description should not be construed in all aspects as limiting and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all variations within the scope of equivalents of the present disclosure are included in the scope of the present disclosure.