Vaporizer and aerosol generating device comprising the same

A vaporizer includes a liquid storage for storing an aerosol generating material, an upper cap having a liquid inlet through which the aerosol generating material is introduced, a lower cap coupled to the upper cap to form an aerosol generating space together with the upper cap, a liquid delivery element that is arranged in the aerosol generating space and absorbs the aerosol generating material delivered from the liquid storage, and a heating element that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery element, wherein the lower cap may include a support groove for supporting at least part of the liquid delivery element and inner walls facing both ends of the liquid delivery element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/KR2020/013572 filed Oct. 6, 2020, which claims priority under U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0126294 filed on Oct. 11, 2019.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vaporizer aid an aerosol generating device including the vaporizer, and more particularly, to a vaporizer having an increased aerosol generation amount and an aerosol generating device including the vaporizer.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, the demand for alternatives to traditional combustive cigarettes has increased. For example, there is growing demand for an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material, rather than by combusting cigarettes. Accordingly, studies on a heating-type cigarette and a heating-type aerosol generating device have been actively conducted.

A heating-type aerosol generating device may include, for example, an aerosol generating material therein. In this case, a problem may occur in that an aerosol is not sufficiently generated when an aerosol generating material is not delivered smoothly.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Solution to Problem

The present embodiments provide a vaporizer that may solve the above-described problem and an aerosol generating device including the vaporizer.

A vaporizer according to one embodiment includes a liquid storage for storing an aerosol generating material, an upper cap having a liquid inlet through which the aerosol generating material is introduced, a lower cap coupled to the upper cap to form an aerosol generating space between the upper cap and the lower cap, a liquid delivery element that is arranged in the aerosol generating space and absorbs the aerosol generating material delivered from the liquid storage, and a heating element that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery element, wherein the lower cap may include a support groove for supporting at least part of the liquid delivery element and an inner wall facing the end of the liquid delivery element.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

A vaporizer and an aerosol generating device including the vaporizer according to the embodiments may smoothly deliver a liquid through a liquid delivery element, and thus, the amount of generated aerosol may be increased and the vaporizer may be prevented from leaking.

Effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above-described effects, and effects that are not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A vaporizer according to one embodiment includes a liquid storage for storing an aerosol generating material, an upper cap having a liquid inlet through which the aerosol generating material is introduced, a lower cap coupled to the upper cap to form an aerosol generating space between the upper cap and the lower cap, a liquid delivery element that is arranged in the aerosol generating space and absorbs the aerosol generating material delivered from the liquid storage, and a heating element that generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery element, wherein the lower cap may include a support groove for supporting at least part of the liquid delivery element and an inner wall facing an end of the liquid delivery element.

In addition, the end of the liquid delivery element may be spaced apart from the inner wall.

In addition, the support groove may extend from the inner walls of the lower cap toward the center of the lower cap to support the end of the liquid delivery element.

In addition, a ratio of a length of the support groove and a distance between the end of the liquid delivery element and the inner wall may be in a range of 1.1 to 35.

In addition, the distance between the end of the liquid delivery element and the inner wall may be in a range of 0.1 mm to 3 mm.

In addition, an area of the liquid inlet may be reduced as the distance between the end of the liquid delivery element and the inner walls increases.

In addition, the area of the liquid inlet may be in a range of 5 mm2to 10 mm2.

In addition, the upper cap may include a pressing portion for pressing the liquid delivery element toward the lower cap.

In addition, a ratio between a height of the liquid delivery element after being deformed by the pressing portion and a height of the liquid delivery element before being deformed by the pressing portion may be in a range of 0.6 to 0.9.

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include the vaporizer described above, an air inlet through which external air is introduced, and the air passage communicating with the air inlet and an aerosol generating space.

In addition, the aerosol generating device may further include a case into which a cigarette is insertable, a heater that heats the cigarette inserted in the case, and a delivery passage for delivering an aerosol generated in the aerosol generating space to one end of the cigarette.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

With respect to the terms used to describe the various embodiments, general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, a term which is not commonly used can be selected. In such a case, the meaning of the term will be described in detail at the corresponding portion in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

Throughout the specification, a term “up-down direction” may be defined based on, for example, a direction in which gravity acts when a user uses an aerosol generating device. In addition, a direction perpendicular to the “up-down direction” may be described as a “side direction”.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “over,” “above,” “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly over, above, on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly over,” “directly above,” “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

FIGS.1and2are diagrams showing examples in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, an aerosol generating device100includes a battery110, a controller120, a vaporizer130, and a heater140. Also, a cigarette200may be inserted into an inner space of the aerosol generating device100.

The elements of the aerosol generating device100according to an embodiment are illustrated inFIGS.1and2. Accordingly, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that other general-purpose elements other than the elements illustrated inFIGS.1and2may be further included in the aerosol generating device100. For example, the aerosol generating device100may further include a case which forms an exterior and into which a cigarette may be inserted.

Also,FIGS.1and2illustrate that the aerosol generating device100includes the heater140. However, as necessary, the heater140may be omitted.

FIG.1illustrates that the battery110, the controller120, the vaporizer130, and the heater140are arranged in series. Also,FIG.2illustrates that the vaporizer130and the heater140are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device100is not limited to the structures illustrated inFIG.1orFIG.2. In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device100, the battery110, the controller120, the vaporizer130, and the heater140may be differently arranged.

When the cigarette200is inserted into the aerosol generating device100, the aerosol generating device100may operate the vaporizer130, or the vaporizer130and the heater140, to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the vaporizer130or by the vaporizer130and the heater140passes through the cigarette200to be delivered to a user.

Even when the cigarette200is not inserted into the aerosol generating device100, the aerosol generating device100may heat the heater140as necessary.

The battery110may supply power to be used for the aerosol generating device100operate. For example, the battery110may supply power to heat the vaporizer130or the heater140and may supply power for operating the controller120. Also, the battery110may supply power for operations of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol generating device100.

For example, the battery110may include a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-based battery (for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery or a nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (for example, a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium-polymer battery).

The controller120may generally control operations of the aerosol generating device100. In detail, the controller120may control not only operations of the battery110, the vaporizer130, and the heater140, but also operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device100. Also, the controller120may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device100to determine whether or not the aerosol generating device100is able to operate.

The controller120may include at least one processor. A processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The vaporizer130may generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may pass through a cigarette to be delivered to a user. For example, the aerosol generating device100may further include a delivery passage (not illustrated) for delivering an aerosol generated by the vaporizer130to one end of the cigarette200inserted into the aerosol generating device100. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer130may move along the delivery passage of the aerosol generating device100, and the delivery passage may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer130passes through the cigarette to be delivered to a user.

For example, the vaporizer130may include a liquid storage, a liquid delivery element, and a heating element, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage, the liquid delivery element, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device100as independent modules.

The liquid storage may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material. Also, the liquid composition may be an aerosol generating material. The liquid storage may be formed to be attached/detached to/from the vaporizer130or may be formed integrally with the vaporizer130.

The liquid storage may function as a container directly containing the liquid composition, or may include an element such as sponge, cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure, which contains the liquid composition.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, plant extract, spices, flavorings, or a vitamin mixture. The spices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients, but are not limited thereto. The flavorings may include ingredients capable of providing various flavors or tastes to a user. Vitamin mixtures may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but are not limited thereto. Also, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming substance, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery element may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery element may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery element. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heating element may include a conductive filament such as nichrome wire and may be positioned as being wound around the liquid delivery element. The heating element may be heated by a current supply and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosol may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer130may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but it is not limited thereto.

The heater140may be heated by power supplied from the battery110to heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device100. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device100, the heater140may be inserted into the cigarette or may be located outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heated heater140may increase a temperature of the aerosol generating material included in the cigarette.

The heater140may include an electro-resistive heater. For example, the heater140may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater140may be heated when currents flow through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater140is not limited to the example described above and may include all heaters which may be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device100or may be set as a temperature desired by a user.

As another example, the heater140may include an induction heater. In detail, the heater140may include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette in an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor which may be heated by the induction heater.

FIGS.1and2illustrate that the heater140is positioned outside the cigarette200, but the position of the cigarette200is not limited thereto. For example, the heater140may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or the outside of the cigarette200, according to the shape of the heating element.

Also, the aerosol generating device100may include a plurality of heaters140. Here, the plurality of heaters140may be inserted into the cigarette200or may be arranged outside the cigarette200. Also, some of the plurality of heaters140may be inserted into the cigarette200, and the others may be arranged outside the cigarette200. In addition, the shape of the heater140is not limited to the shapes illustrated inFIGS.1and2and may include various shapes.

The aerosol generating device100may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery110, the controller120, the vaporizer130, and the heater140. For example, the aerosol generating device100may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting haptic information. Also, the aerosol generating device100may include at least one sensor. Also, the aerosol generating device100may be formed as a structure where, even when the cigarette200is inserted into the aerosol generating device100, external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged.

Although not illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the aerosol generating device100and an additional cradle may form together a system. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery110of the aerosol generating device100. Alternatively, the vaporizer130and the heater140may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device100are coupled to each other.

The cigarette200may be similar as a general combustive cigarette. For example, the cigarette200may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette200may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first portion may be inserted into the aerosol generating device100, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion may be inserted into the aerosol generating device100, or a portion of the first portion and a portion of the second portion may be inserted thereinto. The user may puff aerosol white holding the second portion by the mouth of the user. In this case, the aerosol is generated by the external air passing through the first portion, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air inlet formed in the aerosol generating device100. For example, the opening and closing of the air inlet formed in the aerosol generating device100and/or a size of the air inlet may be controlled by a user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization and a smoking feeling may be adjusted by the user. In addition, air introduced through the air inlet may be delivered to the vaporizer130, for example, an aerosol generating space to be described below, through the air passage. As another example, external air may also be introduced into the cigarette200through at least one hole formed in a surface of the cigarette200.

FIG.3is an exploded view illustrating an embodiment of a cigarette illustrated inFIGS.1and2.

Referring toFIG.3, the cigarette200may include a tobacco rod210and a filter rod220. The first portion described above with reference toFIGS.1and2may include the tobacco rod210, and the second portion may include the filter rod220.

FIG.3illustrates that the filter rod220includes a single segment. However, the filter rod220is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod220may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod220may include a first segment configured to cool an aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a certain component included in the aerosol. Also, according to necessity, the filter rod220may further include at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

The cigarette20may be packaged by at least one wrapper240. The wrapper240may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the cigarette200may be packaged by one wrapper240. As another example, the cigarette200may be doubly packaged by at least two wrappers240. For example, the tobacco rod210may be packaged by a first wrapper, and the filter rod220may be packaged by a second wrapper. Also, the tobacco rod210and the filter rod220, which are respectively packaged by separate wrappers, may be coupled to each other, and the entire cigarette200may be packaged by a third wrapper. When each of the tobacco rod210and the filter rod220includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by a separate wrapper. Also, the entire cigarette200including the plurality of segments, which are respectively packaged by the separate wrappers and coupled to each other, may be re-packaged by another wrapper.

The tobacco rod210may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but it is not limited thereto. Also, the tobacco rod210may include other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Also, the tobacco rod210may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is injected to the tobacco rod210.

The tobacco rod210may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod210may be formed as a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod210may be formed as a pipe tobacco, which is formed of tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet.

Also, the tobacco rod210may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod210may uniformly distribute heat transmitted to the tobacco rod210, and thus, the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod may be increased and taste of the tobacco may be improved. Also, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod210may function as a susceptor heated by the induction heater. Here, although not illustrated in the drawings, the tobacco rod210may further include an additional susceptor, in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod210.

The filter rod220may include a cellulose acetate filter. Shapes of the filter rod220are not limited. For example, the filter rod220may include a cylinder-type rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod220may include a recess-type rod. When the filter rod220includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

The filter rod220may be formed to generate flavors. For example, a flavoring liquid may be injected onto the filter rod220, or an additional fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod220.

Also, the filter rod220may include at least one capsule230. Here, the capsule230may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule230may have a con figuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. For example, the capsule230may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

When the filter rod220includes a cooling segment for cooling an aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may be made of only pure polylactic acid. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter including a plurality of perforations. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described example and may be composed of a structure and a material for cooling an aerosol.

Furthermore, although not illustrated inFIG.3, the cigarette200may further include a front end plug. The front end plug may be located on one side of the tobacco rod210which is opposite to the filter rod220. The front end plug may prevent the tobacco rod210from escaping to the outside and may prevent a liquefied aerosol from flowing into the aerosol generating device100from the tobacco rod210during smoking.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view of a side surface of a vaporizer illustrated inFIGS.1and2.

Referring toFIG.4, the vaporizer130may include a liquid storage1300for storing an aerosol generating material, an upper cap131, a lower cap132that forms an aerosol generating space together with the upper cap131by being combined with the upper cap131, a liquid delivery element133that absorbs an aerosol generating material and maintains the aerosol generating material in an optimal state for conversion into an aerosol, and a heating element134that generates an aerosol by heating the liquid delivery element133.

A liquid inlet1312through which an aerosol generating material is introduced may be firmed in the upper cap131so that the aerosol generating material is delivered from the liquid storage1300to the liquid delivery element133.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.4, the liquid delivery element133may be arranged in, for example, an aerosol generating space. The heating element134may be wound around the liquid delivery element133, and when the liquid delivery element133is heated by the heating element134, an aerosol generating material held in the liquid delivery element133is vaporized to generate an aerosol.

A structure of the liquid delivery element133, the heating element134, the upper cap131, and the lower cap132illustrated inFIG.4is an example and may be modified in various forms. For example, the heating element134may be arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element133without being wound around the liquid delivery element133, the structure of the liquid delivery element133may be modified to a mesh shape or a plate shape, and the heating element,134and the liquid delivery element133may be integrated into one element. For example, the heating element134and the liquid delivery element133may be implemented as a metal heater having a mesh shape.

The lower cap132includes the a support groove1321and inner walls1322, which will be described in detail below with reference toFIGS.5-6.

FIG.5is a horizontal cross-sectional view of an upper surface of the vaporizer illustrated inFIGS.1and2, andFIG.6is a vertical cross-sectional view of a side surface of the vaporizer illustrated in a direction perpendicular to the direction illustrated inFIG.4.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, the lower cap132supports the liquid delivery element133. The lower cap132includes a support groove1321for supporting at least a part of the liquid delivery element133and inner walls1322that respectively face both ends of the liquid delivery element133. In this case, both ends of the liquid delivery element133may be spaced apart from the inner walls1322, respectively. As such, a space may be formed between both ends of the liquid delivery element133and the respective inner walls1322, and an aerosol generating material delivered from the liquid storage may be held in the space. Accordingly, the amount of aerosol to be generated may be increased. For example, a length d2by which one end of the liquid delivery element133is spaced apart from the inner wall32may range from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably may range from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and more preferably may range from 1 mm to 2 mm.

The support groove1321of the lower cap132supports both ends of the liquid delivery element133. The support groove1321extends from the inner wall1322toward a center of the lower cap132. Because an airflow passage through which external air is introduced into the aerosol generating space communicates with the center of the lower cap132, it is preferable to prevent an aerosol generating material from being introduced into the center of the lower cap132. For example, by increasing the contact area between the liquid delivery element133and the support groove1321, an aerosol generating material may be prevented from leaking. The contact area between the liquid delivery element133and the support, groove1321may be increased by increasing a length of the support groove1321extending from the inner walls1322toward the center of the lower cap132. For example, if a ratio of a length d1of the support groove1321to a length d2of a distance between one end of the liquid delivery element133and the inner wall1322facing the one end of the liquid delivery element133is set to be in a range of 1.1 to 35, the amount of generated aerosol may be increased and leakage of the aerosol may be prevented.

An aerosol generating material is delivered to the liquid delivery element133through the liquid inlet1312of the upper cap131. Accordingly, as an area of the liquid inlet1312of the upper cap131increases, the amount, of the aerosol generating material delivered to the liquid delivery element133increases. As described above, an aerosol generating material is also held in a space between both ends of the liquid delivery element133and the respective inner walls1322. In this respect, if the amount of the aerosol generating material delivered through the liquid inlet1312of the upper cap131is large, the aerosol generating material is likely to leak. In addition, if the amount of aerosol generating material delivered through the liquid inlet1312of the upper cap131is small, the aerosol generating material needs to be held in a space between both ends of the liquid delivery element133and the respective inner walls1322so that an aerosol may be generated sufficiently. Accordingly, an area of the liquid inlet1312of the upper cap131may be reduced as a distance between one end of the liquid delivery element133and corresponding the inner wall1322increases. For example, the area of the liquid inlet1312of the upper cap131may range from 5 mm2to 10 mm2, and it may be inversely proportional to the distance between one end of the liquid delivery element133and the inner wall1322.

Referring toFIGS.4and6, the upper cap131may include a pressing portion1311extending toward the lower cap132to press the liquid delivery element133toward the lower cap132. The pressing portion1311may be formed integrally with the upper cap131or may be formed separately from the upper cap131to be coupled to the upper cap131. The liquid delivery element133may be stably supported in the aerosol generating space62by being pressed by the pressing portion1311.

The liquid delivery element133may be deformed due to pressing at a portion pressed by the pressing portion1311. The density of the pressed portion may increase in proportion to the degree of the deformation. In this case, the liquid delivery element133may not be able to smoothly deliver the liquid (i.e., aerosol generating material), which may lead to reduction of the amount of aerosol. Accordingly, by adjusting the degree of deformation of the liquid delivery element133to a predetermined range, the liquid delivery element133may be stably supported while maintaining the amount of generated aerosol at an appropriate level. For example, a ratio of a height l2of the liquid delivery element133after deformation due to the pressing portion1311to a height l1of the liquid delivery element133before deformation may be in a range of 0.6 to 0.9.

FIGS.4-5illustrate that the support groove1321and inner wall1322have symmetrical structures, but according to embodiments, the support groove1321and inner walls1322may have asymmetrical structures.

The descriptions of the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and equivalents thereof may be made. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to those described in the claims will be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.