Patent Description:
Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of general combustive-type cigarettes has increased. For example, there is a growing demand for a method of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material, rather than by burning cigarettes.

The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge accommodating a liquid composition therein. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device. Accordingly, there is a need for a design relating to a structure for coupling a cartridge to an aerosol generating device.

<CIT> relates to a liquid vaporizing and inhaling apparatus that comprises an exothermic member, a liquid receiving member, an inhalation sensing switch, and a division member. The exothermic member is provided with power source from a battery and generates heat. A liquid receiving member receives nicotine liquid. The inhalation sensing switch senses the inhalation of a user. The controller operates the exothermic member. The division member is formed in a divided form and is detachable.

Provided is a coupling structure between a cartridge and an aerosol generating device.

The technical goal of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and other technical goals may be inferred from the following embodiments.

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a cartridge for mounting on a main body of an aerosol generating device includes: a liquid storage extending in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge and including a space for accommodating a liquid composition; a heater configured to heat the liquid composition accommodated in the liquid storage to generate aerosol; and a coupling protrusion comprising an elastic material, protruding from an outer surface of the liquid storage, and configured to couple the main body to the cartridge by being inserted into a coupling hole formed on the main body.

The color of the coupling protrusion may represent a type of the liquid composition accommodated in the liquid storage.

The liquid storage may include a stepped surface formed in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, and the cartridge may further include a shielding ring arranged on the stepped surface of the liquid storage.

The liquid storage may include a tapered portion of which width tapers off in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

According to an aspect of another embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes: a cartridge comprising: a liquid storage extending in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge and including a space for accommodating a liquid composition; a heater configured to heat the liquid composition accommodated in the liquid storage; and a coupling protrusion comprising an elastic material and protruding from an outer surface of the liquid storage; and a main body comprising: an accommodation space into which the cartridge is inserted; and a coupling hole arranged on a side wall surrounding the accommodation space so that the coupling protrusion is inserted into the coupling hole while the cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation space.

The liquid storage may include a stepped surface formed in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, the main body may include a step formed on an inner wall of the main body and having a shape corresponding to the stepped surface of the liquid storage, and a shielding ring may be arranged on the stepped surface of the liquid storage such that the shielding ring is located between the stepped surface of the liquid storage and the step of the inner wall while the cartridge is inserted into the accommodation space.

The liquid storage includes a tapered portion of which width tapers off in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, and the inner wall of the main body may have a shape corresponding to the tapered portion of the liquid storage so that the cartridge is wedged in the main body.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly 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 connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a coupling relationship between a replaceable cartridge containing an aerosol generating material and an aerosol generating device including the same, according to an embodiment.

An aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> includes the cartridge <NUM> containing the aerosol generating material and a main body <NUM> supporting the cartridge <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to the main body <NUM> in a state in which the aerosol generating material is accommodated therein. All or only a portion of the cartridge <NUM> may be inserted into an accommodation space <NUM> of the main body <NUM> when the cartridge <NUM> is mounted on the main body <NUM>.

After use of the cartridge <NUM>, that is, after all of the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge <NUM> is exhausted, the cartridge <NUM> may be separated from the main body <NUM> and replaced with a new cartridge. Cartridges may contain a different type (e.g., different aroma, different color, or different component, etc.) of aerosol generating material.

The cartridge <NUM> may contain an aerosol generating material in various forms, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition.

For example, the liquid composition may include one component of water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavorings, and vitamin mixtures, or a mixture of these components. In addition, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

For example, the liquid composition may include any weight ratio of glycerin and propylene glycol solution to which nicotine salts are added. The liquid composition may include two or more types of nicotine salts. Nicotine salts may be formed by adding suitable acids, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. Nicotine may be a naturally generated nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

Acid for the formation of the nicotine salts may be appropriately selected in consideration of the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the flavor or savor, the solubility, or the like. For example, the acid for the formation of nicotine salts may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

The cartridge <NUM> may be operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal received from the main body <NUM> to generate aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge <NUM> to a gaseous phase. The aerosol may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material are mixed with air.

For example, the cartridge <NUM> may convert the phase of the aerosol generating material in response to receiving the electrical signal from the main body <NUM> by heating the aerosol generating material, by using an ultrasonic vibration method, or by using an induction heating method. The cartridge <NUM> may include its own power source to convert the phase of the aerosol generating material.

The cartridge <NUM> may include a liquid storage <NUM> forming an outer wall of the cartridge <NUM> and including a space for accommodating the aerosol generating material therein, and an atomizer for converting the aerosol generating material of the liquid storage <NUM> into aerosol.

When the liquid storage <NUM> "accommodates the aerosol generating material" therein, it means that the liquid storage <NUM> functions as a container holding an aerosol generating material and may include an element impregnated with (i.e., containing) an aerosol generating material, such as a sponge, cotton, fabric, or porous ceramic structure.

The atomizer may include, for example, a liquid delivery element (e.g., wick) for absorbing the aerosol generating material and maintaining the absorbed aerosol generating material in an optimal state for conversion to aerosol. The atomizer may also include a heater for heating the liquid delivery element to generate aerosol.

The liquid delivery element may include at least one of, for example, a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, and porous ceramic.

The heater may include a metallic material such as copper, nickel, tungsten, or the like to heat the aerosol generating material delivered to the liquid delivery element by using electrical resistance. The heater may be implemented by, for example, a metal wire, a metal plate, a ceramic heating element, or the like, and may be implemented by a conductive filament, wound on the liquid delivery element, or arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element, by using a material such as a nichrome wire.

In addition, the atomizer may be implemented by a heating element in the form of a mesh or plate, which absorbs the aerosol generating material, maintains the aerosol generating material in an optimal state for conversion to aerosol without using a separate liquid delivery element, and generates aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material.

The cartridge <NUM> discharges the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material therein to the outside of the cartridge <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> includes a discharge hole 22a for discharging the aerosol to the outside.

The main body <NUM> may include a connection terminal 10t arranged inside the accommodation space <NUM>. When the liquid storage <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the accommodation space <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, the main body <NUM> may provide power to the cartridge <NUM> through the connection terminal 10t or supply a signal related to an operation of the cartridge <NUM> to the cartridge <NUM>.

A holding unit may be installed between the main body <NUM> and the cartridge <NUM> to stably maintain the coupling state. The holding unit may include a coupling protrusion <NUM> protruding from an outer surface 21w of the liquid storage <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, and a coupling hole <NUM> arranged on a side wall 10w surrounding the accommodation space <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, so that the position of the coupling hole <NUM> corresponds to the coupling protrusion <NUM> when the cartridge <NUM> is accommodated in the accommodation space <NUM>.

The color of the coupling protrusion <NUM> may be determined according to the type of the liquid composition contained in the liquid storage <NUM>. For example, the color of the coupling protrusion <NUM> may be determined according to the nicotine content of the liquid composition. For another example, the color of the coupling protrusion <NUM> may be determined such that a user may intuitively recognize that a fruit flavor component is contained in the liquid composition.

The user may check the color of the coupling protrusion <NUM> through the coupling hole <NUM>, and may grasp the type of the liquid composition contained in the cartridge <NUM> from the color of the coupling protrusion <NUM>. Therefore, the user may easily check the type of the cartridge <NUM> even while the cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, the liquid storage <NUM> may include a step 21n formed in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge <NUM>. A shielding ring <NUM> may be arranged on a stepped surface of the liquid storage <NUM>. The shielding ring <NUM> may include an elastic material such as rubber or silicon. For example, the shielding ring <NUM> may be an O-ring.

The side wall 10w of the accommodation space <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the step 21n of the liquid storage <NUM> and the shielding ring <NUM>. For example, a step 10wn may be formed in the sidewall 10w to have a shape corresponding to the step 21n of the liquid storage <NUM>. When the cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the accommodation space <NUM>, the shielding ring <NUM> may be located in a space between the side wall 10w of the accommodation space <NUM> and the liquid storage <NUM>. The shielding ring <NUM> may perform a waterproof function in the space between the side wall 10w and the liquid storage <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the liquid storage <NUM> includes a tapered portion <NUM> wa of which width tapers off in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge <NUM>. For example, the cross-sectional area of the tapered portion 21wa may decrease toward the end.

As shown in <FIG>, a portion 10wa of the sidewall 10w of the accommodation space <NUM> may be formed such that the tapered portion 21wa of the liquid storage <NUM> fits into the portion 10wa of the sidewall 10w like a wedge. For example, the portion 10wa of the sidewall 10w may also have a tapered shape so that the tapered portion 21wa of the liquid storage <NUM> may be fixed.

By forming a portion of the liquid storage <NUM> in a tapered shape, the cartridge <NUM> may be fixed to the main body <NUM> without additional components, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and various methods may be used to fix the cartridge <NUM> to the main body <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be fixed to the main body <NUM> by using a bracket.

<FIG> is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a battery <NUM>, a heater <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, a user interface <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>. However, the components of the aerosol generating device <NUM> are not limited to the structures illustrated in <FIG>. According to the design of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the hardware components shown in <FIG> may be omitted or new components may be added.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may not include a separate cartridge. In this case, the components shown in <FIG> may be included in the main body. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a main body and a cartridge. In this case, the components shown in <FIG> may be included in in the main body and/or the cartridge.

Hereinafter, an operation of each of the components will be described without being limited to a particular location in the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> supplies electric power to be used for the aerosol generating device <NUM> to operate. For example, the battery <NUM> may supply power to heat the heater <NUM>. In addition, the battery <NUM> may supply power required for operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device <NUM>, such as the sensor <NUM>, the user interface <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and the controller <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery <NUM> may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater <NUM> receives power from the battery <NUM> under the control of the controller <NUM>. The heater <NUM> may receive power from the battery <NUM> and heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, or heat the cartridge mounted on the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> may be located in the main body of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device <NUM> consists of the main body and the cartridge, the heater <NUM> may be located in the cartridge. When the heater <NUM> is located in the cartridge, the heater <NUM> may receive power from the battery <NUM> located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

The heater <NUM> may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater <NUM> may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element, but is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the heater <NUM> may be a component included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater <NUM>, the liquid delivery element, and the liquid storage. The aerosol generating material accommodated in the liquid storage may be moved to the liquid delivery element, and the heater <NUM> may heat the aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery element, thereby generating aerosol. For example, the heater <NUM> may include a material such as nickel or chromium and may be wound around or arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element.

Meanwhile, the heater <NUM> may include an induction heater. The heater <NUM> may include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette or the cartridge by an induction heating method, and the cigarette or the cartridge may include a susceptor which may be heated by the induction heater.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may include at least one sensor <NUM>. A result sensed by the at least one sensor <NUM> is transmitted to the controller <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may control the aerosol generating device <NUM> to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater, restricting smoking, determining whether a cigarette (or a cartridge) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc..

For example, the at least one sensor <NUM> may include a puff detecting sensor. The puff detecting sensor may detect a user's puff based on a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and/or a pressure change.

The at least one sensor <NUM> may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect a temperature at which the heater <NUM> (or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heater <NUM>, or the heater <NUM> itself may serve as a temperature sensor instead of including a separate temperature sensor.

The at least one sensor <NUM> may include a position change detecting sensor. The position change detecting sensor may detect a change in a position of the main body.

The user interface <NUM> may provide the user with information about the state of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may include various interfacing devices, such as a display or a light emitter for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting haptic information, a speaker for outputting sound information, input/output (I/O) interfacing devices (for example, a button or a touch screen) for receiving information input from the user or outputting information to the user, terminals for performing data communication or receiving charging power, and communication interfacing modules for performing wireless communication (for example, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), etc.) with external devices.

However, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be implemented by selecting only some of the above-described various interfacing devices.

The memory <NUM> may be a hardware component configured to store various pieces of data processed in the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and the memory <NUM> may store data processed or to be processed by the controller <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include various types of memories, such as random access memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc., read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc..

The memory <NUM> may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc..

The controller <NUM> is a hardware component configured to control overall operations of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may analyze a result of the sensing by at least one sensor <NUM>, and controls various processes subsequently.

The controller <NUM> may control power supplied to the heater <NUM> so that the operation of the heater <NUM> is started or terminated, based on the result of the sensing by the at least one sensor <NUM>. In addition, based on the result of the sensing by the at least one sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may control the amount of power supplied to the heater <NUM> and the time at which the power is supplied, so that the heater <NUM> is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

In an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may set a mode of the heater <NUM> to a pre-heating mode to start the operation of the heater <NUM> after receiving a user input to the aerosol generating device <NUM>. In addition, the controller <NUM> may switch the mode of the heater <NUM> from the pre-heating mode to an operation mode after detecting a user's puff by using the puff detecting sensor. In addition, the controller <NUM> may stop supplying power to the heater <NUM> when the number of puffs reaches a preset number after counting the number of puffs by using the puff detecting sensor.

The controller <NUM> may control the user interface <NUM> based on the result of the sensing by the at least one sensor <NUM>. For example, when the number of puffs reaches the preset number after counting the number of puffs by using the puff detecting sensor, the controller <NUM> may notify the user by using at least one of a light emitter, a motor, or a speaker that the aerosol generating device <NUM> will soon be terminated.

Although not illustrated in <FIG>, an aerosol generating system may include the aerosol generating device <NUM> and a separate cradle. Specifically, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be supplied with power from a battery of the cradle to charge the battery <NUM> of the aerosol generating device <NUM> while being accommodated in an accommodation space of the cradle.

<FIG> is a front view of the cartridge <NUM>, which holds an aerosol generating material and is replaceable, according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side view of the cartridge <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the cartridge <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

The cartridge <NUM>, which holds an aerosol generating material, may be replaceable. According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> includes the liquid storage <NUM> capable of accommodating the aerosol generating material therein, and the discharge hole 22a for discharging aerosol to the outside.

The coupling protrusion <NUM> is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 21w of the liquid storage <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> as a holding unit for maintaining the coupling between the cartridge <NUM> and the main body <NUM>. On the lower end of the liquid storage <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, the terminal 21t for electrical connection with the main body <NUM> is provided to be exposed to the outside.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

The cartridge <NUM> may include a liquid storage <NUM> for accommodating an aerosol generating material therein and an atomizer for converting the aerosol generating material of the liquid storage <NUM> into aerosol.

The atomizer may include a heater <NUM>, a lower cap <NUM>, and a liquid delivery element <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> is arranged in the liquid storage <NUM> and generates aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material. The lower cap <NUM> surrounds the heater <NUM> and forms a chamber <NUM> capable of generating an aerosol. The liquid delivery element <NUM> is arranged in the chamber <NUM> of the lower cap <NUM> so as to be heated by the heater <NUM>, and absorbs the aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery element <NUM> may maintain the absorbed aerosol generating material, and when the liquid delivery element <NUM> is heated by the heater <NUM>, the aerosol generating material absorbed in the liquid delivery element <NUM> is vaporized and aerosol is generated.

The structures of the heater <NUM>, the lower cap <NUM>, and the liquid delivery element <NUM> shown in <FIG> are exemplary and may be modified in various forms. For example, the heater <NUM> may be arranged adjacent to the liquid delivery element <NUM> without being wound around the liquid delivery element <NUM>. Also, the structure of the liquid delivery element <NUM> may be modified into a mesh shape or a plate shape. In addition, the heater <NUM> and the liquid delivery element <NUM> may be integrated into one component. For example, the heater <NUM> and the liquid delivery element <NUM> may be implemented as a metal heater having a mesh shape.

The lower cap <NUM> may support the liquid delivery element <NUM> and the heater <NUM> and seal the end of the liquid storage <NUM>.

The lower cap <NUM> may be inserted into the end of the liquid storage <NUM>, and a sealing ring <NUM> of an elastic material such as rubber or silicon is provided between the lower cap <NUM> and the liquid storage <NUM> to improve sealing performance.

The lower cap <NUM> also includes an air passage <NUM> for delivering air to the chamber <NUM>. External air may be supplied to the liquid delivery element <NUM> through the air passage <NUM> of the lower cap <NUM>.

In the liquid storage <NUM>, a delivery tube <NUM> is provided to connecting the discharge hole 22a with the chamber <NUM> so that the aerosol generated in the chamber <NUM> is delivered to the discharge hole 22a. The delivery tube <NUM> is arranged on a central axis line of the liquid storage <NUM> in the longitudinal direction in which the liquid storage <NUM> extends. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the position of the delivery tube <NUM> may be arranged to be biased toward the edge of the liquid storage <NUM>.

A pressurizing portion <NUM> is arranged between the delivery tube <NUM> and the liquid delivery element <NUM>. The pressurizing portion <NUM> is arranged between an end 60a of the delivery tube <NUM> facing the chamber <NUM> and the liquid delivery element <NUM>, and pressurizes the liquid delivery element <NUM> toward the lower cap <NUM>.

The pressurizing portion <NUM> may include an elastic material such as rubber or silicon. The pressurizing portion <NUM> may be placed between the delivery tube <NUM> and the liquid delivery element <NUM> in a compressed state and thus may firmly pressurize the liquid delivery element <NUM>. Due to the pressurizing action of the pressurizing portion <NUM>, the liquid delivery element <NUM> may be stably maintained in the chamber <NUM> of the lower cap <NUM> even after the liquid delivery element <NUM> is repeatedly heated to generate the aerosol.

The pressurizing portion <NUM> includes a connecting tube <NUM> and a contact portion <NUM>. The connecting tube <NUM> surrounds and supports the end 60a of the delivery tube <NUM> so that the end 60a of the delivery tube <NUM> is connected to the chamber <NUM>. The liquid storage <NUM> includes a supporting tube <NUM> that surrounds and supports the other end 60b of the delivery tube <NUM> so that the other end 60b of the delivery tube <NUM> is connected to the discharge hole 22a.

The delivery tube <NUM> may include a flange 60p protruding from the delivery tube <NUM> so as to be caught by the connecting tube <NUM> of the pressurizing portion <NUM> and by the supporting tube <NUM> of the liquid storage <NUM>.

The contact portion <NUM> of the pressurization portion <NUM> extends from the outer side of the connecting tube <NUM> toward the liquid delivery element <NUM> to directly contact the liquid delivery element <NUM>, and a material transfer hole <NUM> formed in the vertical direction outside the contact portion <NUM> to transfer an aerosol generating material accommodated in the liquid storage <NUM> to the liquid delivery element <NUM>. The liquid delivery element <NUM> may be manufactured in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the surface of the contact portion <NUM> in contact with the liquid delivery element <NUM> may have a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the liquid delivery element <NUM>.

The coupling protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the outer surface of the side wall 21w through the side wall 21w of the cartridge <NUM>. The coupling protrusion <NUM> may be stably arranged by being pressed by the lower cap <NUM> and the side wall 21w.

The coupling protrusion <NUM> may include a flange 20gp so as not to be detached from the cartridge <NUM>. In addition, the coupling protrusion <NUM> may include an elastic material, such as rubber or silicon, to be easily inserted into the coupling hole <NUM> of the main body <NUM>.

By forming the coupling protrusion <NUM> with a material having elasticity, wear of the main body <NUM> when the cartridge <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM> may be reduced. In addition, by mounting the coupling protrusion <NUM> on the cartridge <NUM> that is a consumable product, when the coupling protrusion <NUM> is worn out, only the cartridge <NUM> needs to be replaced and the main body <NUM> may be continuously used.

Unlike the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the coupling protrusion <NUM> may be integrally formed with other components of the cartridge <NUM>. For example, the coupling protrusion <NUM> may be integrally formed with the lower cap <NUM>. As another example, the coupling protrusion <NUM> may be integrally formed with the side wall 21w. Alternatively, the coupling protrusion <NUM> may be provided in the cartridge <NUM> in such a manner that the coupling protrusion <NUM> is attached to the outer surface of the side wall 21w.

By forming a portion 21wa of the liquid storage <NUM> in a tapered shape, the cartridge <NUM> may be fixed to the main body <NUM> without additional components, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the aerosol generating device.

The effects of the inventive concept are not limited by the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in the present specification.

Claim 1:
A cartridge (<NUM>) for mounting on a main body (<NUM>) of an aerosol generating device (<NUM>, <NUM>), the cartridge (<NUM>) comprising:
a liquid storage (<NUM>) extending in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge (<NUM>) and including a space for accommodating a liquid composition;
a heater (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to heat the liquid composition accommodated in the liquid storage (<NUM>) to generate aerosol; and
a coupling protrusion (<NUM>) comprising an elastic material, protruding from an outer surface (21w) of the liquid storage (<NUM>), and configured to couple the main body (<NUM>) to the cartridge (<NUM>) by being inserted into a coupling hole (<NUM>) formed on the main body (<NUM>),
wherein the liquid storage (<NUM>) comprises a tapered portion (21wa) of which width tapers off in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (<NUM>).