KR102845869B1 - Liquid cartridge including a porous heater and an aerosol generating device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The embodiments relate to a liquid cartridge including a porous absorbent heater and an aerosol generating device including the same, and more particularly, to a liquid cartridge for an aerosol generating device having a simple structure and improved aerosol generating efficiency by adopting a liquid heater made of a porous ceramic material in the liquid cartridge including the heater.
The liquid cartridge of the embodiment comprises an upper case including an internal cavity for storing liquid, an inner rubber assembled to the lower end of the internal cavity to prevent leakage of liquid, a ceramic heater including a porous absorbent formed of a ceramic material and a heat source formed on one surface thereof, and a lower case assembled to the lower end of the inner rubber, wherein the inner rubber seals the internal cavity while exposing the side of the ceramic heater to the liquid.

Description

Liquid cartridge including a porous absorbent heater and an aerosol generating device including the same {LIQUID CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A POROUS HEATER AND AN AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME}

The embodiments relate to a liquid cartridge including a porous absorbent heater and an aerosol generating device including the same, and more particularly, to a liquid cartridge for an aerosol generating device having a simple structure and improved aerosol generating efficiency by adopting a liquid heater made of a porous ceramic material in the liquid cartridge including the heater.

Aerosols are small liquid or solid particles that exist suspended in the atmosphere, usually with a size of 0.001 to 1.0 ㎛. There are aerosol-generating devices that can inhale aerosols derived from liquids for various purposes, such as liquid e-cigarettes and nebulizers.

Typically, an aerosol generating device comprises a battery and control electronics, and a liquid cartridge storing a liquid for forming an aerosol. It may also include a wick for absorbing the liquid within the liquid cartridge and a liquid heater for heating the wick.

Liquid cartridges are typically inserted and discharged into aerosol-generating devices as consumables and are used for one-time use. Liquid cartridges are assembled from plastic injection molding and contain a liquid tank, a wick for absorbing the liquid, and a liquid heater for heating the wick. Consequently, they are complex in structure and difficult to assemble.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0052200 discloses a ceramic heater installation structure for a fine particle generator. The ceramic atomizer was developed based on the idea that the micropores of porous ceramics can be advantageously utilized in aerosol generators. Therefore, a new method is needed to utilize porous ceramics to simplify the structure of liquid cartridges, increase atomization efficiency, and reduce manufacturing costs.

The various embodiments of the present invention for solving the problems of the above-mentioned prior art aim to provide a liquid cartridge for an aerosol generating device that is simple in structure, easy to assemble, easy to mount and dismount during use, and can completely block liquid leakage.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a liquid cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can smoothly absorb a liquid and efficiently generate an aerosol while maintaining a simple structure by adopting a porous absorbent material.

A liquid cartridge of one embodiment of the present invention is a liquid cartridge that can be mounted and detached from an aerosol generating device and stores a liquid to be converted into an aerosol, comprising: an upper case including an internal cavity for storing the liquid; an inner rubber assembled to the lower end of the internal cavity to prevent leakage of the liquid; a ceramic heater including a porous absorbent formed of a ceramic material and a heat source formed on one surface thereof; and a lower case assembled to the lower end of the inner rubber, wherein the inner rubber seals the internal cavity while exposing the side surface of the ceramic heater to the liquid.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the ceramic heater is assembled inside the inner rubber.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the upper surface of the ceramic heater and one side of the inner rubber are assembled to form a predetermined gap to form an atomizing space, and the upper case includes an airflow passage connecting the atomizing space and the outside.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the porous absorbent of the ceramic heater is formed of a hydrophilic ceramic material.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the material of the porous moisture absorbent of the ceramic heater is any one of magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate, silicic acid silicate, zeolite, titanium oxide, titanium carbide, zirconia, silica, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, mullite, cordierite, tungsten carbide, zirconium carbide, and aluminum nitride.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the porous absorbent is formed by sintering ceramic beads or powder.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the porous absorbent is formed by sintering ceramic beads having a diameter of 10 μm to 300 μm.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the porous absorbent is formed by sintering ceramic powder having a particle diameter of 10 ㎛ to 500 ㎛.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the ceramic beads or powder are heat-treated in advance at a temperature of 500°C to 1600°C.

Additionally, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the porous absorbent of the ceramic heater includes a protrusion that extends further to increase the area of the side.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the thickness of the protrusion is 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

Additionally, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the porous absorbent body of the ceramic heater includes one or more airflow holes extending vertically therethrough.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that an inner stopper for fixing the inner rubber is additionally assembled in the upper case.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that an inner stopper structure is formed in the upper case for fixing the inner rubber.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment further includes a terminal portion for applying power to the ceramic heater, and the terminal portion is characterized in that it extends from the ceramic heater and is exposed to the outside through the lower case.

In addition, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the terminal portion is electrically connected to the aerosol generating device when the liquid cartridge is mounted on the aerosol generating device.

Additionally, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that an airflow inlet is formed on one side of the lower case to introduce an airflow to the ceramic heater.

Additionally, the liquid cartridge of one embodiment is characterized in that the airflow inlet is hermetically connected to the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device when the liquid cartridge is mounted in the aerosol generating device.

In addition, an aerosol generating device of one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a liquid cartridge of any of the embodiments, a case, a receiving portion capable of receiving the liquid cartridge, and a battery for applying power.

In addition, the aerosol generating device of one embodiment is characterized by further including a connection for connecting the ceramic heater of the liquid cartridge to a battery to supply power to the ceramic heater, and an airflow inlet for introducing an airflow to the ceramic heater of the liquid cartridge.

According to embodiments, a liquid cartridge for an aerosol generating device can be provided that has a simple configuration and process, is easy to assemble, and is leak-proof, and an aerosol generating device including the same can be provided.

In addition, according to embodiments, a liquid cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same can be provided, which improve the absorption capacity of a liquid and increase the atomization efficiency by utilizing the advantageous effects of a porous ceramic absorbent.

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid cartridge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a ceramic heater (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view (a) and a bottom plan view (b) of a ceramic heater (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid cartridge (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view (a) and a plan view (b) showing a side cross-section of a liquid cartridge (1) of one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an internal configuration diagram conceptually showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid cartridge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The liquid cartridge (1) of the embodiment can be installed and removed as a consumable within an aerosol generating device and used. The liquid cartridge (1) stores a liquid to be converted into an aerosol, and the liquid can include a predetermined aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate in the embodiments can be, for example, a mixed material including at least one of a volatile organic compound (VOC), a fragrance, nicotine, VG (vegetable glycerin), PG (propylene glycol), and the like. The aerosol-forming substrate can be stored in the liquid cartridge (1) in the form of a liquid or gel.

In this embodiment, the liquid cartridge (1) may include an upper case (100) including an internal cavity (R) for storing liquid, an inner rubber (200) assembled to the lower end of the internal cavity to prevent liquid leakage, a ceramic heater (300) including a porous absorbent and a heat source formed on one surface thereof, and a lower case (400) assembled to the lower end of the inner rubber (200).

The upper case (100) may be formed of a rigid plastic material such as polycarbonate (PC), ABS resin, polypropylene (PP), or Tritan. Alternatively, it may be formed of a heat-resistant plastic material such as PEEK, PAEK, PPSU, PSU, or PI. Inside the upper case (100), there is a cavity (R), so that a liquid to be converted into an aerosol can be stored therein. Inside the upper case (100), an airflow passage (H1) connecting the atomization space (S) near the ceramic heater (300) on the upper side of the ceramic heater (300) and the outside may be formed.

The inner rubber (200) may be formed of a soft material such as rubber, and is assembled to be inserted into the lower portion of the upper case (100), thereby substantially sealing the lower portion of the internal cavity (R) and preventing leakage of the liquid stored therein. Depending on the embodiment, the inner rubber (200) may be a single body, or may be formed of multiple bodies, which may be sequentially assembled into the interior of the upper case (100).

The inner rubber (200) is preferably arranged to surround the periphery of the ceramic heater (300), with one side (the side in this embodiment) exposed, and in particular, the ceramic heater (300) can be inserted and assembled into the inner rubber (200). The inner rubber (200) is preferably formed of a rubber material with excellent heat resistance. The inner rubber (200) can be assembled to the upper case (100) in a force-fit manner for airtightness.

According to an embodiment, when assembling the inner rubber (200), an inner stopper (210) may be additionally assembled together. The inner stopper (210) prevents the soft inner rubber (200) from being easily deformed by external force, etc., so that the inner rubber (200) can be firmly fixed inside the upper case (100). The inner stopper (210) is assembled to be in contact with the inner rubber (200) over a predetermined area, and serves as a frame that reinforces the strength of the inner rubber (200). The inner stopper (210) may be formed of, for example, a rigid plastic material or a metal material.

The lower case (400) is assembled to the lower end of the upper case (100) and substantially forms the lower surface of the liquid cartridge (1). The lower case (400) may be assembled to be inserted into the lower end of the upper case (100) and the inner rubber (200), for example. The material of the lower case (400) may be the same as the material of the upper case (100).

An airflow inlet (H2) may be formed on one side of the lower case (400) to introduce an airflow into the ceramic heater (300). External air introduced into the airflow inlet (H2) may be introduced into the atomization space (S), mixed with the aerosol generated in the atomization space (S) according to the user's inhalation flow, and moved through the airflow passage (H1). Preferably, when the liquid cartridge (1) is mounted on the aerosol generating device, the airflow inlet (H2) is airtightly connected to an airflow passage that may be formed in the aerosol generating device to form a single airflow path.

In this embodiment, the ceramic heater (300) is surrounded by an inner rubber (200) on its periphery, with only its side surfaces exposed to the liquid, and its front and rear surfaces are also surrounded by inner rubber (200) at a predetermined interval. Accordingly, as indicated by arrows in the drawing, air introduced from the airflow inlet (H2) can move to the atomization space (S) at a predetermined interval between the front and rear surfaces.

According to an embodiment, a terminal portion (330) connected to a ceramic heater (300) for power supply may be exposed at the bottom of the lower case (400). With the terminal portion (330) exposed to the outside, when the liquid cartridge (1) of the embodiment is mounted on an aerosol generating device, they are electrically connected to each other through the terminal portion (330) and power can be supplied from the aerosol generating device.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a ceramic heater (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment, the ceramic heater (300) includes a porous absorbent (310) formed of a ceramic material and configured to absorb and store a liquid stored in an internal cavity (R) of an upper case (100), and a heat source (320) formed on one surface of the porous absorbent (310) and configured to heat the liquid to generate an aerosol.

The porous absorbent (310) acts as a wick that absorbs and stores the liquid stored in the inner cavity (R). Accordingly, at least one surface of the porous absorbent (310) is exposed to the liquid stored in the inner cavity (R). In particular, the ceramic heater (300) is assembled to the inside of the inner rubber (200), and is surrounded by the inner rubber (200), but its side surface is exposed to the liquid, thereby absorbing the liquid.

The porous absorbent (310) may include a protrusion (311) extending further from the side surface to increase the area of the side surface, depending on the embodiment. This allows the side surface of the porous absorbent (310) to sufficiently increase the area in contact with the liquid. The thickness of the protrusion (311) is preferably 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

In this embodiment, the heat source (320) is formed on the upper surface of the porous absorbent (310), and may be formed on the side or lower surface thereof depending on the embodiment. When the heat source (320) receives external power and generates heat, the liquid absorbed and retained by the porous absorbent (310) is heated and converted into an aerosol.

In the case where the heat source (320) is formed on the upper surface of the porous absorbent (310) as in the present embodiment, preferably, the atomization space (S) is formed on the upper surface of the ceramic heater (300), and in particular, the upper surface of the ceramic heater (300) and one side of the inner rubber (200) are assembled to form a predetermined gap, so that the atomization space (S) as shown in FIG. 1 can be formed. Accordingly, the converted aerosol is emitted into the atomization space (S) on the upper surface of the porous absorbent (310), and the aerosol mixed with the outside air moves along the airflow passage (H1) connecting the atomization space (S) and the external space by the user's inhalation action, so that the user can inhale it.

The porous absorbent (310) is preferably formed of a hydrophilic ceramic material, and the material may be, for example, one or a combination of two or more of magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate, silicic acid silicate, zeolite, titanium oxide, titanium carbide, zirconia, silica, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, mullite, cordierite, tungsten carbide, zirconium carbide, and aluminum nitride. The porous absorbent (310) can be manufactured by laminating and sintering ceramic materials such as the above examples in powder or bead form.

In the manufacturing process of the beads described above, silicate powder, binder, and porous material are mixed, and then freeze-dried using a spray dryer or nitrogen drip to produce beads. Next, the beads, binder, and porous material are mixed, and sintered into the desired shape through a press mold or injection mold, followed by natural drying or hot air drying.

A powder-type manufacturing process in which powder and a pore-forming agent are mixed and sintered into the desired shape through a press mold or injection mold by natural drying or hot air drying.

A mixed manufacturing process in which silicate beads, powder, binder and forming agent are mixed and sintered into the desired shape through a press mold or injection mold by natural drying or hot air drying.

The porous absorbent (110) includes micropores that absorb and retain liquid through a capillary phenomenon (retain liquid to the extent that the liquid does not flow out when exposed to air at room temperature) and forms a predetermined porosity. When the porous absorbent (310) is formed of a hydrophilic ceramic material, the surface tension may be reduced, thereby increasing the liquid absorption capacity. The porous absorbent (310) may be manufactured by stacking and sintering porous ceramics in powder or bead form. The porous absorbent (310) has a pore diameter, porosity, bead size, etc. that take into account the viscosity of the liquid to be absorbed.

The porous absorbent (310) is preferably formed by sintering ceramic beads having a diameter of 10 ㎛ to 300 ㎛, or ceramic powder having a particle diameter of 10 ㎛ to 500 ㎛, and the ceramic beads or powder may be heat-treated in advance at a temperature of 500 ℃ to 1600 ℃. In addition, the diameter of the micropores possessed by the porous absorbent (310) is preferably 5 ㎛ to 75 ㎛, so that the liquid-type aerosol-forming substrate can be well absorbed. In addition, the porosity of the porous absorbent (310) is preferably 30% to 70%. In addition, the porous absorbent (310) may be formed by sintering ceramic powder to which a pore-forming agent for pore formation is added, and at this time, the amount of the pore-forming agent for pore formation is preferably 10 wt% to 40 wt% by weight relative to the raw material powder.

A heat source (320) is formed on one surface of a porous absorbent (310). The surface on which the heat source (320) is formed can serve as a non-porous surface on which an aerosol is generated by heating of the heat source (320). According to an embodiment, the heat source (320) is formed on or near the surface of the porous absorbent (310), and is particularly preferably formed by a metal printing process using a metal paste. The metal paste at this time may be a material selected from nickel-chromium, Kanthal, silver, silver-platinum, and silver-palladium.

According to an embodiment, the heat source (320) may be formed by inserting a heating wire before or during sintering of the porous absorbent (310). In this case, the material of the heat source (320) is preferably one of SUS, nickel-chromium, and Kanthal. The connection pad (321) electrically connected to the heat source (320) may also be formed in the same manner, and the connection pad (321) may be connected to the terminal portion (330) described above to receive power.

According to an embodiment, the heat source (320) may be formed on a flat surface, a convex surface, or a concave surface of the porous absorbent (310). When external power is supplied through the connection pad (321), the heat source (320) generates heat as electricity flows, thereby heating the aerosol-forming material absorbed in the porous absorbent (310) in a liquid form, thereby generating an aerosol.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view (a) and a bottom plan view (b) of a ceramic heater (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a heat source (320) is formed on the lower surface of a porous absorbent body (310) as shown in Fig. 3 (b). In addition, the porous absorbent body (310) in this embodiment includes airflow holes (H3) extending vertically. Depending on the embodiment, one or more airflow holes (H3) may be formed to vertically penetrate, and may serve as passages that allow airflow introduced from an airflow inlet (H2) to smoothly move to an airflow passage (H1).

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid cartridge (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1, but differs in that an inner stopper structure (110) is adopted instead of an inner stopper (210). That is, an inner stopper structure (110) may be formed that protrudes in the form of a rib from the inside of the upper case (100), contacts at least one side of the inner rubber (200), and is used for fixing. In this case, the assembly step can be simplified.

Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a liquid cartridge (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in perspective view (a) and plan view (b), respectively. This embodiment is the same as the embodiment of Fig. 1, but is illustrated with a different cross-section in order to explain the airflow. When a negative pressure is generated in the airflow passage (H1) due to the user's inhalation, the airflow is introduced into the airflow inlet (H2) formed in the lower case (400), as indicated by an arrow in the drawing, and in particular, the airflow can be introduced to the upper end of the ceramic heater (300), i.e., the atomization space (S), through the gap between the front and rear of the ceramic heater (300) and the inner rubber (200). The aerosol released into the atomization space (S) can travel to the airflow passage (H1) along this airflow and be ultimately inhaled by the user.

Fig. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating device (1000) of this embodiment may include a liquid cartridge (1) of any embodiment of the present invention, a case (500) that accommodates other components, a receiving portion (510) formed in the case (500) and in which the liquid cartridge (1) is coupled or accommodated, and a battery (700) for supplying power to at least the liquid cartridge (1). In addition, a control portion (600) that supplies power to the liquid cartridge (1) and performs general control of the device may be included.

Preferably, the receiving portion (510) is formed with a connection portion (520) that is electrically connected to the terminal portion (330) of the mounted liquid cartridge (1) to ultimately apply power from the battery (700) to the ceramic heater (300). In addition, preferably, the receiving portion (510) may include an airflow inlet (530) that is hermetically connected to the airflow inlet (H2) of the mounted liquid cartridge (1) to introduce external air into the ceramic heater (300).

The case (500) can be formed of a rigid material, and the air intake port (530) has one side exposed toward the receiving portion (510) and connected to the air intake port (H2), and the other side connected to the external space to allow outside air to be introduced. The connection portion (520) is connected to the battery (700) together with a predetermined intermediate circuit, or is connected to the battery (700) via the control unit (600) to supply power. The control unit (600) includes, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) and performs calculations and controls for driving the aerosol generating device (1000).

As described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and anyone having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims, and such modifications are within the scope of the claims.

1: Liquid cartridge 100: Upper case
200: Inner rubber 210: Inner stopper
300: Ceramic heater 310: Porous absorbent
320: Heat source 330: Terminal
400: Lower case 500: Case
600: Control unit 700: Battery
1000: Aerosol generating device

Claims (20)

In a liquid cartridge that can be mounted and detached from an aerosol generating device and stores a liquid to be converted into an aerosol,
An upper case containing an internal cavity for liquid storage;
Inner rubber assembled to the bottom of the inner cavity to prevent liquid leakage;
A ceramic heater comprising a porous absorbent formed of a ceramic material and a heat source formed on one surface thereof; and
Includes a lower case assembled to the bottom of the inner rubber, the inner rubber sealing the internal cavity while exposing the side of the ceramic heater to the liquid,
An airflow inlet is formed on one side of the lower case to introduce airflow into the ceramic heater.
The upper surface of the ceramic heater and one side of the inner rubber are assembled to form a first gap,
The upper case includes an airflow passage connecting the first gap and the outside on the upper side of the first gap,
A second gap is formed between at least one surface of the front or rear surface of the ceramic heater and the inner rubber, which is connected to the first gap.
A liquid cartridge characterized in that airflow is introduced through an airflow inlet, enters a first gap through a second gap, and moves to an airflow passage. In the first paragraph,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the ceramic heater is assembled into the inner side of the inner rubber. delete In the first paragraph,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the porous absorbent of the ceramic heater is formed of a hydrophilic ceramic material. In paragraph 4,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the material of the porous moisture absorbent of the ceramic heater is any one of magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate, silicic acid silicate, zeolite, titanium oxide, titanium carbide, zirconia, silica, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, mullite, cordierite, tungsten carbide, zirconium carbide, and aluminum nitride. In paragraph 4,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the porous absorbent is formed by sintering ceramic beads or powder. In paragraph 6,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the porous absorbent is formed by sintering ceramic beads having a diameter of 10 ㎛ to 300 ㎛. In paragraph 6,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the porous absorbent is formed by sintering ceramic powder having a particle diameter of 10 ㎛ to 500 ㎛. In paragraph 6,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the ceramic beads or powder are heat-treated in advance at a temperature of 500°C to 1600°C. In the first paragraph,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the porous absorbent of the ceramic heater includes protrusions that extend further to increase the area of the side. In Article 10,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the thickness of the protrusion is 0.1 mm to 5 mm. In the first paragraph,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the porous absorbent of the ceramic heater comprises one or more airflow holes extending vertically through it. In the first paragraph,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that an inner stopper is additionally assembled in the upper case to secure the inner rubber. In the first paragraph,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that an inner stopper structure is formed in the upper case to secure the inner rubber. In the first paragraph,
Further comprising a terminal for applying power to the ceramic heater;
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the terminal portion extends from the ceramic heater and is exposed to the outside through the lower case. In Article 15,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the terminal portion is electrically connected to the aerosol generating device when the liquid cartridge is mounted on the aerosol generating device. delete In the first paragraph,
A liquid cartridge characterized in that the airflow inlet is hermetically connected to the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device when the liquid cartridge is mounted in the aerosol generating device. A liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 18;
case;
A receiving portion capable of accommodating a liquid cartridge; and
An aerosol generating device characterized by comprising a battery for supplying power. In Article 19,
A connection for connecting the ceramic heater of the liquid cartridge and the battery to supply power to the ceramic heater; and
An aerosol generating device further comprising an airflow inlet for introducing an airflow into a ceramic heater of a liquid cartridge.