Vaporizer and aerosol generating device comprising the same

Abstract

A vaporizer includes a storage unit for storing an aerosol generating material, a first wick for absorbing an aerosol generating material from the storage unit, a heating pattern printed on at least one surface of the first wick for heating the aerosol generating material absorbed by the first wick, and a sensing pattern printed on the same surface as the surface of the first wick where the heating pattern is placed for measuring the temperature of the heating pattern.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a vaporizer and an aerosol generating device including the same, and more specifically, to a vaporizer with improved atomization performance and an aerosol generating device including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for technology to replace the method of supplying aerosols by burning conventional cigarettes. For example, research is being conducted on methods such as generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials in liquid or solid states, or generating vapor from aerosol-generating materials in liquid states and then passing the generated vapor through a solid-state flavor medium to supply aerosols with flavor.

[0003] Recently, an aerosol generating device capable of generating aerosols by heating an aerosol generating material has been proposed as a means to replace the method of supplying aerosols by burning cigarettes. For example, an aerosol generating device may refer to a device capable of generating aerosols by heating a liquid or solid aerosol generating material to a predetermined temperature through a heater.

[0004] Research on aerosol generating devices has been gradually increasing recently, as using such devices can improve user convenience by enabling smoking without additional accessories like lighters and allowing users to smoke as much as they desire.

[0005] An aerosol generating device that produces aerosols by generating heat includes a heater that generates heat and a sensor for detecting the temperature caused by the heat from the heater. To increase the amount of aerosol generated in the aerosol generating device and to improve the precise control performance of the heater, the arrangement structure of the heater and the sensor must be improved. The problem to be solved

[0006] The embodiments provide a vaporizer with improved atomization performance by increasing the contact area between the wick and the heating element, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0007] In addition, embodiments provide a vaporizer capable of precisely detecting a temperature change caused by heat from a heating element and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0008] In addition, embodiments provide a vaporizer having a dual atomization function and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0009] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings. means of solving the problem

[0010] A vaporizer according to one embodiment may include a storage unit for storing an aerosol generating material, a first wick for absorbing an aerosol generating material from the storage unit, a heating pattern printed on at least one surface of the first wick for heating the aerosol generating material absorbed by the first wick, and a sensing pattern printed on the same surface as the surface on the first wick where the heating pattern is placed for measuring the temperature of the heating pattern.

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a vaporizer according to one embodiment, a battery that supplies power to the vaporizer, and a control unit that controls the power supplied to the vaporizer. Effects of the invention

[0012] According to the vaporizer and the aerosol generating device including the same according to the embodiments, the temperature of the heating element, which is a heat pattern, can be measured without placing a separate temperature sensor.

[0013] In addition, according to the vaporizer and the aerosol generating device including the same according to the embodiments, the atomization performance can be improved by increasing the contact area between the aerosol generating material and the heating element.

[0014] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] FIGS. 1 to 3 are drawings showing examples of an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, cut in the AA direction. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a steamer according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a part of a steamer according to one embodiment. FIG. 9a is a top view illustrating a part of a vaporizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 9b is a top view illustrating a part of a vaporizer according to another embodiment. FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b are top views illustrating a portion of a vaporizer according to other embodiments, respectively. FIG. 11 is a top view of a part of a vaporizer according to another embodiment of FIG. 9a. FIG. 12 is a top view of a part of a vaporizer according to another embodiment of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a side view showing a part of a steamer according to another embodiment. FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b are perspective views showing a part of a vaporizer according to another embodiment, respectively. FIG. 15 is a side view showing a part of a vaporizer according to another embodiment in which a mesh body is arranged. FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] The terms used in the embodiments have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions in the present invention; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, the applicant has arbitrarily selected terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the invention.

[0017] When a part of a specification is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "-part" or "-module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0018] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an arranged component, it modifies the entire set of components rather than each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0019] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electric conductive track, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electric conductive track.

[0021] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0022] A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet made of finely cut tobacco. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0023] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a certain component contained within the aerosol.

[0024] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0025] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge holding an aerosol generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with or assembled with the main body, or it may be fixed so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while containing an aerosol generating substance inside. However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

[0026] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of various states, 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 be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

[0027] The cartridge can perform the function of generating an aerosol by operating via an electrical signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase. The aerosol may refer to a gas in a state in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating material and air are mixed.

[0028] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user by passing through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol can be delivered to the user by passing through the cigarette.

[0029] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0030] An aerosol generating device may include a vibrator and may atomize an aerosol generating material by generating short-period vibrations through the vibrator. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations may be a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0031] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs an aerosol generating material. For example, the wick may be positioned to wrap around at least one area of ​​the vibrator or to be positioned to be in contact with at least one area of ​​the vibrator.

[0032] As voltage (e.g., alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transferred to an aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick. The aerosol-generating material absorbed by the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0033] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol generating material absorbed by the wick may be lowered by heat generated from the vibrator, and the aerosol generating material with lowered viscosity may be finely atomized by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article housed in the aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0035] An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat by an external magnetic field. As the susceptor is positioned inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the aerosol generating article may be heated by generating heat. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

[0036] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0037] The aerosol generator can form a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the battery of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, a heater can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator are combined.

[0038] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that is feasible in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0039] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0040] FIGS. 1 to 3 are drawings showing examples of an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer according to one embodiment.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a battery (11), a control unit (12), a heater (13), and a vaporizer (14).

[0042] The aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2 may include a housing that includes a receiving space in which an aerosol generating article (2) is received. An aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), and accordingly, the aerosol generating article (2) may be received in the receiving space of the housing. Additionally, FIGS. 1 and 2 are illustrated as including a heater (13) in the aerosol generating device (1), but the heater (13) may be omitted as necessary.

[0043] The aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 3 does not have a space into which an aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted, and accordingly, a heater (13) for heating the aerosol generating article (2) is not placed.

[0044] The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, other components in addition to those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be further included in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0045] In FIG. 1, a battery (11), a control unit (12), a vaporizer (14), and a heater (13) are shown arranged in a line. Also, in FIG. 2, a vaporizer (14) and a heater (13) are shown arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), the arrangement of the battery (11), the control unit (12), the vaporizer (14), and the heater (13) may be changed.

[0046] The battery (11) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery (11) can supply power to heat the heater (13) or the vaporizer (14) and can supply power required for the control unit (12) to operate. Additionally, the battery (11) can supply power required for the operation of the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0047] The control unit (12) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). Specifically, the control unit (12) controls the operation of the battery (11), the heater (13), and the vaporizer (14), as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). Additionally, the control unit (12) may check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operational state.

[0048] The control unit (12) includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0049] The heater (13) can be heated by power supplied from the battery (11). For example, when an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the heater (13) can be located outside the aerosol generating article (2). Thus, the heated heater (13) can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the aerosol generating article (2).

[0050] The heater (13) may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater (13) may include an electric conductive track, and the heater (13) may be heated as current flows through the electric conductive track. However, the heater (13) is not limited to the example described above and may be any heater capable of heating to a desired temperature without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device (1) or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0051] Meanwhile, as another example, the heater (13) may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater (13) may include an electrically conductive coil for heating an aerosol-generating article in an induction heating manner, and the aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

[0052] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the heater (13) is shown placed outside the aerosol generating article (2), but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater (13) may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, it may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0053] Additionally, a plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol generating article (2) or placed outside the aerosol generating article (2). Additionally, some of the plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged to be inserted inside the aerosol generating article (2), and the remainder may be placed outside the aerosol generating article (2). Furthermore, the shape of the heater (13) is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, but may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0054] The vaporizer (14) is configured to store an aerosol generating material and to generate a vaporized aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material.

[0055] The vaporizer (14) may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as independent modules.

[0056] The liquid storage unit may store an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachable from / attachable to the vaporizer (14), or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer (14).

[0057] For example, the aerosol-generating material may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, flavorings, flavoring agents, or a vitamin mixture. Flavorings may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavoring ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients capable of providing various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the aerosol-generating material may include aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0058] The liquid delivery means can transfer an aerosol-generating material from the liquid reservoir to a heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] A heating element is a component for heating an aerosol generating material delivered by a liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by an electric current supply and may heat the aerosol generating material by transferring heat to the aerosol generating material in contact with the heating element. As a result, an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol generating material.

[0060] The generated aerosol can travel along the airflow path. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol traveling along the airflow path can pass through the aerosol generating article (2) and be delivered to the user. In FIG. 3, the aerosol traveling along the airflow path can be delivered to the user through the mouthpiece (18).

[0061] The vaporizer (14) may be referred to as a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the vaporizer (14) is a cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from the aerosol generating device (1). When the aerosol generating material stored in the vaporizer (14) is completely consumed, the aerosol generating material may be newly replenished, or the vaporizer (14) may be replaced with another vaporizer (14) in which the aerosol generating material is stored. The structure and arrangement of the vaporizer (14) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0063] FIGS. 4 to 6 are drawings for explaining the vaporizer of an aerosol generating device.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, cut in the AA direction.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a vaporizer (14) according to one embodiment may include a storage unit (141), a first wick (142), a heating pattern (143), a sensing pattern (144), and a second wick (145).

[0066] Here, each of the storage unit (141), wick (142, 145), and heating pattern (143) may be identical to each of the liquid storage unit, liquid delivery means, and heating element included in the vaporizer (14) described in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0067] The storage section (141) includes an empty space surrounded by an outer wall and an inner wall. An aerosol generating material may be stored in the empty space of the storage section (141).

[0068] Referring further to FIG. 6, a first wick (142) and / or a second wick (145) may be disposed inside the storage unit (141). A portion of the first wick (142) and / or the second wick (145) may come into contact with an aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit (141). Both ends of the first wick (142) and / or the second wick (145) may come into contact with the aerosol generating material.

[0069] The storage unit (141) can be sealed to prevent the aerosol generating material from leaking out of the storage unit (141) through other paths that do not pass through the first wick (142) and / or the second wick (145).

[0070] The storage unit (141) can be manufactured in various shapes, and according to one embodiment, the storage unit (141) may have a shape such as a cylinder or a rectangular prism extending in one direction.

[0071] The storage unit (141) may be connected to the first wick (142) and / or the second wick (145), and the aerosol generating material of the storage unit (141) may be transported to the outside of the storage unit (141) through the first wick (142) and / or the second wick (145).

[0072] For example, the storage unit (141) may include a plurality of openings connected to each end of the first wick (142) and / or the second wick (145). The openings of the storage unit (141) and the first wick (142) and / or the second wick (145) connected to the openings are hermetically joined so as to prevent leakage of aerosol-generating material from areas other than the first wick (142) and / or the second wick (145).

[0073] The first wick (142) and the second wick (145) can absorb an aerosol-generating substance from the storage unit (141).

[0074] The heating pattern (143) can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material absorbed in the first wick (142) and the second wick (145) to vaporize the aerosol generating material.

[0075] The sensing pattern (144) can be placed as a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the heating pattern (143).

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generated by the heat pattern (143) can move to a receiving space in which an aerosol generating article (2) is received through an airflow passage formed in the main body of the aerosol generating device (1) and connected to the outlet of the vaporizer (14). The aerosol can be delivered to the user by passing through the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the receiving space of the main body.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generated by the heat pattern (143) can travel along the extension direction of the airflow passage (146) through the airflow passage (146) formed inside the vaporizer (14). A mouthpiece (18) may be located in one direction in which the airflow passage (146) extends. The aerosol can be delivered to the user through the mouthpiece (18).

[0078] Hereinafter, the first wick (142), heating pattern (143), sensing pattern (144), and second wick (145) will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0079] FIGS. 7 and 8 are drawings for explaining the first wick (142), heating pattern (143), sensing pattern (144), and second wick (145) included in the vaporizer (14) according to one embodiment.

[0080] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a steamer according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a side view showing a part of a steamer according to one embodiment.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a vaporizer (14) according to one embodiment may include a first wick (142), a heating pattern (143), a sensing pattern (144), and a second wick (145).

[0082] The first wick (142) can absorb the aerosol-generating material by receiving it from a storage unit (not shown) that stores the aerosol-generating material.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first wick (142) may have a cuboid shape. For example, the first wick (142) may have a square prism shape extending in one direction. However, the embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, and the wick may have a roughly cylindrical, elongated, rod-shaped, or needle-shaped shape.

[0084] The first wick (142) can absorb an aerosol generating material supplied from a storage unit in one part. For example, the aerosol generating material absorbed in one part of the first wick (142) can move to another part of the first wick (142) according to capillary action.

[0085] A heating pattern (143) and a sensing pattern (144) can be printed on the first wick (142). In this case, 'printing' refers to any method of permanently attaching a pattern to the first wick (142), such as coating, spraying, deposition, plating, or immersion.

[0086] In order for printing technology to be applied to the first wick (142), the first wick (142) needs to include a material having appropriate strength and stability while acting as a wick that absorbs aerosol-generating material. For example, the first wick (142) may include porous ceramic.

[0087] A heating pattern (143) is printed on at least one side of the first wick (142) to heat an aerosol-generating material absorbed by the first wick (142).

[0088] The heating pattern (143) may include an electric resistive heating element, such as an electric conductive track. The electric resistive heating element may be heated as current flows through it when power is supplied from a battery (not shown).

[0089] The heating temperature of the heating pattern (143) can be determined according to the power consumption of the electrical resistance of the heating pattern (143). The resistance value of the heating pattern (143) can be set based on the power consumption of the resistance of the heating pattern (143) considering the heating temperature of the heating pattern (143). The resistance value of the heating pattern (143) can be set in various ways depending on the constituent material, length, width, thickness, or pattern of the electrical resistive element.

[0090] The heating pattern (143) may include tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the heating pattern (143) may be doped with a suitable doping material, and the material of the heating pattern (143) is not limited to the examples described above.

[0091] Both ends of the heating pattern (143) can be connected to a battery by heating electrodes (143e). The heating electrodes (143e) correspond to electrical connection terminals that provide power supplied from the battery to the heating pattern (143).

[0092] The sensing pattern (144) is printed on the same surface as the surface where the heating pattern (143) is placed in the first wick so that the temperature of the heating pattern (143) can be measured.

[0093] Specifically, the sensing pattern (144) may include a resistor having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) for measuring the temperature of the heating pattern (143).

[0094] The electrical resistance of the resistor is a value that depends on temperature, and the change in resistance according to the change in temperature is measured. The change in resistance can be derived by flowing current over the resistor of the sensing pattern (144) and measuring the change in voltage value. Thus, the change in resistance is derived through the change in voltage, and the temperature of the heating pattern (143) can be measured through this.

[0095] However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and a change in resistance may be derived by applying a constant voltage to the resistor of the sensing pattern (144) and measuring the change in current value.

[0096] The sensing pattern (144) may include at least one material among ceramic, semiconductor, metal, and carbon, and, like the heating pattern (143), may be fabricated as an electrically resistive or electrically conductive element. For example, the sensing pattern (144) may include tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof, and may be doped with a suitable doping material.

[0097] Both ends of the sensing pattern (144) can be connected to a control unit (not shown) by sensor electrodes (144e). The sensor electrodes (144e) correspond to electrical connection terminals that electrically connect the sensing pattern (144) and the control unit.

[0098] In order for the heating pattern (143) and the sensing pattern (144) to be easily connected to the battery and / or control unit, both ends of the heating pattern (143) and both ends of the sensing pattern (144) can be drawn out to the outside of the first wick (142) from one of the outer surfaces of the first wick (142).

[0099] The heating electrode (143e) and the sensor electrode (144e) are positioned adjacent to one of the outer surfaces of the first wick (142) described above, and are connected to both ends of the heating pattern (143) and both ends of the sensing pattern (144) that are drawn out to the outside of the first wick (142), respectively, so as to be extended parallel toward the battery and / or control unit.

[0100] In FIGS. 7 and 8, the heating pattern (143) and the sensing pattern (144) are shown on the upper surface of the first wick (142), but the embodiments are not limited to the position of the pattern.

[0101] The vaporizer (14) may include a second wick (145) that contacts one side of a first wick (142) on which a heating pattern (143) is printed, in order to increase the contact area between the heating element and the wick to improve atomization performance.

[0102] The second wick (145) is positioned adjacent to the surface of the first wick (142) to absorb aerosol-generating material.

[0103] In one embodiment, the second wick (145) may have a cuboid shape similar to the first wick (142). For example, the second wick (145) may have a square prism shape extending in one direction. However, the embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, and the wick may have a roughly cylindrical, elongated, rod-shaped, or needle-shaped shape.

[0104] The second wick (145) can absorb an aerosol generating material supplied from the storage unit in one part. For example, the aerosol generating material absorbed in one part of the second wick (145) can move to another part of the second wick (145) according to capillary action.

[0105] Unlike the first wick (142) on which a heating pattern (143) and a sensing pattern (144) are printed, the second wick (145) may not have a separate pattern printed on it. In this case, the second wick (145) may be positioned to come into contact with the heating pattern (143) printed on the first wick (142). The aerosol generating material absorbed by the second wick (145) may be heated by the heating pattern (143) printed on the first wick (142).

[0106] If no separate pattern is printed on the second wick (145), the second wick (145) may include not only porous ceramic but also cotton, silica, SPL, and melamine foam.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 8, an aerosol generating substance can be absorbed from the storage unit to both ends of the first wick (142) and the second wick (145).

[0108] The aerosol generating material absorbed at both ends of the first wick (142) can move from the first wick (142) to one side of the first wick (142) on which a heating pattern (143) is printed.

[0109] The aerosol-generating material absorbed at both ends of the second wick (145) can move from the second wick (145) to the surface in contact with the second wick (145) and the heating pattern (143).

[0110] An aerosol generating material that is close to the heat generation pattern (143) can be heated by the heat of the heat generation pattern (143) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material. At this time, since the aerosol generating material is heated on both sides with the heat generation pattern (143) in between, more aerosol can be generated than when heated on only one side.

[0111] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9a to 12, the patterns of the heating pattern (143) and the sensing pattern (144) printed on the first wick (142) will be described in detail.

[0112] FIG. 9a is a top view showing a part of a steamer according to one embodiment, and FIG. 9b is a top view showing a part of a steamer according to another embodiment.

[0113] FIGS. 9A and 9B are drawings showing one side of a first wick with a pattern printed on it, viewed from the z-axis direction with the second wick (145) omitted from FIGS. 8, and showing a heating pattern and a sensing pattern printed on the first wick, respectively.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the heating pattern (143) can be printed in various forms on the first wick (142). For example, FIG. 9a shows a curved heating pattern (143) printed on one side of the first wick (142). FIG. 9b shows a spiral heating pattern (143) printed on one side of the first wick (142) which has a rectangular column shape. However, the embodiments are not limited by the shape of the heating pattern.

[0115] The sensing pattern (144) can be printed on one side of the first wick (142) on which the heating pattern (143) is printed. That is, the heating pattern (143) and the sensing pattern (144) can be printed on the same side.

[0116] The sensing pattern (144) can also be printed in various forms on the first wick (142), just like the heating pattern (143). The embodiments are not limited by the shape of the sensing pattern shown in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b. However, the sensing pattern (144) can be formed so as not to intersect with the heating pattern (143) in order to prevent problems with operation when in contact with the heating pattern (143).

[0117] FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b are top views illustrating a portion of a vaporizer according to other embodiments, respectively.

[0118] FIGS. 10a and FIGS. 10b are drawings in which the sensing patterns in FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are arranged differently, respectively.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b, in order to uniformly and accurately measure the temperature of the heating pattern (133), the sensing pattern (144) can be printed so as to be spaced apart from the heating pattern (143) and extend parallel to the heating pattern (143).

[0120] At this time, for ease of production and reliable operation between adjacent patterns, the sensing pattern (144) may be printed to maintain a gap (id) with the adjacent heating pattern (143) in the range of 0.1mm to 0.5mm or a constant value within the range. However, this is merely an exemplary value, and the gap described above may be changed due to changes in parameters such as the width and thickness of the heating pattern (143) and the sensing pattern (144).

[0121] FIG. 11 is a top view of a part of a vaporizer according to another embodiment of FIG. 9a.

[0122] Figure 11 is a drawing in which the heat generation pattern in Figure 9a is arranged differently.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 11, the heating pattern (143) can be printed with a first interval (d1) at the periphery (142a) of the first wick (142) and with a second interval (d2) different from the first interval (d1) at the center (142b) of the first wick (142).

[0124] In one embodiment, the first wick (142) absorbs an aerosol generating substance supplied from a storage unit (not shown) through both ends of the two peripheral portions (142a), and the absorbed aerosol generating substance can move to the center (142b) of the first wick (142). At this time, the speed at which the aerosol generating substance moves from the peripheral portion (142a) to the center (142b) of the first wick (142) varies.

[0125] The absorption rate of the aerosol-generating substance is fast at the periphery (142a) of the first wick (142). The periphery (142a) of the first wick (142) is connected to a storage unit and receives the aerosol-generating substance directly. After puffing, the aerosol-generating substance within the first wick (142) vaporizes, so the first wick (142) becomes dry. When the first wick (142) is dry, the periphery (142a) of the first wick (142) can absorb the aerosol-generating substance at a fast rate.

[0126] Meanwhile, the absorption rate of the aerosol-generating material at the center (142b) of the first wick (142) may be reduced compared to the absorption rate at the periphery (142a) of the first wick (142). Since the center (142b) of the first wick (142) is separated from the storage area, the time required for the aerosol-generating material to reach it is longer.

[0127] When analyzing the micro-sections constituting the first wick (142) along the length direction of the first wick (142), aerosols can be absorbed according to the difference in the degree of absorption of the aerosol generating material at both ends of each micro-section. At this time, the 'length direction of the first wick (142)' refers to the y-axis direction in FIG. 11.

[0128] However, as one approaches the center (142b) from the periphery (142a) of the first wick (142), the difference in the degree of absorption of the aerosol-generating material at both ends of each micro-section decreases. Therefore, as one approaches the center (142b) from the periphery (142a) of the first wick (142), the absorption rate of the aerosol-generating material decreases.

[0129] When a heating pattern (143) is printed in a uniform shape along the length direction of the first wick (142), a smaller amount of aerosol may be generated in the center (142b) than in the periphery (142a). Therefore, an uneven amount of aerosol may be generated along the length direction of the first wick (142).

[0130] At this time, it is necessary to print the shape of the heating pattern (143) printed on the first wick (142) differently according to the length direction of the first wick (142).

[0131] For example, at the periphery (142a) of the first wick (142), where the absorption rate of the aerosol-generating material is fast, the spacing between the patterns of the heat generation pattern (143) can be maintained as a first spacing (d1). At the center (142b) of the first wick (142), where the absorption rate of the aerosol-generating material is relatively slow, the spacing between the patterns of the heat generation pattern (143) can be maintained as a second spacing (d2), which is narrower than the first spacing (d1). Through this, a uniform amount of aerosol can be generated along the length direction of the first wick (142).

[0132] FIG. 12 is a top view of a part of a vaporizer according to another embodiment of FIG. 11.

[0133] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a different arrangement of the sensing pattern in Figure 11.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 12, the sensing pattern (144) can be printed with a different pattern shape depending on the spacing between the patterns of the heating pattern (143).

[0135] Referring to FIG. 12, the second gap (d2) of the heating pattern (143) printed in the center (142b) of the first wick (142) is relatively narrow compared to the first gap (d1) of the heating pattern (143) printed in the periphery (142a) of the first wick (142).

[0136] In the peripheral portion (142a) of the first wick (142) where the spacing of the heating pattern (143) is printed relatively widely, the sensing pattern (144) can be printed so as to extend parallel to the heating pattern (143) and spaced apart from the heating pattern (143).

[0137] In the center (142b) of the first wick (142) where the spacing of the heating pattern (143) is printed relatively narrowly, the sensing pattern (144) can be printed to extend along the length direction of the first wick (142).

[0138] To specifically describe the shape of the sensing pattern (144) extending along the length direction of the first wick (142), the heating pattern (143) may include a plurality of curved portions (143a) arranged sequentially in one direction and a plurality of connecting portions (143b) connecting the plurality of curved portions (143a) in one direction, and at least a portion of the sensing pattern (144) may extend along the arrangement direction of the plurality of curved portions (143a) of the heating pattern (143).

[0139] However, the spacing between the patterns of the heating pattern (143) that serve as the standard for the shape of the sensing pattern (144) is not limited to the embodiment.

[0140] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a part of a steamer according to another embodiment.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 13, the heating pattern (143) of the vaporizer (14) according to another embodiment may include a first heating pattern (143-1) and a second heating pattern (143-2).

[0142] The vaporizer (14) may include a first heating pattern (143-1) and a second heating pattern (143-2) printed on one side of the first wick (142) and the other side facing the opposite direction from the direction facing the first side, respectively, in order to improve atomization performance by increasing the contact area between the heating element and the wick.

[0143] The aerosol-generating material absorbed at both ends of the first wick (142) can move from the first wick (142) to one side and the other side where the first heating pattern (143-1) and the second heating pattern (143-2) are printed.

[0144] The aerosol generating material that is brought close to the first heating pattern (143-1) and the second heating pattern (143-2) can be heated by the heat of the first heating pattern (143-1) and the second heating pattern (143-2) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material. At this time, since the aerosol generating material is heated on one side and the other side of the first wick (142), more aerosol can be generated than when the aerosol generating material is heated only on one side.

[0145] As a first heating pattern (143-1) and a second heating pattern (143-2) are printed on each side of the first wick (142), the sensing pattern (144) may also include a first sensing pattern (144-1) printed on one side of the first wick (142) and a second sensing pattern (144-2) printed on the other side of the first wick (142).

[0146] The first sensing pattern (144-1) can measure the temperature of the first heating pattern (143-1), and the second sensing pattern (144-2) can measure the temperature of the second heating pattern (143-2).

[0147] Although the second wick (145) is not shown in FIG. 13, the second wick (145) may be positioned to contact one side of the first wick (142) on which the first heating pattern (143-1) is printed and / or the other side of the first wick (142) on which the second heating pattern (143-2) is printed.

[0148] The first wick (142) may include a hollow (142h) formed so that an aerosol generated on one side or the other side passes through the first wick (142).

[0149] The hollow (142h) may have a shape that penetrates the first core (142) in the z-axis direction. However, the size, number, and location of the hollow (142h) may vary depending on the embodiment.

[0150] In the case where an airflow passage (not shown) is positioned above the first wick (142) and the aerosol needs to move in the +z direction, the aerosol generated on the other side of the first wick (142) by the second heating pattern (143-2) can move in the +z direction through the hollow (142h).

[0151] Conversely, if the airflow passage is positioned below the first wick (142) so that the aerosol must move in the -z direction, the aerosol generated on one side of the first wick (142) by the first heating pattern (143-1) can move in the -z direction through the hollow (142h).

[0152] FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b are perspective views showing a part of a vaporizer according to another embodiment, respectively.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b, the heating pattern (143) of the vaporizer (14) according to another embodiment may be printed to surround at least a portion of the first wick (142).

[0154] In order to improve atomization performance by increasing the contact area between the heating element and the wick, in FIG. 14a, a heating pattern (143) may be printed to surround four sides of a square column-shaped first wick (142). In FIG. 14b, a heating pattern (143) may be printed to surround the outer surface of a cylindrical first wick (142).

[0155] However, the embodiments are not limited to the shape of the first wick (142) and the shape of the heating pattern (143) surrounding the first wick (142).

[0156] The aerosol-generating material absorbed at both ends of the first wick (142) can be heated by the heat of the heating pattern (143) surrounding at least a portion of the first wick (142) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. At this time, since the aerosol-generating material is heated on one or more sides of the first wick (142) surrounded by the heating pattern (143), more aerosol can be generated than when heated on only one side.

[0157] FIG. 15 is a side view showing a part of a vaporizer according to another embodiment in which a mesh body is arranged.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 15, a vaporizer (14) according to another embodiment may include a mesh body (147).

[0159] The mesh body (147) is positioned adjacent to the other side of the first wick (142) to absorb an aerosol generating substance from a storage unit (not shown) and to heat the absorbed aerosol generating substance. At this time, the 'other side of the first wick (142)' refers to the other side of the first wick (142) excluding the side of the first wick (142) on which the heating pattern (143) is printed.

[0160] The mesh body (147) may include a plurality of conductive filaments that are heated by an electric current supply. In one example, the plurality of conductive filaments may be arranged in a mesh (or "mesh") form, and as the plurality of conductive filaments are arranged in the form described above, a plurality of gaps may be formed between the plurality of conductive filaments.

[0161] Multiple conductive filaments of the mesh body (147) can cause capillary action (or capillary phenomenon) to occur in multiple gaps, and an aerosol generating material stored in the storage unit can be sucked into multiple gaps by the capillary action occurring in multiple gaps.

[0162] The aerosol generating material sucked into the multiple gaps can come into contact with the multiple conductive filaments of the mesh body (147), and the multiple conductive filaments can heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0163] That is, an aerosol can be generated without having a configuration (e.g., a wick) for transferring an aerosol generating substance stored in a storage unit to the mesh body (147) through the mesh body (147).

[0164] As shown in FIG. 15, an aerosol generating substance can be absorbed from the storage unit to both ends of the first wick (142) and the mesh body (147).

[0165] The aerosol generating material absorbed at both ends of the first wick (142) can move from the first wick (142) to one side of the first wick (142) where a heating pattern (143) is printed and to the other side of the first wick where a mesh body (147) is placed.

[0166] An aerosol generating material that is brought close to a heating pattern (143) printed on one side of the first wick (142) can be heated by the heating of the heating pattern (143) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material.

[0167] After being absorbed by the first wick (142), the aerosol generating material that comes close to the mesh body (147) placed on the other side of the first wick (142) can be heated by the mesh body (147) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material.

[0168] Apart from the aerosol generating material absorbed in the first wick (142), the aerosol generating material absorbed at both ends of the mesh body (147) can be heated by the mesh body (147) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material.

[0169] Due to the arrangement of the mesh body (147), the aerosol generating material can be heated on both sides of the first wick (142). Furthermore, since there is also aerosol generating material that is absorbed and heated by the mesh body (147), more aerosol can be generated than when heated on only one side of the first wick (142).

[0170] In FIG. 15, a heating pattern (143) is printed on the lower surface of the first wick (142) and a mesh body (147) is placed on the upper surface of the first wick (142), but the embodiments are not limited to the position where the heating pattern is printed on the first wick and the position where the mesh body is placed.

[0171] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0172] The aerosol generating device (1600) may include a control unit (1610), a sensing unit (1620), an output unit (1630), a battery (1640), a heater (1650), a user input unit (1660), a memory (1670), and a communication unit (1680). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1600) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 16. That is, it can be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1600), some of the components shown in FIG. 16 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0173] The sensing unit (1620) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1600) or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (1600) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (1610). Based on the detected information, the control unit (1610) can control the aerosol generating device (1600) to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater (1650), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating item (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0174] The sensing unit (1620) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (1622), an insertion detection sensor (1624), and a puff sensor (1626), but is not limited thereto.

[0175] A temperature sensor (1622) can detect the temperature at which the heater (1650) (or aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1600) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (1650), or the heater (1650) itself may serve as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor (1622) may be placed around the battery (1640) to monitor the temperature of the battery (1640).

[0176] The insertion detection sensor (1624) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor (1624) may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a change in signal as the aerosol-generating article is inserted and / or removed.

[0177] The puff sensor (1626) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor (1626) can detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature changes, flow changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0178] The sensing unit (1620) may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor) in addition to the aforementioned sensors (1622 to 1626). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0179] The output unit (1630) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1600) and provide it to the user. The output unit (1630) may include at least one of a display unit (1632), a haptic unit (1634), and a sound output unit (1636), but is not limited thereto. When the display unit (1632) and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit (1632) may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0180] The display unit (1632) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1600) to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device (1600) may refer to various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery (1640) of the aerosol generating device (1600), the preheating status of the heater (1650), the insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating item, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1600) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit (1632) can output the above information externally. The display unit (1632) may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Additionally, the display unit (1632) may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0181] The haptic unit (1634) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1600) to the user. For example, the haptic unit (1634) may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0182] The acoustic output unit (1636) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1600) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (1636) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0183] The battery (1640) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1600). The battery (1640) can supply power to heat the heater (1650). Additionally, the battery (1640) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generating device (1600) (e.g., a sensing unit (1620), an output unit (1630), a user input unit (1660), a memory (1670), and a communication unit (1680)). The battery (1640) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (1640) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0184] The heater (1650) can heat the aerosol generating material by receiving power from the battery (1640). Although not shown in FIG. 16, the aerosol generating device (1600) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery (1640) and supplies it to the heater (1650). Additionally, if the aerosol generating device (1600) generates aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1600) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery (1640) into AC power.

[0185] The control unit (1610), sensing unit (1620), output unit (1630), user input unit (1660), memory (1670), and communication unit (1680) can perform their functions by receiving power from the battery (1640). Although not shown in FIG. 16, a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included to convert the power of the battery (1640) and supply it to each component.

[0186] In one embodiment, the heater (1650) may be formed from any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, a suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the heater (1650) may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with an electrically conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0187] In another embodiment, the heater (1650) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater (1650) may include a susceptor that heats an aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0188] The user input unit (1660) can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit (1660) may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitive method, pressure resistive method, infrared detection method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, although not shown in FIG. 16, the aerosol generating device (1600) may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the battery (1640) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0189] The memory (1670) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1600) and can store data processed by the control unit (1610) and data to be processed. The memory (1670) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory (1670) can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1600), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0190] The communication unit (1680) may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit (1680) may include a short-range communication unit (1682) and a wireless communication unit (1684).

[0191] The short-range wireless communication unit (1682) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0192] The wireless communication unit (1684) may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit (1684) may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device (1600) within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0193] The control unit (1610) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1600). In one embodiment, the control unit (1610) may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0194] The control unit (1610) can control the temperature of the heater (1650) by controlling the supply of power from the battery (1640) to the heater (1650). For example, the control unit (1610) can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery (1640) and the heater (1650). In another example, the heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater (1650) according to a control command of the control unit (1610).

[0195] The control unit (1610) can analyze the results detected by the sensing unit (1620) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (1610) can control the power supplied to the heater (1650) so that the operation of the heater (1650) is started or terminated based on the results detected by the sensing unit (1620). As another example, the control unit (1610) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (1650) and the time for which power is supplied so that the heater (1650) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensing unit (1620).

[0196] The control unit (1610) can control the output unit (1630) based on the result detected by the sensing unit (1620). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (1626) reaches a preset number, the control unit (1610) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1600) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit (1632), the haptic unit (1634), and the sound output unit (1636).

[0197] One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, and both removable and non-removable media. Additionally, a computer-readable medium may include both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technique for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data of modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0198] The description of the embodiments described above is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to that described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection determined by the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0199] 1: Aerosol generating device 2: Aerosol-generating items 11: Battery 12: Control unit 13: Heater 14: Steamer 18: Mouthpiece 141: Storage section 142: First wick 142a: Periphery 142b: Center 142h: China 143: Fever pattern 143a: Curved section 143b: Connection 143-1: First fever pattern 143-2: Second fever pattern 143e: Heating electrode 144: Sensing Pattern 144-1: First sensing pattern 144-2: Second Sensing Pattern 144e: Sensor electrode 145: Second wick 146: Airflow passage 147: Mesh

Claims

Claim 1 A vaporizer comprising: a storage portion for storing an aerosol generating material; a first wick for absorbing the aerosol generating material from the storage portion; a heating pattern printed on at least one surface of the first wick for heating the aerosol generating material absorbed by the first wick; a sensing pattern printed on the same surface of the first wick where the heating pattern is placed for measuring the temperature of the heating pattern; and a mesh body disposed adjacent to the other surface of the first wick, which absorbs the aerosol generating material and heats the absorbed aerosol generating material; wherein the sensing pattern is spaced apart from the heating pattern at a constant distance and extends parallel to the heating pattern. Claim 2 A vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the first wick is disposed inside the storage unit, and a portion of the first wick is in contact with the aerosol generating material of the storage unit. Claim 3 In claim 1, the vaporizer, wherein the first wick comprises porous ceramic. Claim 4 A vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the sensing pattern comprises a resistor having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) for measuring the temperature of the heating pattern. Claim 5 A vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein both ends of the heating pattern and both ends of the sensing pattern are drawn out to the outside of the first wick from one of the outer surfaces of the first wick. Claim 6 A vaporizer according to claim 1, further comprising a second wick disposed adjacent to one surface of the first wick and absorbing the aerosol generating substance from the storage portion. Claim 7 A vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the heating pattern is printed at a first interval at the periphery of the first wick and at a second interval different from the first interval at the center of the first wick. Claim 8 A vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the heating pattern comprises a plurality of curved portions arranged sequentially in one direction and a plurality of connecting portions connecting the plurality of curved portions in the one direction, and at least a portion of the sensing pattern extends along the arrangement direction of the plurality of curved portions. Claim 9 A vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the heating pattern comprises a first heating pattern printed on one side of the first wick and a second heating pattern printed on the other side of the first wick. Claim 10 A vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the first wick comprises a hollow through which an aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material passes through the first wick. Claim 11 A vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the heating pattern is printed to surround at least a portion of the first wick. Claim 12 An aerosol generating device comprising: a vaporizer according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a battery that supplies power to the vaporizer; and a control unit that controls the power supplied to the vaporizer. Claim 13 An aerosol generating device according to claim 12, further comprising: a housing including a receiving space in which an aerosol generating article is received; and a heater for heating the aerosol generating article received in the housing, wherein an aerosol generated in the vaporizer is delivered to the receiving space. Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete

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