Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment comprises: an inhalation unit through which a user can inhale an aerosol; a storage unit capable of storing an aerosol-forming substrate; an atomizing unit capable of atomizing the aerosol-forming substrate by means of surface acoustic waves; the connecting part is connected with the storage part and the atomizing part, and can transfer the aerosol forming substrate from the storage part to the atomizing part; and a channel part which crosses at least a part of the inhalation part, the storage part, and the connection part, and is capable of allowing the aerosol-forming substrate to be atomized to move.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there is an increasing demand for alternative products that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 2013-0003944 discloses an atomizer for an electronic cigarette.

[0003] The content of the above background technology is what the inventor mastered or learned in the process of developing the present invention, and should not be understood as necessarily being the general known technology disclosed before applying for the present invention. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues to be solved

[0005] One embodiment is directed to an aerosol generating device using surface acoustic waves.

[0006] One embodiment is directed to a stick-shaped member that can be mounted on or removed from an aerosol generating device using surface acoustic waves.

[0007] Technical solutions to the problem

[0008] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include: an inhalation portion, which can allow a user to inhale an aerosol; a storage portion, which can store an aerosol-forming matrix; an atomization portion, which can atomize the aerosol-forming matrix using surface acoustic waves; a connecting portion, which connects the storage portion and the atomization portion and can transfer the aerosol-forming matrix from the storage portion to the atomization portion; and a channel portion, which spans at least a portion of the inhalation portion, the storage portion and the connecting portion, for the aerosol-forming matrix to be atomized to move.

[0009] The inhalation part, the storage part, the connection part, and the channel part may be formed as one body, and may be coupled to or separated from the aerosol generating device.

[0010] The atomization portion may include a surface acoustic wave generating element that generates a surface acoustic wave, a substrate element that transfers the generated surface acoustic wave, and a cavity element that prevents the atomized aerosol-forming substrate from escaping.

[0011] One end of the channel portion may be in communication with the cavity element.

[0012] The inhalation part, the atomization part, and the connection part may be formed as one body, and the storage part may be coupled to or detached from the aerosol generating device.

[0013] The connecting portion may transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage portion to the atomization portion by means of capillary action.

[0014] One end of the connection portion may be in contact with the substrate element, and the connection portion includes a channel element capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate element and a control element capable of controlling a flow rate of the moved aerosol-forming substrate.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a power supply unit for supplying power to the atomization unit, the inhalation unit includes a breathing sensor, and the atomization unit is connected to the breathing sensor to adjust the generation of the surface acoustic wave.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a rod-shaped member for an aerosol generating device may include: an inhalation portion, capable of allowing a user to inhale an aerosol; a storage portion, capable of storing an aerosol-forming matrix; a connecting portion, capable of moving the aerosol-forming matrix stored in the storage portion; and a channel portion, spanning the inhalation portion, the storage portion and at least a portion of the connecting portion, capable of allowing the aerosol to move.

[0017] The storage portion may be disposed between the suction portion and the connection portion.

[0018] The channel portion may be formed to penetrate centers of the suction portion, the storage portion, and the connection portion.

[0019] The suction part, the storage part, and the connection part may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0020] The channel portion is formed to contact the suction portion, the storage portion, and one side surface of the connection portion.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may use surface acoustic waves.

[0023] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may provide a stick-shaped member that can be mounted on or removed from an aerosol generating device using a surface acoustic wave. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The present invention is a stick-shaped member for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The present invention is a stick-shaped member for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Below, the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is one of several aspects of the embodiment, and the following description constitutes a part of the detailed description of the embodiment. When describing an embodiment, the specific description of well-known functions or structures will be omitted to make the subject matter of the present invention clearer.

[0032] However, various changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments. In this article, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments should be understood to include all changes made within the concept and technical scope of the present disclosure, and their equivalents and even their substitutes.

[0033] In addition, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted by their usual or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as consistent with the meanings and concepts of the technical ideas of the present invention according to one embodiment, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best explain the invention.

[0034] In the absence of special instructions in the content, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. In this specification, the terms "include / comprise" and / or "include / comprises" are used to express the existence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the possibility of the existence or additional existence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or their combinations.

[0035] In the absence of other definitions, all terms, including technical or scientific terms used herein, have the common meanings understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the examples belong. Commonly used terms as defined in dictionaries should be understood as the meanings in the relevant technical content, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formalized meanings if they are not clearly defined in this specification.

[0036] In the process of describing the examples with reference to the drawings, the same components are marked with the same reference numerals and repeated descriptions are omitted. In the process of describing the example embodiments, when it is determined that the detailed description of the relevant well-known structure or function will cause unnecessary confusion to the present disclosure, its detailed description is omitted.

[0037] Also, when describing components of the exemplary embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components and are not used to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding components. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "attached" to another component, it should be understood that one component can be directly connected or attached to the other component, and intermediate components can also be "connected," "coupled," or "attached" to the component.

[0038] When a component has a common function with a component of an exemplary embodiment, the same name is used for description in other embodiments. Without mentioning a counterexample, the configuration disclosed in an exemplary embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, and the specific description of the repeated configuration can be omitted.

[0039] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The present invention is a stick-shaped member for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0040] More specifically, Figure 1A FIG. 2 shows the appearance of a stick-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 1B The structure of a stick member 10 for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0041] The stick member 10 for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can be mounted on or removed from the aerosol generating device. Figure 1A According to an embodiment, the rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device may include an inhalation portion 100, a storage portion 200 and a connection portion 300. The inhalation portion 100 is a portion for the user to inhale, and the user can inhale the aerosol by applying negative pressure to the inhalation portion 100. The inhalation portion 100 may be formed in the form of a mouthpiece to facilitate the user's inhalation. The storage portion 200 may store an aerosol-forming matrix. The storage portion preferably stores 0.03ml to 0.06ml of aerosol-forming matrix. One end of the storage portion 200 may abut against one end of the inhalation portion 100. The connection portion 300 may connect the storage portion 200 and the atomization portion in the aerosol generating device described later. The connection portion 300 may move the aerosol-forming matrix stored in the storage portion 200 to the atomization portion. The connection portion 300 may include a porous material, such as a cotton core, a porous ceramic, and a filter paper. The connection portion 300 may move the aerosol-forming matrix in the storage portion 200 to the atomization portion by capillary action. The storage part 200 may be disposed between the suction part 100 and the connection part 300 .

[0042] Reference Figure 1BAccording to an embodiment, a rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device may include an inhalation portion 100, a storage portion 200, a connection portion 300, and a channel portion 400. The channel portion 400 may be arranged to span across the inhalation portion 100, the storage portion 200, and the connection portion 300. The channel portion 400 may be arranged to abut all of the inhalation portion 100, the storage portion 200, and the connection portion 300. The channel portion 400 serves as an airflow channel for the aerosol atomized in the atomization portion to move. The aerosol-forming matrix may be moved to the atomization portion through the connection portion 300 and atomized into an aerosol-like state in the atomization portion. When the user inhales the inhalation portion 100, the aerosol atomized moves as shown by the arrow F through the channel portion 400 and is inhaled by the user. The channel portion 400 may be arranged to abut one side of the inhalation portion 100, the storage portion 200, and the connection portion 300. The shape and structure of the channel portion 400 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] Figure 2 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device 1 may include a rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device, a power supply unit 500, a housing unit 600, and an atomizing unit 700. The rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device may be mounted to or removed from the aerosol generating device. The rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device may include an inhalation unit 100, a storage unit 200, a connection unit 300, and a channel unit 400. The atomizing unit 700 may atomize an aerosol-forming substrate using a surface acoustic wave. The atomizing unit 700 may receive an aerosol-forming substrate from the storage unit 200.

[0045] The atomizing part 700 includes a surface acoustic wave generating element 710 capable of generating a surface acoustic wave, a substrate element 720 capable of transmitting the surface acoustic wave generated from the surface acoustic wave generating element 710, and a cavity element 730 for preventing atomized aerosol from escaping.

[0046] The surface acoustic wave generating element 710 can generate a surface acoustic wave for atomizing the aerosol-forming substrate. The surface acoustic wave is an acoustic wave propagating along the surface of an elastomeric substrate, and is generated by an electrical signal as a result of the piezoelectric effect. The surface acoustic wave generated by the surface acoustic wave generating element 710 can atomize the aerosol-forming substrate in liquid form. The surface acoustic wave generated by the surface acoustic wave generating element 710 can be transmitted to the substrate element 720.

[0047] The surface acoustic wave generating element 710 can be designed to operate and generate surface acoustic waves only when the user inhales the aerosol generating device. For example, the inhalation part 100 may include a breathing sensor (not shown). The breathing sensor installed on the inhalation part 100 can sense this when the user inhales the aerosol generating device and generate an electrical control signal, thereby starting the surface acoustic wave generating element only when the user inhales the atomization part 700.

[0048] The connecting portion 300 of the aerosol generating device stick 10 can transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage portion 200 to the substrate element 720 of the atomizing portion 700. The aerosol-forming substrate transferred to the substrate element 720 can encounter the surface acoustic wave applied by the surface acoustic wave generating element 710 and be atomized into an aerosol form. The aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol-forming substrate can be provided to the cavity element 730.

[0049] One end of the connection part 300 may contact the substrate element 720. For example, the connection part 300 may include a porous material such as a cotton core, porous ceramics or filter paper. The connection part 300 may move the aerosol-forming substrate in the storage part 200 to the atomization part by capillary action. Alternatively, the connection part 300 may include a channel element (not shown) capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate element 720 and a control element (not shown) capable of controlling the flow rate of the moved aerosol-forming substrate.

[0050] For example, the control element (not shown) can control the flow rate of the moving liquid by controlling the liquid flow rate. For example, the control element (not shown) can be a micro pump. The control element (not shown) can supply the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate element 720 at a preset speed. By controlling the flow rate of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied to the substrate element 720, the atomization amount of the aerosol generated in the atomization portion 700 can be controlled.

[0051] The channel portion 400 of the stick member 10 for an aerosol generating device may be in communication with the cavity member 730. When the user inhales the inhalation portion 100, the aerosol in the cavity member 730 may be inhaled by the user along the channel portion 400 as indicated by arrow F. The user can inhale the aerosol generating device until all aerosol-forming substrates stored in the storage portion 200 are consumed. When all aerosol-forming substrates stored in the storage portion 200 are consumed, the user may remove the stick member 10 for an aerosol generating device from the aerosol generating device 1.

[0052] The power supply unit 500 can supply power to the atomization unit 700 or other components of the aerosol generating device 1 as needed.

[0053] The housing 600 may wrap the atomizing unit 700, the power supply unit 500, and the stick member 10 for the aerosol generating device to protect them from external impacts and other disturbances, and form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1. The housing 600 may include a mechanical structure that facilitates easy installation or removal of the stick member 10 for the aerosol generating device.

[0054] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The present invention is a stick-shaped member for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0055] More specifically, Figure 3A FIG. 2 shows the appearance of a stick-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 3B The structure of a stick member 10 for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0056] The stick member 10 for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can be mounted on or removed from the aerosol generating device. Figure 3A According to an embodiment, a rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device may include an inhalation portion 100, a storage portion 200 and a connection portion 300. The rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device has a cylindrical appearance as a whole. Each of the inhalation portion 100, the storage portion 200 and the connection portion 300 included in the rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device may have a cylindrical appearance. The inhalation portion 100 is a portion for the user to inhale, and the user can inhale the aerosol by applying negative pressure to the inhalation portion 100. The inhalation portion 100 may be formed in the form of a nozzle to facilitate the user's inhalation. The storage portion 200 may store an aerosol-forming substrate. One end of the storage portion 200 may abut against one end of the inhalation portion 100. The connection portion 300 may connect the storage portion 200 and the atomization portion in the aerosol generating device described later. The connection portion 300 may move the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage portion 200 to the atomization portion. The connecting part 300 may include a porous material, such as a cotton core, porous ceramics, and filter paper, etc. The connecting part 300 may move the aerosol-forming substrate in the storage part 200 to the atomization part by capillary action. The storage part 200 may be arranged between the inhalation part 100 and the connecting part 300.

[0057] Reference Figure 3BAccording to one embodiment, a rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device may include an inhalation portion 100, a storage portion 200, a connecting portion 300, and a channel portion 400. The channel portion 400 may be arranged to cross the center of the inhalation portion 100, the storage portion 200, and the connecting portion 300. The channel portion 400 acts as an airflow channel for the aerosol atomized in the atomization portion to move. The aerosol-forming matrix moves from the storage portion 200 to the atomization portion through the connecting portion 300, and is atomized into an aerosol form in the atomization portion. When the user inhales the inhalation portion 100, the aerosol aerosol moves as shown by the arrow F via the channel portion 400 and is inhaled by the user. The channel portion 400 is formed in a cylindrical shape to correspond to the cylindrical rod-shaped member for an aerosol generating device, but the shape and structure of the channel portion 400 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3.

[0058] Figure 4 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0059] Reference Figure 4 According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device 1 may include a rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device, a power supply unit 500, a housing unit 600, and an atomizing unit 700. The rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device may be mounted to or removed from the aerosol generating device. The rod-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device may include an inhalation unit 100, a storage unit 200, a connection unit 300, and a channel unit 400. The atomizing unit 700 may atomize an aerosol-forming substrate using a surface acoustic wave. The atomizing unit 700 may receive an aerosol-forming substrate from the storage unit 200.

[0060] The atomizing part 700 includes a surface acoustic wave generating element 710 capable of generating a surface acoustic wave, a substrate element 720 capable of transmitting the surface acoustic wave generated from the surface acoustic wave generating element 710, and a cavity element 730 for preventing atomized aerosol from escaping.

[0061] The surface acoustic wave generating element 710 can generate surface acoustic waves for atomizing the aerosol-forming substrate. The surface acoustic waves generated by the surface acoustic wave generating element 710 can atomize the aerosol-forming substrate in liquid form. The surface acoustic waves generated by the surface acoustic wave generating element 710 can be transmitted to the substrate element 720.

[0062] The surface acoustic wave generating element 710 can be designed to operate and generate surface acoustic waves only when the user inhales the aerosol generating device. For example, the inhalation part 100 may include a breathing sensor (not shown). The breathing sensor installed on the inhalation part 100 can sense this when the user inhales the aerosol generating device and generate an electrical control signal, thereby starting the surface acoustic wave generating element only when the user inhales the atomization part 700.

[0063] The connecting portion 300 of the aerosol generating device stick 10 can transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage portion 200 to the substrate element 720 of the atomizing portion 700. The aerosol-forming substrate transferred to the substrate element 720 can encounter the surface acoustic wave applied by the surface acoustic wave generating element 710 and be atomized into an aerosol form. The aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol-forming substrate can be provided to the cavity element 730.

[0064] One end of the connecting portion 300 may contact the substrate element 720. The shape of the contact portion between the substrate element 720 and the connecting portion 300 may change according to the shape of the connecting portion 300 whose center is penetrated by the channel portion 400. The connecting portion 300 may include a porous material such as a cotton core, porous ceramics or filter paper. The connecting portion 300 may move the aerosol-forming substrate in the storage portion 200 to the atomization portion by capillary action. Alternatively, the connecting portion 300 may include a channel element (not shown) capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate element 720 and a control element (not shown) capable of controlling the flow rate of the moved aerosol-forming substrate.

[0065] For example, the control element (not shown) can control the flow rate of the moving liquid by controlling the liquid flow rate. For example, the control element (not shown) can be a micro pump. The control element (not shown) can supply the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate element 720 at a preset speed. By controlling the flow rate of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied to the substrate element 720, the atomization amount of the aerosol generated in the atomization portion 700 can be controlled.

[0066] The channel portion 400 of the stick member 10 for an aerosol generating device may be in communication with the cavity member 730. When a user inhales the inhalation portion 100, the aerosol in the cavity member 730 may be inhaled by the user along the channel portion 400 as indicated by arrow F.

[0067] The power supply unit 500 can supply power to the atomization unit 700 or other components of the aerosol generating device 1 as needed.

[0068] The housing 600 may wrap the atomizing unit 700, the power supply unit 500, and the stick member 10 for the aerosol generating device to protect them from external impacts and other disturbances, and form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1. The housing 600 may include a mechanical structure that facilitates easy installation or removal of the stick member 10 for the aerosol generating device.

[0069] Figure 5 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0070] Reference Figure 5According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a stick-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device, a power supply unit 500, a housing unit 600, and an atomizing unit 700. The stick-shaped member 10 for an aerosol generating device may include an inhalation unit 100, a storage unit 200, and a connection unit 300. The power supply unit 500 may be arranged at a portion of the inner side of the housing unit 600. The power supply unit 500 may be arranged at a position opposite to the storage unit 200 with the atomizing unit 700 as a reference.

[0071] Figure 6 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0072] Reference Figure 6 According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 includes an inhalation part 100, a storage part 200, a connection part 300, a power supply part 500, a housing part 600, and an atomization part 700. The atomization part 700 includes a surface acoustic wave generating element 710 capable of generating surface acoustic waves, a substrate element 720 capable of transmitting the surface acoustic waves generated from the surface acoustic wave generating element 710, and a cavity element 730 for preventing the atomized aerosol from escaping.

[0073] The inhalation part 100, the connection part 300, the power supply part 500, the housing part 600 and the atomization part 700 can be formed integrally. The storage part 200 can be installed in the housing part 600 or removed therefrom. When the storage part 200 is installed in the housing part 600, the connection part 300 can transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage part 200 to the substrate element 720 of the atomization part 700. At this time, preferably, 0.5ml to 1ml of the aerosol-forming substrate can be stored in the storage part 200. The user can inhale the aerosol generating device until all the aerosol-forming substrates stored in the storage part 200 are exhausted. When all the aerosol-forming substrates stored in the storage part 200 are exhausted, the user can remove the aerosol generating device stick 10 from the aerosol generating device 1.

[0074] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 900 according to an embodiment.

[0075] The aerosol generating device 900 may include a control unit 910, a sensing unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, a heater 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to Figure 7 It should be understood by those skilled in the art that, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 900, the Figure 7 Some of the components are shown or new components may be added.

[0076] The sensing unit 920 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 900 or the surrounding state of the aerosol generating device 900, and transmit the detected information to the control unit 910. The control unit 910 can control the aerosol generating device 900 to perform multiple functions based on the detected information, such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating substance (e.g., an aerosol generating product, a cigarette cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

[0077] The sensing part 920 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 922 , an insertion detection sensor 924 , and a suction sensor 926 , but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0078] The temperature sensor 922 can detect the heating temperature of the heater 950 (or the aerosol generating substance). The aerosol generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself may be used as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be arranged around the battery 940 to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0079] The insertion detection sensor 924 can detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device and / or removed therefrom. For example, the insertion detection sensor 924 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, which can detect a signal change when the aerosol generating article is inserted and / or removed.

[0080] The suction sensor 926 can detect the user's suction based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the suction sensor 926 can detect the user's suction based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change and pressure change.

[0081] In addition to the above sensors (922 to 926), the sensing unit 920 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor (e.g., an illuminance sensor). Since a person of ordinary skill in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from the name, a detailed description is omitted.

[0082] The output unit 930 may output state information about the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. The output unit 930 may include at least one of a display unit 932, a tactile unit 934, and a sound output unit 936, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. When the display unit 932 and a touch panel are provided in a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 932 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0083] The display unit 932 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 900 may include various information such as the charging / discharging state of the battery 940 of the aerosol generating device 900, the preheating state of the heater 950, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the use restriction state of the aerosol generating device 900 (for example, abnormality is detected), and the display unit 932 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 932 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 932 may also be an LED light emitting element.

[0084] The haptic portion 934 may convert the electrical signal into a mechanical stimulation or an electrical stimulation to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the haptic portion 934 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0085] The sound output unit 936 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 900 through sound. For example, the sound output unit 936 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output it to the outside.

[0086] The battery 940 can provide the power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 can supply power to heat the heater 950. In addition, the battery 940 can provide the power required for the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device 900 (such as the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980). The battery 940 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0087] The heater 950 may receive power from the battery 940 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 940 and supplies it to the heater 950. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 900 generates aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a DC / AC converter to convert the DC power of the battery 940 into AC power.

[0088] The control unit 910, the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980 may receive power from the battery 940 to implement their functions. Figure 6 Not shown, a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts power of the battery 940 and supplies the power to each component may also be included.

[0089] In one embodiment, the heater 950 may be formed of a predetermined resistive material suitable for generating heat. For example, the 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, nickel-chromium, etc., but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 950 may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate arranged with an electrical conductive trace, a ceramic heating element, etc., but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0090] In another embodiment, the heater 950 may be an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 950 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating substance.

[0091] In one embodiment, the heater 950 includes a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 950 may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0092] The user input unit 960 may receive information input by a user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 960 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitance type, pressure sensitive film type, infrared sensor type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a roller, a micro switch, etc., but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Figure 6 Not shown, the aerosol generating device 900 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the USB interface to send and receive information, or to charge the battery 940.

[0093] The memory 970 is hardware for storing various data processed by the aerosol generating device 900, and can store data processed by the control unit 910 and data to be processed. The memory 970 is at least one storage medium selected from a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (such as an SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 970 can store a lot of aerosol generating device operation information such as the operation time of the aerosol generating device 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, and the user's smoking pattern data.

[0094] The communication unit 980 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 may include a short-range communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984 .

[0095] The short-range wireless communication unit 982 includes a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit (Near Field Communication unit), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct connection (WFD) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but the implementation method is not limited to this.

[0096] The wireless communication unit 984 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 984 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network.

[0097] The control unit 910 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In one embodiment, the control unit 910 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program executable by the microprocessor. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the at least one processor may be other forms of hardware.

[0098] The control unit 910 may control the temperature of the heater 950 by controlling the power supply from the battery 940 to the heater 950. For example, the control unit 910 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In another example, the heating integrated circuit may control the power supply to the heater 950 according to the control command of the control unit 910.

[0099] The control unit 910 may analyze the detection result of the sensing unit 920 and control the subsequent process. For example, the control unit 910 may control the power supplied to the heater 950 according to the detection result of the sensing unit 920, thereby starting and shutting down the heater 950. For another example, the control unit 910 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 950 and the power supply time according to the detection result of the sensing unit 920, so that the heater 950 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a suitable temperature.

[0100] The control unit 910 may control the output unit 930 according to the result detected by the sensing unit 920. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 926 reaches a preset number, the control unit 910 may inform the user through at least one of the display unit 932, the tactile unit 934, and the sound output unit 936 that the aerosol generating device 900 is about to stop.

[0101] In one embodiment, the control unit 910 may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 950 according to the state of the aerosol generating product detected by the sensing unit 920. For example, when the aerosol generating product is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 910 may control the power supply time to the induction coil, thereby extending the preheating time of the aerosol generating product compared to the normal state.

[0102] One embodiment may be implemented as a storage medium, which includes instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executable by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media accessible by a computer, and include all volatile media, non-volatile media, and removable media, non-removable media. In addition, computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include all volatile / non-volatile media and removable / non-removable media implemented by a specific method or technology for storing information of computer-readable instruction codes, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instruction codes, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals of carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0103] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. Appropriate results may be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if the constituent elements in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined or combined in different forms, or replaced or substituted by other constituent elements or equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the specific contents of the specification, and all changes within the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be interpreted as included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: include: The inhalation part allows the user to inhale the aerosol. a storage portion capable of storing the aerosol-forming substrate, an atomizing unit, capable of atomizing the aerosol-forming matrix using surface acoustic waves, a connecting portion, connecting the storage portion and the atomization portion and capable of transferring the aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the atomization portion, and The channel portion spans across at least a portion of the inhalation portion, the storage portion, and the connection portion, and is capable of allowing the aerosol-forming substrate to be atomized to move.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inhalation portion, the storage portion, the connection portion, and the channel portion are formed as one body, and can be coupled to or separated from the aerosol generating device.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The atomization portion includes a surface acoustic wave generating element for generating surface acoustic waves, a substrate element for transmitting the generated surface acoustic waves, and a cavity element for preventing the atomized aerosol-forming substrate from escaping.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the channel portion can communicate with the cavity element.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inhalation part, the atomization part, and the connection part are formed as one body, and the storage part can be coupled to or separated from the aerosol generating device.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting portion is capable of transferring the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage portion to the atomization portion by means of capillary action.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the connection portion can be in contact with the substrate element, The connecting portion comprises a channel element capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate to the base element and a control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the moved aerosol-forming substrate.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a power supply unit for supplying power to the atomization unit. The inhalation unit includes a breathing sensor, and the atomization unit is connected to the breathing sensor to adjust the generation of surface acoustic waves.

9. A stick-shaped member for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that: include: The inhalation part allows the user to inhale the aerosol. a storage portion capable of storing the aerosol-forming substrate, a connecting portion capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage portion, The channel portion spans across at least a portion of the inhalation portion, the storage portion, and the connection portion, and is capable of allowing the aerosol to move.

10. The stick-shaped member for an aerosol generating device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The storage portion is arranged between the suction portion and the connection portion.

11. The stick-shaped member for an aerosol generating device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The channel portion is formed to penetrate the centers of the suction portion, the storage portion, and the connection portion.

12. The stick-shaped member for an aerosol generating device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The suction portion, the storage portion, and the connection portion are formed in a cylindrical shape.

13. The stick-shaped member for an aerosol generating device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The channel portion is formed to contact the suction portion, the storage portion, and one side surface of the connection portion.

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