Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a supply unit having an aerosol-forming substrate; a substrate part on which the aerosol-forming substrate can be atomized; a surface wave generation unit capable of transmitting, to the substrate unit, a surface elastic wave for atomizing the sol-forming substrate; and an inhalation part through which a user can inhale the aerosol-forming substrate atomized in the substrate part, the supply part being capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate part.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Recently, there is an increasing need for alternative products that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, an inhaler is a device for inhaling a composition such as a drug in liquid or gas form through the oral cavity or nasal cavity. This inhaler has a container for containing the inhalable composition, and the composition is inhaled by spraying it from the container through an inhalation port to the user's oral cavity or nasal cavity using a thin tube.

[0003] As an example of the prior art, European Patent No. 0017578 (grant date: March 19, 1980) discloses an inhaler.

[0004] The content of the above background technology is what the inventor has mastered or learned in the process of deriving the disclosure of the present invention, and should not be understood as necessarily being the known technology disclosed to the general public before the present application. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical problems to be solved

[0006] One embodiment provides an aerosol generating device using surface elastic waves.

[0007] One embodiment is directed to an aerosol generating device capable of controlling the atomization of a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates.

[0008] One embodiment is directed to providing an aerosol generating device capable of controlling the amount of atomization.

[0009] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0010] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include: a supply portion having an aerosol-forming matrix; a substrate portion capable of atomizing the aerosol-forming matrix; a surface wave generating portion capable of transmitting surface elastic waves for atomizing the aerosol-forming matrix to the substrate portion; and an inhalation portion capable of allowing a user to inhale the aerosol-forming matrix atomized in the substrate portion, and the supply portion can move the aerosol-forming matrix to the substrate portion.

[0011] The supply portion may include: a storage element capable of storing the aerosol-forming substrate; and a channel element connected to the storage element and capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage element.

[0012] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plurality of liquid phases of different kinds, the supply comprising a first storage element capable of storing a first liquid phase and a second storage element capable of storing a second liquid phase.

[0013] The channel element may move the aerosol-forming substrate by capillary action.

[0014] The supply may further comprise a control element capable of controlling a flow rate of the aerosol-forming substrate moving through the channel element.

[0015] The supply part may include: a first channel element capable of moving the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element; and a second channel element capable of moving the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element.

[0016] The supply portion may further include: a third storage element connected to the first channel element and the second channel element and capable of mixing the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase; and a third channel element capable of moving the mixed first liquid phase and the second liquid phase from the third storage element to the substrate portion.

[0017] The surface wave generating section may include: a plurality of surface wave generating elements capable of generating surface elastic waves independently of each other.

[0018] The supply unit may further include: a first control element capable of controlling a flow rate of the moved first liquid phase; and a second control element capable of controlling a flow rate of the moved second liquid phase.

[0019] The substrate portion may include: a first substrate, which allows the first liquid phase to be atomized; and a second substrate, which allows the second liquid phase to be atomized. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes: a reaction portion, which allows the atomized first liquid phase and the second liquid phase to react.

[0020] The surface wave generating section may include: a first surface wave generating element capable of transmitting surface elastic waves to the first substrate; and a second surface wave generating element capable of transmitting surface elastic waves to the second substrate.

[0021] The surface wave generating unit may include: a first surface wave generating element capable of transmitting surface elastic waves to the substrate unit; and a second surface wave generating element capable of transmitting surface elastic waves to the third storage element.

[0022] The channel element may have a porous structure.

[0023] Technical Effects

[0024] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can generate aerosol using surface elastic waves.

[0025] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is capable of controlling the atomization of a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates.

[0026] The aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is capable of controlling the amount of atomization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 A block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown including a channel element and a storage element.

[0029] Figure 3 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown comprising a plurality of storage elements.

[0030] Figure 4 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown comprising a plurality of channel elements.

[0031] Figure 5a and Figure 5b An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown comprising an additional storage element and a channel element.

[0032] Figure 6a and Figure 6b An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown comprising a control element.

[0033] Figure 7 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment including a reaction part is shown.

[0034] Figures 8 to 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol-generating device.

[0035] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0036] Fig.13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In the absence of special instructions in the content, the singular expression is intended to include the plural expression. In this specification, the terms "including" or "having" are used to express the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, structural elements, components or their combinations recorded in the specification, but do not exclude the possibility of the existence or additional existence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, structural elements, components or their combinations.

[0041] 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 embodiments belong. Commonly used terms as defined in dictionaries should be understood to have the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formalized meanings if they are not clearly defined in this specification.

[0042] In the process of describing with reference to the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same structural elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In the process of describing the embodiments, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology will cause unnecessary confusion to the present disclosure, its detailed description is omitted.

[0043] Furthermore, when describing the structural elements of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the structural element from other structural elements, and are not used to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding structural elements. When describing that a structural element is "connected," "combined," or "attached" to another structural element, it should be understood that one structural element may be directly connected or attached to another structural element, and an intermediate structural element may also be "connected," "combined," or "attached" to the structural element.

[0044] When a structural element has a common function with a structural element of a certain embodiment, the same name is used for description in other embodiments. In the absence of contrary description, the description recorded in a certain embodiment can be equally applicable to other embodiments, and the specific description of the repeated scope can be omitted.

[0045] In addition, terms such as “unit” and “module” described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or action, which can be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0046] Figure 1 A block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include: a surface wave generating part 41 , a supply part 45 , a substrate part 47 and a suction part 49 .

[0048] The surface wave generating unit 41 can generate surface elastic waves for atomizing the liquid. The surface elastic wave is a sound wave propagating along the surface of an elastomer substrate, which is generated by an electrical signal as a result of the piezoelectric effect. The surface elastic wave generated in the surface wave generating unit 41 can atomize the aerosol-forming substrate by encountering the aerosol-forming substrate. The surface elastic wave generated by the surface wave generating unit 41 can be transmitted to the substrate unit 47.

[0049] The surface wave generating unit 41 can be designed to operate and generate surface elastic waves only when the user inhales the aerosol generating device. For example, the surface wave generating unit 41 can include a breathing sensor (not shown). The breathing sensor installed on the surface wave generating unit 41 can detect this when the user inhales the aerosol generating device, and generate an electrical control signal to activate the surface wave generating unit only when inhaling.

[0050] The supply unit 45 can store an aerosol-forming substrate and supply it to the substrate unit 47. The aerosol-forming substrate can be in the form of a liquid phase, and the supply unit 45 can store a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates of different types. For example, an example of an aerosol-forming substrate that can be stored in the supply unit 45 is a nicotine solution of a preset concentration. Examples of aerosol-forming substrates can include a liquid phase containing a flavor, a liquid phase containing a health functional substance or other functional substances. In addition to the nicotine solution, the supply unit 47 can also store a variety of liquid phases.

[0051] The substrate portion 47 may receive an aerosol-forming substrate from the supply portion 45. The substrate portion 47 may receive a surface elastic wave from the surface wave generating portion 41. The surface elastic wave transmitted from the supply portion 45 to the substrate portion 47 may atomize the aerosol-forming substrate supplied from the supply portion 45 to the substrate portion 47. In other words, atomization of the aerosol-forming substrate occurs in the substrate portion 47. The atomized aerosol-forming substrate may be in an aerosol state that can be inhaled by a user.

[0052] The user may inhale the aerosol atomized in the substrate portion 47 through the inhalation portion 49. The inhalation portion may include a flow path (not shown) for the generated aerosol to move and a mouthpiece (not shown) for the user to inhale.

[0053] However, Figure 1 The connection and operation states of the structural elements of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment are only conceptually shown, which does not represent the physical arrangement state of each structural element, and the same applies to the following description with reference to the drawings.

[0054] Figure 2 A block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown including a channel element and a storage element.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 According to an embodiment, the supply part 45 of the aerosol generating device may include a storage element 451 and a channel element 452. The storage element 451 may store the aerosol-forming substrate. As described above, the aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of a liquid phase, and the storage element 451 may be provided with a housing (not shown) capable of accommodating the liquid phase.

[0056] The channel element 452 can move the aerosol-forming matrix stored in the storage element 451 toward the substrate portion 47. The channel element 452 connects the storage element 451 and the substrate portion 47, and forms a capillary action between the storage element 451 and the substrate portion 47. For example, the channel element 452 can be a porous core (Wick). The channel element 452 can be a porous structure made by sintering polymers, ceramics, etc. The channel element 452 can be a paper filter rod or a cotton core. The channel element 452 can be formed into a micro channel (micro channel) for conveying a small volume of fluid. However, the shape of the channel element 452 is not limited to this, and the following description is also the same.

[0057] The aerosol-forming substrate moved to the substrate portion 47 through the channel element 542 can be applied to the substrate portion 47 so that the surface wave generating portion 41 can more easily atomize it. In other words, the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid phase supplied to the substrate portion 47 can exist in the form of being applied to the surface of the substrate portion 47.

[0058] The surface elastic waves transmitted from the surface wave generating portion 41 to the substrate portion 47 may atomize the aerosol-forming substrate that moves from the storage element 451 to the substrate portion 47 through the channel element 452 , and be inhaled by the user through the inhalation portion 49 .

[0059] Figure 3 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown comprising a plurality of storage elements.

[0060] Reference Figure 3, the supply unit 45 may include a first storage element 4511 and a second storage element 4512. The number of storage elements 451 that the supply unit 45 may include is not limited thereto, and further storage elements may be added to the supply unit as needed. The number of storage elements may be increased or decreased depending on the type of aerosol-forming substrate to be atomized.

[0061] The first storage element 4511 can store a first liquid phase. The second storage element 4512 can store a second liquid phase. The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase can be the above-mentioned aerosol-forming matrix, and can be different types of liquids from each other. The channel element 452 is connected to the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512, and can supply the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase stored in each storage element to the substrate portion 47. The first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 and the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 can be mixed in the process of moving with the help of the channel element 452. The channel element 452 can mix the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase and supply them to the substrate portion 47.

[0062] The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase moved from the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47 by means of the channel element 452 are atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generating portion 41 to the substrate portion 47 and are inhaled by the user through the inhalation portion 49 .

[0063] Figure 4 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown comprising a plurality of channel elements.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 The supply portion 45 may include: a first storage element 4511 , a second storage element 4512 , a first channel element 4521 , and a second channel element 4522 .

[0065] The first storage element 4511 may store a first liquid phase. The second storage element 4512 may store a second liquid phase. The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase may be the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrate, and may be different types of liquids from each other.

[0066] The first channel element 4521 can move the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 to the substrate portion 47. The second channel element 4522 can move the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47. The first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 can act independently and move the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase respectively through separate units. For example, the first channel element 4521 supplies the first liquid phase to the substrate portion by capillary action; and the second channel element 4522 is formed as a microchannel with an additional power unit, thereby supplying the second liquid phase to the substrate portion 47. The first channel element 4521 continuously supplies the first liquid phase to the substrate portion by capillary action, and the second channel element 4522 controls the opening and closing of the channel through a valve unit, thereby supplying or stopping the supply of the second liquid phase to the substrate portion 47. Since the supply portion 45 includes the first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522, the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase can be independently supplied to the substrate portion 47. Therefore, the atomization of the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase can be independently controlled. The forms of the first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 are not limited to those described above, and the same applies to the following description.

[0067] The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase moved from the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512 to the substrate part 47 respectively by means of the first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 can be atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generating part 41 to the substrate part 47 and inhaled by the user through the suction part 49.

[0068] Figure 5a and Figure 5b An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown comprising an additional storage element and a channel element.

[0069] Reference Figure 5a The supply portion 45 may include: a first storage element 4511 , a second storage element 4512 , a third storage element 4513 , a first channel element 4521 , a second channel element 4522 , and a third channel element 4523 .

[0070] The first storage element 4511 may store a first liquid phase. The second storage element 4512 may store a second liquid phase. The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase may be the above-mentioned aerosol-forming substrate, and may be different types of liquids from each other.

[0071] The first channel element 4521 may move the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 to the third storage element 4513. The second channel element 4522 may move the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 to the third storage element 4513.

[0072] In the third storage element 4513, the first liquid phase supplied from the first storage element 4511 and the second liquid phase supplied from the second storage element 4512 are mixed. At this time, the surface wave generating section 41 can transmit the surface elastic wave to the third storage element 4513. The surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generating section 41 to the third storage element 4513 can promote the mixing of the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase. The third channel element 4523 can transmit the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase mixed in the third storage element 4513 to the substrate section 47.

[0073] As described above, the first channel element 4521, the second channel element 4522, and the third channel element 4523 may act independently, and the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase may be moved respectively by separate units.

[0074] The mixed liquid of the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase that moves from the third storage element 4513 to the substrate portion 47 by means of the third channel element 4523 is atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generating portion 41 to the substrate portion 47 and is inhaled by the user through the inhalation portion 49.

[0075] Reference Figure 5b The surface wave generating section 41 may include a first surface wave generating element 411 and a second surface wave generating element 412 .

[0076] The first surface wave generating element 411 can transmit surface elastic waves to the substrate portion 47. The surface elastic waves transmitted from the first surface wave generating element 411 to the substrate portion 47 can atomize the aerosol-forming matrix of the substrate portion 47. The second surface wave generating element 412 can transmit surface elastic waves to the third storage element 4513. The surface elastic waves transmitted from the second surface wave generating element 412 to the third storage element 4513 can promote the mixing of the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase in the third storage element 4513. The structures and functions of the first storage element 4511, the second storage element 4512, the third storage element 4513, the first channel element 4521, the second channel element 4522, the third channel element 4523, the substrate portion 47 and the suction portion 49 can be the same as those described above. Figure 5a Same as the instructions in .

[0077] Figure 6a and Figure 6b An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown comprising a control element.

[0078] Reference Figure 6a The supply portion 45 may include: a first storage element 4511 , a second storage element 4512 , a first channel element 4521 , a second channel element 4522 and a control element 453 .

[0079] The first channel element 4521 may move the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 to the substrate portion 47. The second channel element 4522 may move the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47. The first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 may operate independently.

[0080] Control element 453 can control the flow rate of the liquid aerosol formed matrix moved by channel element 452. For example, control element 453 can control the flow rate of the first liquid phase moved by first channel element 4521. Control element 453 can control the flow rate of the second liquid phase moved by second channel element 4522. Control element 453 can control the flow rate of the liquid phase moved by controlling the speed of the liquid phase. For example, control element 453 can be a micro pump. For example, control element 453 can supply the first liquid phase, the second liquid phase or both to substrate portion 47 at a speed of 0.1ml / s-1ml / s. Control element 453 can be equipped with a power unit (not shown) to control the flow rate of liquid. By controlling the flow rate of each liquid supplied to substrate portion 47, the aerosol atomization amount generated in substrate portion 47 can be controlled.

[0081] The first and second liquid phases moved from the first and second storage elements 4511 and 4512 to the substrate portion 47 by means of the channel element 452 and the control element 453 can be atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generating portion 41 to the substrate portion 47 and inhaled by the user through the inhalation portion 49 .

[0082] Reference Figure 6b , the supply portion 45 may include a plurality of control elements 453. For example, the supply portion 45 may include a first control element 4531 and a second control element 4532. The first control element 4531 may control the flow rate of the first liquid phase moving through the first channel element 4521. The second control element 4532 may control the flow rate of the second liquid phase moving through the second channel element 4522. The first control element 4531 and the second control element 4532 may act independently. The structures and functions of the first storage element 4511, the second storage element 4512, the first channel element 4521, the second channel element 4522, the surface wave generating portion 41, the substrate portion 47, and the suction portion 49 may be the same as those described above. Figure 6a Same as described in.

[0083] Figure 7 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment including a reaction part is shown.

[0084] Reference Figure 7 According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include: a surface wave generating part 41 , a supply part 45 , a substrate part 47 , a reaction part 48 and an inhalation part 49 .

[0085] The supply portion 45 may include a first storage element 4511 , a second storage element 4512 , a first channel element 4521 , a second channel element 4522 , a first control element 4531 , and a second control element 4532 .

[0086] The substrate portion 47 may include a first substrate 471 and a second substrate 472. The first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 may move to the first substrate 471 through the first channel element 4521 and the first control element 4531. The second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 may move to the second substrate 472 through the second channel element 4522 and the second control element 4532.

[0087] The surface wave generating section 41 may include a first surface wave generating element 411 and a second surface wave generating element 412. The first surface wave generating element 411 may transmit surface elastic waves to the first substrate 471 of the substrate section 47 and the second surface wave generating element 412 may transmit surface elastic waves to the second substrate 472 of the substrate section 47.

[0088] The first liquid phase moved to the first substrate 471 may be atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the first surface wave generating element 411 , and the second liquid phase moved to the second substrate 472 may be atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the second surface wave generating element 412 .

[0089] In the reaction part 48, the first liquid phase atomized in the first substrate 471 and the second liquid phase atomized in the second substrate 472 can meet and react with each other. The atomized first liquid phase and the second liquid phase can react in the reaction part 48 to form an inhalable aerosol. The reaction part 48 may include an additional housing (not shown) for mixing the atomized first liquid phase and the second liquid phase. The inhalable aerosol formed in the reaction part 48 can be inhaled by the user through the inhalation part 49.

[0090] Figures 8 to 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0091] Reference Figure 8 The aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12 and a heater 13. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14 . Furthermore, the cigarette 2 can be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0092] Figures 8 to 10 The aerosol generating device 1 shows the structure related to this embodiment. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that, except Figures 8 to 10In addition to the structural elements shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include other common structural elements.

[0093] and, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The aerosol generating device 1 includes a heater 13, but the heater 13 may be omitted as required.

[0094] Figure 8 The battery 11, the control unit 12 and the heater 13 are linearly aligned. Fig. 9 The battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Fig.10 The vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figures 8 to 10 That is, the arrangement of the battery 11 , the control unit 12 , the heater 13 , and the vaporizer 14 may be changed according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0095] When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 to generate aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the vaporizer 14 can pass through the cigarette 2 and be transmitted to the user.

[0096] Even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 , the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 as needed.

[0097] The battery 11 can supply the power required for the aerosol generating device 1 to operate. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply power required for the controller 12 to operate. In addition, the battery 11 can supply power required for the display, sensor, motor, etc. provided on the aerosol generating device 1 to operate.

[0098] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, in addition to the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, the control unit 12 can also control the operation of other structural elements included in the aerosol generating device 1. In addition, the control unit 12 can also determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state by confirming the state of each structural element of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0099] The control unit 12 includes 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 also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0100] The heater 13 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, the heater 13 may be located outside the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. Therefore, the heated heater 13 may increase the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0101] For example, the heater 13 may be a resistive heater. In this example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above examples, and any example may be applied without limitation as long as the heater 13 can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 1, or may also be set to a desired temperature by a user.

[0102] As another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0103] 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 may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 according to the shape of the heating element.

[0104] In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be provided with a plurality of heaters 13. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be configured to be inserted into the inside of the cigarette 2, or may be configured outside the cigarette 2. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be configured to be inserted into the cigarette 2, while the remaining heaters may be configured outside the cigarette 2. However, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 The shape shown, but can be made into various shapes.

[0105] The vaporizer 14 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can move along the airflow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow path can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can be delivered to the user through the cigarette.

[0106] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include: a liquid storage portion, a liquid transfer unit, and a heating element, but is not limited thereto. For example, the liquid storage portion, the liquid transfer unit, and the heating element may also be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0107] The liquid storage portion can store a liquid composition. The liquid composition can be, for example, a liquid containing a tobacco substance containing a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or can be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage portion can be made to be able to be loaded and unloaded from the vaporizer 14, or the liquid storage portion can be made into one with the vaporizer 14.

[0108] For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. Spices may include, for example, menthol, mint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor ingredients, etc., but are not limited thereto. Flavorings may include ingredients that provide users with various tastes or smells. Vitamin mixtures may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, or vitamin E, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0109] The liquid transfer unit may transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage part to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer unit may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] The heating element may be an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer unit. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive wire such as a nickel-chromium wire, and may be configured as a structure wound around the liquid transfer unit. The heating element may be heated when supplied with an electric current, and heat may be transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0111] For example, the vaporizer 14 may also be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] Meanwhile, in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include common structural elements. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display that outputs visual information and / or a motor that outputs tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, and a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may be made to have a structure in which external air may flow into the structure or internal gas may flow out of the structure even when the cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0113] Despite Figures 8 to 10 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 1 can form a system together with an additional cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 can also be used to heat when the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are combined.

[0114] The cigarette 2 may be of a type similar to a general combustion type. For example, the cigarette 2 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating substance and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 2 may also include an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance provided in a granular or capsule form may be inserted into the second portion.

[0115] The first part may be completely inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in the mouth. In this case, the aerosol may be generated by the outside air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0116] In one example, external air can flow in through at least one air path formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air path formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the size of the air path can be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, etc. can be adjusted by the user. In another example, external air can flow into the interior of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0117] Next, we will refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 An example of a cigarette 2 is described.

[0118] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette.

[0119] Reference Fig.11 The cigarette 2 may include a cigarette rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Figures 1 to 3 The described first part 21 and second part 22 may include a cigarette rod 21 and a filter rod 22, respectively.

[0120] Although the filter rod 22 is Fig.11 2 is shown as having a single segment, but the example of the filter stick is not limited to this. In other words, the filter stick 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter stick 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering the prescribed components contained in the aerosol. In addition, as required, the filter stick 22 may also include at least one segment that performs other functions.

[0121] The diameter of the cigarette 2 may be in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the cigarette rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first section of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second section of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third section of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0122] The cigarette 2 may be packaged with at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air flows in or internal gas is discharged to the outside. For example, the cigarette 2 may be packaged with one wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 may be packaged with two or more wrappers 24 in an overlapping manner. For example, the cigarette rod 21 may be packaged with a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged with wrappers 242, 243, and 244. In addition, the entire cigarette 2 may be packaged again with a single wrapper 245. For example, when the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments may be packaged with wrappers 242, 243, and 244, respectively.

[0123] The first package 241 and the second package 242 can be made of general filter plug wrapping paper. For example, the first package 241 and the second package 242 can be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper. In addition, the first package 241 and the second package 242 can be formed of oil-proof paper and / or aluminum laminated packaging materials.

[0124] The third packaging member 243 can be made of hard packaging paper. For example, the basis weight of the third packaging member 243 can be included in 88g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 range, and may preferably be contained in 90g / m 2 ~94g / m 2In addition, the thickness of the third package member 243 may be included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and may be preferably 125 μm.

[0125] The fourth package 244 can be made of oil-proof hard packaging paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 can be included in 88g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 The range of and may preferably be included in 90g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the fourth package member 244 may be included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and may be preferably 125 μm.

[0126] The fifth package 245 may be made of sterilization paper (MFW). Here, sterilization paper (MFW) refers to specially prepared paper so that the paper has enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared with general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 245 may be included in 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 The range is preferably 60 g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the fifth package member 245 may be included in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and may be preferably 67 μm.

[0127] The fifth package 245 may have a predetermined substance built therein. The predetermined substance may be, for example, silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has heat resistance with small changes in temperature, oxidation resistance without being oxidized, drug resistance to various drugs, water repellency, or electrical insulation, etc. However, silicone is not necessarily used, but any material having the above properties may be coated (or coated) to the fifth package 245 without restriction.

[0128] The fifth packaging member 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from being ignited. For example, when the cigarette rod 210 is heated by the heating unit, the cigarette 2 has the possibility of being ignited. For example, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the substances included in the cigarette rod 21, the cigarette 2 can be ignited. Even in this case, since the fifth packaging member 245 includes a flame retardant substance, the cigarette 2 can be prevented from being ignited.

[0129] In addition, the fifth packaging member 245 can prevent the cigarette holder 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarette 2. For example, liquid substances may be generated in the cigarette 2 through the user's inhalation. For example, when the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is cooled by the external air, such liquid substances (for example, moisture, etc.) are generated. Therefore, packaging the cigarette 2 with the fifth packaging member 245 can prevent the liquid substances generated in the cigarette 2 from leaking to the outside of the cigarette 2.

[0130] The cigarette rod 21 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the cigarette rod 21 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. In addition, the cigarette rod 21 may include a flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, etc., which is added when it is sprayed onto the cigarette rod 21.

[0131] The tobacco rod 21 can be made in various forms. The tobacco rod 21 can be made of a sheet, a strand, or shredded tobacco cut from tobacco sheets. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped with a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conductive material wrapping the tobacco rod 21 can evenly disperse the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to increase the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, and thereby enhance the taste of the tobacco. In addition, the heat-conductive material wrapping the tobacco rod 21 can function as a receptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional receptor in addition to the heat-conductive material wrapping the outside thereof.

[0132] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter rod. However, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod including a hollow portion therein. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. For example, when the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be made into different shapes.

[0133] The first section of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter rod. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure, the interior of which includes a hollow portion. When the heater 13 is inserted using the first section, it can not only prevent the internal material of the cigarette rod 210 from being squeezed backward, but also produce a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow portion included in the first section may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] The length of the first section can be an appropriate length in the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first section can be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0135] When manufacturing the first section, the hardness of the first section can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer. In addition, the first section can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube of the same or different material inside (eg, a hollow portion).

[0136] The second section of the filter rod 22 can cool the aerosol generated when the heater 13 heats the cigarette rod 21. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0137] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways according to the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted in the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment can be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0138] The second section may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the fibers made of polymer may also be coated with a flavoring liquid. Alternatively, the second section may also be made by weaving together additional fibers coated with a flavoring liquid and the fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

[0139] For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0140] As the second section is formed by woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second section may include a single or multiple channels extending longitudinally. Here, the channel used herein refers to a path for gas (eg, air or aerosol) to pass through.

[0141] For example, the second segment formed of the rolled polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. In addition, the total surface area of ​​the second segment may be about 300 mm 2 / mm and about 1000mm 2 / mm. In addition, the aerosol-cooling element can be made from a 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 / mg of material with a specific surface area between the range of 1:1 to 2:1.

[0142] The second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. The volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide more than 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

[0143] The third section of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter rod. The length of the third section may be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third section may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0144] In the process of making the third section, it can also be made so that flavor is generated by spraying flavoring liquid onto the third section. Alternatively, an additional fiber coated with flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the third section. The aerosol generated in the cigarette rod 21 can be cooled in the process of passing through the second section of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol can be delivered to the user through the third section. Therefore, when the flavoring element is added to the third section, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be produced.

[0145] In addition, the filter stick 22 may include at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor, or may perform a function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may be a structure that wraps a liquid containing a flavor with a coating. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0146] Reference Fig.12 The cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be located on the side of the cigarette rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 may prevent the cigarette rod 31 from escaping to the outside, and may also prevent the liquidized aerosol from flowing from the cigarette rod 31 into the aerosol generating device ( Figures 8 to 10 1).

[0147] The filter rod 32 may include a first section 321 and a second section 322. Here, the first section 321 may correspond to Figure 1 The first section of the filter rod 22, and the second section 322 may correspond to Figure 1 The third section of the filter rod 22.

[0148] The diameter and total length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to Fig.11 The diameter and total length of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the cigarette rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first section 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second section 322 may be about 14 mm, but it is not limited thereto.

[0149] The cigarette 3 may be packaged with at least one packaging member 35. At least one hole for the external air to flow in or the internal gas to flow out may be formed in the packaging member 35. For example, the front end plug 33 may be packaged with a first packaging member 351, the cigarette rod 31 may be packaged with a second packaging member 352, the first section 321 may be packaged with a third packaging member 253, and the second section 322 may be packaged with a fourth packaging member 354. In addition, the entire cigarette 3 may be packaged again with a fifth packaging member 355.

[0150] In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed on the fifth packaging member 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the cigarette rod 21, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may be formed to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The heat generated by the heater 13 shown is transferred to the interior of the cigarette rod 31.

[0151] In addition, the second section 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform the function of generating flavor and may also perform the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may be a structure in which a liquid containing flavor is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The first package 351 may be in the form of a metal foil such as aluminum foil combined with a general filter plug wrap. For example, the total thickness of the first package 251 may be included in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and may be preferably 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be included in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and may be preferably 6.3 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the first package 251 may be included in the range of 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 The range of and may preferably be 53g / m 2 .

[0153] The second packaging member 352 and the third packaging member 353 can be made of general filter plug wrapping paper. For example, the second packaging member 352 and the third packaging member 353 can be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0154] For example, the porosity of the second packaging member 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second packaging member 352 may be included in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and may be preferably 78 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the second packaging member 352 may be included in the range of 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 The range of and may preferably be 23.5g / m 2 .

[0155] For example, the porosity of the third packaging member 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the third packaging member 353 may be included in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and may be preferably 68 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the third packaging member 353 may be included in the range of 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 The range of and may preferably be 21g / m 2 .

[0156] The fourth package 354 may be made of polylactic acid (PLA) laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper refers to a three-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth package 354 may be included in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and may be preferably 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be included in 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 The range of and may preferably be 88g / m 2 .

[0157] The fifth package 355 may be made of sterilization paper (e.g., MFW). Here, sterilization paper (MFW) refers to specially prepared paper so that the paper has enhanced tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared with general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 355 may be contained in 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 The range is preferably 60 g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the fifth package member 355 may be included in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and may be preferably 67 μm.

[0158] The fifth package 355 may have a predetermined substance built therein. The predetermined substance may be, for example, silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has heat resistance with small changes in temperature, oxidation resistance without being oxidized, drug resistance to various drugs, water repellency, or electrical insulation, etc. However, silicone is not necessarily used, but any material having the above properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth package 355 without restriction.

[0159] The front end plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow can be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and can preferably be included in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the front end plug 33 can be 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 can be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 can be included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and can preferably be included in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front end plug 33 can be 28,000.

[0160] In addition, as required, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various ways.

[0161] The cigarette rod 31 may correspond to the above reference Fig.11 Therefore, the detailed description of the cigarette rod 31 will be omitted here.

[0162] The first section 321 may be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure including a hollow portion therein. The first section 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tow. For example, the single denier and total denier of the first section 321 may be the same as the single denier and total denier of the front end plug 33.

[0163] The second section 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The single denier of the filaments constituting the second section 322 may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and may preferably be included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the single denier of the filaments of the second section 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments of the second section 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second section 322 may be included in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and may preferably be 25,000.

[0164] Fig.13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 900 according to another embodiment.

[0165] The aerosol generating device 900 may include: a control unit 910, a detection 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 that shown in FIG6. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 900, some of the structural elements shown in FIG6 may be omitted, or new structural elements may be added.

[0166] The detection unit 920 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 900 or the state of the surroundings 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 based on the detected information, thereby performing various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating product (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0167] The detection part 920 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 922, an insertion detection sensor 924, and a suction sensor 926, but is not limited thereto.

[0168] The temperature sensor 922 can detect the temperature heated by the heater 950 (or the aerosol generating material). The aerosol generating device 900 can include an additional temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself can perform the role of the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 can also be configured around the battery 940 to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0169] The insertion detection sensor 924 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. 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 corresponding to the aerosol generating article being inserted and / or removed.

[0170] The suction sensor 926 can detect the user's suction based on various physical changes of 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.

[0171] In addition to the above sensors (922 to 926), the detection unit 9120 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 an RGB sensor (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.

[0172] The output unit 930 may output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 900 and provide it to the user. The output unit 930 may include at least one of a display unit 932, a tactile unit 934, and an audio output unit 936, but 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 being used as an output device.

[0173] The display unit 932 can provide information related to the aerosol generating device 900 to the user in a visual manner. For example, the information related to 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 product, or the use restriction state of the aerosol generating device 900 (for example, abnormal products are detected), and the display unit 932 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 932 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 932 can also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0174] The haptic portion 934 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation to provide the user with information related to the aerosol generating device 900 in a tactile manner. For example, the haptic portion 934 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0175] The audio output unit 936 may provide the user with information related to the aerosol generating device 900 in an auditory manner. For example, the audio output unit 936 may convert an electrical signal into an audio signal and output the audio signal to the outside.

[0176] The battery 940 can provide the electricity (i.e., 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 structural elements in the aerosol generating device 900 (e.g., the detection 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 is not limited thereto.

[0177] The heater 950 may receive power from the battery 940 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Fig. 9 Although not shown in the figure, 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.

[0178] The control unit 910, the detection 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 perform functions. Although not shown in FIG. 6, a power conversion circuit, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery 940 and supplies the power to each structural element may also be included.

[0179] In one embodiment, the heater 950 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 950 may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate equipped with an electrical conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0180] 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.

[0181] The user input unit 960 can receive information input by the 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 method, pressure resistance film method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic wave conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezo-effect method, etc.), a roller, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited to this. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 900 may also have a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can be connected to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information, or charge the battery 940.

[0182] The memory 970 is hardware for storing various data processed in 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 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 data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0183] The communication unit 980 may include at least one structural element 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 .

[0184] The short-range wireless communication unit 982 may include 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 (WFD) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0185] 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., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 984 may also confirm and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network using joining user information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0186] The control unit 910 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In one embodiment, the control unit 910 can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or 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 present invention can also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

[0187] 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.

[0188] The control unit 910 may analyze the result detected by the detection unit 920 and control the processing to be performed later. For example, the control unit 910 may control the power supplied to the heater 950 based on the result detected by the detection unit 920, thereby starting or ending the operation of 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 based on the result detected by the detection unit 920, thereby enabling the heater 950 to be heated to a specified temperature or to maintain a suitable temperature.

[0189] The control unit 910 may control the output unit 930 based on the result detected by the detection unit 920. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 926 reaches a preset number, the control unit 910 may notify the user through at least one of the display unit 932, the tactile unit 934, and the audio output unit 936 that the aerosol generating device 900 is about to end its operation.

[0190] 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 detection unit 920. For example, when the aerosol generating product is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 910 may control the induction coil (e.g. Figure 2 The power supply time of the induction coil 124) is increased, thereby increasing the preheating time of the aerosol generating product compared to the normal state.

[0191] One embodiment can also be implemented as a storage medium, which includes instructions executed by a computer such as a program module that can be executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes 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 (computer storage medium) includes all volatile / non-volatile media and removable / non-removable media implemented by specific methods or technologies for storing information such as computer-readable instruction codes, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media generally include other data or other transmission mechanisms such as modulated data signals (modulated data signals) of computer-readable instruction codes, data structures, program modules, and include any information transmission media.

[0192] As described above, although the embodiments are described using specific contents such as specific structural elements and limited embodiments and drawings in the embodiments, this is provided only to facilitate overall understanding. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and a person skilled in the art of the present invention can make various modifications and deformations from such records. Therefore, the idea of ​​the present invention should not be limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but it should be understood that not only the attached claims, but all contents that are equal to or have equivalent deformations with the attached claims fall within the scope of the idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, in, include: a supply having an aerosol-forming substrate, a substrate portion for aerosol-forming substrate to be atomized, a surface wave generating unit for transmitting a surface elastic wave for atomizing the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate unit, and an inhalation portion for a user to inhale the aerosol-forming substrate atomized in the substrate portion; The supply portion moves the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate portion.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The supply unit includes: a storage element that stores the aerosol-forming substrate; and A channel element is connected to the storage element and moves the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage element.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The aerosol-forming substrate comprises a plurality of liquid phases of different kinds, The supply portion includes a first storage element storing a first liquid phase and a second storage element storing a second liquid phase.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The channel element moves the aerosol-forming substrate by capillary action.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein: The supply unit also includes: A control element controls the flow rate of the aerosol-forming substrate moving through the channel element.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: The supply unit includes: a first channel element that moves the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element; and A second channel element moves the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein: The supply unit also includes: A third storage element connected to the first channel element and the second channel element for mixing the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase; and A third channel element moves the mixed first liquid phase and second liquid phase from the third storage element to the substrate portion.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The surface wave generating unit comprises: A plurality of surface wave generating elements generate surface elastic waves independently of each other.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein: The supply unit also includes: a first control element that controls the flow rate of the first liquid phase that is moved; and A second control element controls the flow rate of the moved second liquid phase.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 or 9, wherein: The substrate portion comprises: a first substrate on which the first liquid phase is atomized, and a second substrate on which the second liquid phase is atomized; The aerosol generating device further comprises: A reaction part is provided for the atomized first liquid phase and the second liquid phase to react with each other.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The surface wave generating unit comprises: a first surface wave generating element that transmits surface elastic waves to the first substrate; and The second surface wave generating element transmits surface elastic waves to the second substrate.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein: The surface wave generating unit comprises: a first surface wave generating element that transmits surface elastic waves to the substrate portion; and The second surface wave generating element transmits the surface elastic wave to the third storage element.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein: The channel element has a porous structure.

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