Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device comprising a housing, a mouth-side end, at least one cartridge configured to store an aerosol-forming substrate, and an aerosol generator connected to the cartridge and configured to generate an aerosol wherein the aerosol generator comprises: a substrate comprising a plate shape; at least one transducer, wherein the at least one transducer is arranged on the substrate; and an atomization region on a surface of the substrate, in which aerosol is generated, in which the substrate is disposed in the housing to form an acute angle with respect to a central axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the housing, and the transducer is configured to convert an electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave (SAW), and the SAW is passed through the substrate to the atomization region to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to an aerosol generating module and an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative solutions that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette rods (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). Aerosols can be generated using an ultrasonic method or a core heating method. When the ultrasonic method is used, the size of the aerosol particles may be uneven and droplets may splash. When the core heating method is used, if the core itself is heated, aerosols may not be generated.

[0003] For example, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, a flavor inhalation component source unit, and an atomization unit.

[0004] The above description is information obtained by one or more of the inventors during the process of conceiving the present disclosure, or information already possessed at the time, and is not necessarily known before the filing of the present application. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] One aspect provides an apparatus for generating fine aerosols having uniform sizes using surface acoustic waves (SAW).

[0007] In one aspect there is provided an aerosol generating device that uniformly provides an aerosol-forming substrate to prevent droplet aggregation.

[0008] Solutions to the problem

[0009] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include: a shell having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a mouth side end portion, the mouth side end portion being arranged on the first surface; at least one cartridge, the at least one cartridge being arranged in the shell and being configured to store an aerosol-forming substrate; and an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator being connected to the cartridge and being configured to generate an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generator may include a substrate, at least one transducer arranged on the substrate, and an atomization area located on the surface of the substrate, the substrate including a plate shape, generating an aerosol in the atomization area, wherein the substrate may be arranged in the shell to form an acute angle relative to a central axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the shell, the longitudinal direction being a direction from the first surface toward the second surface, and wherein the transducer may be configured to convert an electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave (SAW), and the SAW may be transmitted to the atomization area via the substrate to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0010] In an embodiment, the cartridge may include: a first reservoir disposed closer to the first surface than to the second surface; and a second reservoir disposed spaced apart from the first reservoir in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0011] In an embodiment, the second reservoir may be arranged to face the first reservoir across the aerosol generator.

[0012] In an embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir may flow into the second reservoir via the surface of the substrate in the direction of gravity.

[0013] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a core configured to transfer the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol generator, wherein a first end of the core may be connected to the first reservoir and a second end of the core may be connected to the aerosol generator.

[0014] In an embodiment, the second end of the core may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the atomization region.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a connecting member configured to transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir to the core, wherein one end of the connecting member may be connected to the core and the other end of the connecting member may be connected to the second reservoir.

[0016] In an embodiment, the transducer may include a plurality of transducers, and the plurality of transducers may be arranged to face each other across the atomization area.

[0017] In an embodiment, the transducer may include: a first transducer configured to transmit the SAW to the atomization region; and a second transducer configured to transmit the SAW to the atomization region.

[0018] In an embodiment, the transducer may include: a first transducer configured to transmit the SAW to the atomization area; and a second transducer configured to receive the SAW transmitted from the first transducer.

[0019] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include: a sensing unit, the sensing unit being configured to detect an internal state or an external state of the aerosol generating device; and a controller, the controller being configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device according to the internal state or the external state of the aerosol generating device detected by the sensing unit.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sensing unit may include a tilt sensor configured to detect the tilt of the aerosol generating device, and the controller may be configured to adjust the angle formed by the aerosol generator relative to the central axis according to the tilt of the aerosol generating device detected by the tilt sensor.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may include: a shell having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a mouth-side end portion, the mouth-side end portion being arranged on the first surface; a first reservoir, the first reservoir being arranged closer to the first surface than to the second surface, and the first reservoir being configured to store an aerosol-forming substrate; a second reservoir, the second reservoir being arranged to be spaced apart from the first reservoir in a longitudinal direction of the shell, the longitudinal direction being a direction from the first surface toward the second surface, and the second reservoir being configured to store an aerosol-forming substrate; an aerosol generator, the aerosol generator being connected to the first reservoir and configured to generate an aerosol; a core, the core being configured to connect the first reservoir with the aerosol generator and transfer the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol generator; and a connecting member, the connecting member being configured to connect the core with the second reservoir and transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir to the core.

[0022] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator may include: a substrate, the substrate including a plate shape; at least one transducer disposed on the substrate; and an atomization region located on a surface of the substrate, wherein an aerosol is generated in the atomization region, wherein the transducer is configured to convert an electrical signal into a SAW, and the SAW aerosolizes an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0023] In one embodiment, the substrate can be arranged in the shell to form an acute angle relative to a central axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shell, and the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir flows into the second reservoir through the surface of the substrate along the direction of gravity, and the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir flows into the core through the connecting member.

[0024] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0025] The aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can generate fine aerosols having uniform sizes, thereby improving the smell of smoke.

[0026] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may uniformly provide an aerosol-forming substrate to prevent droplet aggregation.

[0027] The effects of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of inserting a cigarette into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of inserting a cigarette into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of inserting a mouthpiece into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7 is a front view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, showing internal components of the aerosol generating device.

[0035] Figure 8 is a side view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, showing internal components of the aerosol generating device.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to an embodiment.

[0037] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Considering the functions of the terms used in the embodiments in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms used in the embodiments are selected from the currently widely used general terms. However, different terms may be used according to the intentions of those of ordinary skill in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, the terms are arbitrarily selected by the applicant of the present disclosure, and the meanings of these terms will be described in detail in the corresponding parts of the specific embodiments. Therefore, the terms used in the present disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and all the contents of the present disclosure, rather than being defined based on the terms themselves.

[0039] It should be understood that when a certain part "includes" a certain component, unless the context clearly stipulates otherwise, the part does not exclude another component, but may include another component. In addition, terms such as "unit", "module", etc. used in the specification may refer to a part for processing at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless otherwise defined herein.

[0041] When describing each embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts, and repeated descriptions related thereto will be omitted. In the description of each embodiment, when it is considered that a detailed description of a well-known related structure or function will lead to an unclear interpretation of the present disclosure, such description will be omitted.

[0042] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) and the like may be used to describe the components of the various embodiments. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component, and the nature, order or sequence of the components are not limited by these terms. It should be understood that if a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "linked" to another component, the one component may be directly "connected," "coupled," and "linked" to the other component, or the one component may be "connected," "coupled," and "linked" to the other component via another component.

[0043] Components included in the embodiment and components having common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise described, a description of one embodiment may be applicable to another embodiment, and redundant descriptions related thereto will be omitted.

[0044] In the following embodiments, the term "aerosol-generating article" may refer to an article that contains a medium, wherein an aerosol passes through the article and the medium is transferred. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article may be a cigarette. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0045] In the following embodiments, the term "upstream" or "upstream direction" may refer to a direction away from the oral region of a user (smoker), and the term "downstream" or "downstream direction" may refer to a direction close to the oral region of a user. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be used to describe the relative positions of components of an aerosol-generating article.

[0046] In the following embodiments, the term "puff" refers to an inhalation performed by a user, and inhalation refers to a case where the user inhales through the mouth or nose into his or her oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0047] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in the internal space.

[0048] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In an embodiment, the heater may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and the heater may be heated as current flows through the conductive track.

[0049] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0050] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be formed in sheets or strands, or may be formed from tobacco leaves finely cut from tobacco sheets. In addition, the tobacco rod may be wrapped with a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0051] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may include at least one section. For example, the filter rod may include a first section for cooling the aerosol and a second section for filtering a predetermined component included in the aerosol.

[0052] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0053] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a main body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably connected to the main body. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the main body, or may be assembled with the main body and may be fastened to the main body without being detached by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while the aerosol generating substance is contained in the cartridge. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the main body.

[0054] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can pass through a cigarette and be delivered to a user. That is, the aerosol generated by the liquid composition can travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path can be configured to allow the aerosol to pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that a person skilled in the art can easily practice the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be practiced in a form that can be implemented in an aerosol generating device according to the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented and practiced in many different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of inserting a cigarette into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 1 may further include a vaporizer 14. In addition, the cigarettes 2, 3 may be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0059] In addition, although Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 1 is shown to include a heater 13 , but the heater 13 may be omitted as required.

[0060] Figure 1 The battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the aerosol generator 14 are shown in a linear arrangement. Figure 2 The aerosol generator 14 and the heater 13 are shown to be arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11 , the controller 12 , the heater 13 and the aerosol generator 14 can be changed according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0061] When cigarettes 2, 3 are inserted into aerosol generating device 1, aerosol generating device 1 may operate heater 13 and / or aerosol generator 14 to generate aerosol. Aerosol generated by heater 13 and / or aerosol generator 14 may travel through cigarette 2 to reach a user.

[0062] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1 may heat the heater 13 even when the cigarettes 2 , 3 are not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0063] The battery 11 can supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the aerosol generator 14, and can supply power required for the operation of the controller 12. In addition, the battery 11 can supply power required for operating a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0064] The controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the controller 12 may control the corresponding operations of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1 except for the battery 11, the heater 13, and the aerosol generator 14. In addition, the controller 12 may verify the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0065] The controller 12 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 that can be executed by the microprocessor. In addition, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure belongs to that the processor may be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0066] The heater 13 can be heated by the power supplied by the battery 11. For example, when the cigarettes 2 and 3 are inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be provided outside the cigarettes. Thus, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarettes.

[0067] The heater 13 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated as current flows through the conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and any example of heating the heater 13 to a desired temperature may be applicable without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set by a user.

[0068] As another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor heated by the induction heater.

[0069] 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 cigarettes 2, 3 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0070] Furthermore, in the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 may be provided as a plurality of heaters. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be provided to be inserted into the cigarette 2, or may be provided outside the cigarettes 2, 3. Furthermore, some of the heaters 13 may be provided to be inserted into the cigarettes 2, 3, and the remaining heaters may be provided outside the cigarettes 2, 3. However, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to Figures 1 to 3 The shape in the box can be set into various shapes.

[0071] The aerosol generator 14 can generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can pass through the cigarettes 2, 3 and be delivered to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 14 can travel along the airflow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow path can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 14 can pass through the cigarettes 2, 3 to reach the user.

[0072] For example, the aerosol generator 14 may include an aerosol generator 203, a liquid transfer device, and a heating element, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the aerosol generator 203, the liquid transfer device, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0073] In addition, in addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13 and the aerosol generator 14, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include other common components. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may also 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 (e.g., a suction sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 may also be manufactured to have a structure that allows external air to be introduced or allows internal air to flow out, even when the cigarettes 2 and 3 are inserted.

[0074] although Figures 1 to 3 Not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 1 may constitute a system together with a separate stand. For example, the stand may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the stand may be used to heat the heater 13 when the stand and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled.

[0075] The cigarettes 2 and 3 can be similar to general combustible cigarettes. For example, the cigarettes 2 and 3 can be divided into a first part including an aerosol-generating substance and a second part including a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the cigarettes 2 and 3 can also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance in the form of particles or capsules can also be inserted into the second part.

[0076] The first part may be fully inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only the first part may be partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the first part may be fully inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 and the second part may be partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. The user may inhale the aerosol with the second part located in the user's mouth. In this case, the aerosol may be generated as the external air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second part and enter the user's mouth.

[0077] For example, external air may be introduced through at least one air path formed in the aerosol generating device 1. In this example, the opening or closing and / or the size of the air path formed in the aerosol generating device 1 may be adjusted by the user. Thus, the amount of atomization, the smell of smoke, etc. may be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may be introduced into the interior of the cigarettes 2, 3 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarettes 2, 3.

[0078] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of inserting a mouthpiece into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Any duplicate descriptions related to the provided description.

[0079] Reference Figure 3 According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 20 may include a battery 201, a controller 202, an aerosol generator 203 and a mouthpiece 204. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generator 203 may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The aerosol generator 203 may be manufactured to be detachable from the aerosol generating device 20 and to be attached to the aerosol generating device 20, or the aerosol generator 203 may be manufactured integrally with the aerosol generating device 20.

[0080] For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. For example, spices may include menthol, mint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor ingredients, etc., but are not limited thereto. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that provide various fragrances or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, or vitamin E, but are not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include aerosol forming agents such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0081] The liquid transfer device can transfer the liquid composition in the aerosol generator 203 to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer device can be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] The heating element can be an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer device. For example, the heating element can be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heating element can include a conductive wire such as a nickel-chromium alloy wire, and can be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid transfer device. The heating element can be heated as electric current is supplied, and heat can be transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, and thereby the liquid composition can be heated. Therefore, an aerosol can be generated.

[0083] For example, the aerosol generator 14, 203 may also be referred to as an atomizer or a cartomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 An example of cigarettes 2 and 3 will be described.

[0085] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette according to an embodiment.

[0086] Reference Figure 4 The cigarette 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Figures 1 to 3 The described first and second parts may comprise a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22 respectively.

[0087] The filter rod 22 may have a single segment or multiple segments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The multiple segments of the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering the predetermined components contained in the aerosol. In addition, as required, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one segment that performs other functions. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the filter rod 22 may include a first section adjacent to the tobacco rod 21, a second section adjacent to the downstream end of the first section, and a third section adjacent to the downstream end of the second section.

[0088] The diameter of the cigarette 2 may be in the range of 5 millimeters (mm) to 9 mm, and the length of the cigarette 2 may be about 48 mm. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco 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. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0089] The cigarette 2 can be packaged with at least one packaging member 24. The packaging member 24 can have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas flows out. For example, the cigarette 2 can be packaged with one packaging member 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 can be packaged in an overlapping manner with two or more packaging members 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be packaged with a first packaging member 241, and the filter rod 22 can be packaged with packaging members 242, 243 and 244. In addition, the cigarette 2 can be packaged as a whole with a single packaging member 245 again. In the case where the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments can be packaged with packaging members 242 and 243, 244, respectively.

[0090] The first package 241 and the second package 242 can be formed of general filter packaging paper. For example, the first package 241 and the second package 242 can be porous packaging paper or non-porous packaging paper. In addition, the first package 241 and the second package 242 can be formed of oil-proof paper and / or aluminum laminated paper packaging materials.

[0091] The third packaging member 243 may be formed of hard packaging paper. For example, the basis weight of the third packaging member 243 may be 88 grams per square meter (g / m 2 ) to 96g / m 2 In the range of, and ideally, the basis weight of the third package 243 can be 90g / m 2 Up to 94g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the third package member 243 may be in the range of 120 micrometers (μm) to 130 μm, and ideally, the thickness of the third package member 243 may be 125 μm.

[0092] The fourth packaging member 244 can be formed of oil-proof hard packaging paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth packaging member 244 can be 88g / m 2 Up to 96g / m 2 In the range of, and ideally, the basis weight of the fourth package 244 can be 90g / m 2 Up to 94g / m 2In addition, the thickness of the fourth package member 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and ideally, the thickness of the fourth package member 244 may be 125 μm.

[0093] The fifth package 245 may be formed of sterile paper (e.g., MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially prepared so that tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 245 may be 57 g / m 2 Up to 63g / m 2 In the range of, and ideally, the basis weight of the fifth package 245 can be 60g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the fifth package member 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the fifth package member 245 may be 67 μm.

[0094] The fifth package 245 may have a predetermined material added to the inside of the fifth package 245. The material may be, for example, silicon. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, silicon may have various properties, such as, for example: heat resistance with small temperature changes; oxidation resistance referring to resistance to oxidation; resistance to various chemicals; water resistance; or electrical insulation. However, silicon may not necessarily be used, but any material having the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or used for coating) to the fifth package 245 without limitation.

[0095] The fifth packing member 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. For example, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in this example, the cigarette 2 can be prevented from burning because the fifth packing member 245 includes a non-combustible material.

[0096] In addition, the fifth packaging member 245 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarette 2. For example, when the user draws, liquid substances may be generated in the cigarette 2. For example, as the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 is cooled by the external air, liquid substances (e.g., water, etc.) may be 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.

[0097] The tobacco 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. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or organic acids. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavor liquid such as menthol, or a moisturizer, which is added when sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0098] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured as a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 21 can also be formed by tobacco leaves finely cut from tobacco sheets. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped with a heat-conducting material. The heat-conducting material can be, for example, a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. For example, the heat-conducting material that wraps the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. In addition, the heat-conducting material that wraps the tobacco rod 21 can be used as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown, in addition to the heat-conducting material that wraps the outside of the tobacco rod 21, the tobacco rod 21 can also include an additional susceptor.

[0099] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, or may be 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 manufactured into different shapes.

[0100] The first section of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first section may be a tubular structure including a hollow portion therein. In this example, the first section may prevent the inner material of the tobacco rod 210 from being pushed backward when the heater 13 is inserted, and may produce an aerosol cooling effect. An ideal diameter of the hollow portion included in the first section may be adopted within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0101] The ideal length of the first section can be in the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Ideally, the length of the first section can be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The first segment may have a hardness that can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the process of manufacturing the first segment. In addition, the first segment may be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into the interior (eg, the hollow portion).

[0103] The second section of the filter rod 22 can cool the aerosol generated when the heater 13 heats the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0104] The length or diameter of the second section can be determined in various ways according to the shape of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second section can be appropriately adopted in the range of 7mm to 20mm. Ideally, the length of the second section can be about 14mm. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0105] The second section may be manufactured by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the scented liquid may be applied to the fibers formed of the polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be manufactured by weaving together separate fibers to which the scented liquid is applied and fibers formed of the polymer. Alternatively, the second section may be formed of a curled polymer sheet.

[0106] For example, the polymer may be prepared with 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.

[0107] Since the second section is formed by woven polymer fibers or curled polymer sheets, the second section may include a single channel or multiple channels extending in the longitudinal direction. A channel as used herein may refer to a path for a gas (eg, air or aerosol) to pass through.

[0108] For example, the second segment made of the rolled polymer sheet can be formed of a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, the second segment made of the rolled polymer sheet can be formed of a material having a thickness between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. In addition, the total surface area of ​​the second segment can be between about 300 square millimeters per millimeter (mm 2 / mm) and about 1000mm 2 / mm. In addition, the aerosol-cooling element can be made of a material having a thickness between about 10 square millimeters per milligram (mm 2 / mg) and about 100mm 2 Materials with a specific surface area between / mg are formed.

[0109] 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 at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

[0110] The third section of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The ideal 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.

[0111] The third section can be manufactured so that fragrance is produced by spraying fragrance liquid on the third section in the process of manufacturing the third section. Alternatively, a separate fiber with fragrance liquid can be inserted into the third section. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 can be cooled when the aerosol passes the second section of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol can pass the third section and reach the user. Therefore, when the fragrance element is added to the third section, the persistence of the fragrance transmitted to the user can be enhanced.

[0112] In addition, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 may perform a function of generating a fragrance or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] Reference Figure 5 The cigarette 3 may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be disposed on the side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite to the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from falling, and may also prevent the aerosol liquefied in the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into the aerosol generating device (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 Aerosol generating device 1).

[0114] The filter rod 32 may include a first section 321 and a second section 322. Here, the first section 321 may correspond to Figure 4 The first section of the filter rod 22, and the second section 322 may correspond to Figure 4 The third section of the filter rod 22.

[0115] The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 3 may correspond to Figure 4 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 tobacco 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. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0116] The cigarette 3 may be packaged with at least one packaging member 35. The packaging member 35 may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas flows out. For example, the front end plug 33 may be packaged with a first packaging member 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be packaged with a second packaging member 352, the first section 321 may be packaged with a third packaging member 353, and the second section 322 may be packaged with a fourth packaging member 354. In addition, the cigarette 3 may be packaged again with a fifth packaging member 355 as a whole.

[0117] In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth package 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may be performed to allow the tobacco rod 31 to pass through the perforation 36. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heater 13 shown functions to generate heat which is transferred to the interior of the tobacco rod 31 .

[0118] In addition, the second section 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating fragrance or a function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] The first package 351 may be a combination of a general filter wrapping paper and a metal foil such as an aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first package 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and ideally, the total thickness of the first package 351 may be 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and ideally, the thickness of the metal foil of the first package 351 may be 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first package 351 may be 50 g / m 2 Up to 55g / m 2 In the range of, and ideally, the basis weight of the first package 351 can be 53g / m 2 .

[0120] The second packaging member 352 and the third packaging member 353 can be formed by general filtering packaging paper. For example, the second packaging member 352 and the third packaging member 353 can be porous packaging paper or non-porous packaging paper.

[0121] For example, the porosity of the second package 352 may be 35000 CU. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The thickness of the second package 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and ideally, the thickness of the second package 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second package 352 may be 20 g / m 2 Up to 25g / m 2and ideally, the basis weight of the second package 352 may be 23.5 g / m 2 .

[0122] For example, the porosity of the third package 353 may be 24000 CU. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The thickness of the third package 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and ideally, the thickness of the third package 353 may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third package 353 may be 20 g / m 2 Up to 25g / m 2 In the range of, and ideally, the basis weight of the third package 353 can be 21g / m 2 .

[0123] The fourth package 354 may be formed of PLA laminated paper. PLA laminated paper may refer 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 in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and ideally, the thickness of the fourth package 354 may be 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth package 354 may be 80 g / m 2 Up to 100g / m 2 In the range of, and ideally, the thickness of the fourth package 354 can be 88g / m 2 .

[0124] The fifth package 355 may be formed of sterile paper (e.g., MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially prepared so that tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth package 355 may be 57 g / m 2 Up to 63g / m 2 In the range of, and ideally, the basis weight of the fifth package 355 can be 60g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth package member 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and desirably, the thickness of the fifth package member 355 may be 67 μm.

[0125] The fifth package 355 may have a predetermined material added to the inside of the fifth package 355. The predetermined material may be, for example, silicon. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. Silicon may have various properties, such as, for example: heat resistance with small temperature changes; oxidation resistance referring to resistance to oxidation; resistance to various chemicals; water resistance; or electrical insulation. However, silicon may not necessarily be used, but any material having the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or used for coating) to the fifth package 355 without limitation.

[0126] The front end plug 33 can be formed of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 can be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to a cellulose acetate tow. The monodenier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow can be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and ideally, the monodenier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow can be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More ideally, the monodenier 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 in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and ideally, the total denier of the front end plug 33 can be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More ideally, the total denier of the front end plug 33 can be 28,000.

[0127] Furthermore, as required, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be provided in various ways.

[0128] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the above reference Figure 4 Therefore, the detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0129] 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 manufactured 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.

[0130] The second section 322 may be formed of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments of the second section 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and ideally, the mono denier of the filaments of the second section 322 may be in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More ideally, the mono 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 in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and ideally, the total denier of the second section 322 may be 25,000.

[0131] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

[0132] The aerosol generating device 600 may include a controller 610, a sensing unit 620, an output unit 630, a battery 640, a heater 650, a user input unit 660, a memory 670, and a communication unit 680. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 600 is not limited to Figure 1A person skilled in the art of the present disclosure should understand that, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 600, the Figure 1 Some of the components shown in the figure may be modified or new components may be added.

[0133] The sensing unit 620 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 600 or the state of the environment around the aerosol generating device 600, and transmit the sensing information obtained by the sensing to the controller 610. Based on the sensing information, the controller 610 can control the aerosol generating device 600 to control the operation of the heater 650, restrict smoking, determine whether an aerosol generating product (e.g., an aerosol generating product, a cigarette cartridge, etc.) is inserted, display a notification, and perform other functions.

[0134] The sensing unit 620 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 622, an insertion detection sensor 624, or a suction sensor 626. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0135] The temperature sensor 622 can sense the temperature at which the heater 650 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 600 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 650, or the heater 650 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 622 may be arranged around the battery 640 to monitor the temperature of the battery 640.

[0136] The insertion detection sensor 624 can sense whether the aerosol generating article is inserted and / or removed. The insertion detection sensor 624 can include, for example, at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, or an infrared sensor, which can sense signal changes caused by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0137] The suction sensor 626 can sense the suction from the user based on various physical changes in the airflow path or airflow channel. For example, the suction sensor 626 can sense the suction from the user based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change and pressure change.

[0138] In addition to the above-mentioned sensors 622 to 626, the sensing unit 620 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, or a red, green, and blue (RGB) sensor (e.g., an illumination sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from the name of the sensor by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and thus a detailed description of these sensors is omitted herein.

[0139] The output unit 630 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 600 and provide the information to the user. The output unit 630 may include at least one of a display 632, a tactile portion 634, or a sound outputter 636. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. When the display 632 and the touch panel are provided in a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display 632 may be used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0140] The display 632 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 600 in a visual manner. The information about the aerosol generating device 600 may include, for example, the charging / discharging state of the battery 640 of the aerosol generating device 600, the preheating state of the heater 650, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, the use restriction state of the aerosol generating device 600 (for example, an abnormal article is detected), etc., and the display 632 may output the information to the outside. The display 632 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display 632 may also be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) device.

[0141] The haptic portion 634 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 600 in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulation or an electrical stimulation. The haptic portion 634 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0142] The sound outputter 636 may provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 600 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound outputter 636 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0143] The battery 640 may supply power for operating the aerosol generating device 600. The battery 640 may supply power to heat the heater 650. In addition, the battery 640 may supply power required for operating other components (e.g., the sensing unit 620, the output unit 630, the user input unit 660, the memory 670, and the communication unit 680) included in the aerosol generating device 600. The battery 640 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. The battery 640 may be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0144] The heater 650 may receive power from the battery 640 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 600 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) / DC (DC / DC) converter) that converts the power of the battery 640 and supplies the converted power to the heater 650. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 600 generates aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device 600 may further include a DC / alternating current (AC) (DC / AC) converter that converts the DC power of the battery 640 into AC power.

[0145] The controller 610, the sensing unit 620, the output unit 630, the user input unit 660, the memory 670, and the communication unit 680 may receive power from the battery 640 to perform functions. Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 600 may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery 640 and supplies the power to the various components.

[0146] In one embodiment, the heater 650 may be formed of a suitable predetermined resistive material. For example, the resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy, including, for example, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloy, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 650 may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which a conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0147] In another embodiment, the heater 650 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 650 may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol-generating substance by generating heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0148] In an embodiment, the heater 650 may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater 650 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0149] The user input unit 660 may receive information input from the user, or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 660 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (e.g., a contact capacitance type, a piezoresistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a roller, a roller switch, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, although in Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 600 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 140.

[0150] The memory 670, which is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 600, can store data processed by the controller 610 and data to be processed by the controller 610. The memory 670 may include at least one of a flash memory, a hard disk memory, a multimedia card micro memory, a card-type memory (e.g., 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, or an optical disk. The memory 670 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 600, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, data associated with the smoking pattern of the user, and the like.

[0151] The communication unit 680 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 680 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 682 and a wireless communication unit 684.

[0152] The short-range wireless communication unit 682 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, and an Ant+ communication unit, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0153] The wireless communication unit 684 may include, for example, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 684 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 600 in the communication network.

[0154] The controller 610 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 600. In one embodiment, the controller 610 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory, in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. In addition, a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure should understand that the controller may be implemented in other types of hardware.

[0155] The controller 610 may control the temperature of the heater 650 by controlling the power supply from the battery 640 to the heater 650. For example, the controller 610 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 640 and the heater 650. As another example, the direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 650 according to a control command from the controller 610.

[0156] The controller 610 may analyze the sensing result obtained by the sensing of the sensing unit 620 and control the process to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 610 may control the power supplied to the heater 650 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 620 to start or end the operation of the heater 650. As another example, the controller 610 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 650 and the time when the power is supplied based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 620, so that the heater 650 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at a desired temperature.

[0157] The controller 610 may control the output unit 630 based on the sensing result obtained by the sensing unit 620. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 626 reaches a preset number, the controller 610 may notify the user through at least one of the display 632, the tactile portion 634, and the sound outputter 636 that the aerosol generating device 600 is about to terminate.

[0158] In one embodiment, the controller 610 may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater 650 according to the state of the aerosol generating article sensed by the sensing unit 620. For example, when the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidified state, the controller 610 may control the power supply time of the induction coil so that the preheating time is increased compared to the case where the aerosol generating article is in a normal state.

[0159] An embodiment may be implemented in the form of a recording medium including instructions that can be executed by a computer, such as a program module that can be executed by a computer. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media. In addition, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include all volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data such as program modules in modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission media.

[0160] Figure 7 is a front view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, showing internal components of the aerosol generating device, Figure 8 is a side view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, showing internal components of the aerosol generating device, Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to an embodiment.

[0161] Reference Figures 7 to 9 According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 700 can generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol generating device 700 can use the principle of surface acoustic wave (SAW) to aerosolize the liquid stored in the cartridge 740. In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 700 can atomize the aerosol-forming matrix stored in the cartridge 740. According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 700 may include a housing 710, a battery 711, a mouth side end 720, an aerosol generator 730, a cartridge 740, a core 750, a connecting member 760, a sensing unit 770, and a controller 780.

[0162] In one embodiment, the housing 710 may be configured to accommodate various electronic components / mechanical components. In one embodiment, the battery 711, the sensing unit 770, the controller 780, the aerosol generator 730, and the cigarette cartridge 740 may all be accommodated in the housing 710 and safely protected from external stimuli (e.g., dust, impact, heat, etc.). In one embodiment, the housing 710 may have a first surface 710a and a second surface 710b. In one embodiment, the second surface 710b may face the first surface 710a.

[0163] In one embodiment, the mouth side end 720 can be used by the user to inhale the aerosol from the aerosol generating device 700. For example, a mouthpiece or an insert portion for receiving an inhalation article (e.g., a cigarette) can be provided at the mouth side end 720. In one embodiment, the mouth side end 720 is the portion that contacts the user's mouth, and the aerosol can be delivered to the user through the liquid flow path included in the mouth side end 720. In one embodiment, the mouth side end 720 can be provided on the first surface 710a of the housing 710. For example, the mouth side end 720 can be provided to contact the first surface 710a of the housing 710.

[0164] In one embodiment, the cigarette cartridge 740 can store at least one aerosol-forming matrix. For example, the aerosol-forming matrix can include an aerosol-generating substance in any of various states such as liquid, solid, and gel. The aerosol-generating substance can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco substance with a volatile tobacco flavor component, or it can be a liquid including a non-tobacco substance. In one embodiment, the cigarette cartridge 740 can work by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol-generating substance inside the cigarette cartridge 740 to a gas phase. Aerosol can refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated by an aerosol-generating substance are mixed with air. In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming matrix stored in the cigarette cartridge 740 can include the same substance or different substances.

[0165] In one embodiment, the cigarette cartridge 740 can store functional substances (not shown) that can be used as aerosol-forming substrates. In one embodiment, the functional substance can be stored in the cigarette cartridge 740 in the form of at least one of a gas phase, a liquid phase, or a solid phase. In one embodiment, the functional substance may include flavors such as nicotine, glycerol, propylene glycol, menthol, drugs for treating respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oils such as aromatic oils, caffeine, taurine, vaccines, etc. The functional substance is not limited to the above examples and may include various substances. In one embodiment, the functional substances stored in the cigarette cartridge 740 may be the same or different. For example, when a plurality of cigarette cartridges 740 are provided and the functional substances stored in each cigarette cartridge 740 in the plurality of cigarette cartridges 740 are the same, at least one cigarette cartridge 740 in the plurality of cigarette cartridges 740 may be used as a backup. When different functional substances are stored in the cigarette cartridge 740, one of the cigarette cartridges 740 may be selected based on user preferences and aerosolized.

[0166] In the following, the description is made based on the assumption that a homogeneous aerosol-forming substrate is stored in the cartridge 740 .

[0167] In one embodiment, the cartridge 740 may be disposed in the housing 710. In one embodiment, the cartridge 740 may include a first reservoir 741 and a second reservoir 742. In one embodiment, the first reservoir 741 may be disposed adjacent to the first surface 710a of the housing 710. For example, the first reservoir 741 may be disposed adjacent to the mouth-side end 720. The first reservoir 741 may store an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0168] In one embodiment, the second reservoir 742 may be disposed along the longitudinal direction of the housing 710 (eg, Figure 7 The second reservoir 742 is spaced apart from the first reservoir 741 in the Z-axis direction. For example, the second reservoir 742 may be disposed on the opposite side of the first reservoir 741 relative to the aerosol generator 730 to be described later, wherein the aerosol generator 730 is disposed between the second reservoir 742 and the first reservoir 741. In one embodiment, a guide member 7421 may be disposed at the second reservoir 742. In one embodiment, the guide member 7421 may guide the aerosol-forming substrate to flow into the second reservoir 742. The guide member 7421 may be disposed relative to the central axis C (i.e., Figure 8 The aerosol-forming substrate supplied from the first reservoir 741 to the aerosol generator 730 may be tilted along the direction of gravity (e.g., the Z-axis) on the upper side of the second reservoir 742. Figure 8 The guide member 7421 may be configured to flow into the second reservoir 742 in the -Z-axis direction of the aerosol-forming substrate. In this case, the aerosol-forming substrate may first contact the guide member 7421 and then slowly slide toward the second reservoir 742. The guide member 7421 may reduce the noise generated when the aerosol-forming substrate falls into the second reservoir 742 and may prevent the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir 742 from overflowing.

[0169] In one embodiment, the first reservoir 741 and the second reservoir 742 may be integrally formed. In this case, the first reservoir 741 and the second reservoir 742 may be attached to and detached from the housing 710 together. In another embodiment, the cartridge 740 may be configured such that the first reservoir 741 is omitted and only the second reservoir 742 is provided. In this case, the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir 742 may be supplied to the aerosol generator 730 through the connecting member 760 and the core 750.

[0170] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 730 can aerosolize the aerosol-forming matrix stored in the smoke cartridge 740. For example, SAW can be used as a scheme for generating aerosols. SAW can be produced using piezoelectric materials that can convert electrical energy and mechanical energy into each other. For example, an interdigital transducer can be patterned in a desired form on the surface of the piezoelectric material by means of a semiconductor etching process and an alternating current (AC) voltage with an operating frequency corresponding to the spacing of the transducer can be applied to generate a SAW that propagates along the surface according to the contraction or expansion of the piezoelectric material. The acoustic wave force of SAW can aerosolize the fluid or microparticles in the droplets and microfluidic channels. The size of the particles of the aerosol generated by SAW can be small and uniform. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 730 can use SAW to aerosolize the aerosol-forming matrix stored in the smoke cartridge 740. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the aerosol generator 730 may aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate in various ways, for example, the aerosol generator 730 may aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate by heating it using a heater. Hereinafter, aerosolization using SAW will be described as an example.

[0171] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 730 may be connected to the cartridge 740. For example, the aerosol generator 730 may be connected to the first reservoir 741 through the core 750.

[0172] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 730 may include a substrate 731 , a transducer 732 , and an atomization region 730a .

[0173] The substrate 731 may form a surface for the SAW to be transferred. The substrate 731 may include a plate shape. The substrate 731 may be inclined at a predetermined angle θ relative to a central axis C parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 710. For example, the angle θ formed between the substrate 731 and the central axis C may be an acute angle. Since the substrate 731 is arranged obliquely relative to the central axis C of the housing 710, the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir 741 may flow toward the second reservoir 742 on the surface of the substrate 731 under the action of gravity.

[0174] The atomization region 730a may be located on the surface of the substrate 731. The atomization region 730a may be a region where the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized by the transducer 732 and generates an aerosol. Figure 8The atomization region 730a may be tilted relative to the direction of gravity (-Z direction), so the atomization region 730a may also be arranged tilted relative to the direction of gravity. In this case, the atomization region 730a may be arranged below the core 750 in the direction of gravity. The transducer 732 may be arranged so that the SAW is directed toward the atomization region 730a.

[0175] The transducer 732 may convert the electric energy received from the battery 711 into kinetic energy, and may generate acoustic waves by the kinetic energy generated by the transducer 732. Since the acoustic waves propagate along the surface of the substrate 731 having elasticity, the SAW may vibrate the aerosol-forming substrate supplied from the core, thereby aerosolizing the droplets by atomization.

[0176] In one embodiment, the core 750 can transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir 741 and / or the second reservoir 742 to the aerosol generator 730. For example, the core 750 can be a porous member among the porous members, such as, the core 750 can be a core capable of transferring the aerosol-forming substrate. In one embodiment, the core 750 can connect the first reservoir 741 and the aerosol generator 730. For example, the first end of the core 750 can be connected to the first reservoir 741, and the second end of the core 750 can be connected to the aerosol generator 730. The core 750 can receive the aerosol-forming substrate through the first end or the connecting member 760 to be described later. Since the second end of the core 750 overlaps at least a portion of the atomization area 730a on the surface of the substrate 731, the aerosol-forming substrate can form a uniform and thin liquid film on the surface of the substrate 731.

[0177] In an embodiment, the connecting member 760 may connect the core 750 with the second reservoir 742. For example, one end of the connecting member 760 may be connected to the core 750, and the other end of the connecting member 760 may be connected to the second reservoir 742. The connecting member 760 may transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir 742 to the core 750. The connecting member 760 may transfer the aerosol-forming substrate that has moved from the first reservoir 741 to the second reservoir 742 along the surface of the substrate 731 under the action of gravity to the core 750. For example, the connecting member 760 may transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir 742 to the core 750 by capillary action. The connecting member 760 may include a porous member, such as a core.

[0178] In one embodiment, the transducer 732 may include a first transducer 7321 and a second transducer 7322. The first transducer 7321 and the second transducer 7322 may be disposed on the substrate 731 to face each other across the atomization region 730a.

[0179] In one example, the first transducer 7321 and the second transducer 7322 may be configured to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy and generate SAW due to the propagation of the kinetic energy along the surface of the substrate 731. Since both the first transducer 7321 and the second transducer 7322 are configured as transmitters capable of generating SAW and transmitting each SAW to the core 750, the amount of atomization may be easily increased.

[0180] In another example, the first transducer 7321 may be configured as a transmitter that generates a SAW, and the second transducer 7322 may be configured as a receiver that receives the SAW transmitted by the first transducer 7321. Since the first transducer 7321 transmits the SAW and the second transducer 7322 receives the SAW, defective transmission / reception of the SAW may be detected, and the operating state of the aerosol generating device 700 may be effectively monitored.

[0181] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0182] Reference Fig.10 According to an aerosol generating device (eg, Figure 7 The aerosol generating device 700 may include: an aerosol generator 730 that generates an aerosol by aerosolizing an aerosol-forming substrate; a sensing unit 770 that detects a state of the aerosol generating device; and a controller 780 that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0183] In one embodiment, the sensing unit 770 may detect an internal state or an external state of the aerosol generating device. For example, the sensing unit 770 may include a tilt sensor (e.g., a gyroscope sensor) that can detect the tilt of the aerosol generating device relative to a direction perpendicular to the ground (e.g., Figure 8 The inclination in the Z-axis direction is detected.

[0184] In one embodiment, the controller 780 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device. For example, the controller 780 may control the operation of the aerosol generating device according to the internal state or external state of the aerosol generating device detected by the sensing unit 770. In one embodiment, the controller 780 may control the aerosol generating device relative to a position parallel to the housing (e.g., Figure 8 The longitudinal direction of the housing 710 (eg, Figure 8 The central axis of the Z-axis direction) (for example, Figure 8 The angle formed by the central axis C) (for example, Figure 8For example, the controller 780 may detect the tilt state of the aerosol generating device and substantially keep the angle formed by the aerosol generator relative to the central axis of the housing constant, thereby preventing malfunction even when the user tilts the aerosol generating device during use of the aerosol generating device.

[0185] In the following, reference is made to Figures 7 to 10 The operation of the aerosol generating device 700 according to one embodiment is described.

[0186] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir 741 may be supplied to the aerosol generator 730 through the core 750. The aerosol generator 730 may generate an aerosol in the atomization region 730a through the substrate 731 and the transducer 732. The remaining portion of the aerosol-forming substrate that has not been aerosolized in the aerosol generator 730 may flow toward the second reservoir 742 via the inclined surface of the substrate 731 under the action of gravity. The guide member 7421 is disposed on the second reservoir 742 so that the guide member 7421 may guide the remaining portion of the aerosol-forming substrate to flow into the second reservoir 742. The aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir 742 may flow into the core 750 via the connecting member 760, for example, using capillary action, thereby causing the remaining portion of the aerosol-forming substrate to be aerosolized.

[0187] Since the aerosol generating device 700 according to one embodiment can aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate so that the aerosol-forming substrate is composed of particles of uniform size and can supply the aerosol-forming substrate to the atomization area 730a, the efficiency reduction problem of the transducer 732 that may be caused by uneven thickness can be prevented in advance.

[0188] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 700 according to an embodiment effectively recirculates the remaining portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby preventing droplet aggregation caused by the remaining portion of the aerosol-forming substrate and enabling efficient reuse of the remaining portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0189] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to limited figures, a person skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the modifications. For example, appropriate results may be achieved when the techniques are performed in a different order, and / or when components in the system, architecture, device or circuit are combined in a different manner, or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalent components.

[0190] Accordingly, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a mouth side end portion, the mouth side end portion being disposed on the first surface; at least one cartridge, at least one of the cartridges being disposed in the housing and configured to store an aerosol-forming substrate; as well as an aerosol generator connected to the cartridge and configured to generate an aerosol, Wherein, the aerosol generator comprises: a substrate, the substrate comprising a plate shape; at least one transducer disposed on the substrate; and an atomization region located on the surface of the substrate, in which the aerosol is generated, wherein the substrate is disposed in the housing to form an acute angle with respect to a central axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the housing, the longitudinal direction being a direction from the first surface toward the second surface, and The transducer is configured to convert an electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave (SAW), and the SAW is transmitted to the atomization region via the substrate to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The cigarette cartridge comprises: a first reservoir disposed closer to the first surface than to the second surface; and A second reservoir is provided to be spaced apart from the first reservoir in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The second reservoir is arranged to face the first reservoir across the aerosol generator.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir flows into the second reservoir via the surface of the substrate in the direction of gravity.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, further comprising: a core configured to transfer the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol generator, wherein a first end of the core is connected to the first reservoir and a second end of the core is connected to the aerosol generator.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein: The second end of the core is disposed to overlap at least a portion of the atomization region.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, further comprising: a connecting member configured to transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir to the core, wherein one end of the connection member is connected to the core, and the other end of the connection member is connected to the second reservoir.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The transducer includes a plurality of transducers, and The plurality of transducers are arranged to face each other across the atomization region.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein: The transducer comprises: a first transducer configured to transmit the SAW to the atomization region; and A second transducer is configured to transmit the SAW to the atomization region.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein: The transducer comprises: a first transducer configured to transmit the SAW to the atomization region; and A second transducer is configured to receive the SAW transmitted from the first transducer.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensing unit configured to detect an internal state or an external state of the aerosol generating device; as well as A controller is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device according to the internal state or external state of the aerosol generating device detected by the sensing unit.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein: The sensing unit comprises a tilt sensor configured to detect a tilt of the aerosol generating device, and The controller is configured to adjust an angle formed by the aerosol generator relative to the central axis according to an inclination of the aerosol generating device detected by the inclination sensor.

13. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a mouth side end portion, the mouth side end portion being disposed on the first surface; a first reservoir disposed closer to the first surface than to the second surface and configured to store an aerosol-forming substrate; a second reservoir, the second reservoir being arranged to be spaced apart from the first reservoir in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the longitudinal direction being a direction from the first surface toward the second surface, and the second reservoir being configured to store an aerosol-forming substrate; an aerosol generator connected to the first reservoir and configured to generate an aerosol; a core configured to: connect the first reservoir to the aerosol generator and transfer the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol generator; as well as A connecting member configured to connect the core with the second reservoir and transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir to the core.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein: The aerosol generator comprises: a substrate, the substrate comprising a plate shape; at least one transducer disposed on the substrate; and an atomization region located on the surface of the substrate, in which an aerosol is generated, wherein the transducer is configured to convert the electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave (SAW), and The SAW aerosolizes the aerosol-forming substrate.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein: The substrate is disposed in the housing to form an acute angle with respect to a central axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing, the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir flows into the second reservoir via the surface of the substrate in the direction of gravity, and The aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir flows into the core via the connecting member.

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