Aerosol-generating device and aerosol-generating system including same

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure comprises: a housing including an air inlet into which air flows; and a heating module disposed inside the housing and configured to heat the aerosol-generating article, the heating module including: an accommodating portion having an accommodating space for accommodating the aerosol-generating article; one or more coils for generating a magnetic field; and a channel structure disposed on one side of the accommodating portion and including an air flow path that receives external air through the air inlet and delivers the air to the accommodating portion; and a pressure sensor generating a signal related to a pressure inside the airflow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a system thereof, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of more effectively heating a miniaturized heating element. Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods related to overcoming the disadvantages of general cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device instead of burning the cigarette. Therefore, active research has been conducted on heated aerosol generating devices.

[0003] Recently, an induction heating type aerosol generating device has been proposed that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance with an alternating magnetic field. In particular, an induction heating type aerosol generating device may include: a coil that generates an alternating magnetic field when power is supplied; a heating element that generates heat when an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil is applied, and the aerosol generating article can be heated by the heat generated by the heating element, thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An induction heating type aerosol generating device includes a heating element and a coil. The heating element is heated by a magnetic field generated by the coil, so that thermal energy can be transferred to the aerosol generating article. Recently, in order to improve the portability of the aerosol generating device and the convenience of the user, attempts to miniaturize the aerosol generating device have gradually increased.

[0006] The problem to be solved by various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that improves space efficiency and achieves miniaturization, and an aerosol generating system including the same.

[0007] Another problem to be solved by various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that improves the heating efficiency by increasing the heating area of the heating element, and an aerosol generating system including the same.

[0008] Another problem to be solved by various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that improves the sensing performance of physical quantities such as pressure, temperature, and humidity of the air inside the device, and an aerosol generating system including the same.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand the problems not mentioned from the present disclosure and the drawings.

[0010] Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may include: a housing including an air inlet through which air flows in; and a heating module disposed inside the housing and configured to heat an aerosol generating article. The heating module includes: a receiving portion forming a receiving space for receiving the aerosol generating article; one or more coils for generating a magnetic field; and a channel structure disposed on one side of the receiving portion and forming an air flow path that receives external air through the air inlet and transfers it to the receiving portion; and a pressure sensor generating a signal related to the pressure inside the air flow path.

[0012] An aerosol generating system according to an embodiment may include an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device includes: a housing including an air inlet through which air flows in; and a heating module disposed inside the housing and configured to heat an aerosol generating article. The heating module includes: a receiving portion forming a receiving space for receiving the aerosol generating article; one or more coils for generating a magnetic field; and a channel structure disposed on one side of the receiving portion and forming an air flow path that receives external air through the air inlet and transfers it to the receiving portion; and a pressure sensor generating a signal related to the pressure inside the air flow path. The aerosol generating article includes one or more thin films that generate heat by means of a magnetic field. When the aerosol generating article is received in the receiving portion, the one or more coils may apply a magnetic field to the thin films.

[0013] Advantages of the Invention

[0014] The aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating system including the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve space efficiency and promote miniaturization of the aerosol generating device by including a heating element in the aerosol generating article.

[0015] The aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating system including the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can increase the heating area of the heating element and improve the heating efficiency by including a heating element in the form of a thin film.

[0016] The aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating system including the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure include an air flow path, and by improving the position of a sensor for sensing physical quantities such as the pressure, temperature, and humidity of air, the sensing performance of the physical quantities can be improved.

[0017] The effects according to the embodiments are not limited to the above effects, and those of ordinary skill in the art will clearly understand the effects not mentioned from this specification and the drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 is for explaining Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of each component of the aerosol-generating system shown in

[0020] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the elements disposed inside the heating module of the aerosol-generating device.

[0021] Figure 4 is a front view for explaining the elements disposed outside the heating module of the aerosol-generating device.

[0022] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the accommodation part and the coil of the heating module of the aerosol-generating device and the direction of the magnetic field.

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view for explaining the circuit board integrally formed with the sensor.

[0024] Figure 7 is a perspective view for explaining from another angle the elements disposed outside the heating module of the aerosol-generating device.

[0025] Figure 8 is a perspective view for explaining the heat-insulating tube surrounding the accommodation part of the heating module of the aerosol-generating device.

[0026] Figure 9 is a front view for explaining from another angle the heat-insulating tube surrounding the accommodation part of the heating module of the aerosol-generating device.

[0027] Figure 10 is a top view for explaining from another angle the heat-insulating tube surrounding the accommodation part of the heating module of the aerosol-generating device.

[0028] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment. Detailed Description

[0029] Regarding the terms used to describe the various embodiments, considering the functions of the structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, general terms currently widely used are selected. However, the meanings of the terms may change according to the intentions of those skilled in the art, judicial precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description part of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

[0030] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it means that unless there is a contrary characteristic description, the part may also include other components, rather than excluding the inclusion of other components. In addition, the terms "-er", "-or", and "module" described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0031] As used herein, expressions such as "at least one of..." modify the entire list of elements when following the list of elements, rather than modifying individual elements of the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be understood to include only a, b, c, or both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

[0032] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and when an electric current flows through the conductive track, the heater can be heated.

[0034] The heater may include a tubular heating component, a plate-shaped heating component, a needle-shaped heating component, or a rod-shaped heating component, and can heat the inside or outside of the cigarette according to the shape of the heating component.

[0035] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of sheet material, may be made of strand material, or may be made of tobacco leaves obtained by cutting thin tobacco sheets. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting substance. For example, the heat-conducting substance may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0037] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0038] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body and may also be fixed to prevent being disassembled by the user. The cartridge may be installed in the body in a state where the aerosol generating substance is accommodated therein. However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may also be injected into the cartridge in a state where the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0039] The cartridge may contain an aerosol generating substance in any one of various states such as liquid, solid, gaseous, gel state, etc. The aerosol generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco substance.

[0040] The cartridge operates by means of an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the body and may perform a function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase. The aerosol may refer to a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance are mixed with air.

[0041] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may move along the airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path may be configured to allow the aerosol to pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance through ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

[0043] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator and may generate short-period vibrations through the vibrator to atomize the aerosol generating substance. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations may be in the range of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] The aerosol generating device may further include a core material that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the core material may be configured to surround at least a part of the vibrator or contact at least a part of the vibrator.

[0045] As the vibrator is applied with a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage), the vibrator can generate heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed by the core material. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed by the core material can be converted into a gaseous state (phase) by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred by the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0046] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-forming substance absorbed by the core material may be reduced due to the heat generated by the vibrator, and since the aerosol-forming substance whose viscosity is reduced due to the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator is granulated into fine particles, an aerosol can be generated, but it is not limited thereto.

[0047] In still another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0048] The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As the aerosol generating device supplies power to the coil, a magnetic field can be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic body that generates heat by means of an external magnetic field. The susceptor is located inside the coil and generates heat as the magnetic field is applied, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol generating article.

[0049] In still another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0050] The aerosol generating device may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Additionally, the heater can be heated in a state where the cradle is combined with the aerosol generating device.

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure can be implemented in a form that can be realized in the aerosol generating devices of the foregoing various embodiments, or can also be implemented and realized in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system 1000 may include an aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol generating article 200.

[0054] The aerosol generating device 100 can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article 200. The aerosol generating article 200 can contain an aerosol generating substance.

[0055] The aerosol generating article 200 can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device 100 and can be replaced. The aerosol generating article 200 can be accommodated in a receiving portion separately provided in the aerosol generating device 100.

[0056] When observing the cross-section of the aerosol generating article 200 in the longitudinal direction (+y or -y), it can be circular in shape, but the shape of the cross-section of the aerosol generating article 200 is not limited thereto. For example, when observing the cross-section of the aerosol generating article 200 in the longitudinal direction, it can be elliptical, or it can be a polygon such as a rectangle.

[0057] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 can be a device that heats the aerosol generating article 200 accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100 by induction heating and generates an aerosol. The induction heating method refers to a method of generating heat from a magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field.

[0058] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss may occur in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss. The lost energy can be released from the magnetic body as heat energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the more heat energy can be released from the magnetic body.

[0059] The aerosol generating system 1000 that generates an aerosol by induction heating can include a heating element and a coil. The heating element can release heat energy when a magnetic field is applied. The heating element can be disposed inside the aerosol generating article 200. As electric power is supplied to the coil, the coil forms a magnetic field, and the coil can apply the magnetic field to the heating element.

[0060] The heating element can be a thin film. The aerosol generating article 200 can include one or more thin films that generate heat by a magnetic field to function as a heating element. For example, a thin film that generates heat by a magnetic field can be disposed inside the aerosol generating article 200. The thin film can be a magnetic body that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. As another example, the thin film can be a non-magnetic metal.

[0061] The thin film may include metal or carbon. The thin film may include at least one of ferrite, ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum. Additionally, the thin film may include at least one of ceramics such as graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, zirconia, transition metals such as Ni or Co, and metalloids such as B or P. The thickness of the thin film may be about 1 μm or more and about 100 μm or less.

[0062] When the aerosol generating article 200 is received in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device 100, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the thin film. When the magnetic field is applied to the thin film inside the aerosol generating article 200, the thin film generates heat, and the thin film heats the aerosol generating substance inside the aerosol generating article 200, thereby generating aerosol.

[0063] Figure 2 is for explaining Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of each component of the aerosol generating system 1000 shown in. Some of the components of the aerosol generating system 1000 may be the same as or similar to Figure 1 a part of the components of the aerosol generating system 1000 shown in, and the repeated description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0064] The aerosol generating device 100 may include: a housing 110 that forms an exterior and has a space formed therein; a heating module 120 disposed inside the housing 110 and configured to heat the aerosol generating article 200; a battery 140 that supplies power to components in the aerosol generating device 100 that require power; and a control unit 130 that controls the components of the aerosol generating device 100 and transmits and receives information with the components.

[0065] The housing 110 may include: an air inlet 111 through which air outside the aerosol generating device 100 flows in. The air inlet 111 may transfer the air outside the aerosol generating device 100 to the components of the heating module 120. The air inlet 111 may include a hole formed in the outer surface of the housing 110 and may include a passage for transferring the inflowing air to other components.

[0066] The heating module 120 is disposed inside the housing 110 and may include: a receiving portion 121 for receiving the aerosol generating article 200; a coil (not shown) for generating a magnetic field; and a channel structure 122 for delivering external air to the receiving portion 121.

[0067] The receiving portion 121 may include a receiving space for receiving the aerosol generating article. The inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion 121 facing the receiving space may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol generating article 200. For example, when the shape of the cross-section of the aerosol generating article 200 is circular or elliptical when viewed from the longitudinal direction (+y or -y), the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion 121 facing the receiving space may be formed into a curved surface shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface shape of the aerosol generating article 200. As another example, when the shape of the cross-section of the aerosol generating article 200 is a polygon such as a rectangle when viewed from the longitudinal direction (+y or -y), the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion 121 facing the receiving space may include a plane corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article 200.

[0068] The coil (not shown) is a component that generates a magnetic field and heats the thin film. A specific description of the shape, structure, and function of the coil will be given below with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 for a more detailed description.

[0069] The channel structure 122 may be disposed on one side of the receiving portion 121. For example, the channel structure 122 may be disposed in the lateral direction (+x or -x) of the receiving portion 121, but the position of the channel structure 122 is not limited thereto. As another example, the channel structure 122 may also be disposed in the upper lateral direction (+y) or the lower lateral direction (-y) of the receiving portion 121.

[0070] The channel structure 122 is a component that receives external air of the aerosol generating device 100 through the air inlet 111 and delivers it to the receiving portion 121. An air flow path 1221 may be formed in the channel structure 122.

[0071] A detailed description of the shape of the air flow path 1221, the flow of external air based on the air flow path 1221, etc. will be given below together with Figure 3 for a more detailed description.

[0072] The aerosol generating article 200 may include an identification mark 210 disposed on at least a part of the outer circumferential surface thereof. The identification mark 210 may surround at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article 200.

[0073] The aerosol-generating article 200 may include aerosol-generating substances with different flavors according to the type. The identification mark 210 may provide different visual information according to the type of the aerosol-generating substance included in the aerosol-generating article 200. As another example, the identification mark 210 may provide different visual information according to the amount of the aerosol-generating substance included in the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0074] That is, the identification mark 210 may provide visual information so that the type of the aerosol-generating article 200 can be identified. For example, the identification mark 210 may have a color. For example, the identification mark 210 may present any one of red, green, blue, and yellow. However, the color of the identification mark 210 is not limited thereto.

[0075] As another example, the identification mark 210 may present a QR code. As yet another example, the identification mark 210 may present a barcode. However, the examples of the identification mark 210 providing visual information are not limited to the above examples, and the identification mark 210 may also provide visual information that can distinguish the type of the aerosol-generating article 200 in a manner different from the above.

[0076] The article sensing sensor 124 senses the visual information provided by the identification mark 210 and may generate other signals according to the sensed visual information.

[0077] For example, when the identification mark 210 represents a color, the article sensing sensor 124 may sense the light of the color reflected by the identification mark 210 and may generate other signals according to the color of the sensed light.

[0078] As another example, when the identification mark 210 represents a QR code, the article sensing sensor 124 may read the information of the QR code and may generate other signals according to the sensed information of the QR code.

[0079] As yet another example, when the identification mark 210 represents a barcode, the article sensing sensor 124 may read the information of the barcode and may generate other signals according to the sensed information of the barcode.

[0080] However, the examples of the visual information that the article sensing sensor 124 can sense are not limited to the above examples, and the article sensing sensor 124 may also sense, in a manner different from the above, the visual information provided by the identification mark 210 that can distinguish the type of the aerosol-generating article 200 and generate a signal.

[0081] The control unit 140 differentiates the identification mark 210 of the aerosol-generating article 200 based on the signal generated by the article sensing sensor 124, determines which aerosol-generating article 200 including what kind of aerosol-generating substance is inserted into the accommodation unit 121, differentiates the type of the aerosol-generating substance included in the aerosol-generating article 200, and can control the operations of other components of the aerosol-generating device 100 based on the differentiation and determination. For example, the control unit 140 can inform the user of the type of the aerosol-generating article 200 through an algorithm pre-stored according to the type of the aerosol-generating article 200. As another example, the control unit 140 can control the coil through an algorithm pre-stored according to the type of the aerosol-generating article 200 to select the heating method of the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0082] When the aerosol-generating article 200 is completely inserted into the accommodation unit 121, the article sensing sensor 124 can be disposed at a position corresponding to the position where the identification mark 210 is disposed.

[0083] For example, when the aerosol-generating article 200 is completely inserted into the accommodation unit 121, the identification mark 210 can be disposed on the upper side (+y) of the accommodation unit 121, and the article sensing sensor 124 can be disposed at a position further above (+y) than the accommodation unit 121. However, the positions of the identification mark 210 and / or the article sensing sensor 124 are not limited thereto.

[0084] The optical window 125 is a component that protects the article sensing sensor 124 and is used to improve the color sensing performance of the article sensing sensor 124. The optical window 125 can be made of a transparent material. For example, the optical window 125 can be made of glass or plastic, but the material of the optical window 125 is not limited thereto.

[0085] When the aerosol-generating article 200 is completely inserted into the accommodation unit 121, the optical window 125 can be disposed in the space between the identification mark 210 and the article sensing sensor 124.

[0086] The optical window 125 is formed with a curvature and can perform the function of a lens. Thereby, the position of the focus of the light directed to the article sensing sensor 124 can be appropriately adjusted, thus improving the sensing performance of the visual information of the article sensing sensor 124.

[0087] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the components disposed inside the heating module 120 of the aerosol-generating device.

[0088] The following refers to Figure 3 Explain the heating module 120.

[0089] A part of the components of the heating module 120 is related toFigure 2 Some of the components of the heating module 120 shown are the same or similar, and repeated descriptions will be omitted below.

[0090] Referring to Figure 3 , the heating module 120 may include a receiving part 121, a channel structure 122, a first sealing member 123a, a second sealing member 123b, an article sensing sensor 124, an optical window 125, and a temperature sensor 126.

[0091] The receiving part 121 includes a receiving space 1211 formed therein, and an aerosol generating article (not shown) can be detachably coupled to the receiving space 1211. An insertion port for inserting the aerosol generating article may be formed at an upper side (+y) end of the receiving part 121. The receiving part 121 may include a cylindrical component surrounding the receiving space 1211. For example, the receiving part 121 may include a cylindrical component having a space formed therein.

[0092] The receiving part 121 may further include an expansion part 1212. The expansion part 1212 may transfer air received from the air flow path 1221 of the channel structure 122 to the receiving space 1211. The receiving space 1211, the expansion part 1212, and the air flow path 1221 may be in fluid communication. The expansion part 1212 is disposed between the air flow path 1221 and the receiving space 1211, and may have an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the air flow path 1221. Specifically, the expansion part 1212 may have an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the air flow path 1221 and smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving space 1211. For example, the inner diameter of the expansion part 1212 may be about 85% or more and about 95% or less of the inner diameter of the receiving space 1211. In this case, the cross-sectional area of the channel of the expansion part 1212 may be about 70% or more and about 90% or less of the cross-sectional area of the channel of the receiving space 1211.

[0093] The inner diameter of each component may be the length of the inner space in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of each component. In other views, the inner diameter of each component may be the length of the inner space in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the aerosol flowing in the inner space of each component.

[0094] Figure 3 It is shown that the channel structure 122 is arranged side by side in the side direction (+x) of the receiving part 121, and the expansion part 1212 is disposed between the downstream of the air flow path 1221 and the receiving space 1211. However, the internal structure of the heating module 120 is not limited to Figure 3As shown. As other examples, the channel structure 122 is arranged in series with respect to the accommodating portion 121, and the accommodating space 1211 and the air flow path 1221 are arranged in a line with respect to the extending direction (+y or -y) of the accommodating portion 121, and the expanding portion 1212 can be arranged between the accommodating space 1211 and the air flow path 1221. The internal structures of the accommodating portion 121 and the channel structure 122 are not limited to the content described in the present disclosure, and the arrangement of the components can be changed according to the design.

[0095] Air can flow into the aerosol generating device from the outside through the air inlet 111 (refer to Figure 2 ). The air flowing into the aerosol generating device passes through the air flow path 1221 of the channel structure 122 and is transmitted to the expanding portion 1212, and can be transmitted to the aerosol generating article accommodated inside the accommodating portion 121.

[0096] Therefore, only one air flow can be formed, that is, the air inlet where air flows in from the outside air of the aerosol generating device, passes through the air flow path 1221 and the expanding portion 1212 and reaches the aerosol generating article in the accommodating space 1211. When the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into the accommodating portion 121, the user holds a part of the aerosol generating article 200 in the mouth and inhales, thereby generating the above-mentioned air flow.

[0097] The aerosol generating device can heat the aerosol generating substance inside the aerosol generating article by supplying current to the coil to generate aerosol. The aerosol generated in the aerosol generating article can be transmitted to the user together with the air flowing in from the outside of the aerosol generating device.

[0098] Refer to Figure 3 , the expanding portion 1212 can be arranged between the downstream of the air flow path 1221 and the accommodating portion 121. As Figure 3 shown, the inner diameter of the expanding portion 1212 can be formed larger than the inner diameter of the air flow path 1221.

[0099] In an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer according to an embodiment, the expanding portion 1212 that supplies air to the aerosol generating article 200 can have an inner diameter large enough to correspond to the size of the end portion of the aerosol generating article 200. Therefore, in the entire area of the end portion of the aerosol generating article 200, the supply of air can be smoothly and sufficiently achieved.

[0100] Since the inner diameter of the expansion part 1212 is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the air flow path 1221, the pressure and flow rate of the air passing through the expansion part 1212 can be reduced compared to the pressure and flow rate of the air passing through the air flow path 1221. By reducing the pressure and flow rate of the air received from the air flow path 1221, the expansion part 1212 can prevent excessive flow of the air generated upstream of the accommodation part 121.

[0101] In addition, the expansion part 1212 is a component that directly transfers air to the inside of the aerosol generating article 200 in the accommodation part 121, and the amount of air transferred to the aerosol generating article 200 is proportional to the amount of aerosol generated. Therefore, by increasing the inner diameter of the expansion part 1212, the supply amount of the aerosol transferred to the user per unit time can be increased. The closer the inner diameter of the expansion part 1212 is to the inner diameter of the accommodation part 121, the more air can be transferred to the aerosol generating article 200, and more aerosol can be generated.

[0102] The expansion part 1212 can function to supply air to the aerosol generating article 200 by adjusting the pressure of the air flowing from the air flow path 1221 to the accommodation space 1211.

[0103] The air reaching the expansion part 1212 can enter the accommodation space 1211 while reducing its pressure in the expansion part 1212. The air reaching the expansion part 1212 has its pressure reduced in the expansion part 1212 with an inner diameter wider than that of the air flow path 1221, and at the same time expands inside the expansion part 1212. The expanded air can diffuse to the entire area inside the expansion part 1212 to form a uniform pressure in the entire area of the lower (-y direction) end of the aerosol generating article 200, so that the air can be supplied more uniformly to the entire area of the end of the aerosol generating article 200.

[0104] The channel structure 122 may include: an air flow path 1221 that receives external air from the air inlet 111; and a pressure sensor that generates a signal related to the pressure inside the air flow path 1221. A detailed description of the pressure sensor will be provided later with reference to Figure 4 described below.

[0105] Only one air flow path 1221 may be formed in the channel structure 122. And a pressure sensor (not shown) communicates with a part of the air flow path 1221 and can measure the pressure inside the air flow path 1221.

[0106] The first sealing member 123a may be disposed at the air inlet 111 (refer to Figure 2)Between it and the channel structure 122. The first sealing member 123a is a component for preventing air flowing in through the air inlet 111 from leaking into components or spaces other than the air flow path 1221 inside the channel structure 122.

[0107] For example, the first sealing member 123a can surround at least a part of the air inlet 111 and / or the channel structure 122 and be arranged in a close-fitting manner. By the first sealing member 123a, air flowing in through the air inlet 111 can be prevented from leaking into components or spaces other than the air flow path 1221 inside the channel structure 122.

[0108] The first sealing member 123a can be made of a flexible material such as silica gel, rubber, and / or plastic, but the material for making the first sealing member 123a is not limited thereto.

[0109] The second sealing member 123b can be arranged between the channel structure 122 and the accommodating part 121. The second sealing member 123b is a component for preventing air received through the air flow path 1221 of the channel structure 122 from leaking into components or spaces other than the accommodating part 121.

[0110] For example, the second sealing member 123b can surround at least a part of the accommodating part 121 and be arranged in a close-fitting manner. By the second sealing member 123b, air flowing in through the air flow path 1221 can be prevented from leaking into components or spaces other than the accommodating space 1211 or the expansion part 1212 inside the accommodating part 121.

[0111] The second sealing member 123b can be made of a flexible material such as silica gel, rubber, plastic, etc., but the material for making the second sealing member 123b is not limited thereto.

[0112] The temperature sensor 126 is a component that generates a signal related to temperature. For example, the temperature sensor 126 can generate a signal related to temperature by sensing the temperature of the heated aerosol generating article 200. The temperature sensor 126 can include a thermocouple, but is not limited thereto. The specific configuration of the temperature sensor 126 will be described later.

[0113] The control unit (refer to Figure 2 ) senses the temperature of the aerosol generating article based on the signal generated by the temperature sensor 126, and can control the operation of other components of the aerosol generating device based on the sensed temperature. For example, the control unit can control the coil according to an algorithm pre-stored according to the temperature of the aerosol generating article, so as to control the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article.

[0114] Figure 4This is a front view for explaining the components arranged outside the heating module of the aerosol generating device. Some of the components of the heating module 120 are the same as or similar to a part of the components of the heating module 120 shown in Figures 1 to 3 and the repeated description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0115] The pressure sensor 1222 can be arranged on one surface of the channel structure 122. The channel structure 122 may include a channel (not shown) for connecting the pressure sensor 1222 and the air flow path 1221 (refer to Figure 3 ), and may also include components such as a groove for arranging the pressure sensor 1222.

[0116] Based on various physical changes inside the air flow path 1221, the pressure sensor 1222 can generate a signal related to the pressure inside the air flow path 1221 (refer to Figure 3 ). For example, the pressure sensor 1222 can generate a signal related to the pressure inside the air flow path 1221 based on any one of temperature change, flow change, voltage change, and pressure change.

[0117] In addition, when there are multiple air flows flowing in from the outside, the pressure of any one of the air flows is measured, so there will be a problem of decreased accuracy and sensitivity of the measured pressure.

[0118] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the channel structure 122 may include one air flow path, and the air flow flowing in from the outside can also generate only one kind of flow, so the accuracy and sensitivity of measuring the pressure inside the air flow path 1221 can be improved.

[0119] The control unit (refer to Figure 2 ) can sense the user's puff according to the signal generated by the pressure sensor 1222, and can control the operations of other components of the aerosol generating device based on the sensed user's puff.

[0120] Through the first sealing member 123a, it is possible to prevent the air flowing in through the air inlet 111 from leaking into components or spaces other than the air flow path inside the channel structure 122, and the channel structure 122 only includes one air flow path, so that the accuracy and sensitivity of measuring the internal pressure of the air flow path of the pressure sensor 1222 can be further improved.

[0121] In addition, as described above, the heating module 120 may further include a second sealing member 123b arranged between the channel structure 122 and the accommodating part 121 (refer to Figure 3), and the second sealing member 123b can prevent the air flowing in through the air flow path from leaking into components or spaces other than the accommodation space or the expansion part inside the accommodation part 121. Since only one kind of air flow passing through the air flow path, the expansion part, and the accommodation space can be generated by such a structure, the accuracy and sensitivity of measuring the internal pressure of the air flow path of the pressure sensor 1222 can be further improved.

[0122] The coil 127 can be a component that generates a magnetic field. The coil 127 can be arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the accommodation part 121. The coil 127 can generate a magnetic field in the direction of extending across the accommodation part 121 (+y or -y). For example, the coil 127 can generate a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the accommodation part 121 extends. The description of the direction of the magnetic field generated by the coil 127 and the accommodation part 121 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 5 for a detailed description.

[0123] One or more coils 127 can be arranged. For example, three coils 127 surrounding the accommodation part 121 can be arranged, but it is not limited thereto.

[0124] Referring to Figure 4 , the coil 127 can be formed in a shape in which a wire capable of allowing an electric current to flow is wound multiple times. Different from a solenoid-shaped coil in which a virtual cylinder is wound multiple times with the same diameter, the coil 127 according to the present embodiment can be formed in a shape in which it is wound multiple times around a virtual central axis while gradually increasing in diameter. The coil 127 can form a curved surface. The coil 127 can be arranged to surround at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the accommodation part 121.

[0125] The coil 127 is bent and formed in a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the accommodation part 121, can surround a part of the outer peripheral surface of the accommodation part 121, and can be arranged to maintain a constant distance from the outer peripheral surface of the accommodation part 121 at any point on the coil 127. The center point around which the coil 127 is wound can be arranged at a point on the outer peripheral surface of the accommodation part 121.

[0126] The heating module 120 can include a plurality of coils 127, and the plurality of coils 127 can be electrically connected to each other. The coil 127 is electrically connected to the battery and can receive current from the battery. An alternating current can be applied to the coil 127 to cause the coil 127 to generate a magnetic field. The resonance frequency caused by the alternating current applied to the coil 127 can be about 1 MHz or more and about 10 MHz or less.

[0127] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the accommodation part and the coil of the heating module of the aerosol generating device and the direction of the magnetic field.

[0128] The components such as the accommodating part 121 and the coil 127 are the same as or similar to a part of the components shown in Figure 4 a part of the components shown in, and the repeated description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0129] The coil 127 can be arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating part 121. The coil 127 can include a first coil 1271 and a second coil 1272. The first coil 1271 and the second coil 1272 can be arranged at a predetermined interval along the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating part 121. The coil 127 can be arranged in such a way that the virtual central axis around which the coil 127 is wound crosses the extending direction (+y or -y) of the accommodating part 121. For example, the coil 127 can be arranged in such a way that the virtual central axis around which the coil 127 is wound faces the direction (+z or -z direction) perpendicular to the extending direction (+y or -y) of the accommodating part 121, but the arrangement of the coil 127 is not limited thereto.

[0130] In such an arrangement, according to Ampere's Law, the magnetic field M generated by the coil 127 can cross the extending direction of the accommodating part 121 and pass through the accommodating part 121. According to Ampere's Law, the direction of the magnetic field M formed by the coil 127 is the same as the direction of the virtual central axis around which the coil 127 is wound. The angle formed by the direction of the magnetic field M passing through the inside of the accommodating part 121 and the extending direction of the accommodating part 121 can be approximately a right angle.

[0131] An alternating current can be applied to the coil 127 to cause the coil 127 to generate the magnetic field M. The resonance frequency caused by the alternating current applied to the coil 127 can be 1 MHz or more and 10 MHz or less.

[0132] Figure 5 The "X" marked on the cross-section of the wire forming the coil 127 indicates the state in which the current enters under the perspective of looking at the cross-sectional view, and the "·" on the cross-section of the wire indicates the state in which the current comes out under the perspective of looking at the cross-sectional view. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 127, the direction of the current flowing in the coil 127 changes continuously with the cycle of the alternating current, so Figure 5 the direction of the current shown in can be regarded as showing a temporary state at a specific time point.

[0133] The magnetic field M formed by the coil 127 can pass through the internal space of the accommodating part 121 in the direction crossing the extending direction of the accommodating part 121. This magnetic field M can pass through the thin film included in the aerosol generating article (not shown) accommodated in the accommodating space 1211 of the accommodating part 121 and heat the thin film. At least a part of the magnetic field M generated by the coil 127 can be applied in the direction perpendicular to at least one surface of the thin film.

[0134] If the thin film is used as a heating element by the magnetic field M passing through the coil 127, the heating area relative to the mass can be enlarged, and the heating efficiency can be maximized, thereby improving the power efficiency. In addition, a separate heating element configuration can be included inside the aerosol generating article without being included in the aerosol generating device, so the space inside the aerosol generating device can be ensured, and thus the internal space of the aerosol generating device can be utilized more effectively.

[0135] The aerosol generating article can be disposed in the accommodation space 1211 such that the extending direction of the thin film is the same as the extending direction of the accommodation part 121. In such a configuration, the direction of the magnetic field M generated by the coil 127 crosses the extending direction of the thin film. Therefore, compared with the case of using a solenoid-shaped coil, the density of the magnetic field M passing through the thin film can be increased, and the heating efficiency of the thin film can be improved.

[0136] At least a part of the thin film can be disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the coil 127 based on the case where the aerosol generating article is completely accommodated in the accommodation part 121.

[0137] According to the embodiment, even in the case where the thin film is thinly unfolded in the length direction of the accommodation part 121, the magnetic field M generated by the coil 127 can completely pass through a relatively wide area of the thin film. Therefore, a magnetic field M with sufficient density can be applied to the thin film, and the thin film can heat the aerosol generating article 200 at a sufficient temperature.

[0138] The plurality of coils 127 can have the same size and shape, and at least a part of the plurality of coils 127 can be symmetrically disposed based on the accommodation part 121.

[0139] In addition, at least a part of the plurality of coils 127 can be disposed opposite to each other with the accommodation part 121 in the middle. At least a part of the plurality of coils 127 can be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval and disposed.

[0140] Figure 6 It is a perspective view for explaining a circuit board integrally formed with a sensor.

[0141] Figures 1 to 3 The aerosol generating device 100 described above can include a circuit board 128. The circuit board (Circuit Board) 128 can be formed in a structure of a substrate in which a conductor and an insulator are laminated. The circuit board 128 can electrically connect a plurality of components. The circuit board 128 can be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0142] The circuit board 128 may include: an inductance sensor 1281 that generates a signal related to a change in inductance; a capacitance sensor 1282 that generates a signal related to a change in capacitance; and a circuit connection portion 1283.

[0143] The circuit board 128 may include the inductance sensor 1281 and the capacitance sensor 1282 and be integrally formed. The inductance sensor 1281 and / or the capacitance sensor 1282 may be electrically connected to other components of the aerosol generating device through the circuit connection portion 1283. For example, the inductance sensor 1281 and / or the capacitance sensor 1282 may receive power from a battery (not shown) through the circuit connection portion 1283.

[0144] The inductance sensor 1281 may have a curved shape. The inductance sensor 1281 may generate a signal related to a change in the inductance inside the curved surface. When a specific object approaches or moves away from the vicinity of the inductance sensor 1281, the inductance changes, so the approach or departure of the object can be sensed by the change in inductance.

[0145] The capacitance sensor 1282 may include two plates. The two plates are conductive substances, and each plate may include a thin film material such as a polymer that acts as a dielectric. The capacitance between the two plates may change with the change in the relative humidity of the air around the capacitance sensor 1282.

[0146] By measuring the capacitance between the two plates included in the capacitance sensor 1282, the relative humidity of the air around the capacitance sensor 1282 can be determined.

[0147] The accuracy and reliability of measuring the humidity of the capacitance sensor 1282 can be used together with other technologies such as the inductance measurement of the inductance sensor 1281 or the Resistor-Capacitor (RC) oscillation to be further improved.

[0148] The two plates included in the capacitance sensor 1282 may be referred to as one channel. For example, the capacitance sensor 1282 may simultaneously measure the capacitance of multiple parts by setting multiple channels. The sensing resolution or accuracy of the capacitance can be improved through multiple channels. For example, when the capacitance sensor 1282 has two channels, the relative humidity of two regions can be sensed.

[0149] Figure 7 It is a perspective view for explaining the components arranged outside the heating module of the aerosol generating device from another angle.

[0150] The heating module 120 may include components that are the same as or similar to Figure 6 the circuit board 128 described above.

[0151] The inductance sensor 1281 included in the circuit board 128 can form a curved surface, and an accommodation part 121 can be arranged inside the curved surface.

[0152] The inductance sensor 1281 generates a signal related to the change in inductance inside the accommodation part 121, and the control unit can determine the insertion or removal of the aerosol generating article 200 relative to the accommodation space 1211 by sensing the signal related to the change in inductance inside the accommodation part 121.

[0153] The control unit can control the operation of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 according to the signal generated by the inductance sensor 1281. For example, when it is determined according to the signal generated by the inductance sensor 1281 that the aerosol generating article 200 is removed from the accommodation space 1211, the control unit can interrupt the operation of the aerosol generating device 100, and when it is determined that the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into the accommodation space 1211, the control unit can start the operation of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0154] The capacitance sensor 1282 generates a signal related to the change in capacitance inside the accommodation part 121, and the control unit can sense the humidity inside the accommodation space 1211 by sensing the signal related to the change in capacitance inside the accommodation part 121. The capacitance sensor 1282 can generate a signal based on the change in the amount of humidity inside the accommodation space 1211 by measuring the change in capacitance between two plates and / or the change in dielectric constant.

[0155] At least a part of the aerosol generated in the accommodation space 1211 can be liquefied, and the liquefied aerosol can include a part of moisture. In one embodiment, the capacitance sensor 1282 can generate a signal based on the amount of aerosol (or moisture) wetting or adhering to the aerosol generating article 200. By providing the signal related to the moisture sensed by the capacitance sensor 1282 to the control unit, the control unit can sense the information related to the moisture and / or humidity inside the accommodation space 1211.

[0156] In addition to the capacitance sensor 1282, the heating module 120 can further include a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the accommodation space 1211 and / or the aerosol generating article 200 by other principles.

[0157] In addition, the service life of the aerosol generating article 200 can be preset. Whether the aerosol generating article 200 is in a state exceeding the service life can be determined by measuring the humidity (or moisture) of the aerosol generating article 200. For example, the capacitance sensor 1282 senses the amount of humidity (or moisture) of the aerosol generating article 200, and when the value sensed by the capacitance sensor 1282 exceeds a preset value, it can be regarded as exceeding the service life of the aerosol generating article 200.

[0158] In addition, the heating module 120 may include more than two coils 127. For example, the coil 127 may include a first coil 1271 and a second coil 1272. The first coil 1271 and the second coil 1272 may be arranged at a predetermined interval along the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 121.

[0159] A first groove 1213 may be recessed and formed on the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 121. Specifically, in the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 121, the first groove 1213 may be formed between the first coil 1271 and the second coil 1272. An inductance sensor 1281 or a capacitance sensor 1282 may be arranged in the first groove 1213.

[0160] For example, the capacitance sensor 1282 may be combined with the first groove 1213 formed between the first coil 1271 and the second coil 1272 and contact the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 121.

[0161] As another example, the inductance sensor 1281 may also be combined with the first groove 1213 formed between the first coil 1271 and the second coil 1272 to contact the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 121.

[0162] A second groove 1214 is recessed and formed on the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 121. Similar to the first groove 1213, in the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 121, the second groove 1214 may also be formed between the first coil 1271 and the second coil 1272.

[0163] For example, the above-mentioned temperature sensor 126 may be arranged in the second groove 1214. However, it is not limited thereto, and an inductance sensor 1281 or a capacitance sensor 1282 may also be arranged in the second groove 1214.

[0164] That is, the coil 127 may include a first coil 1271 and a second coil 1272. The first coil 1271 and the second coil 1272 are arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 121 and may be arranged at a predetermined interval from each other. And a temperature sensor 126, an inductance sensor 1281, and / or a capacitance sensor 1282 may be arranged between the first coil 1271 and the second coil 1272. The above-mentioned sensors may be arranged in the first groove 1213 and / or the second groove 1214 recessed and formed in the accommodating portion 121. According to such a structure, the sensors are arranged closer to the accommodating space 1211, so that various physical quantities such as humidity, temperature, capacitance, and inductance inside the accommodating space 1211 can be measured more sensitively and accurately.

[0165] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the heat insulation tube 129 for explaining the accommodating portion surrounding the heating module 120. Figure 9This is a front view of the heat insulation tube 129 that surrounds the accommodation part of the heating module 120, showing it from another angle. Figure 10 This is a top view of the heat insulation tube 129 that surrounds the accommodation part of the heating module 120, showing it from another angle. The following will refer to Figures 8 to 10 the heat insulation tube 129 for a detailed description.

[0166] According to an embodiment, the heating module 120 may include a heat insulation tube 129. The heat insulation tube 129 is a component for minimizing the amount of heat inside the accommodation space 1211 transferred to the housing of the aerosol generating device, etc. The heat insulation tube 129 may be made of materials such as vacuum tubes, metals, etc. For example, the heat insulation tube 129 may include metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel. The heat insulation tube 129 can protect users from dangers such as burns when holding the aerosol generating device.

[0167] The shape of the heat insulation tube 129 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the appearance of the accommodation part 121. For example, the heat insulation tube 129 may be formed to be similar to a hollow cylinder, or may be formed in the shape of a cuboid, but the shape of the heat insulation tube 129 is not limited thereto.

[0168] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0169] The aerosol generating device 10 may include a control unit 1000, a sensing unit 2000, an output unit 3000, a battery 4000, a heater 5000, a user input unit 6000, a memory 7000, and a communication unit 8000. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 10 is not limited to Figure 11 that shown. That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 10, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that Figure 11 some of the components shown may be omitted, or other components may be further added.

[0170] The sensing unit 2000 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 10 or the state around the aerosol generating device 10, and send the sensed information to the control unit 1000. The control unit 1000 can control the aerosol generating device 10 based on the sensed information to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 5000, restricting smoking, judging whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying an alarm.

[0171] The sensing unit 2000 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 2100, an insertion sensing sensor 2200, and a puff sensor 2300, but is not limited thereto.

[0172] The temperature sensor 2100 can sense the temperature at which the heater 5000 (or the aerosol - generating substance) is heated. The aerosol - generating device 10 may include an additional temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 5000, or the heater 5000 itself may be used as a temperature sensor. Additionally, the temperature sensor 2100 may also be configured around the battery 4000 to monitor the temperature of the battery 4000.

[0173] The insertion - sensing sensor 2200 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol - generating article. For example, the insertion - sensing sensor 2200 may include at least one of a thin - film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can sense a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol - generating article.

[0174] The puff sensor 2300 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the air - flow path or air - flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 2300 can sense a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0175] In addition to the above - mentioned sensors (2100 to 2300), the sensing unit 2000 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from their names, so specific descriptions will be omitted.

[0176] The output unit 3000 can output information about the state of the aerosol - generating device 10 and provide it to the user. The output unit 3000 may include at least one of a display unit 3100, a haptic unit 3200, and an audio output unit 3300, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 3100 forms a stacked structure with a touchpad and constitutes a touch screen, the display unit 3100 can also be used as an input device in addition to being an output device.

[0177] The display unit 3100 can visually provide information of the aerosol generating device 10 to the user. For example, the information of the aerosol generating device 10 can refer to various information such as the charging / discharging state of the battery 4000 of the aerosol generating device 10, the preheating state of the heater 5000, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state where the use of the aerosol generating device 10 is restricted (e.g., an abnormal article is sensed), etc. The display unit 3100 can output the above information to the outside. The display unit 3100 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Additionally, the display unit 3100 can also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0178] The tactile unit 3200 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus, thereby being able to provide information of the aerosol generating device 10 to the user in a tactile manner. For example, the tactile unit 3200 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0179] The audio output unit 3300 can auditorily provide information of the aerosol generating device 10 to the user. For example, the audio output unit 3300 can convert an electrical signal into an audio signal and output it to the outside.

[0180] The battery 4000 can supply the power required for the aerosol generating device 10 to operate. The battery 4000 can supply power to enable the heater 5000 to be heated. Additionally, the battery 4000 can supply the power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000). The battery 4000 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 4000 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0181] The heater 5000 can receive power from the battery 4000 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Figure 11 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 10 can further include: a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter), which converts the power of the battery 4000 and provides it to the heater 5000. Additionally, when the aerosol generating device 10 generates aerosol in an induction heating manner, the aerosol generating device 10 can further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 4000 into AC power.

[0182] The control unit 1000, the sensing unit 2000, the output unit 3000, the user input unit 6000, the memory 7000, and the communication unit 8000 can receive power from the battery 4000 to perform functions. Figure 11Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the conversion battery 4000 to supply power to each component, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0183] In one embodiment, the heater 5000 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, nichrome, etc., but are not limited thereto. Additionally, the heater 5000 may be implemented by a metal heating plate (plate) configured with a metal heating wire (wire), a conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0184] In other embodiments, the heater 5000 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 5000 may include a heating element that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating material.

[0185] The user input unit 6000 may receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 6000 may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (capacitive contact type, piezoresistive resistive film type, infrared induction type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a roller, a toggle switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, Figure 11 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc., and connect to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface, etc., to send and receive information or charge the battery 4000.

[0186] The memory 7000, as the hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generating device 10, can store the data processed in the control unit 1000 and the data to be processed. The memory 7000 may include at least one type of storage medium such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, 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. For example, the memory 7000 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, and the smoking pattern of the user.

[0187] The communication unit 8000 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 8000 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 8100 and a wireless communication unit 8200.

[0188] The short-range wireless communication unit 8100 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a 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, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0189] The wireless communication unit 8200 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., local area network LAN or wide area network WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 8200 may also use user information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to confirm and authenticate the aerosol generating device 10 in the communication network.

[0190] The control unit 1000 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. In one embodiment, the control unit 1000 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented by a combination of a general microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can run on the microprocessor. Additionally, as long as it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs, it may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0191] The control unit 1000 may control the temperature of the heater 5000 by controlling the power supply from the battery 4000 to the heater 5000. For example, the control unit 1000 may control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 4000 and the heater 5000. In other examples, the heating direct circuit may also control the power supply to the heater 5000 according to the control instruction of the control unit 1000.

[0192] The control unit 1000 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000 and control the subsequent processes to be executed. For example, the control unit 1000 may control the power supply to the heater 5000 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000 to cause the heater 5000 to start or end operation. As another example, the control unit 1000 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 5000 and the power supply time based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000 to heat the heater 5000 to a predetermined temperature or maintain it at an appropriate temperature.

[0193] The control unit 1000 may control the output unit 3000 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 2000. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 2300 reaches a preset number, the control unit 1000 may give the user an advance notice that the aerosol generating device 10 will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit 3100, the tactile unit 3200, and the audio output unit 3300.

[0194] One embodiment may be implemented in the form of a recording medium (e.g., a program module executed by a computer) including computer-executable instructions. The computer-readable medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer, including volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer-readable medium may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable 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 includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data or other transmission mechanisms of modulated data signals, including any information delivery medium.

[0195] The description of the above embodiments is only exemplary, and those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments can be made therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included within the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing, including an air inlet for air to flow in, and A heating module, disposed inside the housing and configured to heat an aerosol generating article; The heating module includes: A receiving portion, having a receiving space for receiving the aerosol generating article, One or more coils for generating a magnetic field, A channel structure, disposed on one side of the receiving portion and including an air flow path, the air flow path receiving external air through the air inlet and transferring it to the receiving portion, and A pressure sensor, generating a signal related to the pressure inside the air flow path.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more coils are disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the receiving portion and generate a magnetic field in a direction crossing the extending direction of the receiving portion.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module further includes a first sealing member, disposed between the air inlet and the channel structure, for preventing air received through the air inlet from leaking into a space other than the inside of the air flow path.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module further includes a second sealing member, disposed between the channel structure and the receiving portion, for preventing air moving through the air flow path from leaking into a space other than the inside of the receiving portion.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving portion includes a dilation portion, disposed between the air flow path and the receiving space and having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the air flow path and smaller than the inner diameter of the receiving space, the dilation portion transferring air received from the air flow path to the receiving space.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module further includes a heat insulation tube, surrounding the receiving portion and containing a metallic material.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module further includes a circuit board, The circuit board includes: An inductance sensor, generating a signal related to the change amount of the inductance inside the receiving portion, and A capacitance sensor, generating a signal related to the change amount of the capacitance inside the receiving portion; The circuit board is integrally formed with the inductance sensor and the capacitance sensor.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that, A first groove is formed in at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the receiving portion, The capacitance sensor is coupled to the first groove and contacts the receiving portion.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The one or more coils include a first coil and a second coil disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the receiving portion, The first groove is formed between the first coil and the second coil.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second groove is recessed and formed in at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the receiving portion, The heating module further includes a temperature sensor, coupled to the second groove of the receiving portion and contacting the receiving portion, and generating a signal related to the temperature of the aerosol generating article.

11. An aerosol generating system, characterized in that, Comprising: The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and An aerosol generating article, including one or more films that generate heat by means of a magnetic field; The one or more coils apply a magnetic field to the one or more films of the aerosol generating article received in the receiving portion.

12. The aerosol generating system according to claim 11, characterized in that, At least a part of the one or more films is disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the one or more coils.

13. The aerosol generating system according to claim 11, characterized in that, At least a part of the magnetic field generated by the one or more coils is applied in a direction extending across a surface of the one or more thin films.

14. The aerosol generating system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The aerosol generating article includes an identification mark disposed in at least a partial area of an outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article and providing visual information. The heating module further includes an article sensing sensor that senses the visual information provided by the identification mark and generates a signal based on the sensed visual information.

15. The aerosol generating system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The heating module further includes an optical window disposed in a space between the aerosol generating article and the article sensing sensor.

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