Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a reservoir comprising a plurality of bladders that store an aerosol-generating substance; an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance; and a rupture unit configured to rupture the bladder and supply the aerosol-generating substance stored in the bladder to the nebulizer, in which the reservoir may be moved such that the bladder is aligned at a position corresponding to the rupture unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that supplies an aerosol generating substance by rupturing a sac-like member. Background Art

[0002] Recently, active research has been conducted on aerosol generating devices. An aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol from a liquid or solid aerosol generating substance or generates vapor from a liquid aerosol generating substance, and then passes the generated vapor through a solid aromatic medium to provide a scented aerosol.

[0003] Examples of application fields of aerosol generating devices include electronic cigarettes that generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette or a liquid composition, drug inhalation devices for atomizing medicinal compounds for treating diseases such as asthma or lung diseases, and the like.

[0004] In the field of aerosol generating devices using a liquid aerosol generating substance, research on preventing liquid leakage and quantitatively supplying liquid is actively underway. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problem

[0006] A cartridge of an aerosol generating device generally includes a storage member storing a liquid material (hereinafter, the liquid material may be used interchangeably with the "aerosol generating substance" and is simply referred to as "liquid") and an atomizer for atomizing the liquid. The atomizer may include a core for absorbing the liquid (e.g., cotton fabric, silica, ceramic, etc.) and a heating element for atomizing the liquid (e.g., a coil based on the principle of resistance heating). The liquid stored in the storage member may be delivered to the core and heated by the heating element connected to the core, thereby being converted into an aerosol.

[0007] In a structure in which the liquid is transferred from the storage member to the core, the liquid may leak from a portion where the storage member is connected to the core. In addition, when the liquid is transferred from the storage member to a portion near the heating element of the core, the liquid may leak due to backflow.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, there is provided an aerosol generating device including one or more sac-like members for supplying an aerosol generating substance to an atomizer only when a sac-like member containing the aerosol generating substance is ruptured.

[0009] In addition, according to one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating device is provided with a structure that can rupture another unruptured sac-like member while retaining a previously ruptured sac-like member.

[0010] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the above description, and those of ordinary skill in the art can clearly understand other technical problems from the embodiments described below.

[0011] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0012] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes: a storage member including a plurality of sac-like members for storing an aerosol generating substance; an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance; and a rupturing unit configured to rupture the sac-like members and supply the aerosol generating substance stored in the sac-like members to the atomizer, wherein the storage member is movable such that the sac-like members are aligned at positions corresponding to the rupturing unit.

[0013] Advantageous effects of the present invention

[0014] An aerosol generating device according to one or more embodiments can prevent leakage of the aerosol generating substance.

[0015] Furthermore, in an aerosol generating device according to one or more embodiments, since the amount of the aerosol generating substance released from the sac-like member each time the sac-like member is ruptured is uniform, the aerosol generating substance can be quantitatively supplied to the atomizer, and thus, a uniform amount of aerosol can be provided to the user each time of use.

[0016] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and the effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this specification and the drawings. Description of the drawings

[0017] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views respectively showing examples of a storage member of an aerosol generating device applicable to an embodiment according to Figure 1 the embodiment.

[0019] Figures 3A to 3D are cross-sectional views respectively showing examples of a rupturing unit of an aerosol generating device applicable to an embodiment according to Figure 1 the embodiment.

[0020] Figures 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views respectively showing examples of an atomizer and a rupturing unit coupled to each other in a structure of an aerosol generating device applicable to an embodiment according to Figure 1 the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer and the rupturing unit, showing an example of the rupturing unit in a first operating state.

[0022] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer and the rupture unit, showing an example of the rupture unit of FIG. 5A in the second operating state.

[0023] FIGS. 6A to 6D are cross-sectional views sequentially showing the process of handling the cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the process of handling the cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Regarding the terms in various embodiments, general terms that are currently widely used are selected in consideration of the functions of the structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the meanings of these terms can change according to intention, judicial precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in some cases, the applicant can arbitrarily select terms in specific situations. In such cases, the meanings of the terms will be described in detail at the corresponding parts in the description of the present disclosure. 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.

[0028] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the terms "comprising" and variants such as "comprises" and "comprised of" will be understood to mean including the stated elements but not excluding any other elements. In addition, the terms "-member", "-device", and "module" described in the application documents refer to units for handling at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

[0029] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is located after the arranged elements, the expression modifies all the elements and not each of the arranged elements. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" should be understood as: including a, including b, including c, or including a and b, including a and c, including b and c, or including a, b, and c.

[0030] In an embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in its internal space.

[0031] An 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 trace, and when an electric current flows through the conductive trace, the heater may be heated.

[0032] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette according to the shape of the heating element.

[0033] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be formed of pieces, strands, and small pieces cut from a tobacco sheet. In addition, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0034] The filter rod may include a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may include at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment configured to cool the aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a certain component in the aerosol.

[0035] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may include: a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance; and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the body or assembled with the body, or may be fixed to the body so that the cartridge cannot be removed from the body by the user. The cartridge may be mounted on the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The aerosol generating substance may also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0037] The cartridge may contain the aerosol generating substance in any one of various states, such as liquid, solid, gas, 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 material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0038] The cartridge may be operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the body, thereby performing the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gas phase. The aerosol may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance are mixed with air.

[0039] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by heating a 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 passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage may be configured to allow the aerosol to be delivered to the user through the cigarette.

[0040] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance by using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by converting an aerosol generating substance into an aerosol by using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0041] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator and generate short-period vibrations through the vibrator to convert the aerosol generating substance into an aerosol. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations may be a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] The aerosol generating device may further include a core that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the core may be arranged to surround at least one region of the vibrator, or may be arranged to contact at least one region of the vibrator.

[0043] When a voltage (such as an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator may be transferred to the aerosol generating substance absorbed in the core. The aerosol generating substance absorbed in the core may be converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0044] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol generating substance absorbed in the core may be reduced due to the heat generated by the vibrator, and the aerosol generating substance with reduced viscosity may be granulated due to the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that heats an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by using an induction heating method to generate an aerosol.

[0046] The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In an embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In an embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic body, and the magnetic body generates heat through an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied to the susceptor, the susceptor generates heat to heat the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol generating article.

[0047] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a holder.

[0048] The aerosol generating device may be configured with a separate holder to form a system. For example, the holder may charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, when the holder and the aerosol generating device are coupled to each other, the heater may be heated.

[0049] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be achieved in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0052] See Figure 1 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment includes: a storage member 110 that contains a plurality of sac-like members; an atomizer 120 configured to generate an aerosol; and a rupture unit 130 configured to rupture the sac-like members to supply an aerosol-generating substance to the atomizer.

[0053] The aerosol generating device 10 may include a housing 100. The housing 100 may form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 10. The components of the aerosol generating device 10 may be disposed in the internal space of the housing 100. The housing 100 may accommodate and protect these components.

[0054] At least a portion of the housing 100 may be separated from other portions of the housing 100 so that the components in the internal space of the housing 100 can be replaced. For example, an upper portion of the housing 100 may be disengaged from a lower portion of the housing 100 and separated from the lower portion of the housing 100 in the +z direction. As another example, at least the surface of the housing 100 may be open. When at least a portion of the housing 100 is separated, the components of the aerosol generating device 10 may be exposed to the outside.

[0055] The storage member 110 may be located inside the housing 100 and store an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid or gel state. For example, in the field of electronic cigarettes, the aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

[0056] In an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating substance may leak at the part where the storage member is connected to the atomizer (leakage during storage). In addition, during the transfer of the aerosol generating substance from the storage member to the atomizer, leakage of the aerosol generating substance may occur due to backflow (leakage during use). In terms of the design of the storage member and the atomizer, it is crucial to reduce the occurrence of leakage.

[0057] To overcome the above problems, the storage member 110 of the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include at least one sac-like member c containing the aerosol generating substance. The sac-like member c can store the aerosol generating substance, and the aerosol generating substance can be supplied to the atomizer 120 only when the sac-like member c is ruptured.

[0058] In this case, the term "rupture" may include various methods of damaging the outer surface of the sac-like member c to release the aerosol generating substance stored in the sac-like member c, such as squeezing or breaking under pressure, cutting with a sharp blade, or piercing with a sharp needle.

[0059] Before the sac-like member c is ruptured, the aerosol generating substance stored in the sac-like member c may not be discharged to the outside of the sac-like member c. Hereinafter, the state before the sac-like member c is ruptured may be referred to as the "storage state of the sac-like member".

[0060] When the sac-like member c is ruptured by the rupturing unit 130, the aerosol generating substance can be released from the sac-like member c and move to the atomizer 120. Hereinafter, the state in which the sac-like member c is ruptured may be referred to as the "captured rupture state".

[0061] According to an embodiment, since the aerosol generating substance is supplied to the atomizer 120 only when the sac-like member c storing the aerosol generating substance is ruptured, leakage that may occur when the aerosol generating substance is stored in the sac-like member c can be prevented (preventing storage leakage).

[0062] In addition, according to an embodiment, when the sac-like member c is ruptured, the sac-like member c may partially lose its function of storing the aerosol generating substance. Therefore, when the aerosol generating substance moves from the ruptured sac-like member c to the atomizer 120, backflow of the aerosol generating substance can be prevented (preventing use leakage).

[0063] In addition, according to an embodiment, the sac-like member c installed in the storage member 110 may not be directly connected to the atomizer 120. Therefore, the path for the aerosol generating substance to flow back from the atomizer 120 to the ruptured sac-like member c is blocked, and thus backflow can be prevented (preventing use leakage).

[0064] The sachet c may include the same materials as the liquid sachets commonly used in the field of aerosol generating devices. However, the material of the sachet is not limited thereto. The sachet c can store the aerosol generating substance while preventing the leakage of the aerosol generating substance, and the sachet c can include various materials that can be ruptured by the rupturing unit 130.

[0065] The sachet c can be in various forms. Refer to Figure 1 , the sachet can have a spherical shape. However, the shape of the sachet is not limited thereto, and can include various shapes for storing the aerosol generating substance.

[0066] A plurality of sachets c can be installed in the storage member 110. In an aerosol generating device, the storage member usually stores the entire amount of the aerosol generating substance. In contrast, in the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment, the aerosol generating substance can be distributed and stored in the sachet c, and the sachet c can be installed in the storage member 110.

[0067] In the field of electronic cigarettes, compared with a pack of cigarettes including 20 existing combustible cigarettes, 20 sachets c can be installed in a group in the storage member 110. However, the number of sachets c is not limited thereto. Figure 1 Six sachets c are shown.

[0068] In the sachet c, the following amount of the aerosol generating substance can be stored: an amount such that an amount of aerosol suitable for the user to inhale can be generated during a single use of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0069] In the field of electronic cigarettes, the sachet c can contain an aerosol generating substance equal to that in one existing combustible cigarette. When 20 sachets c form a group, the total amount of the aerosol generating substance in the 20 sachets c can be 1 ml, and one sachet c can accommodate 0.04 ml to 0.06 ml of the aerosol generating substance. In particular, one sachet c can accommodate 0.05 ml of the aerosol generating substance. However, the amount of the aerosol generating substance stored in the sachet is not limited to the above examples.

[0070] According to an embodiment, since the amount of the aerosol generating substance released from the sachet c each time the sachet c ruptures is uniform, the aerosol generating substance can be quantitatively provided to the atomizer 120. Therefore, every time the user uses the aerosol generating device 10, a uniform amount of aerosol can be delivered to the user each time.

[0071] In addition, according to an embodiment, since the storage member 110 is equipped with a plurality of sachets c containing an aerosol generating substance suitable for a single use, the user can avoid the inconvenience of replacing the sachet c each time the aerosol generating device 10 is used.

[0072] When there is an unruptured capsule c among the one or more capsules c installed in the storage member 110 , the user can simply place the capsule c on a certain area of ​​the aerosol generating device 10 without removing the capsule c, and can rupture the unruptured capsule c and use the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0073] When all the capsules c in the storage member 110 are broken, the user needs to install new capsules c in the storage member 110 before using the aerosol generating device 10. This process corresponds to the replacement of the storage member (smoke cartridge) in a general aerosol generating device.

[0074] The arrangement of the capsules c in the storage member 110 may vary according to the structure of the storage member 110. For example, the capsules c may be arranged side by side in a direction in the storage member. As another example, the capsules c may be arranged in sequence in the storage member 110 to form a circle.

[0075] When the capsules c are arranged side by side rather than randomly, the capsules c can be ruptured in the order in which they are arranged. That is, the capsules c can be ruptured effectively.

[0076] In this case, in order to improve the rupture efficiency, the capsule c may be ruptured at the same position each time. Therefore, before the capsule c is ruptured by the rupture unit 130, the capsule c to be ruptured needs to be moved to the position where the rupture occurs.

[0077] The capsule c may be aligned at a position where rupture occurs due to the storage member 110. In other words, the storage member 110 mounted with at least one capsule c may be moved so that the capsule c is aligned at a position corresponding to the rupture unit 130. In this case, the expression "position corresponding to the rupture unit 130" may refer to a position where the capsule is ruptured.

[0078] As an example of a method of moving the storage member 110, the storage member 110 may be rotated. Figure 1 The storage member 110 can rotate around a rotation axis extending along the x-axis direction. When the storage member 110 rotates, the capsule member c installed in the storage member 110 can rotate and move relative to the rotation axis.

[0079] See also Figure 1 The position where the capsule c ruptures can be the position closest to the rupture unit 130 in the circular trajectory of the capsule c generated by the rotation of the storage member 110, and can be a position aligned with the rupture unit 130 in the rupture direction of the rupture unit 130 (for example, the z-axis direction) to facilitate the rupture of the capsule c.

[0080] When the storage member 110 rotates, the sac-like member c that was most recently ruptured by the rupturing unit 130 can move along the trajectory of the sac-like member c further away from the rupturing unit 130, while other sac-like members c can move along the trajectory of the sac-like member c closer to the location where the rupture occurred. When the sac-like member c is aligned with the position corresponding to the rupturing unit 130, the sac-like member c can be ruptured by the rupturing unit 130.

[0081] The atomizer 120 can generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. Specifically, as the sac-like member c installed in the storage member 110 ruptures, the aerosol-generating material can be supplied to the atomizer 120 disposed in the lower portion (e.g., along the -z direction) of the storage member 110. The aerosol-generating material supplied to the atomizer 120 can be atomized into an aerosol by the atomizer 120.

[0082] An aerosol refers to a suspension of liquid and / or solid fine particles dispersed in air. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the atomizer 120 can be in a state where the vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material are mixed with air.

[0083] The atomizer 120 can convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material to the gas phase by vaporization and / or sublimation. That is, the atomizer 120 can generate an aerosol by granulating the fine particles of the aerosol-generating material in any one or a combination of the liquid state, solid state, and gel state.

[0084] Although Figure 1 not specifically shown in the figure, the atomizer 120 can include a liquid delivery element and an atomizing element. The liquid delivery element is coupled to a component of the aerosol-generating device 10 and is configured to absorb the aerosol-generating material. The atomizing element is disposed within the liquid delivery element and is configured to atomize the aerosol.

[0085] The liquid delivery element can receive the aerosol-generating material discharged from the ruptured sac-like member c and absorb the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery element can be a core, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] The liquid delivery element can have an elongated shape. For example, the liquid delivery element can have a columnar shape extending in a certain direction. Specifically, the liquid delivery element can have a polyhedral shape, such as a cylindrical shape, a rectangular column shape, or a triangular column shape, but the shape is not limited thereto. The liquid delivery element can have a shape that is substantially a rod or a needle.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the aerosol-generating material absorbed into a part (e.g., the upper part) of the liquid delivery element can move to another part (e.g., the lower part) of the liquid delivery element according to the capillary phenomenon. Therefore, the liquid delivery element can transfer the aerosol-generating material to the atomizing element.

[0088] The atomizing element can generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substance absorbed into the liquid delivery element. For example, the atomizing element can be a heating element, which is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substance by generating heat. When the aerosol-forming substance in contact with the heating element is heated by the heating element, the aerosol-forming substance can generate an aerosol.

[0089] The heating element can be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited thereto. The heating element can include a resistor having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). For example, the heating element can include SUS316L.

[0090] The heating element can include a conductive wire, such as a nichrome wire, and can be heated by a current source. In addition, the heating element can include a susceptor material heated by an induced magnetic field, and can be heated by the induced magnetic field generated by an induction coil arranged separately from the heating element.

[0091] As another example, the atomizing element can be an ultrasonic vibrator, which is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substance according to the ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method can refer to a method of atomizing the aerosol-forming substance by using the ultrasonic vibration generated by the vibrator to generate an aerosol.

[0092] The method for the atomizing element to generate an aerosol is not limited thereto, and can include various methods for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substance.

[0093] The atomizing element can be arranged in the liquid delivery element not only through a structural connection member, for example, the atomizing element is wound around the liquid delivery element, but also can be attached to the liquid delivery element through a permanent or reversible attachment, such as by spreading, spraying, depositing, plating, impregnating, painting, printing, three-dimensional printing, attaching to the liquid delivery element by an instrument. In addition, the heating element can be arranged in the liquid delivery element in a manner of sintering the atomizing element together during the manufacturing process of the liquid delivery element, for example.

[0094] However, the arrangement of the atomizing element is not limited thereto, and the atomizing element can include various ways of arranging the atomizing element in the liquid delivery element while maintaining its function.

[0095] Although Figure 1 not specifically shown, at least a part of the atomizer 120 can be coupled to and supported by a component of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0096] The rupture unit 130 can rupture the bladder c and supply the aerosol-forming substance stored in the bladder c to the atomizer 120.

[0097] The rupture unit 130 may be disposed between the storage member 110 and the atomizer 120. At least a part of the rupture unit 130 may be coupled to and supported by the atomizer 120. The rupture unit 130 may be disposed in a direction extending from the atomizer 120 toward the storage member 110.

[0098] When the pre - ruptured sac - like member c is moved by the storage member 110 and aligned at a position corresponding to the rupture unit 130, the rupture unit 130 may rupture the pre - ruptured sac - like member c at the position where the rupture occurs.

[0099] The rupture unit 130 may have an elongated shape. The end portion of the rupture unit 130 may point to the sac - like member c so that the sac - like member c can be ruptured. The rupture unit 130 may pierce the sac - like member c using the tip portion of the rupture unit 130 so that the sac - like member c can be ruptured. However, the shape of the rupture unit 130 and the rupture method are not limited thereto.

[0100] The aerosol - generating substance stored in the sac - like member c may be released to the outside of the sac - like member c through the portion of the sac - like member c ruptured by the rupture unit 130. The aerosol - generating substance released from the sac - like member c may move in the direction of gravity (e.g., the - z direction) due to gravity and be supplied to the atomizer 120.

[0101] For example, the aerosol - generating substance may freely fall toward the atomizer 120 and may be supplied to the atomizer 120. As another example, the aerosol - generating substance may move along the rupture unit 130 and then be supplied to the atomizer 120. However, the method of supplying the aerosol - generating substance released from the sac - like member c to the atomizer 120 is not limited to the above - described embodiments.

[0102] In order to rupture the sac - like member c, the sac - like member c needs to be close to the rupture unit 130. For example, at least a part of the storage member 110 may move toward the rupture unit 130, and thus, the sac - like member c may approach the rupture unit 130. As another example, at least a part of the rupture unit 130 may move toward the storage member 110, and thus, the rupture unit 130 may approach the sac - like member c.

[0103] The method of the sac - like member c approaching the rupture unit 130 is not limited to the above examples. Hereinafter, the rupture of the sac - like member c will be described based on the method of the rupture unit 130 approaching the sac - like member c.

[0104] At least a part of the rupture unit 130 may approach the sac - like member c aligned at the rupture - occurrence position. That is, at least a part of the rupture unit 130 may move to the position where the rupture unit 130 contacts the sac - like member c.

[0105] For example, the rupture unit 130 may be coupled to the atomizer 120 and move together with the atomizer 120. As another example, although the rupture unit 130 is coupled to the atomizer 120, only the rupture unit 130 may move without the atomizer 120 moving.

[0106] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the rupture unit 130 may move between a position in contact with the sachet c and a position spaced apart from the sachet c.

[0107] When at least a portion of the rupture unit 130 approaches the sachet c and contacts the outer shell of the sachet c, the sachet c may be ruptured by the sharp portion of at least a portion of the rupture unit 130.

[0108] At least a portion of the rupture unit 130 may move further after contacting the outer shell of the sachet c, so that it may be inserted into the sachet c. That is, the expression "position in contact with the sachet" may refer not only to the position where at least a portion of the rupture unit 130 contacts the outer shell of the sachet c, but also to the position where at least a portion of the rupture unit 130 is inserted into the sachet c.

[0109] Therefore, when the rupture unit 130 contacts the outer shell of the sachet c, the sachet c may not be ruptured, or even if the ruptured area is very small and not sufficient to release the aerosol generating substance, the sachet c is ruptured during the process of inserting the rupture unit 130 into the sachet c; thus, complete rupture of the sachet c can be ensured.

[0110] When the rupture unit 130 finishes rupturing the sachet c, at least a portion of the rupture unit 130 may move in a direction opposite to the direction facing the ruptured sachet c, so that it may move further away from the ruptured sachet c. That is, at least a portion of the rupture unit 130 may move in a direction away from the sachet c.

[0111] The mouthpiece 140 may be located on the upper portion of the housing 100 and contact the user's mouth. The mouthpiece 140 may protrude from the housing 100 in the +z direction. The mouthpiece 140 may be shaped to facilitate contact with the user's mouth. The user may place her / his mouth on the mouthpiece 140 formed on the housing 100 and then inhale the aerosol.

[0112] The airflow path 150 may be used as a passage for delivering the atomized aerosol to the user. Generally, the airflow path may refer to the path through which air and aerosol flow from an air inlet (not shown) provided on a portion of the housing 100 to the mouthpiece 140, but in this specification, the airflow path may refer to the path through which the aerosol atomized by the atomizer 120 moves to the mouthpiece 140.

[0113] External air can flow into the aerosol generating device 10 through the air inlet. The external air can move along an air flow path (not shown) formed inside the aerosol generating device 10 and reach the atomizer 120. The air reaching the atomizer 120 can be mixed with the vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance. The mixed aerosol can move along the air flow path 150 and can be provided to the user through the mouthpiece 140.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the air flow path 150 can be arranged to bypass the storage member 110 and extend from the atomizer 120 to the mouthpiece 140. However, the arrangement of the air flow path is not limited thereto.

[0115] The aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may further include a receiving portion 160. The receiving portion 160 can be arranged on the lower portion of the storage member 110 and receive the aerosol generating substance released from the ruptured sac-like member c by the rupturing unit 130.

[0116] The receiving portion 160 can have a funnel shape that is open in the z-axis direction. The upper portion of the funnel facing the ruptured sac-like member c can be open enough to allow the aerosol generating substance released from the sac-like member c to be introduced into the receiving portion 160. The lower portion of the funnel facing the atomizer 120 can be open such that the aerosol generating substance introduced into the receiving portion 160 descends and is completely supplied to the atomizer 120.

[0117] The rupturing unit 130 can be arranged within the receiving portion 160 having a funnel shape that is open in the z-axis direction. In this case, the receiving portion 160 can allow the storage member 110 and / or the rupturing unit 130 to move such that the rupturing unit 130 can rupture the sac-like member c.

[0118] The material forming the receiving portion 160 can include various materials that allow the aerosol generating substance introduced into the receiving portion 160 not to remain in the receiving portion 160 and actively move along the inner surface of the receiving portion 160.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the receiving portion 160 can prevent the aerosol generating substance from descending around the atomizer 120 and guide the aerosol generating substance released from the ruptured sac-like member c to completely move to the atomizer 120.

[0120] Hereinafter, the specific structure of the storage member 110 including the sac-like member c and the movement of the storage member 110 to align the position where the sac-like member ruptures will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0121] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views respectively showing examples of the storage member of the aerosol generating device applicable to the Figure 1 embodiment.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include storage members 110a and 110b. The storage member 110a of FIG. 2A and the storage member 110b of FIG. 2B may be the same as or similar to the storage member 110, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Figure 1 the storage member 110

[0123] Referring to FIG. 2A, the storage member 110a may include a front portion 111, a rear portion 112, a central portion 113, a mounting portion 114, a connecting member 115, and a support member 116.

[0124] The front portion 111 and the rear portion 112 may form the exterior of the storage member 110a. The front portion 111 may include an annular frame and may be open in the x-axis direction. A user may replace one or more used pouches c through the opening portion of the front portion 111. The rear portion 112 may include a circular plate and be connected to the central portion 113 of the storage member 110a.

[0125] The front portion 111 and the rear portion 112 may be arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the x-axis direction (e.g., the direction in which the y-z plane extends). In this case, the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112 may have the same dimensions in the direction intersecting the x-axis direction. However, the arrangement and shape of the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112 are not limited to the above embodiment.

[0126] When the storage member 110a is viewed in the x-axis direction, the central portion 113 may be disposed at the center of the circular storage member 110a. The central portion 113 may be connected to the rear portion 112 through the central portion of the rear portion 112.

[0127] Although Figure 1 not specifically shown, the central portion 113 may be connected to and supported by a component of the aerosol generating device 10. For this purpose, the storage member 110a may be supported by a component inside the aerosol generating device 10 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0128] The central portion 113 may include a rotation axis extending in the x-axis direction. The central portion 113 may be rotated about the rotation axis by a driver (not shown). When the central portion 113 rotates, the rear portion 112 connected to the central portion 113 may rotate together with the central portion 113. Therefore, the storage member 110a may rotate about the central portion 113 as the rotation axis.

[0129] At least one sac-like member c can be installed in the installation portion 114. The installation portion 114 may include a circular frame, and the sac-like members c form a circle in the circular frame and are arranged at the same intervals in the storage member 110a. The installation portion 114 can support at least one installed sac-like member c.

[0130] For example, the sac-like members c can be installed in the installation portion 114 one by one. As another example, the sac-like members c can form groups connected to adjacent sac-like members c. In this case, the user can install a group of sac-like members c in the storage member 110a without dividing the group of sac-like members c into individual sac-like members c.

[0131] The installation portion 114 can be arranged between the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112 in parallel with the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112. In this case, in the direction intersecting the x-axis direction, the size of the installation portion 114 can be smaller than the sizes of the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112.

[0132] As an example of a method of installing the sac-like member c in the installation portion 114, the installation portion 114 may include holes (not shown) corresponding to the size of the sac-like member c. The sac-like member c can be coupled to the holes in a mating manner. However, the method of installing the sac-like member c in the installation portion 114 is not limited to the above example, and may also include various methods in which the sac-like member c can be ruptured by the rupturing unit 130 and supported by the installation portion 114.

[0133] The connecting member 115 can connect the front portion 111 to the rear portion 112. The support member 116 can connect the installation portion 114 to the connecting member 115. Since the rear portion 112 is coupled to the central portion 113, all components of the storage member 110a can be connected to each other and rotated together. Therefore, one or more sac-like members c installed in the installation portion 114 can rotate and move together with the storage member 110a. In this case, the circular installation portion 114 can be the locus of the sac-like member c.

[0134] The connecting member 115 and the support member 116 can each include a straight frame. The connecting member 115 can firmly support the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112. The support member 116 can firmly support the installation portion 114 and the connecting member 115.

[0135] The distance by which the connecting member 115 separates the front portion 111 from the rear portion 112 can be as much as the length by which the connecting member 115 extends. Therefore, a space 115i corresponding to the extension of the connecting member 115 can be formed. The space 115i can be the gap between the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112 and between one or more connecting members 115.

[0136] The connecting member 115 can be arranged so as not to interfere with the path along which the rupture unit (e.g., Figure 1 the rupture unit 130) travels to rupture the sachet c. Accordingly, the space 115i can become the space in which the rupture unit moves to rupture the sachet c and can allow the rupture unit to move. Further, the space 115i can include a space large enough for the aerosol-generating material released from the sachet c to move to the atomizer 120.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 2B, the reservoir 110b can include a front portion 111, a rear portion 112, a central portion 113, a mounting portion 114, and a support 116, similar to the reservoir 110a of FIG. 2A.

[0138] Unlike the reservoir 110a of FIG. 2A, the reservoir 110b of FIG. 2B can include a side portion 115b. In this case, the support 116 can connect the mounting portion 114 to the side portion 115b and firmly support both the mounting portion 114 and the side portion 115b.

[0139] The side portion 115b can form the exterior of the reservoir 110b. The side portion 115b can have a cylindrical shape that is open in the x-axis direction and connects the front portion 111 to the rear portion 112 between the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112. Accordingly, the reservoir 110b can have a cylindrical exterior that is open only in the +x direction in the front portion 111.

[0140] The side portion 115b can include an insertion hole 115h that guides the rupture unit to move toward the sachet aligned with the rupture unit. The insertion hole 115h can prevent the rupture unit from failing to rupture the sachet c due to the rupture unit deviating from the movement path of the rupture unit toward the sachet.

[0141] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D, various shapes of the rupture unit capable of guiding the movement of the aerosol-generating material will be described.

[0142] FIGS. 3A to 3D are cross-sectional views of examples of the rupture unit of the aerosol-generating device applicable to Figure 1 respectively.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D, the aerosol-generating device 10 according to an embodiment can include rupture units 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d. The rupture units respectively shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D can be the same as or similar to the rupture unit 130 of Figure 1 , and repeated descriptions can be omitted, and a common description can be provided based on the rupture unit 130 of Figure 1 respectively.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D, the rupture units 130a to 130d can not only release the aerosol - generating material by simply rupturing the sac - like member (e.g., Figure 1 the sac - like member c), but can also each serve as a medium for delivering the aerosol - generating material.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 3A, the rupture unit 130a can have the following shape: at least a part of the rupture unit 130a is inclined along the direction extending toward the rupture unit 130a (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction of the rupture unit). For example, when the rupture unit 130a having an elongated shape is arranged in the z - axis direction, at least a part of the rupture unit 130a can be inclined with respect to the z - axis direction. In this case, the cross - section of the rupture unit 130a along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z - axis direction) can have a pointed shape or a tapered shape.

[0146] Due to the inclined part of the rupture unit 130a, the rupture unit 130a can have a shape in which the thickness decreases toward the end of the rupture unit 130a. In this case, the term "thickness" can refer to the distance from the central axis (hereinafter, the expression "the central axis of the rupture unit" can be used in this sense) extending along the longitudinal direction of the rupture unit (e.g., the z - axis direction) of the rupture unit to a point on the circumferential part of the rupture unit in the radial direction of the rupture unit.

[0147] Similar to Figure 1 the rupture unit 130, the rupture unit 130a can be inclined along the direction toward the storage member (e.g., Figure 1 the storage member 110). For example, the end part of the rupture unit 130a can have a pointed shape. The rupture unit 130a can pierce the sac - like member c using the pointed end of the rupture unit 130a so that the sac - like member c can rupture.

[0148] In addition, the rupture unit 130a can be inclined along the direction toward the atomizer (e.g., Figure 1 the atomizer 120). For example, the rupture unit 130a can be inclined along the direction toward the other end part opposite to the end part facing the storage member. The thickness of the rupture unit 130a can decrease toward the other end part of the rupture unit 130a.

[0149] When Figure 1 the rupture unit 130 ruptures the sac - like member c, the end part of the rupture unit 130 may still remain inserted in the sac - like member. In this case, the ruptured part of the sac - like member may be sealed by the area of the rupture unit 130. Therefore, it may be difficult for the aerosol - generating material to be released through the ruptured part.

[0150] In this case, when the thickness of the rupture unit 130a in FIG. 3A decreases toward the other end portion of the rupture unit 130a, a space may be present by reducing the thickness of the ruptured portion of the rupture unit 130a as the rupture unit 130a moves into the interior of the sac-like member, and the aerosol-generating substance can be released in this space. Therefore, the aerosol-generating substance can be smoothly released through the wide gap.

[0151] The outer surface of the rupture unit 130a can be used to guide the aerosol-generating substance toward the atomizer. The effectively released aerosol-generating substance can freely fall toward the atomizer and move toward the atomizer along the outer surface of the rupture unit 130a.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 3B, the rupture unit 130b may include a hollow hole 131 extending in the longitudinal direction of the rupture unit 130b. When the rupture unit 130b remains inserted in the sac-like member after rupturing the sac-like member, the aerosol-generating substance can move toward the atomizer through the hollow hole 131 that is open toward the atomizer.

[0153] Compared with the case where the aerosol-generating substance is simply released and moves through the ruptured portion of the sac-like member, when the aerosol-generating substance moves through the hollow hole 131, the possibility of the aerosol-generating substance reaching the atomizer increases. Therefore, the arrangement of the hollow hole 131 can prevent the aerosol-generating substance from remaining in the aerosol-generating device 10 because it cannot reach the atomizer, or prevent the aerosol-generating substance from contacting other components arranged in the housing (for example, Figure 1 the housing 100).

[0154] A part of the aerosol-generating substance can be discharged through the ruptured portion without passing through the hollow hole 131. In this case, the aerosol-generating substance can move along the outer surface of the rupture unit 130b.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 3C, the rupture unit 130c may include a hollow hole 131c extending in the longitudinal direction of the rupture unit 130c. In this case, the expression "gradient of the hollow hole 131c" may mean that the interior of the hollow hole 131c protrudes toward the central axis of the rupture unit 130c as it approaches the lower portion of the rupture unit 130c.

[0156] Due to the gradient of the hollow hole 131c, the diameter of the inlet through which the aerosol-generating substance flows through the hollow hole 131c can be larger than the diameter of the outlet through which the aerosol-generating substance is discharged from the hollow hole 131c. The aerosol-generating substance released from the ruptured sac-like member can smoothly flow into the hollow hole 131c through the inlet of the hollow hole 131c.

[0157] Although not shown in FIG. 3C, similar to the rupture unit 130a of FIG. 3A, the outer surface of the rupture unit 130c may be inclined along the longitudinal direction of the rupture unit 130c.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 3D, the rupture unit 130d may include at least one hollow hole 131 through which the aerosol-forming material moves. For example, the hollow hole 131 may include a first hollow hole 1311 and a second hollow hole 1312, where the first hollow hole 1311 extends in one direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the rupture unit), and the second hollow hole 1312 extends in a direction different from this direction (e.g., a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the rupture unit).

[0159] After the sachet ruptures, the aerosol-forming material may flow into the first hollow hole 1311 of the rupture unit 130d. The aerosol-forming material may move along the first hollow hole 1311 and the second hollow hole 1312 and may be discharged to the outside of the rupture unit 130d.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 3D, the second hollow hole 1312 is connected to an end portion of the first hollow hole 1311. However, the arrangement of the first hollow hole and the second hollow hole is not limited to this. The first hollow hole extends to a lower portion of the rupture unit 130d, similar to the rupture unit of FIG. 3B, such that the aerosol-forming material can be released through the first hollow hole.

[0161] In addition, FIG. 3D shows one first hollow hole 1311 formed in the z-axis direction and two second hollow holes 1312 formed in the y-axis direction, but the number, size, and direction of the first hollow hole and the second hollow hole are not limited to this.

[0162] The aerosol-forming material may be discharged from the rupture unit 130d in different directions along the first hollow hole 1311 and the second hollow hole 1312. For example, when a part of the rupture unit 130d is inserted into the atomizer, the aerosol-forming material may be dispersed in different directions inside the atomizer according to the direction in which the aerosol-forming material is discharged through the hollow hole 131. Therefore, the aerosol-forming material can be effectively supplied to the atomizer.

[0163] Next, referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C, a method of coupling the rupture unit to the atomizer and the movement of the rupture unit will be described.

[0164] FIGS. 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views respectively showing examples of an atomizer and a rupture unit coupled to each other in the structure of an aerosol generating device according to an Figure 1 embodiment.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include an atomizer 120 and a rupture unit 130.

[0166] The atomizer 120 and the rupture unit 130 respectively shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C may be the same as or similar to Figure 1 the atomizer 120 and the rupture unit 130, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the rupture unit 130 may be coupled to the atomizer 120. There are various methods for coupling the rupture unit 130 to the atomizer 120, and the examples described below with reference to the respective drawings are not limiting.

[0168] At least a part of the rupture unit 130 may move between a position in contact with the bladder (e.g., Figure 1 bladder c) and a position spaced apart from the bladder.

[0169] For example, the rupture unit 130 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B may move together with the atomizer 120. In this case, the rupture unit 130 may move together with the atomizer 120 by a driver (not shown) connected to the atomizer 120.

[0170] As another example, although the rupture unit 130 of FIG. 4C may be coupled to the atomizer 120, the atomizer 120 may not move, and at least a part of the rupture unit 130 may move only. However, the movement of the rupture unit 130 is not limited to the above examples.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 4A, the atomizer 120 may include an insertion groove 120g, and at least a part of the rupture unit 130 is inserted into the insertion groove 120g. The insertion groove 120g may be open toward the position where the bladder ruptures. After the rupture unit 130 is inserted into the insertion groove 120g, the position where rupture occurs may be aligned with the extension in the longitudinal direction of the rupture unit 130.

[0172] The rupture unit 130 may be inserted into the insertion groove 120g in an interference fit manner and supported by the insertion groove 120g. However, the manner in which the rupture unit 130 is inserted into the insertion groove 120g is not limited thereto.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 4B, the aerosol generating device 10 may further include a transfer core 125, the transfer core 125 is disposed on at least a part of the rupture unit 130, and the transfer core 125 is configured to absorb the aerosol generating substance. The transfer core 125 may be a part of the atomizer 120 or the rupture unit 130.

[0174] The transfer core 125 can surround at least a part of the rupture unit 130. The transfer core 125 can contact the atomizer 120 and be connected to the atomizer 120. For example, the transfer core 125 can be connected to the liquid transfer element of the atomizer 120 and can implement a dual-core structure. The transfer core 125 can absorb the aerosol-generating substance released from the ruptured capsule of the rupture unit 130 and transfer the aerosol-generating substance to the atomizer 120.

[0175] When the transfer core 125 is disposed on the circumferential portion of the tip portion of the rupture unit 130, the transfer core 125 can be inserted into the capsule together with the end portion of the rupture unit 130 and can absorb the aerosol-generating substance present in the capsule.

[0176] The transfer core 125 can contact the atomizer 120 and the rupture unit 130 and connect the atomizer 120 and the rupture unit 130 together. Thus, the rupture unit 130 can be coupled to the atomizer 120. For example, the rupture unit 130 can be inserted into the transfer core 125 connected to the atomizer 120 and be coupled to the atomizer 120. However, the manner in which the rupture unit 130 is coupled to the atomizer 120 through the transfer core 125 is not limited to the above example.

[0177] Referring to FIG. 4C, the atomizer 120 can include a through hole 120h extending in one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) such that at least a part of the rupture unit 130 penetrates the atomizer 120.

[0178] The through hole 120h can be open toward the position where the capsule ruptures. When the rupture unit 130 is inserted into the through hole 120h, the position where the capsule ruptures can be aligned with the extension of the length direction of the rupture unit 130.

[0179] Internal threads 122 can be formed in at least a part of the through hole 120h. External threads 132 corresponding to the internal threads 122 of the through hole 120h can be formed on the outer surface of the rupture unit 130. In this case, according to an embodiment, the positions of the internal threads 122 and the external threads 132 can be interchanged. That is, external threads can be formed in the through hole 120h and internal threads can be formed in the rupture unit 130.

[0180] The rupture unit 130 can be fixed by means of the through hole 120h to move only in the direction in which the through hole 120h extends. Thus, when the rupture unit 130 is rotated by a driver, the rupture unit 130 can linearly move along the internal threads 122 in the direction in which the through hole 120h extends.

[0181] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an example in which only a part of the rupture unit 130 moves and the atomizer 120 does not move is described.

[0182] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer and the rupture unit, showing an example of the rupture unit in a first operating state. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer and the rupture unit, showing the rupture unit in FIG. 5A in a second operating state.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include an atomizer 120 and a rupture unit 130.

[0184] The atomizer 120 and the rupture unit 130 respectively shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be the same as or similar to the atomizer 120 and the rupture unit 130 in Figure 1 and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, at least a part of the rupture unit 130 may be inserted into the atomizer 120 and coupled to the atomizer 120. At this time, the rupture unit 130 may be inserted into the atomizer 120 through an insertion groove (e.g., the insertion groove 120g in FIG. 4A) or a through hole (e.g., the through hole 120h in FIG. 4C) of the atomizer 120.

[0186] The rupture unit 130 may include a first part 1301, a second part 1302, and a third part 1303. That is, the rupture unit 130 may include a three-stage structure having three parts.

[0187] At least a part of the first part 1301 may be disposed inside the atomizer 120 and coupled to the atomizer 120. The first part 1301 may be supported by the atomizer 120.

[0188] At least a part of the second part 1302 may be disposed inside the first part 1301 and move along the length direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) of the rupture unit 130.

[0189] At least a part of the third part 1303 may be disposed inside the second part 1302 and move along the length direction of the rupture unit 130, thereby rupturing a sac-like member (e.g., Figure 1 the sac-like member c).

[0190] The second part 1302 and the third part 1303 may be respectively connected to a driver (not shown) and move linearly.

[0191] FIG. 5A shows the second part 1302 inserted into the first part 1301 and the third part 1303 inserted into the second part 1302. This state is referred to as the first operating state of the rupture unit 130.

[0192] FIG. 5B shows a part of the second part 1302 protruding from the first part 1301, and a part of the third part 1303 protruding from the second part 1302. This state is referred to as the second operating state of the rupture unit 130.

[0193] To rupture the sachet, the rupture unit 130 can be switched from the first operating state to the second operating state. That is, the second part 1302 and the third part 1303 can move in the +z direction respectively and approach the sachet.

[0194] The rupture unit 130 can be switched from the second operating state to the first operating state to move away from the ruptured sachet. That is, the second part 1302 and the third part 1303 can move in the -z direction respectively to move away from the sachet.

[0195] The first operating state and the second operating state are not limited to the states shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In addition, the rupture unit 130 is not limited to the three-stage structure of FIGS. 5A and 5B. For example, the rupture unit 130 can include a two-stage structure having only a first part and a second part. In this case, the second part can rupture the sachet.

[0196] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D, the sachet processing process performed by the storage member and the rupture unit will be described.

[0197] FIGS. 6A to 6D are cross-sectional views sequentially showing the sachet processing process of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment.

[0198] Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6D, the aerosol generating device 10 according to the embodiment may include a storage member 110 and a rupture unit 130.

[0199] The storage member 110 and the rupture unit 130 shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D may be the same as or similar to Figure 1 the storage member 110 and the rupture unit 130 of, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0200] FIG. 6A shows that the rupture unit 130 ruptures the first sachet c1 installed in the storage member 110, so the first sachet c1 is empty.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 6A, a plurality of sachets can be installed in the storage member 110. The sachets installed in the storage member 110 can be arranged in sequence to form a circle.

[0202] Among the sachets, the first sachet c1 is arranged at the position where rupture occurs. The rupture unit 130 can rupture the first sachet c1 provided at the position corresponding to the rupture unit 130. Therefore, the first sachet c1 can be ruptured while the other sachets can be kept stored.

[0203] The aerosol - generating material released from the first sachet c1 can be supplied to an atomizer (e.g., Figure 1 the atomizer 120). The first sachet c1 may no longer store the aerosol - generating material, and thus, the interior of the first sachet c1 can be empty.

[0204] After the rupture unit 130 ruptures the first sachet c1 and the aerosol - generating material is completely released from the first sachet c1, the rupture unit 130 can remain inserted in the first sachet c1.

[0205] When the atomizer does not atomize the aerosol - generating material into an aerosol, the aerosol - generating material can be present in the atomizer while being supplied to the atomizer. In this case, the interior of the aerosol - generating device 10 can be in the same state as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0206] When a user of the aerosol - generating device 10 uses the aerosol - generating device 10, that is, even when the atomizer atomizes the aerosol - generating material into an aerosol, the interior of the aerosol - generating device 10 can be in the same state as shown in FIG. 6A. The state of FIG. 6A can be maintained until most of the aerosol - generating material supplied to the atomizer is atomized into an aerosol.

[0207] When most of the aerosol - generating material supplied to the atomizer is atomized into an aerosol, new aerosol - generating material needs to be supplied to the atomizer. In this case, other sachets installed in the storage member 110 but not yet ruptured need to be ruptured. Therefore, a series of sachet - handling processes can be performed.

[0208] FIG. 6B shows the rupture unit 130 moving away from the ruptured first sachet c1.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 6B, in order to rupture other sachets, the rupture unit 130 can move in a direction opposite to the direction facing the ruptured first sachet c1 and away from the ruptured first sachet c1. That is, the rupture unit 130 can move toward a position away from the first sachet c1.

[0210] FIG. 6C shows the storage member 110 rotating and then being aligned at a position where the stored second sachet c2 is ruptured.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 6C, the storage member 110 can rotate about the central portion of the storage member 110 (e.g., the central portion 113 in FIG. 2A) as the axis of rotation. As the storage member 110 rotates, the sachets can rotate and move relative to the central portion.

[0212] The first bladder c1 at the location where rupture occurs can move away from the rupture unit 130 along the trajectory of the bladder. The second bladder c2 adjacent to the first bladder c1 can move closer to the location where rupture occurs along the trajectory of the bladder. After the storage member 110 completes rotation, the second bladder c2 can be aligned with the location where rupture occurs.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 6C, the storage member 110 can rotate 60 degrees in the clockwise direction, but the rotation direction and angle of the storage member 110 are not limited thereto. The rotation angle of the storage member 110 can vary according to the maximum number of bladders that can be installed in the storage member 110.

[0214] FIG. 6D shows the rupture unit 130 approaching and inserting into the second bladder c2.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 6D, at least a part of the rupture unit 130 can approach the second bladder c2 aligned with the location where rupture occurs. That is, at least a part of the rupture unit 130 can move toward the location where the rupture unit 130 contacts the bladder.

[0216] The rupture unit 130 can rupture the second bladder c2 aligned with the position corresponding to the rupture unit 130. That is, the first bladder c1 and the second bladder c2 can rupture, while other bladders can remain stored.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 6D, the second bladder c2 can be ruptured by the rupture unit 130 without releasing the aerosol-generating substance. However, it will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the aerosol-generating substance can be released from the ruptured second bladder c2.

[0218] A series of "bladder processing procedures" performed in the state of FIG. 6A and described with reference to FIGS. 6B to 6D can include a series of continuous procedures: the procedure of the rupture unit 130 moving to a position spaced apart from the ruptured first bladder c1, the procedure of the storage member 110 rotating and moving to the position where the stored second bladder c2 ruptures, and the procedure of the rupture unit 130 moving to a position in contact with the stored second bladder c2 and rupturing the second bladder c2.

[0219] When the aerosol-generating substance is released from the ruptured second bladder c2 and supplied to the atomizer, the user of the aerosol-generating device 10 can use the aerosol-generating device 10 again. That is, the bladder processing procedure can be performed after the user finishes using the aerosol-generating device 10 and before the user uses the aerosol-generating device 10 again.

[0220] In addition, through the sachet processing procedure, the sachets can be ruptured in sequence according to the order of the sachets arranged in a looped form. The sachet processing procedure can continue until all the sachets in the storage member 110 are ruptured.

[0221] When there are no remaining sachets due to all the installed sachets being ruptured, the user needs to install new sachets in the storage member 110. In this case, the sachet processing procedure can proceed to the state of FIG. 6B, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0222] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 7 , the control of the movement of the storage member 110 and the rupture unit 130 is described.

[0223] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0224] With reference to Figure 7 , the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a storage member 410, an atomizer 420, a rupture unit 430, a driver 440, a sensing unit 450, a battery 460, a memory 470, and a controller 480.

[0225] Figure 7 The storage member 410, the atomizer 420, and the rupture unit 430 of Figure 1 may be the same as those of

[0226] and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0227] The driver 440 may be connected to at least one of the storage member 410, the atomizer 420, and the rupture unit 430, and the driver 440 moves the storage member 410 and / or the rupture unit 430.

[0228] The driver 440 may include a first actuator 441 that moves at least a part of the storage member 410 and a second actuator 442 that moves at least a part of the rupture unit 430.

[0229] The first actuator 441 may be connected to the storage member 410. The first actuator 441 may rotate the storage member 410 to align the sachets (e.g., Figure 1 the sachet c in

[0230] The second actuator 442 may be connected to the atomizer 420 or the rupture unit 430. When the second actuator 442 is connected to the atomizer 420, the second actuator 442 may move the atomizer 420 so that the atomizer 420 may move together with the rupture unit 430. When the second actuator 442 is connected to the rupture unit 430, the second actuator 442 may only move the rupture unit 430.

[0231] The second actuator 442 may move at least a part of the rupture unit 430 linearly between a position where the rupture unit 430 contacts the sachet and a position where the rupture unit 430 is spaced apart from the sachet. For example, the second actuator 442 may move the rupture unit 430 in the longitudinal direction of the rupture unit 430.

[0232] The driver 440 may include one or more transmission devices (not shown). The transmission devices may be arranged separately from the actuator. The transmission devices may connect the actuator to at least one of the storage member 410, the atomizer 420, and the rupture unit 430.

[0233] The transmission devices may not only reduce the speed of the actuator, but also change the direction of movement of the actuator according to the type of the actuator and change the rotational movement into a linear movement.

[0234] The aerosol generating device 10 may utilize the sensing unit 450 to detect the presence of the aerosol generating substance in the atomizer 420. For example, since the sensing unit 450 may generate a signal based on the temperature of the atomizing element of the atomizer 420, when the aerosol generating substance is exhausted and the atomizer 420 is heated to a high temperature, the presence of the aerosol generating substance may be detected based on the signal from the sensing unit 450.

[0235] As another example, the sensing unit 450 including a fixed resistor arranged in parallel with the atomizing element may be utilized to detect the presence of the aerosol generating substance. In this case, the resistance value of the fixed resistor does not change according to the temperature of the atomizing element, and the fixed resistor may be set to detect only the presence of the aerosol generating substance.

[0236] According to whether the aerosol generating substance is present in the liquid transfer element absorbed by the atomizer 420, the temperature of the atomizing element in the liquid transfer element may change. In this case, when the atomizing element includes a resistor having a TCR, the resistance of the resistor may change according to the temperature change of the atomizing element. Therefore, the voltage difference across the resistor may be different.

[0237] Using the sensing unit 450 that generates a signal based on the voltage difference across the resistor of the atomizing element or the fixed resistor, the controller 480 may detect the presence of the aerosol generating substance in the atomizer 420.

[0238] Specifically, by referring to the look-up table stored in the memory 470, the controller 480 can analyze the result value corresponding to the voltage difference across the resistor and can determine whether the aerosol-generating substance is present.

[0239] When the controller 480 determines that the aerosol-generating substance is present in the atomizer 420, the controller 480 can send a signal including the result value regarding the presence of the aerosol-generating substance to the sensing unit 450. In addition, the controller 480 can also control other components of the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the result of the presence of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0240] The method for detecting the presence of the aerosol-generating substance is not limited to the above example, and can include various methods for detecting the presence of the aerosol-generating substance in the atomizer 420.

[0241] The sensing unit 450 can generate a signal according to the change in the amount of the aerosol-generating substance present in the atomizer 420. For example, the sensing unit 450 can generate a signal with a linearly changing magnitude according to the change in the amount of the aerosol-generating substance present in the atomizer 420.

[0242] As another example, when the amount of the aerosol-generating substance present in the atomizer 420 decreases to a specific value or lower, the sensing unit 450 can generate a signal. Herein, the "specific value" refers to a reference value for determining that the aerosol-generating substance is not present in the atomizer 420, and can be a value preset in the memory 470.

[0243] The signal generated by the sensing unit 450 can be transmitted to the controller 480. Accordingly, the controller 480 can control the aerosol-generating device 10 to enable other functions to operate.

[0244] The battery 460 provides the power for operating the aerosol-generating device 10. That is to say, the battery 460 can provide power so that the atomizer 420 can be heated. In addition, the battery 460 can also supply the power required for other components of the aerosol-generating device 10, namely the driver 440, the sensing unit 450, the memory 470, and the controller 480 to operate.

[0245] The memory 470 is a hardware component for storing various data processed by the aerosol-generating device 10, and can store the data processed by the controller 480 and the data to be processed. For example, in the memory 470, data related to the presence of the aerosol-generating substance in the atomizer (the above-mentioned "look-up table") can be stored.

[0246] The controller 480 can generally control the operation of the aerosol generating device 10. Specifically, the controller 480 controls the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 10. In addition, the controller 480 can check the status of each component in the aerosol generating device 10 to determine whether the aerosol generating device 10 can operate.

[0247] The controller 480 can sense the signal generated by the sensing unit 450. The controller 480 that senses this signal can control the execution of subsequent processes to supply the aerosol generating substance to the atomizer 420.

[0248] For example, the controller 480 can control the movement of at least one of the storage member 410 and the rupture unit 430 based on the signal generated by the sensing unit 450. Specifically, the controller 480 can be connected to the driver 440 and transmit a command to the driver 440 to move the storage member 410 and / or the rupture unit 430.

[0249] As another example, the controller 480 can generate a notification signal and output the notification signal to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. Due to the notification signal, the user can confirm that the aerosol generating substance in the atomizer 420 has been exhausted. The user can cause the controller 480 to transmit a command to the driver 440 to move the storage member 410 and / or the rupture unit 430 by performing an operation such as pressing a button (not shown).

[0250] In summary, the controller 480 can sense the signal generated by the sensing unit 450, and then automatically or according to the user's manipulation, control the aerosol generating substance supplied to the atomizer 420.

[0251] According to the command from the controller 480, the sachet handling process can continue. Accordingly, another sachet in which the aerosol generating substance is stored can be ruptured, and the aerosol generating substance can be supplied to the atomizer 420.

[0252] The controller 480 can control at least one of the storage member 410 and the rupture unit 430 to remain stationary for a certain period of time after the sachet is ruptured by the rupture unit 430. In this case, the expression "a certain period of time" can refer to a period of time sufficient to allow the aerosol generating substance to be completely released from the sachet immediately after the sachet is ruptured and supplied to the atomizer 420. According to the control of the controller 480, the storage member 410 can not rotate for a certain period of time, and the rupture unit 430 can remain inserted in the sachet and not move linearly.

[0253] According to an embodiment, when the aerosol-generating material cannot be freely released from the capsule after the capsule is ruptured, it is possible to prevent the capsule processing process from being performed in a state where the aerosol-generating material is not sufficiently supplied to the atomizer 420.

[0254] Next, with reference to Figure 8 , the capsule processing process will be described based on the sensing unit and the controller.

[0255] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the capsule processing process of the aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

[0256] Next, to explain Figure 8 of the capsule processing process, reference will be made to Figure 1 and Figure 7 components of the aerosol-generating device 10.

[0257] With reference to Figure 8 , in the capsule processing process of the aerosol-generating device 10 according to an embodiment, one or more unruptured capsules are installed in the storage member 110. In addition, Figure 8 the capsule processing process starts from a state where the capsule is ruptured by the rupturing unit 130.

[0258] In operation S10, the aerosol-generating material can be released from the capsule and supplied to the atomizer 120, and thus be atomized into an aerosol. In this case, the user can inhale the aerosol through the aerosol-generating device 10.

[0259] In operation S20, the controller 480 can detect the presence of the aerosol-generating material in the atomizer 120 based on the signal of the sensing unit 450. When the controller 480 determines, based on the signal of the sensing unit 450, that there is aerosol-generating material in the atomizer 120, operation S20 can be performed again. When the controller 480 determines, based on the signal of the sensing unit 450, that there is no aerosol-generating material in the atomizer 120, operation S30 can be performed.

[0260] In operation S30, the sensing unit 450 can generate a signal such that the controller 480 can control the movement of at least one of the storage member 410 and the rupturing unit 430.

[0261] Operation S30 can be performed, for example, when the controller 480 transmits a signal including the result value regarding the presence of the aerosol-generating material to the sensing unit 450. In operation S20, when the controller 480 determines whether the aerosol-generating material is present and can then immediately control other components (e.g., the storage member 110 and the rupturing unit 130) of the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the determination result, operation S30 can be omitted and operation S40 can be performed.

[0262] In operation S40, the rupture unit 130 may move in a direction away from the ruptured bladder (e.g., linearly). In this case, the controller 480 may control the movement of the rupture unit 130.

[0263] In operation S50, the storage unit 110 may move the unruptured bladder (e.g., rotate and move) to align it at a position corresponding to the rupture unit 130. In this case, the controller 480 may control the movement of the storage unit 110.

[0264] In operation S60, the rupture unit 130 may move toward the unruptured bladder (e.g., linearly) to rupture the bladder. In this case, the controller 480 may control the linear movement of the rupture unit 130.

[0265] Operations S10 to S60 may be repeatedly executed until all the bladders installed in the storage unit 110 are ruptured and replaced with new bladders.

[0266] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 900 according to another embodiment.

[0267] The aerosol generating device 900 may include a controller 910, a sensing unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, a heater 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to Figure 9 the structure shown. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 900, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that some of the components shown may be omitted Figure 9 or new components may be added.

[0268] The sensing unit 920 may sense the state of the aerosol generating device 900 and the state around the aerosol generating device 900, and transmit the sensed information to the controller 910. Based on the sensed information, the controller 910 may control the aerosol generating device 900 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, displaying a notification, etc.

[0269] The sensing unit 920 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 922, an insertion detection sensor 924, and a puff sensor 926, but is not limited thereto.

[0270] The temperature sensor 922 can sense the temperature at which the heater 950 (or the aerosol - generating substance) is heated. The aerosol - generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 may act as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may also be arranged around the battery 940 to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0271] The insertion - detection sensor 924 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol - generating article. For example, the insertion - detection sensor 924 may include at least one of a membrane sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistance sensor, a capacitance sensor, an inductance sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can sense a change in the signal generated according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol - generating article.

[0272] The puff sensor 926 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 926 can sense a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow - rate change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0273] In addition to the above - mentioned temperature sensor 922, insertion - detection sensor 924, and puff sensor 926, the sensing unit 920 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric - pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a Red - Green - Blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Since those of ordinary skill in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0274] The output unit 930 can output information about the state of the aerosol - generating device 900 and provide this information to the user. The output unit 930 may include at least one of a display unit 932, a haptic unit 934, and an audio - output unit 936, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 932 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 932 can be used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0275] The display unit 932 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 900 can be various information, such as the charging / discharging state of the battery 940 of the aerosol generating device 900, the preheating state of the heater 950, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 900 is restricted (e.g., an abnormal object is sensed), etc., and the display unit 932 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 932 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, etc. In addition, the display unit 932 can be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) lighting device.

[0276] The tactile unit 934 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 900 to the user in a tactile manner by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the tactile unit 934 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0277] The sound output unit 936 can provide information about the aerosol generating device 900 to the user in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output unit 936 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0278] The battery 940 can provide the power for operating the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 can provide power so that the heater 950 can be heated. In addition, the battery 940 can provide the power required for operating other components (e.g., the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980) in the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0279] The heater 950 can receive power from the battery 940 to heat the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in Figure 9 the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC) / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 940 and supplies the converted power to the heater 950. Additionally, when the aerosol generating device 900 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a DC / alternating current (AC) that converts the DC power of the battery 940 into AC power.

[0280] The controller 910, the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980 can each receive power from the battery 940 to perform functions. AlthoughFigure 9 Although not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 940 to supply power to various components, such as a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0281] In an embodiment, the heater 950 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. For example, suitable resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but are not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 950 may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate provided with conductive traces, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0282] In another embodiment, the heater 950 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 950 may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0283] The user input unit 960 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 960 may include a keyboard, a dome switch, a touchpad (capacitive touch method, piezoresistive membrane method, infrared induction method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a roller, a roller switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. Additionally, although Figure 9 not shown in the figure, the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface, such as a USB interface, to send and receive information or to charge the battery 940.

[0284] The memory 970 is a hardware component that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device 900, and the memory 970 may store data processed by the controller 910 and data to be processed. The memory 970 may include at least one type of storage medium among the following: flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type storage, card type storage (e.g., secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) storage, etc.), random access storage (RAM), static random access storage (SRAM), read only storage (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only storage (EEPROM), programmable read only storage (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disks, and optical disks. The memory 970 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, data on the user's smoking pattern, etc.

[0285] The communication unit 980 may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 980 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

[0286] The short-range wireless communication unit 982 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (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.

[0287] The wireless communication unit 984 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 984 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network by using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0288] The controller 910 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In an embodiment, the controller 910 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0289] The controller 910 may control the temperature of the heater 950 by controlling the battery 940 to supply power to the heater 950. For example, the controller 910 may control the supply of power by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In another example, a direct heating circuit may also control the supply of power to the heater 950 according to a control command of the controller 910.

[0290] The controller 910 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 and control subsequent processes to be executed. For example, the controller 910 may control the power supplied to the heater 950 to start or end the operation of the heater 950 according to the results sensed by the sensing unit 920. As another example, the controller 910 may control the amount of power and the power supply time supplied to the heater 950 according to the results sensed by the sensing unit 920, so that the heater 950 can be heated to a certain temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0291] The controller 910 may control the output unit 930 according to the results sensed by the sensing unit 920. For example, when the number of puff counts counted by the puff sensor 926 reaches a preset number, the controller 910 may notify the user that the aerosol generating device 900 is about to terminate through at least one of the display unit 932, the tactile unit 934, and the sound output unit 936.

[0292] One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium, which includes instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executable by a computer. The computer-readable recording medium may be any available medium accessible by a computer and includes volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes all volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media, which are 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, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0293] The above description of the embodiments is merely exemplary, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changes and equivalent substitutions can be made to the above embodiments. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope described in the claims will be considered to be included within the protection scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a storage member including a plurality of sac-like members for storing an aerosol generating substance; an atomizer configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance; and a rupture unit configured to rupture the sac-like member and supply the aerosol generating substance stored in the sac-like member to the atomizer, wherein the storage member is movable such that the sac-like member is aligned at a position corresponding to the rupture unit.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The storage member is rotatable.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, At least a part of the rupture unit is inclined in a direction extending towards the rupture unit.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The rupture unit includes a hollow hole through which the aerosol generating substance moves.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein, The hollow hole includes a first hollow hole and a second hollow hole, the first hollow hole extending in a length direction of the rupture unit, the second hollow hole being connected to the first hollow hole, and the second hollow hole extending in a direction intersecting the length direction of the rupture unit.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, At least a part of the rupture unit is movable between: a position where at least a part of the rupture unit contacts the sac-like member; and a position where at least a part of the rupture unit is spaced apart from the sac-like member.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The rupture unit is coupled to the atomizer, and the rupture unit is movable together with the atomizer.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The atomizer includes an insertion groove for supporting the rupture unit by accommodating at least a part of the rupture unit.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, the aerosol generating device further comprising a transfer core disposed on at least a part of the rupture unit and configured to absorb the aerosol generating substance.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, The rupture unit includes a first part and a second part, the first part being coupled to the atomizer and supported by the atomizer, at least a part of the second part being disposed on the first part, and at least a part of the second part moving in the length direction of the rupture unit to rupture the sac-like member.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, the aerosol generating device further comprising a driver configured to move the storage member to align the sac-like member at a position corresponding to the rupture unit.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein, The driver is configured to move the rupture unit in the length direction of the rupture unit.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, the aerosol generating device further comprising a sensing unit configured to generate a signal according to a change in the amount of the aerosol generating substance present in the atomizer.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, the aerosol generating device further comprising a controller configured to control the operation of the storage member, Among them, the controller being configured to control the movement of the storage member based on the signal generated by the sensing unit.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein, The controller is configured to control at least one of the storage member and the rupture unit to keep at least one of the storage member and the rupture unit in a static state for a certain period of time after the rupture unit ruptures the sac-like member.

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