Aerosol-generating device comprising an airflow path

Abstract

An aerosol generating device includes a heater module including a sleeve to accommodate an aerosol generating article, and a plurality of tubes to guide air from the outside to the sleeve, the plurality of tubes being mechanically coupled to each other, at least one tube of the plurality of tubes being mechanically coupled to the heater module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to aerosol generating apparatus, for example, to an aerosol generating apparatus including an airflow path. Background Technology

[0002] To achieve atomization performance, research is underway on introducing airflow into aerosol-generating articles. For example, aerosol-generating devices are being developed to generate aerosols from aerosol-generating articles in a non-combustion manner. The background technology described above was acquired or learned by the inventors during the derivation of this invention and should not be construed as necessarily being generally known technology disclosed to the public prior to this application. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem the invention aims to solve One aspect of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus that introduces an airflow into an aerosol generating article.

[0004] means for solving problems An aerosol generating apparatus may include: a heater module including a sleeve for containing an aerosol generating article; and a plurality of tubing for guiding air from the outside to the sleeve, the plurality of tubing being mechanically coupled to each other, at least one of the plurality of tubing being mechanically coupled to the heater module.

[0005] The plurality of pipes may include a first pipe connected to the sleeve, the first pipe being used to guide air flowing into the first pipe from a first direction extending along the first pipe to a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0006] The plurality of pipes may further include a second pipe that mechanically cooperates with the first pipe, the second pipe being used to guide air flowing into the second pipe from a third direction substantially opposite to the second direction to the first direction.

[0007] The plurality of pipes may further include a third pipe that mechanically cooperates with the second pipe, the third pipe being used to guide air flowing into the third pipe from a direction substantially parallel to the first direction to the third direction.

[0008] The heater module may further include a first heater flange that engages with one end of the sleeve, wherein the first tube engages with the first heater flange.

[0009] The heater module may further include a second heater flange that engages with the other end of the sleeve, which is the opposite end of the sleeve, and the third tube engages with the second heater flange.

[0010] The heater module may also include a first heater cover surrounding at least a portion of the outside of the sleeve.

[0011] The first heater cover may include thermal insulation material.

[0012] The heater module may further include a second heater cover that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the sleeve and engages with the first heater cover.

[0013] The first heater cover or the second heater cover may engage with the first heater flange or the second heater flange.

[0014] The second tube can be joined to the first heater cover.

[0015] The second tube can be mechanically fitted with the first heater cover.

[0016] The aerosol generating device may also include a housing that houses the heater module and the plurality of tubing, the housing including an internal space through which air flowing in from the outside circulates.

[0017] The aerosol generating apparatus may also include a slot disposed in the housing; and a cover that slides relative to the slot, the slot being connected to the interior space.

[0018] The aerosol generating device may also include a suction sensor for sensing a user's suction and is arranged around the plurality of tubes.

[0019] Invention Effects According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating apparatus can introduce an airflow into an aerosol generating article. According to one embodiment, the air can flow along an airflow path. The effects of the aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2a An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 2b An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the 4-4 line aerosol generation device.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a heater and tubing according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a heater and tubing according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a heater and a first tube according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a fluid flow diagram according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components will be assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components in the description of the drawings.

[0031] The suffixes “module” and “unit” used in the following description for the purpose of drafting the specification are used interchangeably or for convenience only, and do not inherently have different meanings or functions. Furthermore, the suffixes “module” or “unit” can include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A “module” or “unit” can be a component that is integrally formed or the smallest unit or part of said component that performs one or more functions. For example, a “module” or “unit” can be implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0032] Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant well-known technologies will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the spirit of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concepts disclosed in this specification are not limited by the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and even substitutions included within the scope of the concepts and techniques of this disclosure.

[0033] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe multiple constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0034] When it is mentioned that a component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or directly coupled to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is mentioned that a component is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0035] Unless the context clearly indicates that they have different meanings, the singular form of a statement covers the plural form of a statement.

[0036] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in software that includes one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory 17) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit 12) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating apparatus 1) can invoke at least one of the more than one stored instructions from the storage medium and execute that instruction. This enables the machine to operate in a manner that performs at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The more than one instruction may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between semi-permanent and temporary storage of data in the storage medium.

[0037] In this disclosure, the orientation of the aerosol generating device 1 can be defined using a Cartesian coordinate system as a reference. The x-axis direction in the Cartesian coordinate system can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device 1. The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and / or heaters 18 and 24. However, those skilled in the art will understand that, according to the design of the aerosol generating apparatus 1, certain components may be omitted. Figure 1 The elements shown are part of the constituent elements, or new constituent elements can be added.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a reuse sensor, an overly moist sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge sensor, a cap sensor, and / or a motion sensor. In addition, the sensor unit 13 may also include various sensors such as a liquid level sensor for sensing the remaining liquid in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for sensing water immersion in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0041] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can sense the temperature at which heaters 18 and 24 are heated. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, or the heaters 18 and 24 themselves may function as temperature sensors. As an example, the temperature sensor can be used to measure the impedance of heater 18. The impedance of heater 18 may be correlated with the temperature of heater 18. The temperature sensor can measure the current and / or voltage applied to heater 18 (or induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of heater 18 can be calculated. The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of heater 18 based on the calculated impedance.

[0042] As an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to temperature changes in the heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature changes of the heaters 18 and 24 based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0043] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of heaters 18 and 24, and the control unit 12 may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of heaters 18 and 24 based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor can be arranged adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to a surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on a surface of a printed circuit board. As an example, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a power protection circuit (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be arranged adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power protection circuit.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may also be arranged inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 1 to sense the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the suction sensor can sense the user's suction.

[0047] As an example, the suction sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1, and the control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on the aforementioned signal corresponding to the internal pressure. The internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gas flow channel. The suction sensor may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1 corresponding to the gas flow channel.

[0048] As another example, the suction sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user performs suction, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow channel, the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), heaters 18, 24, etc. The control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on a signal output from the temperature sensor corresponding to the temperature of the airflow channel, etc.

[0049] As another example, the suction sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor can measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the suction sensor can correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the suction sensor can output both a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the suction sensor. In this case, the control unit 12 can receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0050] As another example, the suction sensor may include a capacitive sensor. In this disclosure, a capacitive sensor may also be referred to as a cap sensor or capacitive sensor. When a user performs suction, temperature changes and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, thereby potentially changing the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect the user's suction based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0051] The suction sensor is not limited to the examples above and can be implemented by a variety of sensors used to sense a user's suction.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor is capable of sensing the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion sensing sensor may be disposed around the periphery of the insertion space. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor may also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0053] As an example, the insertion sensing sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The control unit 12 may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0054] As another example, the insertion sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be arranged adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, a change in the magnetic field may be generated around the coil through which the current flows when the aerosol generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit 12 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., the frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the alternating current). Alternatively, an inductive heating element (SUS) may also be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the dielectric portion of the aerosol generating article). Even in this case, the magnetic field around the coil may change based on the insertion or removal of the heating element or the like in the insertion space, and the control unit 12 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the current characteristics of the inductive sensor.

[0055] The insertion sensing sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and can be implemented by various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) used to sense the insertion and / or removal of aerosol-generating articles. Furthermore, the insertion sensing sensor can also include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor may also include a switch, etc., for sensing pressure generated by the aerosol-generating article.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a reuse sensing sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been reused. As an example, the reuse sensing sensor can be a color sensor for sensing the color of the aerosol-generating article. If a user uses the aerosol-generating article, the color of a portion of the outer casing of the aerosol-generating article may change due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to the optical characteristics (e.g., wavelength of light) of the color of the outer casing based on the light reflected from it. If a color change is detected in a portion of the outer casing, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has been used.

[0057] According to one embodiment, an over-humidity sensing sensor can sense whether an aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity sensing sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor arranged adjacent to the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitive sensor. As an example, the control unit 12 can confirm the level range that the signal level falls into according to a lookup table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can sense whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0059] As an example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for sensing an identification substance (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., packaging component) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may illuminate the identification substance (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and sense whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification substance may include a substance that emits light of a specific wavelength based on the illuminated light. The control unit 12 may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the range of said wavelengths.

[0060] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. Depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on a signal output from the capacitive sensor corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., inside the insertion space.

[0061] As another example, a cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When the packaging and / or interior (e.g., the dielectric portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space includes a conductor, the characteristics of the current sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor.

[0062] Cigarette identification sensors are not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented using various sensors for sensing whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or for sensing the type of aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, cigarette identification sensors can also include any combination of the examples described above.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the cartridge sensing sensor can sense the installation and / or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall effect sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the cap sensing sensor can sense the installation and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall effect sensor (HAL IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device 1. If the cap is installed in or removed from the housing, the cap sensing sensor can output a signal corresponding to the installation or removal, and the control unit 12 can sense the installation or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the installation or removal.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the motion sensing sensor is capable of sensing the motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion sensing sensor can be implemented by at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0066] According to one embodiment, in addition to the sensors described above, the sensor unit 13 may also include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System (GPS)), or a proximity sensor. Since a person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 may include the charging / discharging status of the power supply 11, the preheating status of the heaters 18 and 24, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the installation and / or removal status of the cover, or a status where the use of the aerosol generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., abnormal object detected). The display can visually provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. If the display includes a touchpad, the display can also be used as an input unit 15. The haptic unit can tactilely provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the tactile part may include a vibrating motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The sound output part can provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 in an auditory manner. For example, the sound output part can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the power source 11 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The power source 11 may include one or more batteries. The power source 11 can supply power to heat the heaters 18 and 24. Furthermore, the power source 11 can supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1, such as the control unit 12, sensor unit 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power source 11 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source 11 can be a replaceable (detachable) battery (hereinafter, a removable battery). The removable battery can be installed in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating apparatus 1, or it can be removed from the battery housing. The removable battery can be charged via wired and / or wireless means.

[0069] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 receive power from power source 11, thereby enabling them to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating substance within the cartridge. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include heater 18 for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0070] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be resistance heaters. For example, resistance heaters can include resistive materials such as metals or metal alloys like titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. Resistance heaters can be implemented using metal heating wires, metal heating plates with conductive tracks, or ceramic heating elements.

[0071] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 can be induction heating heaters. For example, an induction heating heater may include an induction heating element (susceptor) that heats up by a magnetic field. An alternating current flowing through an induction coil can generate a magnetic field in the induction coil. The generated magnetic field can pass through the heater and can generate eddy currents in the induction heating element. Based on the generation of eddy currents, the induction heating element can be heated. According to one embodiment, the induction heating element may also be included inside an aerosol generating article (e.g., a medium section). In this case, the induction heating element included inside the aerosol generating article can also be heated by an induction coil.

[0072] Heaters 18 and 24 are not limited to the examples above, and may include various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating aerosol generating articles and / or smoke cartridges, or may be used in place of them.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 can receive information input by a user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the memory 17 is hardware used to store various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1, and can store data processed in the control unit 12 and data to be processed. For example, the memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card microtype, card-type memory (e.g., SD (Secure Digital) or XD (Extreme Digital) memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. For example, the memory 17 may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) 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+ (Adaptive Network Topology) communication unit, 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.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the entire operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The control unit 12 may be implemented by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller (MCU) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in the MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains that the control unit may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 by controlling the power supply 11 to supply power to heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 sensed by a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). The control unit 12 can also control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on temperature curves and / or power curves stored in the memory 17.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heaters 18 and 24 and the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) for converting the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) for converting the power supplied to the induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter can be implemented using a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), etc.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can regulate the current and / or voltage supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulses input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply 11.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 using at least one of pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID) methods. For example, the control unit 12 can use PWM to supply current pulses with a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the target temperature as the control objective based on a temperature curve. The control unit 12 can use PID to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, which is a feedback control method based on the difference between the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 and the target temperature, the integral value of the difference over time, and the derivative value of the difference over time.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can determine the target power as a control objective based on the power curve. Over time, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 to correspond to the preset target power.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can detect user suction by sensing the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. More specifically, the control unit 12 can use a PID control method to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. When a user performs suction, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), the heaters 18 and 24, etc. Therefore, during the PID power control, the power (or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 may change. The control unit 12 can detect user suction based on the controlled power change.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can prevent the heaters 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit based on the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature, so as to reduce the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 or interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the charging / discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can use a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine the temperature of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 exceeds a first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off the charging of the power supply 11. When the temperature of the power supply 11 exceeds a second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use of the power stored in the power supply 11 (e.g., discharging). The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current detection values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article relative to the insertion space. For example, if the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 12 can control the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24. If the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a set slope, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating article is determined to be in an over-humidity state by using an over-humidity sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), the control unit 12 can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article has been reused. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol-generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge is attached and / or removed. For example, if the cartridge sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) determines that the cartridge is in a separated state, the control unit 12 can control the interruption of the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 or prevent the supply of power to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period (i.e., the preheating interval), it can determine that the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted. In the case that the aerosol-generating material of the cartridge has been depleted, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the e-cigarette cartridge is available. For example, if the control unit 12 determines, based on data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs exceeds the maximum number of puffs set for the e-cigarette cartridge, it can determine that the e-cigarette cartridge cannot be used. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can determine that the e-cigarette cartridge cannot be used if the total heating time of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum time or if the total electrical power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a preset maximum electrical power. In this case, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 to be interrupted or not to be supplied with power.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the user's suction. For example, the control unit 12 can use a suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine whether suction has occurred and / or the intensity of suction. If the number of suctions has reached a preset maximum number of suctions and / or no suction is detected for a preset time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. When suction is sensed, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or its type. For example, the control unit 12 can use a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or its type. As an example, if the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be counterfeit, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the aerosol-generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be genuine, the control unit 12 can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. As another example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 in different ways depending on the type of aerosol-generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, if the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or first cartridge), the control unit 12 can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a first temperature curve (or first power curve). If the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or second cartridge), the control unit 12 can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on a second temperature curve (or second power curve).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13. For example, if the number of suctions counted by the suction sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information that the aerosol generating device 1 is about to end its operation in a visual, tactile, and / or audible manner. For example, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide information about the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 in a visual, tactile, and / or audible manner.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can store and update the history of events that have occurred in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of predetermined events. For example, events may include operations performed in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 such as sensing the insertion of an aerosol generating article, starting heating of the aerosol generating article, sensing suction, ending suction, sensing overheating of heaters 18 and 24, sensing overvoltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, ending heating of the aerosol generating article, turning the power supply of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 11, sensing overcharging of the power supply 11, and ending charging of the power supply 11. For example, the event history may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is sensing the insertion of an aerosol generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data such as the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). For example, if the predetermined event is the detection of overheating of heaters 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data about the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, the voltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, the current flowing in heaters 18 and 24, etc.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0097] According to one embodiment, if authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., heating function). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique phone number representing the user, and whether the user has completed authentication.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the status of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply 11, operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The sent data can be output through a display or the like on the external device.

[0099] According to one embodiment, if a location search request for the aerosol generating device 1 is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit 12 can control the tactile unit to vibrate, or control the display to output objects corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0100] According to one embodiment, if firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit 12 can perform a firmware update.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can send data about the detection values ​​of at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the detection values ​​through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature curve.

[0102] Although Figure 1 Although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 may also include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may disconnect the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices via the connection interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0103] The aerosol generating article mentioned in this disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium section) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may be arranged corresponding to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating substance, and additives. For example, the aerosol generating substance may contain glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the additive may contain flavoring agents and / or organic acids, or may contain a variety of other substances. For example, the aerosol generating rod may contain an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., the aerosol generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or may contain solid tobacco substances (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco substance may be contained in the aerosol generating rod in various forms such as shredded, granular, or powdered forms. According to one embodiment, the additives in the aerosol generating rod may contain an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, the nicotine of the tobacco substance contained in the aerosol generating rod may have an alkaline pH value (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, the aerosol generating rod can release free base nicotine even at lower temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod may comprise two or more aerosol generating rods, and the two or more aerosol generating rods may each contain tobacco substance and / or non-tobacco substance. Additionally, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each be wrapped by at least one wrapper, and / or wrapped together by at least one wrapper. In this disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0104] The cartridge mentioned in this disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing substances found in tobacco (including volatile tobacco flavor components) or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. Additionally, the cartridge may include a storage section for containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or a liquid delivery member for impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery member may include a core material such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery member or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery member. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may also be included in an aerosol-generating device 1 that can be separated from the cartridge.

[0105] Figure 2a An aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 2b An aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment is shown.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, and / or heaters 182, 183 (e.g., Figure 1 (The heater 18). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 are not limited to those described in this embodiment. Figure 2a or Figure 2b The constituent elements shown can be omitted or new constituent elements can be added. Figure 2a The aerosol generating device 1 shown can be referred to as an "internal heating type" aerosol generating device that heats the inside of the aerosol generating article 2. Figure 2b The aerosol generating device 1 shown can be referred to as an "externally heated" aerosol generating device that heats the outside of the aerosol generating article 2. In the following figures, details related to... Figure 1 Repeated explanation.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide an upwardly opening space for insertion of the aerosol generating article 2. In this disclosure, the upwardly opening space may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be recessed into the interior of the housing 10 to a predetermined depth to allow insertion of at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2. The depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the region of the aerosol generating article 2 containing the aerosol generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the interior of the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 may protrude outward from the housing 10. A user may hold the exposed upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 in their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0108] According to one embodiment, heaters 182 and 183 can heat the aerosol-generated article 2.

[0109] Reference Figure 2a Heater 182 can be an internal heating type heater.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the internally heated heater can extend relatively far upward within the space (i.e., the insertion space) into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted. For example, as shown, the internally heated heater can include rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating elements, but can also include various heating elements such as tubular or plate-shaped heating elements. The internally heated heater can be inserted through the lower part of the aerosol-generating article 2.

[0111] According to one embodiment, an internally heated heater may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0112] For example, the resistance heater may include a resistive material on its inner side (e.g., an internal hollow or inner surface) or outer side (e.g., an outer surface), and can be heated as an electric current flows through the resistive material. In this case, the resistance heater may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and can be heated directly by receiving current from the power supply 11. Furthermore, the induction coil 181 may be omitted.

[0113] For example, for an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of an internal heating type heater (e.g., arranged externally in a manner corresponding to at least a portion of the heater's length). In this case, to improve the efficiency of induction heating, a magnetic flux concentrator or similar device may also be included outside the induction coil 181. The induction heating heater may include an induction heating element (susceptor) and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181. According to one embodiment, the induction heating heater (e.g., an induction heating element) (or a heater module including it) may be arranged to be detachable from the housing 10.

[0114] According to one embodiment, heater 182 can also be a multiple heater. The multiple heaters may include a first heater and a second heater, and can be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2. The first and second heaters can be arranged side-by-side along the length direction. The first and second heaters can operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and can be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first and second heaters can be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and second part of an aerosol generating rod. Furthermore, when heater 182 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, which can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and second part of a heater 182. In addition, heaters and / or induction coils may include three or more.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the induction heating element is arranged (or contained) inside the aerosol generating article 2 (e.g., the medium section), and can be implemented to heat the induction heating element contained inside the aerosol generating article 2 based on the magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181.

[0116] Reference Figure 2b Heater 183 can be an external heating type heater.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the externally heated heater can extend upwardly and relatively long around the space where the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the externally heated heater can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the externally heated heater can include a tubular shape (e.g., cylindrical) with a hollow interior. The externally heated heater can also include a shape with a hollow interior that surrounds the hollow space. In this case, the externally heated heater can be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film can be referred to as a film heater. The externally heated heater can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The externally heated heater is capable of heating the outside of the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the hollow space.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the external heating type heater may include a resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and the terms related to... will be omitted. Figure 2a To reiterate. Furthermore, for induction heating heaters, the aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include an external heating type heater formed by a tubular induction heating element, and may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the external heating type heater (e.g., arranged externally in a manner corresponding to at least a portion of the heater's length). Additionally, the induction coil 181 may also include a fan coil. Furthermore, if the external heating type heater is a resistance heater, since heating can be achieved by current flowing through the tubular resistance heater (e.g., a thin-film heater), a separate induction coil 181 can be omitted. Additionally, insulating material may be arranged externally to the external heating type heater. This reduces the heat dissipated from the heater 183 in the radially outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing 10.

[0119] According to one embodiment, heater 183 can be multiple heaters, with the first and second heaters arranged side-by-side along the length direction and each surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space. The first and second heaters can operate as resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and can be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Alternatively, when heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 can include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, which can be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second heaters can also be arranged respectively at positions corresponding to the length directions of a first and a second portion of heater 183.

[0120] and Figure 2a or Figure 2b The situation shown is different, Figure 2a heater 182 and Figure 2b The heater 183 can be included together with the aerosol generating apparatus 1. In this case, the heater 182 can heat the inside of the aerosol generating article 2, and the heater 183 can heat the outside of the aerosol generating article 2.

[0121] According to one embodiment, an airflow channel for air circulation can be provided in the aerosol generating apparatus 1. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure (e.g., a hole) that allows air to flow from the outside into the interior of the housing 10. The air flowing into the interior of the housing 10 can enter the aerosol generating article 2 through its lower end (i.e., upstream side). The aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating article 2 can be inhaled into the user's mouth along with the inflowing air through its upper end (i.e., downstream side).

[0122] Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as “basically,” “approximately,” “usually,” and “about” used in this specification when referring to a given parameter, property, or condition mean that the given parameter, property, or condition satisfies a small degree of variance, such as manufacturing tolerance. For example, basically satisfying any particular parameter could mean satisfying at least 90%, 95%, or 99%.

[0123] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the 4-4 line aerosol generation device. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a heater and tubing according to one embodiment. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a heater and tubing according to one embodiment. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a heater and a first tube according to one embodiment. Figure 8 This is a fluid flow diagram according to one embodiment.

[0124] Reference Figures 3 to 8 The aerosol generating device 300 can be a structure capable of allowing air to flow in from the outside. The air flowing in from the outside can be delivered to the aerosol generating article 2 along an airflow path P. The air can flow from the outside through the internal space 318 of the housing 310, through multiple pipes 380, and connected to the cavity 340 (or the aerosol generating article 2). The aerosol generating device 300 can efficiently deliver the air flowing in from the outside to the aerosol generating article 2. Users of the aerosol generating device 300 can efficiently inhale aerosols.

[0125] The aerosol generating apparatus 300 may include a housing 310. The housing 310 may be configured to house at least one component associated with the aerosol generating apparatus 300 (e.g., heater module 330). The housing 310 may include a first housing surface 312, a second housing surface 314 opposite to the first housing surface 312, and a housing side surface 316 located between the first housing surface 312 and the second housing surface 314. The housing side surface 316 may be formed as one or more surfaces.

[0126] The housing 310 may include an internal space 318 for arranging at least one component. The internal space 318 may be defined by walls defining the housing 310 (e.g., a first housing surface 312, a second housing surface 314, and a housing side surface 316). At least a portion of the internal space 318 where no components are arranged may be part of an airflow path P. To form an airflow path P within the internal space 318 that directs air to the aerosol-generating article 2, these components may be arranged at different locations within the housing 310. The route of the airflow path P within the internal space 318 may vary depending on the shape or arrangement of, for example, the heater module 330 or the plurality of pipes 380.

[0127] The aerosol generating device 300 may include a cover 320 and a slot 322 disposed on a housing 310. The cover 320 may be configured to slide relative to the slot 322. The cavity 340 may be opened or closed by sliding the cover 320 relative to the slot 322. Air outside the aerosol generating device 300 may flow into the internal space 318 through the slot 322. In embodiments not shown, air may flow into the internal space 318 through other portions of the housing 310 instead of the slot 322. For example, the housing 310 (e.g., housing side 316) may have a gap connecting to the internal space 318 through which air may flow into the internal space 318 from the outside.

[0128] The aerosol generating apparatus 300 may include a heater module 330 for heating the aerosol generating article 2. The heating method of the heater module 330 is not limited. For example, the heater module 330 may employ induction heating. The heater module 330 may include a sleeve 331 for accommodating the aerosol generating article. The sleeve 331 may be configured to heat the aerosol generating article 2. The heater module 330 may include a cavity 340 disposed inside the sleeve 331 and for inserting the aerosol generating article 2. The cavity 340 may be defined as the internal space of the sleeve 331. Heat generated in the sleeve 331 can be transferred to the cavity 340 and the aerosol generating article 2.

[0129] The sleeve 331 may include an airflow channel 332 for guiding incoming air (e.g., air from the plurality of tubes 380) to the cavity 340. The airflow channel 332 may be disposed at one end of the sleeve 331 (e.g., the -Z direction end). The airflow channel 332 may be formed through one side of the sleeve 331 (e.g., the -Z direction surface). A portion of the airflow path P may be formed in the airflow channel 332. The airflow channel 332 may be configured to guide air to the end (e.g., the -Z direction end) of the aerosol-generating article 2 inserted into the cavity 340. In embodiments not shown, the airflow channel 332 may also be configured to guide air to other portions of the aerosol-generating article 2 different from the said end (e.g., the middle portion).

[0130] The heater module 330 may include a first heater flange 350 that engages with one end of the sleeve 331 (e.g., the -Z direction end). The first heater flange 350 may be configured to engage with at least one of a plurality of tubes 380 (e.g., a first tube 382). The first heater flange 350 and at least one of the tubes 380 may be mechanically joined. For example, the first heater flange 350 and the first tube 382 may be mechanically fitted to each other by means such as an interference fit, a threaded fit, or a hook fit. The first heater flange 350 and at least one of the tubes 380 may also be magnetically joined. The first heater flange 350 and at least one of the tubes 380 may be bonded by chemical substances. For example, the first heater flange 350 and the first tube 382 may be bonded using an adhesive containing an ingredient that is harmless when absorbed by the human body. The first heater flange 350 and at least one of the tubes 380 may also be joined using two or more of the above-described joining methods. Although the plurality of tubes 380 are engaged with the first heater flange 350 rather than the sleeve 331 in the description herein, they may also be engaged with the sleeve 331 or at least one of the plurality of tubes 380 may be engaged directly with each other.

[0131] The first heater flange 350 may include a flange hole 350A disposed at a position corresponding to the airflow passage 332. The first heater flange 350 may include a flange hole edge 350B disposed around the flange hole 350A and engaging with a portion of a plurality of tubes 380 (e.g., the end of the first tube 382).

[0132] The first heater flange 350 may be configured to engage with other components of the heater module 330, such as the first heater cover 360 and / or the second heater cover 370. The first heater flange 350 may include a recess 350C arranged along its outer surface. The recess 350C may be configured to mechanically engage with at least one other component of the heater module 330.

[0133] The heater module 330 may include a second heater flange 352 that engages with the other end of the sleeve 331 (e.g., the +Z direction end). A plurality of tubes 380 may be simultaneously engaged with the first heater flange 350 and the second heater flange 352 for positioning. For example, one of the tubes 380 (e.g., the first tube 382) may engage with the first heater flange 350, while another tube (e.g., the third tube 386) may engage with the second heater flange 352. At least one of the tubes 380 (e.g., the third tube 386) may be engaged with the second heater flange 352 by mechanical engagement, magnetic connection, or adhesion using chemical substances. For example, at least one of the tubes 380 may be configured to mechanically engage with the second heater flange 352. For example, the plurality of tubes 380 may be press-fitted between the first heater flange 350 and the second heater flange 352.

[0134] The second heater flange 352 may be configured to engage with other components of the heater module 330, such as the first heater cover 360 and / or the second heater cover 370 and / or at least one of the plurality of tubes 380 (e.g., the third tube 386). The second heater flange 352 may include a flange extension 352A that extends from one side of the second heater flange 352 in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., along the -X direction) and engages with at least one of the plurality of tubes (e.g., the third tube 386). For example, one side of the flange extension 352A (e.g., the -Z direction side) includes a joint that engages with one side of the third tube 386 (e.g., the +Z direction side), thereby allowing the second heater flange 352 to engage with the third tube 386.

[0135] The second heater flange 352 may include a flange protrusion 352B projecting from the outer surface of the second heater flange 352. The flange protrusion 352B may be a structure that mechanically engages with other components of the heater module 330, such as the first heater cover protrusion 366 or the second heater cover protrusion 376.

[0136] The second heater flange 352 may include a flange extension 352C that extends the outer surface of the second heater flange 352 toward a third direction (e.g., the +Z direction). The flange extension 352C may be used together with the sleeve 331 to receive the aerosol generating article 2. The flange extension 352C may be used to guide the aerosol generating article 2 into the cavity 340.

[0137] The heater module 330 may include a first heater cover 360 surrounding at least a portion of the sleeve 331. The first heater cover 360 may surround a portion of the outside of the sleeve 331 (e.g., a -X direction portion). The first heater cover 360 may surround at least a portion of the sleeve 331 between a plurality of tubes 380 and the sleeve 331. For example, the portion surrounded by the first heater cover 360 may be a portion of the outside of the sleeve 331 disposed facing the plurality of tubes 380. For example, the area of ​​the portion of the sleeve 331 surrounded by the first heater cover 360 may be substantially half the area of ​​the outside of the sleeve 331. The first heater cover 360 may contain a thermally insulating material. The first heater cover 360 may include at least one first heater cover engagement 362 for securing the first heater cover 360 relative to a second heater cover 370. At least one first heater cover engagement 362 may be disposed at an end of the first heater cover 360 (e.g., a +X direction end). Multiple first heater cover joints 362 may be arranged at both ends of the first heater cover 360 in a direction substantially parallel to or intersecting with the insertion direction of the aerosol generating article 2 (e.g., -Z direction) (e.g., + / -Y direction). For example, the first heater cover joints 362 may mechanically engage with the second heater cover joints 372. For example, the first heater cover joints 362 may include hook-like structures to engage with the perforated second heater cover joints 372.

[0138] The first heater cover 360 may include at least one tube joint 364 for engaging with at least one of the plurality of tubes 380 (e.g., a second tube 384). The at least one tube joint 364 may be disposed on the outside of the first heater cover 360 (e.g., on the -X direction surface or the side facing the plurality of tubes 380). The at least one tube joint 364 may be formed as a hole through the first heater cover 360. The at least one tube joint 364 may be mechanically engaged, magnetically connected, or chemically bonded to at least one of the plurality of tubes 380 (e.g., a second tube 384). For example, the plurality of tube joints 364 may mechanically engage with the second tube 384.

[0139] Multiple pipe joints 364 can be arranged separately from each other. For example, when there are four pipe joints 364 in total, two of the pipe joints 364 can be arranged separately along a direction that intersects the insertion direction of the aerosol generating article 2 (e.g., -Z direction) (e.g., + / -Y direction), and each of the other two pipe joints 364 is arranged separately relative to the above two along a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the aerosol generating article 2 (e.g., +Z direction).

[0140] The first heater cover 360 may engage with other components of the heater module 330, such as the first heater flange 350, the second heater flange 352, and / or the second heater cover 370. The first heater cover 360 may include at least one first heater cover protrusion 366 that mechanically engages with the flange protrusion 352B and is located on the inner side of one end of the first heater cover 360 (e.g., the +Z direction end).

[0141] The first heater cover 360 may include a third tube joint 368 for engaging with at least one of the plurality of tubes 380 (e.g., the third tube 386). For example, the third tube joint 368 may be disposed on the outer side (e.g., the -X direction surface) of one end (e.g., the +Z direction end) of the first heater cover 360 and mechanically engage with one side (e.g., the +X direction surface) of the third tube joint 368.

[0142] The heater module 330 may include a second heater cover 370 that at least partially surrounds the sleeve 331 and engages with a first heater cover 360. The second heater cover 370 may surround a portion of the outside of the sleeve 331 not surrounded by the first heater cover 360 (e.g., a +X direction portion). The portion of the sleeve 331 surrounded by the first heater cover 360 and the portion of the sleeve 331 surrounded by the second heater cover 370 may partially overlap. The second heater cover 370 may contain a thermally insulating material. The second heater cover 370 may include at least one second heater cover engagement portion 372 for engaging with the first heater cover 360. The number of at least one second heater cover engagement portions 372 may correspond to the number of at least one first heater cover engagement portions 362. Each of the at least one second heater cover engagement portions 372 is arranged to correspond to each of the at least one first heater cover engagement portions 362. The first heater cover engagement portions 362 and the second heater cover engagement portions 372 may be mechanically engaged, magnetically connected, or chemically bonded. For example, the second heater cover engagement 372 may mechanically engage with the first heater cover engagement 362. For example, the second heater cover engagement 372 may include a hole that can engage with the hook-shaped first heater cover engagement 362.

[0143] The second heater cover 370 may engage with other components of the heater module 330, such as the first heater flange 350, the second heater flange 352, and / or the first heater cover 360. The second heater cover 370 may include a first flange engagement 374 that mechanically engages with the first heater flange 350 and is disposed on the inner side of one end (e.g., the -Z direction end) of the second heater cover 370. The first flange engagement 374 may mechanically engage with a recess 350C. For example, the first flange engagement 374 may protrude from the second heater cover 370, and the portion protruding from the second heater cover 370 may be pressed into the recess 350C. The second heater cover 370 may include at least one second heater cover protrusion 376 that mechanically engages with a flange protrusion 352B and is located on the inner side of one end (e.g., the +Z direction end) of the second heater cover 370.

[0144] The aerosol generating device 300 may include a plurality of tubes 380 that form part of an airflow path P, allowing air flowing from the outside to flow into a cavity 340. The tubes 380 are used to guide the air flowing from the outside into the cavity 340. All air flowing from the interior space 318 into the interior of the tubes 380 along the airflow path P can be guided into the cavity 340 through an airflow channel 332. The tubes 380 allow substantially all or most of the air flowing from the outside into the interior space 318 to be guided into the cavity 340. The aerosol generating device 300 can efficiently generate aerosols by preventing air from flowing along routes other than the airflow path P.

[0145] Multiple pipes 380 can alter the direction of airflow. Air flowing into the multiple pipes 380 in one direction may exit from the multiple pipes 380 in a direction different from the inflow direction. For example, air flowing into one of the multiple pipes 380 (e.g., the third pipe 386) in a first direction (e.g., the +X direction) may exit in a second direction (e.g., the +Z direction) that intersects the first direction. Air flowing into one of the multiple pipes 380 (e.g., the third pipe 386) in the first direction may flow into another pipe (e.g., the second pipe 384) in a third direction substantially opposite to the second direction (e.g., the -Z direction). Air flowing into another pipe in the third direction may also flow into another pipe (e.g., the first pipe 382) in the first direction.

[0146] Multiple pipes 380 may include a first pipe 382, ​​the first pipe 382 forming part of the airflow path P (e.g.: Figure 4The first airflow path P1 is connected to the heater module 330. The first tube 382 can be connected to the sleeve 331. The first tube 382 can be engaged with the first heater flange 350. The first heater flange 350 and the first tube 382 can be mechanically coupled. For example, the first heater flange 350 and the first tube 382 can be configured to be mechanically coupled to each other by means of an interference fit, threaded connection, or hook connection. The first heater flange 350 and the first tube 382 can also be magnetically connected. The first heater flange 350 and the first tube 382 can be bonded using chemical adhesives. For example, the first heater flange 350 and the first tube 382 can be bonded using an adhesive containing ingredients harmless to human inhalation. The first heater flange 350 and the first tube 382 can use two or more of the above-described joining methods.

[0147] The first tube 382 may include a first tube extension 382A, the first tube extension 382A including a first end 382A1 of the first tube 382 (e.g.: Figure 6 The first tube 382 has a +X direction end and a second end 382A2 opposite to the first end 382A1. The first tube extension 382A may extend in a first direction (e.g., the +X direction). The first end 382A1 of the first tube 382 may engage with a first heater flange 350, and the second end 382A2 of the first tube 382 may engage with a second tube 384. The first tube 382 may include a flange engagement hole 382B closer to the first end 382A1 than the second end 382A2, corresponding to a flange hole 350A to allow air to pass through. The first tube 382 may include a first hole 382C for allowing air flowing into the first tube 382 (e.g., air flowing into the second tube 384) to pass through. The first tube 382 may be used to guide air passing through the first hole 382C to a cavity 340. Flange hole 350A and flange engagement hole 382B can be aligned based on the insertion axis (e.g., Z-axis) of the aerosol generating article 2 to guide air to the end of the aerosol generating article 2 (e.g., -Z direction end). In embodiments not shown, the direction and position of the air guided by the first tube 382 may vary depending on the design of the heater module 330.

[0148] The plurality of pipes 380 may include a second pipe 384, the second pipe 384 being used to form a portion of the airflow path P (e.g.: Figure 4The second airflow path P2 is connected to the first tube 382. The first tube 382 and the second tube 384 can be mechanically coupled. For example, the first tube 382 and the second tube 384 can be mechanically coupled to each other by means of interference fit, threaded fit, or hook fit. The first tube 382 and the second tube 384 can also be magnetically coupled. The first tube 382 and the second tube 384 can also be bonded using chemical substances. For example, the first tube 382 and the second tube 384 can be bonded using an adhesive that is harmless to human inhalation. The first tube 382 and the second tube 384 can be joined using two or more of the above methods.

[0149] The second pipe 384 may include a second pipe extension 384A, and the second pipe extension 384A may include a first end 384A1 of the second pipe 384 (e.g.: Figure 6 The second tube extension 384A1 is the -Z-direction end of the first tube 382, ​​and the second tube extension 384A2 is the second end of the second tube 384 opposite to the first end 384A1. The second tube extension 384A can extend in a third direction (e.g., the -Z direction). The first end 384A1 of the second tube 384 can engage with the first tube 382, ​​and the second end 384A2 of the second tube 384 can engage with the third tube 386. The second tube 384 can be arranged close to the first end 382A1 and may include a second hole 348B corresponding to the first hole 382C and allowing air to pass through. The second tube 384 may include a third hole 384C for allowing incoming air (e.g., air flowing in from the third tube 386) to pass through. The second tube 384 is used to guide the air passing through the third hole 384C to the first tube 382. The first orifice 382C and the second tube 384, including the second orifice 384B, can guide air flowing into the second tube 384 in a third direction (e.g., the -Z direction) parallel to the insertion direction of the aerosol generating article 2 to a first direction (e.g., the +X direction). In embodiments not shown, the air flowing into the second tube 384 can also flow in from other directions, or air can be guided to the first tube 382 from other directions.

[0150] The second tube 384 may engage with the heater module 330. For example, the second tube 384 may engage with the first heater cover 360. The second tube 384 may include a cover engagement portion 384D for engaging with a tube engagement portion 364 of the first heater cover 360. At least one cover engagement portion 384D may be formed on one side (e.g., the +X direction side) of the second tube extension 384A. At least one cover engagement portion 384D may be formed in a manner from the side side (e.g., the + / -Y direction side) of the second tube extension 384A toward one side (e.g., the +X direction side). Each of the at least one cover engagement portion 384D may be arranged in a position corresponding to each of the at least one tube engagement portion 364. For example, when four tube engagement portions 364 are formed as holes in the first heater cover 360, each of the four cover engagement portions 384D may be arranged corresponding to each hole and may include a mating portion (e.g., a hook) that engages with each hole. At least one cover joint 384D can be mechanically engaged, magnetically connected, or chemically bonded to at least one pipe joint 364. For example, each of the plurality of cover joints 384D mechanically engages with each of the plurality of pipe joints 364.

[0151] Multiple pipes 380 may include a third pipe 386, the third pipe 386 being used to form a portion of the airflow path P (e.g.: Figure 4 The second tube 384 and the third tube 386 are connected to each other via a third airflow path (P3). The second tube 384 and the third tube 386 can be mechanically coupled to each other. For example, the second tube 384 and the third tube 386 can be mechanically coupled to each other via an interference fit, a threaded fit, or a hook fit. The second tube 384 and the third tube 386 can also be magnetically coupled. The second tube 384 and the third tube 386 can also be bonded using chemical adhesives. For example, the second tube 384 and the third tube 386 can be bonded using an adhesive that is harmless to human inhalation. The second tube 384 and the third tube 386 can use two or more of the above-described joining methods.

[0152] The third tube 386 may include a third tube extension 386A, the third tube extension 386A including a first end 386A1 of the third tube 386 (e.g.: Figure 6The third tube 386 has a -Z direction end and a second end 386A2 opposite to the first end 386A1. The third tube extension 386A may extend in a first direction (e.g., the +X direction). The first end 386A1 of the third tube 386 may engage with the second tube 384, and the second end 386A2 of the third tube 386 may open toward the interior space 318. The third tube 386 may include a fourth hole 386B disposed at the first end 382A1 and corresponding to the third hole 384C through which air passes. The third tube 386 may include a fifth hole 386C through which incoming air (e.g., air present in the interior space 318 before flowing into the plurality of tubes 380 in the airflow path P) passes. The third tube 386 may guide air flowing into the interior space 318 through the gaps in the slot 322 or the housing 310 into the interior of the plurality of tubes 380 through the fifth hole 386C. The fifth hole 386C can be arranged on one side of the third pipe extension 386A (e.g.: Figure 6 (The -X direction plane). Thus, the fifth hole 386C can guide air along the first direction. In an embodiment not shown, the fifth hole 386C may also be arranged on the other side of the third tube extension 386A.

[0153] Although the plurality of pipes 380 described herein includes three pipes (e.g., first pipe 382, ​​second pipe 384, and third pipe 386), in embodiments not shown, the plurality of pipes 380 may be one pipe, two pipes, or four or more pipes. The cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of pipes 380 may be suitably chosen. For example, the cross-sections of the first pipe 382, ​​second pipe 384, and third pipe 386 in the figures are rectangular, but are not limited thereto; they may also be circular or non-rectangular polygons.

[0154] The aerosol generating apparatus 300 may include a suction sensor 390 for outputting a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating apparatus 300. The control unit 12 may sense the user's suction based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. The internal pressure of the aerosol generating apparatus 300 may correspond to the pressure of a portion of the airflow path P (e.g., a first airflow path P1, a second airflow path P2, a third airflow path P3, or other portions). Air flowing in from the outside is guided by multiple tubes 380, and the suction sensor 390 can measure pressure changes in the internal space 318 with relatively high accuracy. The suction sensor 390 may be arranged corresponding to the airflow path P. The suction sensor 390 may be arranged around the multiple tubes 380. For example, the suction sensor 390 may be arranged around the fifth hole 386C of the third tube 386 and used to sense the pressure in the internal space 318. In embodiments not shown, the suction sensor 390 may be arranged corresponding to the first airflow path P1, the second airflow path P2, or the third airflow path P3 to sense the internal pressure of the multiple tubes 380. For example, the suction sensor 390 can be used to sense the internal pressure of the first tube 382, ​​the second tube 384, or the third tube 386.

[0155] The embodiments of this disclosure described above, or other embodiments, are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The constituent elements or functions of the embodiments of this disclosure described above, or other embodiments, can be used together or combined with each other.

[0156] For example, this means that component A illustrated in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with component B illustrated in other embodiments and / or drawings. That is, this means that even if the combination between components is not directly described, they can be combined except where it is stated that combination is impossible.

[0157] The detailed description above should be considered exemplary in all respects and not construed as restrictive. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: A heater module, comprising a sleeve for containing articles of aerosol generation; and Multiple tubing sections are used to guide air from the outside into the sleeve. The multiple pipes are mechanically coupled to each other. At least one of the plurality of pipes is mechanically coupled to the heater module.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of pipes includes a first pipe connected to the sleeve. The first pipe is used to guide air flowing into the first pipe from a first direction extending along the first pipe to a second direction intersecting the first direction.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of pipes also includes a second pipe that mechanically engages with the first pipe. The second pipe is used to guide air flowing into the second pipe from a third direction substantially opposite to the second direction to the first direction.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of pipes also includes a third pipe, which is mechanically coupled to the second pipe. The third pipe is used to guide air flowing into the third pipe from a direction substantially parallel to the first direction to the third direction.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heater module further includes a first heater flange that engages with one end of the sleeve. The first tube is joined to the flange of the first heater.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heater module also includes a second heater flange that engages with another end opposite to the end of the sleeve. The third tube is joined to the flange of the second heater.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heater module also includes a first heater cover that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the sleeve.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first heater cover includes thermal insulation material.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heater module also includes a second heater cover that surrounds at least a portion of the outside of the sleeve and engages with the first heater cover.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first heater cover or the second heater cover engages with the first heater flange or the second heater flange.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second tube is joined to the first heater cover.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second tube is mechanically fitted with the first heater cover.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing that accommodates the heater module and the plurality of tubing. The housing includes an internal space in which air flows in from the outside.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: A slot, which is arranged in the housing; And a cover that slides relative to the slot, the slot being connected to the interior space.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a suction sensor for sensing the user's suction and is arranged around the plurality of tubes.

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