Aerosol generating device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generating device having an improved structure for smoothly discharging air inside the aerosol generating device.SOLUTION: An aerosol generating device includes: a case that has a housing space for housing an aerosol generating article and houses at least one electronic component; a heater 130 provided in the housing space for heating the aerosol generating article housed in the housing space; and a cartridge having a storage part 220 detachably connected to the case and storing an aerosol generating substance, and an evaporator 230 to which the aerosol generating substance is transferred from the storage part and which heats the aerosol generating substance. The case includes a vent hole 110h formed between the housing space and the cartridge and configured to allow passage of the air heated by heat generated by the heater or the evaporator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device in which deformation of components due to heat of the aerosol generating device is minimized. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying aerosols by burning a conventional cigarette. For example, research is being conducted into methods of supplying flavored aerosols by generating aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol-generating substances, or by generating vapor from a liquid aerosol-generating substance and then passing the generated vapor through a solid flavor carrier.

[0003] Recently, as an alternative to the method of supplying an aerosol by burning a cigarette, an aerosol generating device capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-producing material has been proposed. For example, an aerosol generating device refers to a device capable of generating an aerosol by heating a liquid or solid aerosol-producing material to a predetermined temperature using a heater.

[0004] Recently, research into aerosol generating devices has been gradually increasing because the use of aerosol generating devices improves the convenience of smoking for users, as it allows smoking without additional equipment such as a lighter and allows users to smoke as much as they want. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Aerosol generators that generate aerosols by generating heat include a heating element that generates heat. The air inside the aerosol generator is heated by the heating element. The heat and pressure of the heated air can denature other components of the aerosol generator. Therefore, a structure for smoothly discharging the heated air is required.

[0006] The embodiments provide an aerosol generating device having an improved structure for smoothly discharging air inside the aerosol generating device.

[0007] Problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a case having a storage space for storing an aerosol product and accommodating at least one electronic component, a heater disposed in the storage space for heating the aerosol product stored in the storage space, a cartridge detachably connected to the case and including a storage section for storing an aerosol generating material, and a vaporizer for receiving the aerosol generating material from the storage section and heating the aerosol generating material, and the case has an air vent formed between the storage space and the cartridge and configured to allow air heated by heat generated in the heater or vaporizer to pass through. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the aerosol generation device of the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the components from being deformed by the heat of the aerosol generation device.

[0010] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can prevent optical elements from fogging up due to heated air.

[0011] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment with an aerosol product article inserted therein; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view schematically illustrating the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the top of an aerosol generating device with the cover separated, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a case of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the case shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a side view of the case shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the upper portion of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 3, with some components omitted. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of air within an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, with an aerosol production article inserted therein. [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of air moving from the inside to the outside of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, with an aerosol production article inserted therein. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used in the present invention, taking into consideration their functions in the present invention. However, these terms may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

[0014] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements and may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0015] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of," precedes an element in an arrangement, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the arrangement. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0016] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0017] The aerosol generating device comprises a heater, in one embodiment the heater is an electrically resistive heater, for example the heater comprises an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the electrically conductive track the heater is heated.

[0018] The heater may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0019] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. The tobacco rods may be made of sheets, strands, or shredded tobacco from a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rods may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0020] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may have a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out certain components contained in the aerosol.

[0021] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0022] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the body, assembled thereto, or fixed so as not to be detachable by a user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol-generating material contained therein. However, is not limited thereto, and the aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0023] The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming material in any one of various states, such as a liquid, solid, gas, or gel. The aerosol-forming material includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0024] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage is configured to deliver the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method, which refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0027] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0028] The aerosol generating device further includes a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, for example, the wick is positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the vibrator.

[0029] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator are transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0030] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator reduces the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the core, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator break the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limiting.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0032] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cradle.

[0034] The aerosol generating device may be combined with a separate cradle to form a system. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol generating device while the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled together.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, with an aerosol production article inserted therein.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a cover 10 and a body 11.

[0039] The cover 10 is coupled to one side end of the body 11, so that the body 11 and the cover 10 together form the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0040] The cover 10 is provided with an opening 10h on the upper surface of the cover 10 through which the aerosol producing article 2 can be inserted.

[0041] The cover 10 is provided with a stopper 10c that opens and closes the opening 10h. The stopper 10c is disposed on the upper surface of the cover 10 and slides to open and close the opening 10h.

[0042] The cover 10 has a sliding groove 10g extending along the sliding direction of the plug 10c on the upper surface of the cover 10. The sliding groove 10g is open so as to fluidly connect the outside and the inside of the cover 10.

[0043] When the plug 12 moves along the sliding groove 10g arranged on the upper surface of the cover 10, the opening 10h is exposed to the outside. Then, the user inserts the aerosol product 2 into the opening 10h. Here, the aerosol product 2 is an example of a solid-phase aerosol source used in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0044] The main body 11 forms part of the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1 and functions to house and protect the components of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the main body 11 may house a battery (not shown), a processor (not shown), and / or a heater (not shown), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The main body 11 also houses the aerosol product 2 inserted through an opening.

[0045] The body 11 and the cover 10 may be made of a plastic material that does not transfer heat well or a metal material coated with a heat-blocking material on the surface. The body 11 and the cover 10 may be manufactured by, for example, an injection molding method, a 3D printing method, or a method of assembling small parts manufactured by injection molding.

[0046] A retaining device (not shown) for maintaining the coupled state of the body 11 and the cover 10 is provided between the body 11 and the cover 10. The retaining device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. The coupled state of the cover 10 and the body 11 may be maintained by maintaining the protrusion inserted into the groove. According to an embodiment, the protrusion and the groove may be separated by the user operating an operation button.

[0047] The retaining device may include, for example, a magnet and a metal member that adheres to the magnet. When a magnet is used for the retaining device, the magnet may be provided on either the main body 11 or the cover 10, and the metal member that adheres to the magnet may be provided on the other, or magnets may be provided on both the main body 11 and the cover 10.

[0048] The components of the aerosol generating device 1 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment, and the aerosol generating device 1 according to other embodiments may not include the cover 10.

[0049] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view schematically illustrating the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a cover 10, a main body 11, a case 110, a button 150, and a cartridge 200.

[0051] The cover 10 is released from the body 11 and separated from the body 11. For example, the cover 10 is separated from the body 11 in the +z direction. When the cover 10 is separated from the body 11, the case 110, the button 150, and the cartridge 200 disposed on the top of the body 11 are exposed to the outside.

[0052] The case 110 functions to house and protect the components disposed on the upper part of the main body 11. The case 110 houses the components in different directions and places them in different areas according to the internal structure of the case 110.

[0053] The button 150 is disposed such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside of the case 110, and can function to release the fastening relationship between the case 110 and the cartridge 200 in response to a user input. For example, when a user inputs to the button 150, the cartridge 200 is separated from the case 110.

[0054] The cartridge 200 stores an aerosol-generating material and generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material. The cartridge 200 is detachably coupled to one side of the case 110.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 200 is coupled to a main body 11 including a processor (not shown) and / or a battery (not shown). The cartridge 200 is treated as a component of the aerosol generating device. For example, a heater (not shown) included in the cartridge 200 is electrically connected to the main body 11 and is powered by the battery, with the power supply controlled by the processor.

[0056] That is, in an aerosol generating device including the cartridge 200, power is supplied and controlled to a heating element, thereby generating an aerosol from a liquid or gel aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200.

[0057] According to another example, the cartridge 200 is coupled to a main body 11 which further includes a storage space (not shown) in which an aerosol product is stored and a heater (not shown) for heating the aerosol product stored in the storage space.

[0058] That is, the aerosol generating device including the cartridge 200 generates aerosol not only by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 but also by heating the inserted aerosol producing product, thereby realizing a hybrid type aerosol generating device.

[0059] 2 illustrates a state in which the cartridge 200 approaches the side of the body 11 and is coupled to the body 11, but the coupling method between the cartridge 200 and the body 11 is not limited to this. For example, the cartridge 200 may be coupled to the body 11 by moving in the -z direction from the top of the body 11, like the cover 10.

[0060] For ease of explanation, it is assumed below that the cartridge 200 is coupled to the side of the main body 11 .

[0061] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the top of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, with the cover separated.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a cover 100, a case 110, a housing 120, a heater 130, a sealing portion 170, and a cartridge 200.

[0063] The cover 100 is disposed on top of the case 110 to cover the components disposed on top of the case 110 .

[0064] The cover 100 is removably coupled to the top of the case 110. The cover 100 has a plurality of protrusions on the bottom so that the cover 100 is fixed to the case 110 when coupled to the case 110. The case 110 has a plurality of grooves on the top end of the side wall at the top. The coupled state of the cover 100 and the case 110 is maintained by keeping the protrusions inserted into the grooves.

[0065] The cover 100 is provided with an insertion opening 100h that is arranged coaxially with an opening (e.g., opening 10h in FIG. 1) of a cover (e.g., cover 10 in FIG. 1) so that an aerosol product can be inserted into the case 110. The aerosol product passes through the opening and insertion opening 100h and is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

[0066] Although FIG. 3 shows cover 100 contacting and covering one area of ​​housing 120 and the top surface of sealing portion 170, the components that cover 100 can cover are not limited thereto.

[0067] The case 110 has a storage space 110i for storing an aerosol product (not shown). In this case, the storage space 110i may be a space surrounded by the case 110 or a space surrounded by a housing 120 housed in the case 110.

[0068] The housing 120 is disposed inside the case 110 and includes a storage space 110i in which an aerosol product is stored. The housing 120 may also store a heater 130 and other components inside the housing 120. The inner wall of the housing 120 supports the heater 130 and other components described above to prevent them from moving.

[0069] The heater 130 is disposed inside the housing 120 and heats the aerosol-producing product contained in the containing space 110i to generate an aerosol. The heater 130 generates heat using power supplied from a battery (not shown).

[0070] 3, the heater 130 is shown as being disposed outside the aerosol product contained in the containing space 110i, but is not limited to this. For example, the heater 130 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and heats the inside or outside of the aerosol product depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0071] The sealing part 170 is disposed between the cover 100 and the case 110 and can cover at least a portion of the case 110 while also covering components disposed on the upper part of the case 110. Thus, the components disposed on the upper part of the case 110 are doubly covered by the sealing part 170 and the cover 100.

[0072] Although FIG. 3 shows the sealing portion 170 covering the space below the cover 100 in the x-axis direction, the direction in which the cover 100 can cover and shield the components is not limited to this.

[0073] In order to prevent the aerosol and liquid present inside and outside the aerosol generating device 1 from affecting the components located at the top of the case 110, particularly the electronic components (not shown), the space in which the electronic components are located must be sealed.

[0074] Here, the term "electronic components" refers to components that operate electrically, and includes passive elements such as resistors and capacitors, active elements such as semiconductors, and connecting parts such as connectors, switches, electric wires, and circuit boards.

[0075] The sealing portion 170 covers the electronic components described above and forms a sealed space together with other components in contact with the sealing portion 170. The electronic components are disposed in the sealed space.

[0076] In addition, the cover 100 is coupled to the case 110 and covers the sealing part 170, while applying pressure to the sealing part 170 in the -z direction, which is the direction in which the lower surface of the cover 100 faces. This further improves the sealing effect of the sealing part 170.

[0077] After the assembly of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 is completed, air exists inside the aerosol generation device 1 and in the sealed space described above.

[0078] Inside the aerosol generating device 1, the air present in the sealed space in which the electronic components are located is unable to escape to the outside of the sealed space of the aerosol generating device 1 due to the dense or sealed structure between the components, and is trapped inside.

[0079] At this time, the heat repeatedly generated by the heater 130 while the aerosol generation device 1 is in use heats the air in the sealed space.

[0080] Heat generated by not only the heater 130 but also a vaporizer (not shown) for heating the aerosol-generating material also affects the heating of the air in the enclosed space. Hereinafter, the term "heating element" is used to collectively refer to the heater 130 and the vaporizer for generating heat to generate the aerosol.

[0081] When the air in the sealed space in which the electronic components inside the aerosol generating device 1 are located is heated by the heat of the heating element, the air expands due to the heating and pushes the components (e.g., the electronic components) toward the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0082] The heat and pressure of the heated air can cause the sealed space to expand, which can deform the components. Also, the expansion of the air can cause gaps to momentarily form in areas where the components are tightly packed or poorly sealed. Aerosol from outside the aerosol generation device can flow into the aerosol generation device 1 through the gaps.

[0083] The aerosol that has flowed into the aerosol generation device 1 is cooled and generates droplets, which accumulate inside the aerosol generation device 1. If this phenomenon occurs repeatedly, the aerosol that has flowed into the aerosol generation device 1 and the accumulated droplets may affect the electronic components disposed inside the aerosol generation device 1.

[0084] For example, in the case of an optical element (eg, a lens) included in an optical sensor, the inside of the optical element becomes cloudy, which reduces the function of the optical sensor.

[0085] In order to prevent the series of phenomena described above, i.e., "deformation of components due to heated air," which is the cause of the "adverse effects of heated air," it is necessary to exhaust the heated air to the outside. In order to exhaust the air heated by the heating element to the outside, the case 110 is provided with a vent hole (not shown) for passing the heated air.

[0086] The components arranged on the upper part of the main body will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1 taken along the line IV-IV.

[0088] 4, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a cover 100, a case 110, a housing 120, a heater 130, a transmission passage 140, and a cartridge 200. The cartridge 200 includes a side plate 210, a storage portion 220, a vaporizer 230, and an outlet 240.

[0089] At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figure 3, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

[0090] The case 110 has an internal structure that allows the components to be housed in different directions and arranged in different areas.

[0091] The case 110 is divided into a plurality of compartments, including an upper section in which the electronic components 60 are housed, an upper section in which the aerosol product is housed and in which the housing 120, heater 130, and transmission passage 140 are disposed, and an upper section in which the cartridge 200 is disposed. Each of these sections will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0092] The case 110 has a vent hole 110h for discharging air heated by the heat generated by the heating element 30 to the outside.

[0093] The ventilation hole 110h is arranged in an appropriate position in the case 110 that is most susceptible to the "adverse effects of heated air." For example, the ventilation hole 110h may be arranged in a location where the electronic components 60 are densely packed inside the aerosol generation device 1.

[0094] In addition, the ventilation hole 110h is arranged at an appropriate position so that the heated air moves smoothly through the ventilation hole 110h without accumulating inside the aerosol generation device 1. In addition, the ventilation hole 110h is arranged at an appropriate position so that the aerosol outside the aerosol generation device 1 does not flow into the inside of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0095] Considering this, the ventilation hole 110h is arranged inside the aerosol generation device 1 and is shielded by other components. The ventilation hole 110h is not visible to the outside even when a cover (for example, the cover 10 in FIG. 2) is separated from the aerosol generation device 1.

[0096] The transfer passage 140 is accommodated inside the housing 120, receives the aerosol generated in the cartridge 200, and transfers the aerosol to the receiving space 110i in which an aerosol-producing product (not shown) is accommodated.

[0097] The aerosol delivered to the receiving space 110i passes through the aerosol-producing product inserted in the receiving space 110i and is delivered to the user.

[0098] The cartridge 200 includes an air inlet passage 200i through which air flows in from the outside, and heats the aerosol-forming substance to generate an aerosol.

[0099] The side plate 210 is disposed adjacent to the storage portion 220 of the cartridge 200, and an air inlet passage 200i is formed between the side plate 210 and one surface of the storage portion 220. The air inlet passage 200i transfers air outside the cartridge 200 to the vaporizer 230.

[0100] Each of the side plate 210 and one surface of the storage part 220 includes a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the air inflow passage 200i. The plurality of protrusions prevents droplets generated in the vaporizer 230 from flowing out through the air inflow passage 200i.

[0101] The storage unit 220 stores the aerosol-forming substance. The aerosol-forming substance may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0102] The vaporizer 230 receives the aerosol-generating material from the storage unit 220 and heats the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0103] Specifically, the vaporizer 230 includes a liquid transfer means for absorbing the aerosol-forming material in the storage unit 220 and transferring it to a heater, and a heater for heating the aerosol-forming material transferred by the liquid transfer means.

[0104] The vaporizer 230 is connected to the air inlet passage 200i and receives air from the air inlet passage 200i. At this time, the vapor generated from the aerosol-generating material heated in the vaporizer 230 is mixed with the air to generate an aerosol.

[0105] The outlet 240 discharges the aerosol generated in the vaporizer 230 to the outside of the cartridge 200. The outlet 240 is connected to the transfer passage 140. The aerosol generated inside the cartridge 200 is transferred to the aerosol product contained in the receiving space 110i through the transfer passage 140.

[0106] The direction of the outlet 240 is transverse to the direction in which the aerosol product is inserted. The transfer passage 140 is bent or curved in an "L" shape and extends longitudinally in the direction in which the outlet 240 is inserted and in the direction in which the aerosol product is inserted. However, the embodiment is not limited to the direction of the outlet and the shape of the transfer passage.

[0107] The connection between the outlet 240 and the transmission passage 140 is sealed. The connection between the outlet 240 and the transmission passage 140 is sealed, thereby preventing the aerosol from leaking out of the transmission passage 140 during the process of the aerosol moving from the outlet 240 to the transmission passage 140.

[0108] The structure of the case 110 and the arrangement of the ventilation holes 110h will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0109] 5 to 7 are views illustrating a case and a vent hole of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0110] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a case of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the case shown in Fig. 5 taken along the line VI-VI. Fig. 7 is a side view of the case shown in Fig. 5 taken from the line VII.

[0111] 5 to 7, a case 110 according to an embodiment includes an upper wall 111, a lower wall 112, a partition wall 113, a connecting passage 114, and a side wall 115.

[0112] Case 110 may house components disposed on top of a main body (e.g., main body 11 in FIG. 2) or may be located inside the top of the main body. For example, case 110 houses at least one electronic component (e.g., electronic component 60 in FIG. 4).

[0113] The case 110 includes a first area A1 in which electronic components are housed, a storage space 110i in which an aerosol product is housed and a second area A2 in which a heater (e.g., heater 130 in Figure 4) is arranged, and a third area A3 in which a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 200 in Figure 4) is arranged.

[0114] At this time, the first area A1 is a space where electronic components are densely packed and sealed by a sealing part (e.g., sealing part 170 in FIG. 3) and a cover (e.g., cover 100 in FIG. 3), and is therefore highly susceptible to adverse effects from heated air. Therefore, the case 110 includes a vent hole 110h in one area of ​​the case 110 in the first area A1.

[0115] The first area A1 and the second area A2 are separated by a seal (e.g., seal 170 in FIG. 3). The first area A1 and the third area A3 are separated by an upper wall 111. The second area A2 and the third area A3 are separated by a partition wall 113.

[0116] The case 110 includes an upper wall 111. The upper wall 111 extends from the first area A1 in a first direction, and at least one electronic component 60 is disposed on the upper portion of the upper wall 111 and accommodated in the upper portion of the case 110. In this case, the "first direction" refers to the x-axis direction. The ventilation hole 110h is disposed in one region of the upper wall 111.

[0117] 5, the upper wall 111 extends only in the -x direction based on the partition wall 113. The upper area of ​​the upper wall 111 extending in the -x direction based on the partition wall 113 is a first area A1. The lower area of ​​the upper wall 111 extending in the -x direction based on the partition wall 113 is a third area A3.

[0118] The ventilation hole 110h is disposed in an area of ​​the upper wall 111 located between the first area A1 and the third area A3. The ventilation hole 110h opens in a second direction that intersects the first direction. In this case, the "second direction" refers to the z-axis direction.

[0119] On the other hand, the area in the +x direction with respect to the partition wall 113 is the second area A2.

[0120] The case 110 includes a storage space 110i that is open to and extends in the second direction for storing an aerosol product (not shown) in the second area A2.

[0121] 5, the receiving space 110i is a space surrounded by the partition wall 113 and the side wall 115 of the case 110. However, the embodiment is not limited to the manner in which the receiving space is formed, and the receiving space may be a space surrounded by a housing (e.g., the housing 120 in FIG. 3) accommodated in the case 110.

[0122] In the second area A2, the heater is disposed outside the aerosol-producing product contained in the containing space 110i.

[0123] The case 110 includes a lower wall 112 that faces an upper wall 111 and extends in a first direction.

[0124] 5, the lower wall 112 extends in the +x and -x directions with respect to the partition wall 113. The lower wall 112 supports the housing in a second area A2 and the cartridge in a third area A3.

[0125] The cartridge is inserted between the upper wall 111 and the lower wall 112 and coupled to the case 110. The cartridge coupled to the case 110 closes the third section A3.

[0126] The case 110 includes a partition 113. As mentioned above, the partition 113 separates a second section A3 in which the storage space 110i for storing the aerosol product is arranged and a third section A3 in which the cartridge 200 is arranged.

[0127] The partition wall 113 faces the first direction and extends in the second direction, and is disposed between the upper wall 111 and the lower wall 112 .

[0128] The third area A3 of the case 110 is open in the first direction from the partition wall 113. Referring to FIG. 5, the third area A3 is open in the −x direction from the partition wall 113, but the embodiment is not limited to this direction.

[0129] The vent 110h may be located in an area of ​​the top wall 111 adjacent to the partition wall 113.

[0130] The case 110 includes a connecting passage 114. The connecting passage 114 is disposed in one region of the partition wall 113 and connects the second area A2 and the third area A3.

[0131] A portion of the communication passage (e.g., communication passage 140 in FIG. 4) disposed in the second section A2 and a portion of the outlet (e.g., outlet 240 in FIG. 4) of the cartridge disposed in the third section A3 are inserted into the connecting passage 114. Thus, a portion of the communication passage and a portion of the outlet are connected inside the connecting passage 114, and the connecting portion between the communication passage and the outlet is sealed inside the connecting passage 114.

[0132] The case 110 includes a sidewall 115. The sidewall 115 extends in the circumferential direction of the case 110 and forms at least a portion of the exterior of the case 110.

[0133] In the third section A3, one area of ​​the side wall 115 is open in the first direction. Referring to Figure 5, one area of ​​the side wall 115 is open in the -x direction. The cartridge approaches the case 110 in the +x direction through the open area of ​​the side wall 115 and is coupled to the case 110.

[0134] In the third area A3, the side wall 115 includes a buttonhole through which a button (for example, button 150 in FIG. 2) is exposed to the outside.

[0135] The side wall 115 surrounds the upper part of the upper wall 111. That is, the upper end of the side wall 115 extends in the circumferential direction to surround the upper part of the upper wall 111. The upper end of the side wall 115 surrounding the upper part of the upper wall 111 includes a plurality of grooves. The cover is coupled to the upper part of the case 110 by inserting a plurality of protrusions of the cover into the grooves.

[0136] Furthermore, the upper end of the side wall 115 can surround and stably support the electronic component 60 disposed on the upper part of the upper wall 111 .

[0137] The first area A1 is an area above the upper wall 111 that extends in the −x direction with respect to the partition wall 113 and is an area surrounded by the upper end of the side wall 115.

[0138] The second area A2 is an area surrounded by the side wall 115 and the partition wall 113. The second area A2 is an area that is closed in the −z direction by the lower wall 112 and is open in the +z direction.

[0139] The third area A3 is surrounded by a portion of the side wall 115 and the partition wall 113. The third area A3 is open in the −x direction and is closed in the z-axis direction by the upper wall 111 and the lower wall 112.

[0140] The "areas and associated components adversely affected by heated air" will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0141] 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating areas adversely affected by heated air.

[0142] Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of an upper portion of a part of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 3 from which some components are omitted.

[0143] 8 and 9, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a case 110, a heating element 30, an electronic component 60, a sealing unit 170, a play adjusting unit 180, and a cartridge 200. Reference numerals not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 refer to FIG. 6.

[0144] The heating element 30 includes a heater 130 and a vaporizer 230. The heater 130 heats the aerosol-generating material contained in the containing space 110i to generate an aerosol. The vaporizer 230 heats the aerosol-generating material transferred from the storage unit 220 to generate an aerosol.

[0145] The heater 130 is disposed inside the housing 120 and is located in the second area A2 together with the housing 120. The vaporizer 230 is disposed inside the cartridge 200 and is located in the third area A3 together with the cartridge 200.

[0146] As described above, the first area A1 is a space where the electronic components 60 are densely packed and sealed by the sealing part 170 and the cover 100, and is therefore highly susceptible to adverse effects of heated air.

[0147] 5, the first zone A1 is closer to the heater 130 in the second zone A2 than the vaporizer 230 in the third zone A3, and therefore the air in the first zone A1 is heated mainly by the heater 130. However, the arrangement of the heater 130 and the vaporizer 230 is not limited to the embodiment, and the cause of heating the air inside the aerosol generation device 1 varies depending on the embodiment.

[0148] The electronic components 60 arranged in the first area A1 include an optical sensor 160 and a circuit board 161 for the optical sensor.

[0149] The optical sensor 160 includes an optical element that transmits light reflected from the aerosol product inserted into the receiving space 110i of the second area A2, and a sensing portion that senses the light.

[0150] For example, the optical sensor 160 may be a color sensor that detects the color of the aerosol product to prevent reuse of the aerosol product, or a proximity sensor that detects the insertion of an aerosol product into the receiving space 110i of the second area A2.

[0151] The optical sensor 160 is disposed on the upper surface of the top wall 111 together with a circuit board 161 for the optical sensor.

[0152] A vent 110h is located in the top wall 111 and opens towards the optical sensor 160 to prevent fogging of the optical elements.

[0153] 8 and 9, the vent hole 110h disposed on the upper wall 111 is located below the optical sensor 160, but the embodiment is not limited to the location of the vent hole 110h.

[0154] Heated air does not accumulate in the space above the upper wall 111, and the heated air moves through the vent holes 110h, preventing the optical elements from fogging up.

[0155] The electronic components 60 arranged in the first area A1 include a puff sensor 165 and a circuit board for the puff sensor 166. The puff sensor 165 detects a change in pressure in the airflow passage caused by a puff action by the user.

[0156] A puff sensor 165 is disposed on the upper surface of the top wall 111 along with a circuit board 166 for the puff sensor.

[0157] The upper wall 111 includes a puff hole 111p that is open toward the puff sensor 165 so that air can flow into the puff sensor 165. The puff hole 111p arranged in the upper wall 111 may be located above the air inflow passage 200i that extends in the z-axis direction.

[0158] The sealing part 170 covers at least a portion of the case 110 in a first area A1 and separates the first area A1 from a second area A2. Referring to Fig. 8, with respect to one surface of the sealing part 170 facing the x-axis direction, the area in the +x direction is the second area A2, and the area in the -x direction is the first area A1.

[0159] The sealing part 170 covers the case 110 and the electronic components 60 disposed on the top of the case 110 .

[0160] The sealing part 170 covers the optical sensor 160 and provides a barrier between the aerosol product inserted into the receiving space 110i in the x-axis direction and the optical sensor 160. The sealing part 170 includes a transparent or translucent material through which light can pass. In this way, the optical sensor 160 can detect light reflected from the aerosol product and passing through the sealing part 170.

[0161] The ventilation hole 110h is opened in a direction from the case 110 toward the sealing part 170. Referring to Figure 8, the ventilation hole 110h disposed in the upper wall 111 is opened in the z-axis direction, which is the direction from the case 110 toward the sealing part 170.

[0162] The play adjustment portion 180 is disposed between the case 110 and the electronic component 60. The play adjustment portion 180 comes into contact with the case 110 and the electronic component 60 to remove play between the case 110 and the electronic component 60.

[0163] 8, the play adjustment unit 180 accommodates the puff sensor 165 and is disposed to cover at least a region of the upper surface of the upper wall 111. The play adjustment unit 180 may be open toward the puff hole 111p so that air passing through the puff hole 111p flows into the puff sensor 165.

[0164] At least a portion of the play adjustment portion 180 contacts the sealing portion 170. Referring to Fig. 8, the sealing portion 170 covers the play adjustment portion 180, which is in contact with the upper surface of the upper wall 111. A sealed space in which the electronic component 60 is disposed is formed between the sealing portion 170 and the play adjustment portion 180.

[0165] An area of ​​the play adjustment portion 180 that contacts the upper wall 111 is open so as not to block the ventilation hole 110h. Air in the sealed space passes through the open area of ​​the play adjustment portion 180 and moves through the ventilation hole 110h arranged in the upper wall 111.

[0166] The air moving through the ventilation hole 110h needs to be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0167] When the cartridge 200 is inserted between the upper wall 111 and the lower wall 112 of the cartridge 200 and coupled to the case 110, a gap may be generated between the upper wall 111 and the cartridge 200. In this case, the gap becomes a passage for air movement.

[0168] That is, an air discharge passage 200e is formed between the upper wall 111 and the cartridge 200, and the air vent 110h is fluidly connected to the air discharge passage 200e.

[0169] Hereinafter, the "path along which air that has moved through the ventilation hole 110h is discharged to the outside" will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0170] 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating the path through which air that has moved through the ventilation hole is discharged to the outside.

[0171] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the air flow inside an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment with an aerosol product product inserted, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the air flow moving from the inside to the outside of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment with an aerosol product product inserted.

[0172] Fig. 11 shows a state in which the cover 10 is coupled to the top of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Fig. 10. Although not shown in Fig. 11, other components may be disposed between the top of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Fig. 10 and the cover 10.

[0173] Hereinafter, the same content as above will be omitted, and reference numerals not shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 refer to FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0174] The air vent 110h is fluidly connected to the air discharge passage 200e, thereby forming a first airflow path P1 that passes through the air vent 110h and the air discharge passage 200e.

[0175] According to the first airflow path P1, the heated air in the first area A1 passes through the ventilation hole 110h and the air discharge passage 200e located in the third area A3, and is discharged to the outside of the case 110.

[0176] Conversely, relatively cool air outside the case 110 may flow not only through the air inlet passage 200i but also through the air outlet passage 200e. According to the first airflow path P1, the cool air passes through the air outlet passage 200e located in the third area A3, passes through the air vent 110h, and reaches the first area A1.

[0177] In summary, through the first airflow path P1, the heated air in the first area A1 is discharged to the outside of the case 110, and the relatively cool air outside the case 110 flows into the first area A1, thereby lowering the temperature of the air in the first area A1.

[0178] Meanwhile, a second airflow path P2 may be formed inside the aerosol generating device 1 separately from the first airflow path P1, through which the aerosol generated from the cartridge 200 and the aerosol product 2 is transmitted to the user.

[0179] The second airflow path P2 is an airflow path through which the primary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge 200 by the vaporizer 230 and the secondary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol product 2 by the heater 130 are mixed and inhaled by the user.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 10, the second airflow path P2 starts from the entrance of the air inlet passage 200i of the cartridge 200.

[0181] Air outside the case 110 and the cartridge 200 flows into the air inlet passage 200i. The air travels along the air inlet passage 200i and reaches the vaporizer 230.

[0182] The air that reaches the vaporizer 230 is mixed with the primary aerosol and moves to the outside of the cartridge 200 through the outlet 240 .

[0183] The primary aerosol mixed with air moves along the transmission passage 140 connected to the outlet 240 and flows into one end of the aerosol-producing product 2 contained in the containing space 110i.

[0184] While the primary aerosol mixed with air passes through the aerosol producing product 2, the secondary aerosol is generated in the aerosol producing product 2. Therefore, the primary aerosol mixed with air is mixed with the secondary aerosol while passing through the aerosol producing product 2.

[0185] The air containing both the primary aerosol and the secondary aerosol travels to the user's oral cavity, which is the final destination of the second airflow path P2.

[0186] The second airflow path P2 indicates the path of travel of air and aerosol when a user inhales the aerosol-producing product 2. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the second airflow path P2 provides a single path for air flow, although the direction of travel of the air and aerosol is not limited thereto.

[0187] The air discharge passage 200e is formed in a direction crossing the air inlet passage 200i. At this time, the inlet of the air inlet passage 200i is open toward the upper wall 111, and the air discharge passage 200e is connected to the inlet of the air inlet passage 200i.

[0188] As a result, the first airflow path P1 passing through the air discharge passage 200e intersects with the second airflow path P2 formed along the air inflow passage 200i at the entrance of the air inflow passage 200i.

[0189] Meanwhile, since the first airflow path P1 and the second airflow path P2 are airflow paths formed inside the aerosol generation device 1, each airflow path needs to be connected to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0190] 11, a common airflow path PC is formed outside the case 110 and the cartridge 200. The common airflow path PC is connected to the first airflow path P1 and the second airflow path P2 and is formed to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0191] According to the common airflow path PC, air outside the aerosol generation device 1 flows into the cover 10 through the sliding grooves (e.g., sliding groove 10g in FIG. 1) of the cover 10. The air flows in through the spaces between the cover 10 and other components and reaches the air inlet passage 200i and the air outlet passage 200e.

[0192] According to the common airflow path PC, the air may move in the opposite direction to the above-mentioned direction, i.e., the air moves from the air inlet passage 200i and the air outlet passage 200e to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0193] However, when a user inhales air into the aerosol generating device 2, a pressure difference occurs between the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 and the user's oral cavity. This pressure difference causes most of the air to move from the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user's oral cavity.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 11, the entrance of the air inflow passage 200i is open toward the upper wall 111, and the common airflow path PC is connected to the first airflow path P1 and the second airflow path P2 at the entrance of the air inflow passage 200i.

[0195] However, the embodiment is not limited to the above-described arrangement of the inlet of the air inlet passage. For example, the inlet of the air inlet passage may be arranged in a direction transverse to the side plate 210, so that the air inlet passage is not connected to the air outlet passage.

[0196] In this case, the first airflow path formed along the air discharge passage and the second airflow path formed along the air inlet passage do not intersect with each other, but are each connected to the common airflow path PC.

[0197] In addition, air outside the aerosol generating device 1 flows in through the connecting portion between the cover 10 and the main body 11 and joins the common airflow path PC, but this is not separately shown in FIG.

[0198] The first airflow path P1 and the second airflow path P2 are connected to a common airflow path PC, and the air discharge passage 200e and the air inlet passage 200i are fluidly connected to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0199] Through the second airflow path P2 and the common airflow path PC, air and / or aerosol moves from the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 to the oral cavity of the user.

[0200] Through the first airflow path P1 and the common airflow path PC, the heated air in the first area A1 is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1, and the relatively cool air outside the aerosol generation device 1 flows into the first area A1, thereby lowering the temperature of the air in the first area A1.

[0201] The ventilation hole 110h provides fluid communication between the first area A1 and the air discharge passage 200e, so that the first area A1 is fluidly connected to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 through the ventilation hole 110h. In other words, the arrangement of the ventilation hole 110h prevents "deformation of components due to heated air" and reduces "adverse effects of heated air."

[0202] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0203] The aerosol generating device 1200 includes a control unit 1210, a sensing unit 1220, an output unit 1230, a battery 1240, a heater 1250, a user input unit 1260, a memory 1270, and a communication unit 1280. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1200 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 12. That is, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the components shown in Fig. 12 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1200.

[0204] The sensing unit 1220 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1200, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 1210. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1210 controls the aerosol generating device 1200 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1250, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0205] The sensing unit 1220 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1222, an insertion sensor 1224, and a puff sensor 1226, but is not limited thereto.

[0206] The temperature sensor 1222 senses the temperature to which the heater 1250 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1200 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1250, or the heater 1250 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1222 may be disposed around the battery 1240 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 1240.

[0207] The insertion detection sensor 1224 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1224 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product.

[0208] The puff sensor 1226 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0209] The sensing unit 1220 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor in addition to the above-described sensors 1222 to 1226. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0210] The output unit 1230 outputs and provides to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1200. The output unit 1230 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 1232, a haptic unit 1234, and an audio output unit 1236. When the display unit 1232 and a touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 1232 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0211] The display unit 1232 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generating device 1200. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1200 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1240 of the aerosol generating device 1200, the preheating status of the heater 1250, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generating device 1200 (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 1232 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 1232 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 1232 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0212] The haptic unit 1234 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1200. For example, the haptic unit 1234 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0213] The acoustic output unit 1236 audibly provides the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1200. For example, the acoustic output unit 1236 converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0214] The battery 1240 supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 supplies power to the heater 1250 so that it can be heated. The battery 1240 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 1200 (e.g., the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280). The battery 1240 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1240 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0215] The heater 1250 receives power from the battery 1240 and heats the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 12, the aerosol-generating device 1200 further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to the heater 1250. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 1200 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 1200 further includes a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1240 into AC power supply.

[0216] The control unit 1210, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280 perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 1240. Although not shown in FIG. 12 , the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to each component.

[0217] In one embodiment, heater 1250 is formed of any suitable electrically resistive material, such as, but not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 1250 may be embodied as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0218] In another embodiment, heater 1250 is an induction heater, for example, heater 1250 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0219] The user input unit 1260 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1260 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (such as a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, or a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, or a jog switch. Although not shown in FIG. 12 , the aerosol generating device 1200 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 1200 can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the battery 1240.

[0220] The memory 1270 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1200, and stores data that has been processed by the control unit 1210 and data to be processed by the control unit 1210. The memory 1270 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card micro, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD 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 memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 1270 stores the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1200, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0221] The communication unit 1280 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1280 includes a short-range communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

[0222] The short-range communication unit 1282 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0223] The wireless communication unit 1284 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1284 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1200 within the communication network.

[0224] The controller 1210 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. In one embodiment, the controller 1210 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 1210 may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0225] The control unit 1210 controls the temperature of the heater 1250 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1240 to the heater 1250. For example, the control unit 1210 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1240 and the heater 1250. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 1250 in accordance with a control command from the control unit 1210.

[0226] The controller 1210 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220 and controls subsequent processing. For example, the controller 1210 controls the power supplied to the heater 1250 to start or stop the operation of the heater 1250 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220. As another example, the controller 1210 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 1250 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220 so that the heater 1250 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0227] The control unit 1210 controls the output unit 1230 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1220. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1226 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1210 notifies the user through at least one of the display unit 1232, the haptic unit 1234, and the audio output unit 1236 that the aerosol generating device 1200 will soon be finished.

[0228] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0229] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. a case having a storage space for storing an aerosol-producing product and housing at least one electronic component; a heater disposed in the storage space for heating the aerosol product stored in the storage space; a cartridge detachably coupled to the case, the cartridge including a storage section for storing an aerosol-generating material, and a vaporizer for receiving the aerosol-generating material from the storage section and heating the aerosol-generating material; the case includes a plurality of sections defined by the structure of the case; the plurality of sections include a first section in which the electronic component is accommodated, a second section in which the accommodation space is disposed, and a third section in which the cartridge is disposed; the case further includes an air vent formed between the storage space and the cartridge and configured to allow air heated by heat generated by the heater or vaporizer to pass through; The aerosol generating device, wherein the vent is positioned to open toward the first area.

2. the case physically separates the third area from the other areas of the plurality of areas via a part of the case; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the air vent is formed in an area located between the first area and the third area on the part of the case.

3. a sealing portion that separates the first area from the second area and covers at least a portion of the case and the electronic component in the first area; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the vent hole opens in a direction from the case toward the sealed portion.

4. the case further includes a partition wall separating the second area from the third area; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the vent hole is located adjacent to the partition wall.

5. the case further includes an upper wall extending in a first direction from the first area and configured to accommodate the electronic component in an upper portion of the case; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the vent is disposed in the upper wall.

6. the upper wall separates the first and third regions; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the vent is disposed in the upper wall between the first section and the third section.

7. 6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the storage space is open to and extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction to store an aerosol product in the second area.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the air vent is open in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction.

9. The electronic component comprises an optical sensor disposed on an upper surface of the upper wall, the optical sensor comprising: an optical element that transmits light reflected from the aerosol product contained in the second section; and a sensing unit that senses the light; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the vent is open toward the optical sensor to prevent the optical element from fogging up.

10. the case further includes a lower wall extending in the first direction and facing the upper wall, The aerosol generating device of claim 5 , wherein the cartridge is inserted between the upper wall and the lower wall to close the third section.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the cartridge is coupled to the case, and an air discharge passage is formed between the upper wall and the cartridge.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the vent is fluidly connected to the air discharge passage to form a first airflow path through the vent and the air discharge passage.

13. the cartridge further comprises an air inlet passage for communicating air to the vaporizer; The air discharge passage is formed in a direction crossing the air inlet passage, The aerosol generating device according to claim 12 , wherein the first airflow path intersects with a second airflow path formed along the air inflow passage at an inlet of the air inflow passage.

14. The aerosol generating device of claim 13, wherein the second airflow path is an airflow path through which a primary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating material in the cartridge by the vaporizer and a secondary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol product by the heater are mixed and inhaled by the user.

15. The aerosol generating device of claim 13, wherein the first air flow path and the second air flow path are connected to a common air flow path formed outside the case and the cartridge, and the air discharge passage and the air inlet passage are fluidly connected to the outside of the aerosol generating device through the common air flow path.

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