Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a supply unit including an aerosol forming substrate, a substrate unit where the aerosol forming substrate is atomized, a surface wave generating unit capable of transmitting a surface acoustic wave for atomizing the aerosol forming substrate to the substrate unit, and an inhalation unit through which a user can inhale the aerosol forming substrate atomized at the substrate unit. The supply unit can move the aerosol forming substrate to the substrate unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative articles that overcome the disadvantages of traditional cigarettes. For example, an inhaler is a mechanism used to inhale a composition such as a drug in liquid or gas form through the mouth or nose during the inhalation process. Such a device includes a container for accommodating an inhalable composition, and the composition is finally ejected from the container through a thin tube and through a suction port into the mouth or nose for the user to inhale.

[0003] As an example of the prior art, European Registered Patent No. 0017578 (registration date: March 19, 1980) describes an inhaler.

[0004] The above-mentioned background art is what the inventor retained or acquired during the process of deriving the disclosure of this specification, and it is not necessarily prior art that was publicly disclosed to the general public before the present application.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device that utilizes surface acoustic waves.

[0006] An object according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device that can control the atomization of a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates.

[0007] An object according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device that can control the atomization amount.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a supply unit including an aerosol forming substrate, a substrate unit capable of atomizing the aerosol forming substrate, a surface wave generating unit capable of transmitting a surface acoustic wave for atomizing the aerosol forming substrate to the substrate unit, and an inhalation unit through which a user can inhale the aerosol forming substrate atomized by the substrate unit. The supply unit can move the aerosol forming substrate to the substrate unit.

[0009] The supply unit may include a storage element capable of storing the aerosol forming substrate, and a channel element connected to the storage element and capable of moving the aerosol forming substrate stored in the storage element.

[0010] The aerosol forming substrate includes a plurality of other types of liquid phases, and the supply unit may include a first storage element capable of storing a first liquid phase and a second storage element capable of storing a second liquid phase.

[0011] The channel element can move the aerosol forming substrate through capillary action.

[0012] The supply unit may further include a control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the aerosol forming substrate moved through the channel element.

[0013] The supply unit may include a first channel element capable of moving the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element and a second channel element capable of moving the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element.

[0014] The supply unit may further include a third storage element connected to the first channel element and the second channel element and capable of mixing the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase, and a third channel element capable of moving the mixed first liquid phase and second liquid phase from the third storage element to the substrate unit.

[0015] The surface acoustic wave generation unit can include a plurality of surface acoustic wave generation elements that can generate surface acoustic waves independently of each other.

[0016] The supply unit can further include a first control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the first liquid being moved and a second control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the second liquid being moved.

[0017] The substrate unit can include a first substrate on which the first liquid phase can be atomized and a second substrate on which the second liquid phase can be atomized, and can further include a reaction unit in which the atomized first liquid phase and the second liquid phase react.

[0018] The surface acoustic wave generation unit can include a first surface acoustic wave generation element capable of transmitting a surface acoustic wave to the first substrate and a second surface acoustic wave generation element capable of transmitting a surface acoustic wave to the second substrate.

[0019] The surface acoustic wave generation unit can include a first surface acoustic wave generation element capable of transmitting a surface acoustic wave to the substrate unit and a second surface acoustic wave generation element capable of transmitting a surface acoustic wave to the third storage element.

[0020] The channel element can have a porous structure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] An aerosol generation device according to an embodiment can generate an aerosol using surface acoustic waves.

[0022] An aerosol generation device according to an embodiment can control the atomization of a plurality of aerosol-forming base materials.

[0023] An aerosol generation device according to an embodiment can control the atomization amount.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is one of various aspects of the embodiments, and the following technology forms part of the detailed technology for the embodiments. In the description of the embodiments, specific descriptions of well-known functions or configurations will be omitted in order to clarify the gist of the present invention.

[0026] However, various changes can be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the patent application rights is not restricted or limited by such embodiments. All changes, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments must be understood to be included in the scope of rights.

[0027] In addition, the terms or words used in this specification and the claims are not interpreted as ordinary or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain his own invention in the best way, they must be interpreted as meanings and concepts suitable for the technical idea of the invention according to one embodiment.

[0028] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly has a different meaning. In this specification, terms such as "including" or "having" indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as precluding the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms are included, and all terms used herein have the same meaning as generally understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs. Commonly used predefined terms must be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the related technology, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless clearly defined in this specification.

[0030] Also, when explaining with reference to the drawings, the same reference numerals will be given to the same components regardless of the reference signs in the drawings, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted. In the description of the present embodiment, when it is determined that a specific explanation of a related known technique obscures the gist of the embodiment unnecessarily, the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0031] In addition, when explaining the components of the embodiment, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. Such terms are for distinguishing the component from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the component is not limited by such terms. When it is described that any component is "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that the component can be directly connected or joined to the different component, but additional components can be "connected", "coupled", or "joined" between the respective components.

[0032] Components including functions common to the components included in any one embodiment will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the description given in any one embodiment is applicable to other embodiments, and specific descriptions within the overlapping range will be omitted.

[0033] Terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this can be embodied in hardware or software, or can be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a surface wave generation unit 41, a supply unit 45, a substrate unit 47, and an inhalation unit 49.

[0036] The surface wave generating unit 41 generates surface elastic waves that can atomize the liquid phase. The surface elastic wave is an acoustic wave that propagates along the surface of the elastic body substrate (substrate), and can be generated from an electrical signal as a result of the piezoelectric effect. The surface elastic wave generated by the surface wave generating unit 41 can atomize the aerosol forming substrate by being suitable for the aerosol forming substrate. The surface elastic wave generated by the surface wave generating unit 41 can be transmitted to the substrate unit 47.

[0037] The surface wave generating unit 41 can be designed to operate and generate surface elastic waves only when the user inhales the aerosol generating device. For example, the surface wave generating unit 41 may include a breathing sensor (not shown). The breathing sensor attached to the surface wave generating unit 41 can generate an electrical control signal so that the surface wave generating unit moves only during inhalation by detecting this when the user inhales the aerosol generating device.

[0038] The supply unit 45 stores the aerosol forming substrate and supplies it to the substrate unit 47. The aerosol forming substrate may be in the form of a liquid phase (liquid), and the supply unit 45 can store a plurality of other types of aerosol forming substrates. For example, as an example of the aerosol forming substrate stored in the supply unit 45, there can be a nicotine solution with a preset concentration. Examples of the aerosol forming substrate include a liquid phase containing a fragrance, a health functional substance, or a liquid phase containing other functional substances. In this way, various liquid phases other than the nicotine solution can be stored in the supply unit 47.

[0039] The substrate unit 47 is supplied with the aerosol forming substrate from the supply unit 45. The substrate unit 47 receives the surface elastic wave from the surface wave generating unit 41. The surface elastic wave transmitted from the supply unit 45 to the substrate unit 47 can atomize the aerosol forming substrate supplied from the supply unit 45 to the substrate unit 47. In other words, atomization of the aerosol forming substrate can occur in the substrate unit 47. The atomized aerosol forming substrate may be in a state of aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

[0040] The user can inhale the aerosol atomized by the substrate unit 47 through the inhalation unit 49. The inhalation unit may include a flow path (not shown) through which the generated aerosol can move and a mouthpiece (not shown) through which the user can inhale.

[0041] However, FIG. 1 only conceptually shows the connection and operating state of the components of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and does not show the physical arrangement state of each component. It is clarified that this is the same in the following description of the drawings.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment including a channel element and a storage element.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the supply unit 45 of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a storage element 451 and a channel element 452. The storage element 451 may store the aerosol forming substrate. As described above, the aerosol forming substrate may be in a liquid phase, and the storage element 451 may include a housing (not shown) capable of accommodating the liquid phase.

[0044] The channel element 452 can move the aerosol forming substrate stored in the storage element 451 in the direction towards the substrate unit 47. The channel element 452 connects between the storage element 451 and the substrate unit 47 and can generate a capillary phenomenon between the storage element 451 and the substrate unit 47. For example, the channel element 452 may be a porous wick. The channel element 452 may be a porous structure manufactured by sintering a polymer, ceramic, etc. The channel element 452 may be a paper filter or a cotton wick. The channel element 452 may be formed in the form of a microchannel for transferring a minute volume of fluid. However, the form of the channel element 452 is not limited to the examples described above and is the same hereinafter.

[0045] The aerosol-forming substrate moved to the substrate part 47 by the channel element 542 can be applied onto the substrate part 47 so as to be easily atomized by the surface wave generating part 41. In other words, the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid phase supplied to the substrate part 47 exists in the form applied on the surface of the substrate part 47.

[0046] The aerosol-forming substrate moved from the storage element 451 to the substrate part 47 by the channel element 452 is atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generating part 41 to the substrate part 47, and the user can inhale this through the inhalation part 49.

[0047] FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment including a plurality of storage elements.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, the supply part 45 includes a first storage element 4511 and a second storage element 4512. The number of the storage elements 451 included in the supply part 45 is not limited thereto, and additional storage elements may be included in the supply part as necessary. The number of the storage elements may increase or decrease according to the type of the aerosol-forming substrate to be atomized.

[0049] The first storage element 4511 stores a first liquid phase. The second storage element 4512 stores a second liquid phase. The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase may be the above-described aerosol-forming substrate, or may be different types of liquid phases from each other. The channel element 452 is connected to the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512, and supplies the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase stored in the respective storage elements to the substrate part 47. The first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 and the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 can be mixed in the process of moving by the channel element 452. The channel element 452 can mix the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase and supply them to the substrate part 47.

[0050] The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase that have moved from the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47 by the channel element 452 are atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generation unit 41 to the substrate portion 47, and the user can inhale this through the inhalation unit 49.

[0051] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment including a plurality of channel elements.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4, the supply unit 45 includes a first storage element 4511, a second storage element 4512, a first channel element 4521, and a second channel element 4522.

[0053] The first storage element 4511 stores the first liquid phase. The second storage element 4512 stores the second liquid phase. The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase may be the aerosol forming base material described above, or may be different types of liquid phases from each other.

[0054] The first channel element 4521 moves the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 to the substrate portion 47. The second channel element 4522 moves the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47. The first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 may be operated independently, or the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase may be moved by separate means. For example, the first channel element 4521 supplies the first liquid phase to the substrate portion through capillary development, and the second channel element 4522 can supply the second liquid phase to the substrate portion 47 by being formed in the form of a microchannel provided with separate power means. The first channel element 4521 continuously supplies the first liquid phase to the substrate portion through capillary action, and the second channel element 4522 may or may not supply the second liquid phase to the substrate portion 47 by controlling the opening and closing of the channel with a valve unit. By including the first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 in the supply unit 45, the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase can be independently supplied to the substrate portion 47. Therefore, the atomization of the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase can be independently controlled. The forms of the first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 are not limited to the above-described content, and the same applies hereinafter.

[0055] The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase that have moved from the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47 by the first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 are atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generation unit 41 to the substrate portion 47, and the user can inhale this through the inhalation unit 49.

[0056] Figures 5A and 5B show an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment including additional storage elements and channel elements.

[0057] Referring to Figure 5A, the supply unit 45 includes a first storage element 4511, a second storage element 4512, a third storage element 4513, a first channel element 4521, a second channel element 4522, and a third channel element 4523.

[0058] The first storage element 4511 stores the first liquid phase. The second storage element 4512 stores the second liquid phase. The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase may be the aerosol-forming base material described above, or may be liquid phases of different types from each other.

[0059] The first channel element 4521 moves the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 to the third storage element 4513. The second channel element 4522 moves the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 to the third storage element 4513.

[0060] In the third storage element 4513, the first liquid phase supplied from the first storage element 4511 and the second liquid phase supplied from the second storage element 4512 can be mixed. Here, the surface wave generation unit 41 may transmit a surface elastic wave to the third storage element 4513. The surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generation unit 41 to the third storage element 4513 can easily mix the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase. The third channel element 4523 transmits the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase mixed in the third storage element 4513 to the substrate unit 47.

[0061] The first channel element 4521, the second channel element 4522, and the third channel element 4523 can operate independently, and as described above, the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase are moved as separate means.

[0062] The mixed liquid phase of the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase that has moved from the third storage element 4513 to the substrate unit 47 by the third channel element 4523 is atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generation unit 41 to the substrate unit 47, and the user can inhale this through the inhalation unit 49.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5B, the surface wave generation unit 41 includes a first surface wave generation element 411 and a second surface wave generation element 412.

[0064] The first surface wave generating element 411 transmits a surface elastic wave through the substrate portion 47. The surface elastic wave transmitted from the first surface wave generating element 411 to the substrate portion 47 can atomize the aerosol forming base material of the substrate portion 47. The second surface wave generating element 412 transmits a surface elastic wave to the third storage element 4513. The surface elastic wave transmitted from the second surface wave generating element 412 to the third storage element 4513 can easily mix the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase generated in the third storage element 4513. The configurations and functions of the first storage element 4511, the second storage element 4512, the third storage element 4513, the first channel element 4521, the second channel element 4522, the third channel element 4523, the substrate portion 47, and the inhalation portion 49 are the same as those in FIG. 5A described above.

[0065] FIGS. 6A and 6B show an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment including a control element.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6A, the supply unit 45 includes a first storage element 4511, a second storage element 4512, a first channel element 4521, a second channel element 4522, and a control element 453.

[0067] The first channel element 4521 moves the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 to the substrate portion 47. The second channel element 4522 moves the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47. The first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 can be operated independently.

[0068] The control element 453 can control the flow rate of the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid phase form that moves through the channel element 452. For example, the control element 453 may control the flow rate of the first liquid phase that moves through the first channel element 4521. The control element 453 may control the flow rate of the second liquid phase that moves through the second channel element 4522. The control element 453 can control the flow rate of the moving liquid phase by controlling the velocity of the liquid phase. The control element 453 may be, for example, a micro pump. The control element 453 supplies the first liquid phase, the second liquid phase, or all of them to the substrate portion 47 at a rate of 0.1 ml / s - 1 ml / s. The control element 453 may be provided with a power unit (not shown) for controlling the flow rate of the liquid phase. By controlling the flow rate of each liquid phase supplied to the substrate portion 47, the atomization amount of the aerosol generated at the substrate portion 47 can be controlled.

[0069] The first liquid phase and the second liquid phase that have moved from the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47 by the channel element 452 and the control element 453 are atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the surface wave generating unit 41 to the substrate portion 47, and the user can inhale this through the inhalation unit 49.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 6B, the supply unit 45 includes a plurality of control elements 453. For example, the supply unit 45 includes a first control element 4531 and a second control element 4532. The first control element 4531 controls the flow rate of the first liquid phase that moves through the first channel element 4521. The second control element 4532 controls the flow rate of the second liquid phase that moves through the second channel element 4522. The first control element 4531 and the second control element 4532 may operate independently. The configurations and functions of the first storage element 4511, the second storage element 4512, the first channel element 4521, the second channel element 4522, the surface wave generating unit 41, the substrate portion 47, and the inhalation unit 49 are the same as those in FIG. 6A described above.

[0071] FIG. 7 shows an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment including a reaction unit.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 7, an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a surface wave generating unit 41, a supply unit 45, a substrate unit 47, a reaction unit 48, and an inhalation unit 49.

[0073] The supply unit 45 includes a first storage element 4511, a second storage element 4512, a first channel element 4521, a second channel element 4522, a first control element 4531, and a second control element 4532.

[0074] The substrate unit 47 includes a first substrate 471 and a second substrate 472. The first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 is moved to the first substrate 471 via the first channel element 4521 and the first control element 4531. The second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 is moved to the second substrate 472 via the second channel element 4522 and the second control element 4532.

[0075] The surface wave generating unit 41 includes a first surface wave generating element 411 and a second surface wave generating element 412. The first surface wave generating element 411 transmits a surface elastic wave to the first substrate 471 of the substrate unit 47. The second surface wave generating element 412 transmits a surface elastic wave to the second substrate 472 of the substrate unit 47.

[0076] The first liquid phase moved to the first substrate 471 is atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the first surface wave generating element 411. The second liquid phase moved to the second substrate 472 may be atomized by the surface elastic wave transmitted from the second surface wave generating element 412.

[0077] In the reaction unit 48, the first liquid phase atomized on the first substrate 471 and the second liquid phase atomized on the second substrate 472 come into contact and react. The atomized first liquid phase and second liquid phase can react in the reaction unit 48 to form an inhalable aerosol. The reaction unit 48 may include a separate housing (not shown) in which the atomized first liquid phase and second liquid phase can be mixed. The inhalable aerosol formed in the reaction unit 48 can be inhaled by the user via the inhalation unit 49.

[0078] FIGS. 8 to 10 are diagrams showing an example in which a roll-up tobacco is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes an atomizer 14. Further, a wrapped tobacco 2 may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0080] The components related to the present embodiment are shown in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. Therefore, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to the present embodiment can understand that, in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, other general-purpose components are further included in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0081] Furthermore, FIGS. 9 and 10 show that the heater 13 is included in the aerosol generating device 1, but the heater 13 may be omitted as necessary.

[0082] FIG. 8 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. FIG. 9 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the atomizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Further, FIG. 10 shows that the atomizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1, the arrangements of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the atomizer 14 may be changed.

[0083] When the wrapped tobacco 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can operate the heater 13 and / or the atomizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the atomizer 14 passes through the wrapped tobacco 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0084] As necessary, even when the wrapped tobacco 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13.

[0085] The battery 11 supplies the power used for the aerosol generating device 1 to operate. For example, the battery 11 can supply power so that the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14 is heated, and can supply the power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. Further, the battery 11 can supply the power necessary for a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 1 to operate.

[0086] The control unit 12 generally controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generating device 1. Further, the control unit 12 may check the state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is in an operable state.

[0087] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be realized by an array of a large number of logic gates, or may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by this microprocessor. Also, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that it may be realized by different forms of hardware.

[0088] The heater 13 can be heated by the power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette.

[0089] The heater 13 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 can be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above-described example, and any device that can heat to a desired temperature is applicable without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may already be set in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0090] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 can be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater 13 can include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette can include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

[0091] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and can heat the inside or outside of the rolled cigarette 2 according to the pattern of the heating element.

[0092] Also, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted inside the rolled cigarette 2, or may be arranged outside the rolled cigarette 2. Further, a part of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted inside the rolled cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the rolled cigarette 2. Also, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0093] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the rolled cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can move along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0094] For example, the vaporizer 14 can include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 1 as independent modules.

[0095] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition 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. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured so as to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0096] For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance can include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor components, etc. The flavoring agent can include components that can provide various fragrances or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Also, the liquid composition can include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0097] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0098] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transmitted by the liquid transmission means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. Further, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element to heat the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0099] For example, the vaporizer 14 is called a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0100] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 1 can further include a general configuration in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 can include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. Further, the aerosol generating device 1 can include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 can be manufactured in a structure such that external air flows in or internal gas flows out even when the wrapped cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0101] Although not shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the aerosol generating device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used for charging the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Or, the heater 13 may be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are coupled.

[0102] The wrapped cigarette 2 can be similar to a general combustible cigarette. For example, the wrapped cigarette 2 can be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating substance and a second part containing a filter or the like. Or, the second part of the wrapped cigarette 2 may also contain an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0103] The entire first part is inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted inside the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the second part bitten by the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated when the outside air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth through the second part.

[0104] As an example, the outside air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. Thereby, the atomization amount, the smoking feeling, etc. can be adjusted by the user. As another example, the outside air may flow into the inside of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0105] Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0106] FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams showing an example of a cigarette.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 11, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part 21 described above with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second part 22 includes the filter rod 22.

[0108] In FIG. 11, the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment, but it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Further, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment for performing other functions.

[0109] The diameter of the wrapped cigarette 2 may be in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be about 12 mm, but it is not limited thereto.

[0110] The wrapped cigarette 2 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. At least one hole through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out can be formed in the wrapper 24. As an example, the wrapped cigarette 2 can be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the wrapped cigarette 2 may be superposed and wrapped by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, 244. Further, the whole wrapped cigarette 2 can be re-wrapped by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment can be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, 244.

[0111] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of a general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous paper or non-porous paper. Further, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of oil-resistant papers and / or aluminum composite paper packaging agents.

[0112] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard tissue paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0113] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard tissue paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 125 μm.

[0114] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper that is specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be included in the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be included in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0115] The fifth wrapper 245 may contain a predetermined substance. Here, examples of the predetermined substance include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0116] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the phenomenon of the wrapped tobacco 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the wrapped tobacco 2 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310, the wrapped tobacco 2 can burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, the phenomenon of the wrapped tobacco 2 burning can be prevented.

[0117] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by the substances generated by the wrapped tobacco 2. Depending on the user's puff, a liquid substance can be generated inside the wrapped tobacco 2. For example, when the aerosol generated by the wrapped tobacco 2 is cooled by the external air, a liquid substance (for example, moisture, etc.) can be generated. By the fifth wrapper 245 packaging the wrapped tobacco 2, it is possible to prevent the liquid substance generated inside the wrapped tobacco 2 from leaking to the outside of the wrapped tobacco 2.

[0118] The tobacco rod 21 contains aerosol product substances. For example, the aerosol product substances can include, but are not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 can contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0119] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of cut tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely cut. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the heat-conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly disperse the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod and improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. Also, the heat-conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0120] The filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube rod including a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22 may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0121] The first segment of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment can be a tubular structure including a hollow inside. When the heater 13 is inserted by the first segment, it is also possible to prevent the phenomenon that the internal substance of the tobacco rod 210 is pushed backward, and a cooling effect of the aerosol can also be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0122] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. Further, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or a tube made of the same or different materials inside (for example, hollow).

[0124] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0125] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined variously depending on the form of the wrapped tobacco 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring liquid can also be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving together separately provided fibers coated with a flavoring liquid and fibers made of a polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0127] For example, the polymer can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0128] By being formed by polymer fibers in which the second segment is woven or a wound polymer sheet, the second segment can include one or more channels extending in the longitudinal direction. Here, the channel means a passage through which a gas (for example, air or aerosol) passes.

[0129] For example, the second segment made of a wound polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example, between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Also, the total surface area of the second segment can be between about 300 mm 2 and about 1000 mm 2 Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100 mm 2 / mg.

[0130] On the other hand, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread can be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0131] The third segment of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it can also be manufactured such that fragrance is generated by injecting a flavoring liquid into the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid can also be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated by the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, it is possible to produce an effect of enhancing the persistence of the fragrance transmitted to the user.

[0133] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 can perform a function of generating fragrance and can also perform a function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 12, the wrapped tobacco 3 can further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 can be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching externally and can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 8 to 10).

[0135] The filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 11, and the second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in FIG. 11.

[0136] The diameter and overall length of the wrapped cigarette 3 correspond to those of the wrapped cigarette 2 in FIG. 11. For example, the length of the shear plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0137] The wrapped cigarette 3 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. At least one hole can be formed in the wrapper 35 for external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. For example, the shear plug 33 can be wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 can be wrapped by the second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 can be wrapped by the third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 can be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Also, the entire wrapped cigarette 3 can be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355.

[0138] Also, at least one perforation 36 can be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 can be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0139] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 can also perform the function of generating a fragrance or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped by a film. The capsule 34 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0140] The first wrapper 351 may be a general filter paper roll with a metal foil such as aluminum foil bonded thereto. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably may be 50.3 μm. Also, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably may be 6.3 μm. Further, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be within the range of 50 g / m 2 ~55 g / m 2 and preferably may be 53 g / m 2 .

[0141] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made of a general filter paper roll. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be a porous paper roll or a non-porous paper roll.

[0142] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably may be 78 μm. Also, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and preferably may be 23.5 g / m 2 .

[0143] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 68 μm. Also, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 20 g / m 2 ~25 g / m 2 and preferably may be 21 g / m 2 .

[0144] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper means a triple-layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably may be 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 2 80 g / m 2 to 100 g / m 2 , and preferably may be 88 g / m

[0145] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included in the range of 57 g / m 2 to 63 g / m 2 , and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0146] A predetermined substance may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. Here, as an example of the predetermined substance, silicon is applicable, but not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency to water, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, as long as it is a substance having the above-described properties, it can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0147] The shear plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, the cross section of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000, preferably in the range of 25000 to 30000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28000.

[0148] Also, if necessary, the shear plug 33 can include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be made in various ways.

[0149] The tobacco rod 31 corresponds to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 11. Therefore, the specific description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0150] The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow inside. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as those of the shear plug 33.

[0151] The second segment 322 can be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be included within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. Also, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be included within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably may be 25,000.

[0152] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 900 according to another embodiment.

[0153] The aerosol generating device 900 includes a control unit 910, a detection unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, a heater 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 900, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can understand that some of the configurations shown in FIG. 6 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0154] The detection unit 920 detects the state of the aerosol generating device 900 or the state around the aerosol generating device 900, and transmits the detected information to the control unit 910. The control unit 910 can control the aerosol generating device 900 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 950, restriction of smoking, determination of whether an aerosol generating article (for example, a cigarette, a cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and notification display are executed based on the detected information.

[0155] The detection unit 920 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 922, an insertion detection sensor 924, and a puff sensor 926, but is not limited thereto.

[0156] The temperature sensor 922 can detect the temperature at which the heater 950 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself may serve as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be arranged around the battery 940 to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0157] The insertion detection sensor 924 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 924 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0158] The puff sensor 926 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 926 can detect the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0159] In addition to the sensors 922 to 926 described above, the detection unit 920 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of the angle sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from its name, a specific description is omitted.

[0160] The output unit 930 can output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device 900 and provide it to the user. The output unit 930 includes at least one of a display unit 932, a haptic unit 934, and an acoustic output unit 936, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 932 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 932 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0161] The display unit 932 can visually provide information regarding the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. For example, the information regarding the aerosol generating device 900 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 940 of the aerosol generating device 900, the preheating state of the heater 950, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 900 is restricted (for example, detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 932 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 932 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Further, the display unit 932 may be in the state of an LED light emitting element.

[0162] The haptic unit 934 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus and tactually provide information regarding the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 934 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0163] The acoustic output unit 936 aurally provides information regarding the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 936 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0164] The battery 940 supplies the power used for the aerosol generating device 900 to operate. The battery 940 supplies power so that the heater 950 can be heated. Also, the battery 940 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the detection unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980) provided in the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0165] The heater 950 can heat the aerosol generating substance when power is supplied from the battery 940. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 940 and supplies it to the heater 950. Also, when the aerosol generating device 900 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 940 into an AC power source.

[0166] The control unit 910, the detection unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980 can perform functions when power is supplied from the battery 940. Although not shown in FIG. 6, it may further include a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery 940 and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit.

[0167] In one embodiment, the heater 950 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Further, the heater 950 may be realized by a metal wire, a metal hot plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0168] In other embodiments, the heater 950 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 950 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil and heats the aerosol generating material.

[0169] The user input unit 960 can receive information input from the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 960 includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface acoustic wave conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 900 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 940.

[0170] Memory 970 can store the data processed by control unit 910 and the data to be processed as hardware for storing various data processed within aerosol generating device 900. Memory 970 includes at least one type of storage medium such as a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (random access memory), an SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Memory 970 may store data such as the operating time of aerosol generating device 900, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0171] Communication unit 980 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, communication unit 980 includes short-range communication unit 982 and wireless communication unit 984.

[0172] Short-range wireless communication unit 982 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) 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.

[0173] The wireless communication unit 984 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 984 may confirm and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0174] The control unit 910 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In one embodiment, the control unit 910 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can understand that it can be implemented in further forms of hardware.

[0175] The control unit 910 can control the temperature of the heater 950 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 940 to the heater 950. For example, the control unit 910 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In a different example, according to the control command of the control unit 910, a direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 950.

[0176] The control unit 910 analyzes the results detected by the detection unit 920 and then controls the processes to be executed. For example, the control unit 910 can control the power supplied to the heater 950 so that the operation of the heater 950 is disclosed or terminated based on the results detected by the detection unit 920. As another example, based on the results detected by the detection unit 920, the control unit 910 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 950 and the time during which the power is supplied so that the heater 950 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0177] The control unit 910 controls the output unit 930 based on the results detected by the detection unit 920. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 926 reaches a preset number, the control unit 910 notifies the user that the aerosol generating device 900 will end immediately via at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the acoustic output unit 936.

[0178] In one embodiment, the control unit 910 can control the power supply time and / or the power supply amount to the heater 950 according to the state of the aerosol generating article detected by the detection unit 920. For example, when the aerosol generating article 15 is in an over-wet state, the control unit 910 controls the power supply time to the induction coil (the induction coil 124 shown in FIG. 2), and can increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating article 15 is in a general state.

[0179] One embodiment can also be realized in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. The computer-readable medium can be any soluble medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and non-volatile media, and both separable and non-separable media. Also, the computer-readable medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, separable and non-separable media realized by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0180] As described above, in the embodiments, the embodiments have been described by specific matters such as specific components and the like and limited embodiments and drawings, but this is provided to assist in general understanding. Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible from such embodiments for those having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the idea of the present invention is not determined by being limited to the above-described embodiments, and it can be said that not only the scope of the claims described later but also all those having equivalent modifications equivalent to the scope of the claims belong to the category of the idea of the present invention.

Claims

1. A supply unit including an aerosol-forming substrate; A substrate unit capable of atomizing the aerosol-forming substrate; A surface wave generating unit capable of transmitting a surface elastic wave for atomizing the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate unit; An inhalation unit allowing a user to inhale the aerosol-forming substrate atomized by the substrate unit; comprising: The supply unit is capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate unit, and is an aerosol generating device.

2. The supply unit includes a storage element capable of storing the aerosol-forming substrate, and a channel element connected to the storage element and capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage element, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. The aerosol-forming substrate contains a plurality of other types of liquid phases, The supply unit includes a first storage element capable of storing a first liquid phase and a second storage element capable of storing a second liquid phase, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 2.

4. The channel element is capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate through capillary action, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 2.

5. The supply unit further includes a control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the aerosol-forming substrate moved through the channel element, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 4.

6. The supply unit includes a first channel element capable of moving the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element and a second channel element capable of moving the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 3.

7. The supply unit is connected to the first channel element and the second channel element, and further includes a third storage element in which the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase can be mixed, and a third channel element capable of moving the mixed first liquid phase and second liquid phase from the third storage element to the substrate unit, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

8. The surface wave generating unit includes a plurality of surface wave generating elements capable of independently generating surface elastic waves, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

9. The supply unit further includes a first control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the moved first liquid phase and a second control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the moved second liquid phase, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

10. The substrate unit A first substrate capable of atomizing the first liquid phase and a second substrate capable of atomizing the second liquid phase, a reaction part where the atomized first liquid phase and the second liquid phase react, The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 or claim 9, further comprising.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the surface wave generating part includes a first surface wave generating element capable of transmitting a surface elastic wave to the first substrate and a second surface wave generating element capable of transmitting a surface elastic wave to the second substrate.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the surface wave generating part includes a first surface wave generating element capable of transmitting a surface elastic wave to the substrate part and a second surface wave generating element capable of transmitting a surface elastic wave to the third storage element.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the channel element has a porous structure.

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