Wireless communication and aerosol module

Abstract

The present invention provides a module for wireless communication and aerosol generation (or communication and aerosol device), including a mounting section with a mounting body configured to define a storage space sized to accommodate an item having an aerosol-generating material, the mounting body including a dielectric. An inlet is formed at one end of the mounting body to accommodate the item in the storage space, and the heating section is used to heat the aerosol-generating material when at least a portion of the item is located within the storage space. The module includes an antenna having a patch coupled to the mounting body to be located outside the storage space. The patch includes a conductor. The antenna also includes a ground coupled to the mounting body. The ground is located outside the storage space and spaced a predetermined distance from the patch. The ground includes a conductor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication and aerosol module that realizes wireless communication and aerosol generation functions, and a communication terminal equipped with the module. [Background technology]

[0002] An aerosol generator is a device that heats an aerosol-generating substance stored inside an aerosol-generating article, thereby enabling a user to inhale an aerosol.

[0003] Some conventional aerosol generators are installed in communication terminals such as mobile phones (U.S. Patent Publication No. US9,894,938). The aerosol generator installed in the communication terminal is configured to receive power from a power supply (such as a battery) installed inside the communication terminal and heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0004] Conventional devices that integrate an aerosol generator and a communication terminal only disclose the concept of the aerosol generator and the communication terminal sharing a power supply unit, and do not provide the features of the aerosol generator and the communication terminal necessary to realize a device that integrates an aerosol generator and a communication terminal, or structural and functional solutions for easily combining the aerosol generator and the communication terminal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A feature of the present disclosure is to provide a communication and aerosol module that can implement both a wireless communication function and an aerosol generation function.

[0006] Another feature of the present disclosure is to provide a communication and aerosol module that can implement a wireless communication function and an aerosol generation function and has a structure that can be applied to various communication terminals.

[0007] Another feature of the present disclosure is to provide a communication and aerosol module that can select an antenna that performs wireless communication function from among multiple antennas depending on whether or not the aerosol generation function is being executed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a communications and aerosol module (communications and aerosol device) including: a mounting body made of a dielectric and having a storage space in which an item containing an aerosol-generating material is stored; a mounting part that penetrates one side of the mounting body and is connected to the storage space and has an inlet through which the item is inserted; a heating part that heats the aerosol-generating material inserted into the storage space; a patch made of a conductor and fixed to the mounting body so as to be located outside the storage space; and an antenna made of a conductor and fixed to the mounting body so as to be located outside the storage space and has a ground located at a point separated from the patch.

[0009] The mounting body is provided in a cylindrical shape, and the patch and the ground are arranged to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the mounting body or along the height direction of the mounting body.

[0010] The mounting body is provided in a prismatic shape, and the patch and the ground are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the mounting body or along the height direction of the mounting body.

[0011] The module further includes an extension body protruding from the mounting body to be positioned outside the receiving space and made of a flat dielectric material, and the patch and the ground are fixed to the extension body.

[0012] The module further includes an extension body made of a dielectric material and protruding from the mounting body to be positioned outside the accommodating space, and one of the patch and the ground is fixed to the mounting body, and the other of the patch and the ground is fixed to the extension body.

[0013] The module further includes a communication unit that feeds power to the patch and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit.

[0014] The heating unit includes a coil disposed inside the mounting body to surround the receiving space for induction heating of a conductor disposed inside the aerosol generating material.

[0015] The heating unit is fixed to the mounting body and has a bar or plate shape located inside the storage space, and includes a heater that penetrates the bottom surface of the item and contacts the aerosol-generating material when the item is inserted into the storage space.

[0016] The heating unit includes a heater that is provided in a pipe shape and positioned inside the receiving space, and surrounds the circumferential surface of the item inserted into the receiving space.

[0017] The present invention provides a device comprising: a mounting body made of a dielectric material and having a storage space for an article containing an aerosol-generating material; a mounting part penetrating one surface of the mounting body and connected to the storage space and having an inlet through which the article is inserted; a heating part for heating the aerosol-generating material inserted into the storage space; a first patch made of a conductor and fixed to the mounting body so as to be located outside the storage space; a first antenna made of a conductor and fixed to the mounting body so as to be located outside the storage space and having a first ground located at a point separated from the first patch; and a first antenna made of a dielectric material. The present invention provides a communication and aerosol module including a second antenna having a dielectric body made of a conductor and fixed to the dielectric body and located at a point separated from the mounting body, a second patch made of a conductor and fixed to the dielectric body, and a second ground made of a conductor and fixed to the dielectric body and located at a point separated from the second patch, a communication unit that controls feeding to the first patch and the second patch, a first circuit that connects the first patch and the communication unit, a second circuit that connects the second patch and the communication unit, and a switch that controls opening and closing of the first circuit and the second circuit.

[0018] When the item is inserted into the storage space, the switch is configured to close the second circuit and open the first circuit.

[0019] When the article is not inserted into the storage space, the switch is configured to close the first circuit and open the second circuit.

[0020] The first patch and the first ground are arranged to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the mounting body, which is provided in a cylindrical shape, or along the height direction of the mounting body.

[0021] The module further includes an extension body made of a flat dielectric material and protruding from the mounting body to be positioned outside the accommodating space, and the first patch and the first ground are fixed to the extension body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The present disclosure provides a communication and aerosol module capable of implementing both a wireless communication function and an aerosol generation function.

[0023] The present disclosure also provides a communication and aerosol module that can implement a wireless communication function and an aerosol generation function and has a structure that is applicable to various communication terminals.

[0024] The present disclosure also provides a communication and aerosol module that can select an antenna that performs a wireless communication function from among a plurality of antennas depending on whether or not an aerosol generation function is being performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a communication and aerosol module. [Figure 2] 1(a) and 1(b) are cross-sectional views of the communication and aerosol modules. [Figure 3] 10(a), (b) and (c) are diagrams showing examples of a heating unit provided in the communication and aerosol module. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 illustrates a second embodiment of the communication and aerosol module. [Figure 5] 10(a), (b) and (c) show a third embodiment of the communication and aerosol module. [Figure 6] 10(a) and 10(b) show a fourth embodiment of the communication and aerosol module. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the communication and aerosol module. [Figure 8]10(a) and 10(b) show a fifth embodiment of the communication and aerosol module. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a communication terminal equipped with a communication and aerosol module. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a communication terminal equipped with a communication and aerosol module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a communication and aerosol module and a communication terminal equipped with the module will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a communication and aerosol module (communication and aerosol generating device) 100, which is configured to include an attachment portion 110 to which an aerosol production item 200 (hereinafter referred to as "item") is detachably attached, a heating portion 120 (see Figure 2) that supplies thermal energy to the item attached to the attachment portion 110, and an antenna 130 (first antenna) that enables transmission and reception of wireless signals with external devices.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the article 200 (also known as a "stick") includes an article body 210 that forms the exterior, a filter 220 located inside the article body 210, and an aerosol-generating material 240 (hereinafter referred to as "medium") located inside the article body 210.

[0029] The filter 220 is configured to be positioned outside the mounting portion 110 when the article body 210 is coupled to the mounting portion 110, and the medium 240 is configured to be positioned inside the mounting portion 110 when the article body 210 is coupled to the mounting portion 110.

[0030] The medium 240 is a liquid or granular solid that emits volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol when thermal energy is supplied. The medium 240 is prepared to contain volatile flavor compounds such as tobacco (plant material) and nicotine. The medium 240 may be composed of a plurality of granules, each having a size of 0.4 mm to 112 mm.

[0031] A cooling unit 230 is provided between the filter 220 and the medium 240, and the cooling unit 230 is provided in a hollow cylindrical shape. In addition, to prevent the medium 240 from being discharged from the article body 210 or into the cooling unit 230, a first cover 241 is provided on the bottom surface of the article body 210, and a second cover 242 is provided between the medium 240 and the cooling unit 230.

[0032] The first cover 241 and the second cover 242 are made of a porous material that allows air to move but prevents the medium 240 from being discharged, and the article body 210 is made of a material (such as paper) that surrounds the first cover 241, the medium 240, the second cover 242, the cooling part 230, and the filter 220.

[0033] 2(a) and 2(b), the mounting part 110 is provided with a mounting body 111 having an accommodating space 112 for the medium 240. The mounting body 111 is cylindrical with the accommodating space 112 formed therein, and is made of a dielectric material.

[0034] The dielectric material is a thermoplastic resin such as polyester resin, cellulose resin, polycarbonate resin, acrylic resin, styrene resin, polyolefin resin, vinyl chloride resin, amide resin, imide resin, polyethersulfone resin, sulfone resin, polyetheretherketone resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, vinyl alcohol resin, vinylidene chloride resin, vinyl butyral resin, arylate resin, polyoxymethylene resin, epoxy resin, etc. The mounting portion 110 can be made of one or a combination of two or more of the above-mentioned materials.

[0035] An upper surface 113 of the mounting body is provided with an insertion port 116 for the article body 210 to enter and exit, the antenna 130 is fixed to a circumferential surface 114 of the mounting body, and a heating unit wire 126 for controlling the heating unit 120 is fixed to a bottom surface 115 of the mounting body.

[0036] The heating unit 120 may be provided as an internal heating type heat source that supplies heat energy from inside the article body 210, or may be provided as an external heating type heat source that supplies heat energy from outside the article body 210.

[0037] FIG. 2(a) shows an example of an internal heating method, and the heating unit 120 according to this embodiment includes a coil 121 for induction heating a conductor 250 (such as a metal plate) located inside the medium 240.

[0038] In this case, the coil 121 is provided inside the mounting body 111 and is provided to surround the accommodating space 112. That is, the coil 121 is wound along the height direction (Y-axis direction) of the mounting body and is provided to surround or at least partially surround the accommodating space 112.

[0039] The coil 121 is configured to receive power via a heater wire 126, and FIG. 2(a) shows an example in which the heater wire 126 passes through the bottom surface 115 of the mounting body and is connected to the coil 121.

[0040] When current is supplied to the coil 121 through the heating wire 126, the conductor 250 located inside the medium 240 is heated, and when a user inhales outside air through the filter 220, the aerosol generated from the medium 240 is supplied to the user through the filter 220.

[0041] FIG. 3(a) shows another embodiment of an internal heating type heating unit, and the heating unit 120 according to this embodiment is provided with a heater 123 that penetrates the article body 210 and contacts the medium 240 when the article body 210 is inserted into the receiving space 112.

[0042] The heater 123 according to this embodiment is made of a bar- or plate-shaped metal that is fixed to the bottom surface 115 of the mounting body and located inside the receiving space 112. In this case, when the article body 210 is inserted into the receiving space 112, the free end of the heater 123 penetrates the first cover 241 (the bottom surface of the article body) and is located inside the medium 240.

[0043] 3(b) and 3(c) show examples of an indirect heating type heating unit. The heating units of FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c) are similar in that they include a pipe-shaped heater 124 that surrounds the circumferential surface of the article body 210 inserted into the receiving space 112. The pipe-shaped heater 124 is fixed to the mounting body 111 so as to be located inside the receiving space 112. The heater 124 of FIG. 3(b) is different in that power is supplied to it via the heating unit wire 126, while the heater 124 of FIG. 3(c) generates heat via a coil 125 located inside the mounting body 111.

[0044] 1, the antenna 130 includes a patch 131 (first patch) fixed to the mounting body 111 and positioned outside the receiving space 112, and a ground 132 (first ground) fixed to the mounting body 111 and positioned outside the receiving space 112. The patch 131 and the ground 132 are made of a conductor such as a metal plate and need to be fixed to the mounting body 111 at positions separated from each other.

[0045] The antenna 130 is supplied with current through a feed line 134 (first feed line) connected to the patch 131 and an antenna wire 133 connecting the feed line 134 to the communication unit 150. The feeding refers to the operation of applying current to the patch 131.

[0046] The patch 131 and the ground 132 may be arranged in various ways to set the radiation direction of the antenna 130. That is, when the mounting body 111 is cylindrical, the patch 131 and the ground 132 may be arranged to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the mounting body 111 (see FIG. 1), or along the height direction (Y-axis direction) of the mounting body 111 (see FIG. 4).

[0047] Meanwhile, unlike the illustration, the mounting body 111 may be provided in a prismatic shape. In this case, the patch 131 and the ground 132 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the mounting body 111 or along the height direction of the mounting body 111.

[0048] The shape of the patch 131, the size and thickness of the patch 131, the distance between the patch 131 and the ground 132, the material and thickness of the mounting body 111 which is a dielectric, etc. must be set according to the frequency band desired for transmission and reception.

[0049] When the mounting body 111 is provided in a cylindrical shape or a prismatic shape, the patch 131 and the ground 132 fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the mounting body 111 are curved.

[0050] For example, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the patch 131 and the ground 132 have a curved shape that conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the mounting body 111, and such a shape of the patch and ground can sometimes improve the efficiency of transmission and reception (depending on the set transmission and reception frequency band).

[0051] The communication and aerosol module 100 having the above-described structure can be provided in a communication terminal having a communication unit and a power supply unit, thereby realizing a wireless communication function and an aerosol generation function.

[0052] In order to ensure compatibility between the module 100 and a communication terminal, the heater wire 126 is provided with a heater connector 127 that is detachably connected to a circuit (such as a board) of the communication terminal, and the antenna wire 133 is provided with an antenna connector 135 (first antenna connector) that is detachably connected to a circuit (such as a board) of the communication terminal.

[0053] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 1, the module 100 is further configured to include a control unit 160 that controls the operation of the heating unit 120 (see FIG. 2(a)), and a communication unit 150 that controls wireless communication via the antenna 130.

[0054] The control unit 160 (which can be implemented by one or more processors) is provided as a device or circuit that controls the power supplied to the coils 121, 125 or heaters 123, 124 via the heating unit wire 126, and the communication unit 150 (communication module or communication circuit) is provided as a device that implements wireless communication functions suitable for the application of a communication terminal to which the module 100 is attached.

[0055] In order to ensure compatibility of the communication and aerosol module 100 equipped with the control unit 160 and communication unit 150, the module 100 may further include a PCB 140 to which the control unit and communication unit are fixed.

[0056] The PCB 140 is provided with a first connector 141 to which the heating unit connector 127 is connected, a second connector 142 to which the antenna connector 135 is connected, and a third connector 143 to which a control unit of a communication terminal (such as a terminal control unit or an AP (Application Processor)) is connected.

[0057] Therefore, the present invention can provide a communication and aerosol module that can implement both a wireless communication function and an aerosol generation function and is applicable to various communication terminals.

[0058] 5(a), (b) and (c) show another embodiment of the module 100. FIG.

[0059] The communication and aerosol module 100 according to this embodiment is distinguished from the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 in that it further includes an extension body 117 extending from the mounting body 111.

[0060] The extension body 117 is formed as a plate protruding from the circumferential surface of the mounting body 111 in the radial direction (X-axis direction) of the mounting body. The extension body 117 is made of a dielectric or includes a dielectric, and may be made of the same dielectric as the mounting body 111 or a different dielectric from the mounting body 111.

[0061] When the extension body 117 is provided, the feed line 134 provided in the patch 131 is provided in the extension body 117. The antenna wire 133 is connected (e.g., physically coupled) to the feed line 134 by bonding, and in this case, the extension body 117 serves as a means for improving durability of the module 100 by maintaining stable coupling between the antenna wire 133 and the feed line 134.

[0062] Figure 5(a) shows a case where the patch 131 and the ground 132 are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the outer circumferential surface of the mounting body 111, and Figure 5(b) shows a case where the patch 131 and the ground 132 are arranged so as to be spaced apart along the height direction (Y-axis direction) of the mounting body 111.

[0063] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the patch 131 may be fixed to the circumferential surface of the mounting body 111, the power supply line 134 may be fixed to the upper surface of the extension body 117, and the ground 132 may be fixed to the lower surface of the extension body 117 (the surface opposite to the surface to which the power supply line is fixed).

[0064] If the radiation direction of the antenna 130 needs to be adjusted or desired, the module 100 of FIG. 5(c) can alternatively be configured so that the ground 132 is fixed flush with the surface on which the feed line 134 is located. In FIG. 5(c), the ground 132 is shown by a dotted line. More specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 5(c) shows two alternative arrangements. One is to place the ground 132 on one surface of the extension body 117 opposite the feed line 134, and the other is to place the ground 132 (shown by a dotted line) in the same space as the surface on which the feed line 134 is located (e.g., on the top surface of the extension body). As an additional alternative to that shown in FIG. 5(c), the patch 131 can alternatively be fixed to the extension body 117, and the ground 132 can be fixed to the mounting body 111.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the module 100 , and the module 100 according to this embodiment is characterized in that both the patch 131 and the ground 132 are fixed to the extension body 117 .

[0066] As shown in Fig. 6(a), the patch 131 and the ground 132 are fixed to the extension body 117 so as to be spaced apart along the height direction (Y-axis direction) of the mounting body. The patch 131 and the ground 132 may be provided on the same plane within the space provided by the extension body 117, but Fig. 6(a) shows an example in which the patch and the ground are fixed to the upper surface of the extension body 117. Unlike Fig. 6(a), the patch 131 and the ground 132 may alternatively be fixed to the extension body 117 so as to be spaced apart along the radial direction (X-axis direction) of the mounting body.

[0067] FIG. 6( b ) shows an embodiment in which either the patch 131 or the ground 132 is fixed to the upper surface of the extension body 117 , and the other of the patch or the ground is fixed to the lower surface of the extension body 117 .

[0068] In the communication and aerosol module 100 having the above-described structure, when the item 200 is inserted into the storage space 112, the dielectric constant of the mounting portion 110 changes, and therefore the possibility cannot be ruled out that the function set for the antenna 130 may be reduced.

[0069] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the module 100 may further include a second antenna 170 .

[0070] 7, the module 100 according to this embodiment also includes a mounting part 110, a heating part 120, and a first antenna 130. The structures of the mounting part 110, the heating part 120, and the first antennas 130, 133, 134, and 135 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] The second antenna 170 is configured to include a dielectric body 171 made of a dielectric material and located at a point separated from the mounting portion 110, a second patch 172 made of a conductor and fixed to the dielectric body 171, and a second ground 173 made of a conductor and fixed to the dielectric body 171 and located at a point separated from the second patch 172.

[0072] The material of the dielectric body 171 may be the same as or different from the material of the mounting body 111. The second patch 172 and the second ground 173 may be provided to be positioned on the same plane in the space provided by the dielectric body 171 or may be fixed to the dielectric body 171 to face each other, and FIG. 7 shows the latter case.

[0073] The module 100 according to this embodiment includes a PCB 140 having a circuit for switching the first antenna 130 and the second antenna 170, a control unit 160 provided on the PCB for controlling the operation of the heating unit 120, and a communication unit 150 for supplying current to the antennas 130 and 170.

[0074] The second patch 172 includes a second feed line 174, which is connected to the communication unit 150 via a second antenna wire 175. The PCB 140 includes a fourth connector 144, and the second antenna wire 175 includes a second antenna connector that is fastened to the fourth connector 144.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the PCB 140 is provided with a first circuit 154 connecting the communication unit 150 and the first antenna 130, a second circuit 156 connecting the communication unit 150 and the second antenna 170, and a switch 153 controlling the opening and closing of the two circuits 154, 156.

[0076] Various structures can be implemented for the circuits 154, 156 and the switch 153. For example, Fig. 8(a) shows an example in which the first circuit 154 and the second circuit 156 are selectively switched to one circuit (communication unit circuit) 151 connected to the communication unit 150 via the switch 153.

[0077] The communication unit circuit 151 is provided with an amplifier 152 (Low Noise Amplifier or Linear Power Amplifier), and for impedance matching, the first circuit 154 is provided with a first matching network 155, and the second circuit 156 is provided with a second matching network 157.

[0078] The embodiment of Figure 8(a) can be modified to the structure of Figure 8(b), which is distinguished from the embodiment of Figure 8(a) in that the first circuit 154 includes a first amplifier 158 and a first matching network 155, respectively, and the second circuit 156 includes a second amplifier 159 and a second matching network 157, respectively.

[0079] 8(a) and 8(b), when the aerosol product 200 is not inserted into the storage space 112, the switch 153 closes the first circuit 154 (connecting the communication unit to the first antenna) and opens the second circuit 156 (disconnecting the communication unit to the second antenna). However, when the item 200 is inserted into the storage space 112, the switch 153 closes the second circuit 156 (connecting the communication unit to the second antenna) and opens the first circuit 154 (disconnecting the communication unit to the first antenna).

[0080] Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to select an antenna that performs wireless communication function from among multiple antennas depending on whether or not the aerosol generation function is being executed, thereby minimizing the degradation of wireless communication function due to changes in the dielectric constant of the mounting portion 110.

[0081] 9 and 10 show an embodiment of a communication terminal 300 equipped with the above-described communication and aerosol module 100. FIG.

[0082] The communication terminal 300 shown in FIG. 9 includes a terminal communication unit 380, an A / V input unit 360 (Audio / Video input), an input unit 330, a sensing unit 370, an output unit 340, a memory 350, a terminal control unit 310 (one or more processors), and a power supply unit 320.

[0083] The terminal communication unit 380 includes one or more modules or units (e.g., a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, etc.) equipped with appropriate circuits that enable wireless communication between the communication terminal 300 and other communication terminals. For example, the terminal communication unit 380 includes a broadcast receiving module, a mobile communication module, a wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, and a location information module (GPS module).

[0084] The broadcast receiving module receives broadcast signals and / or information related to broadcasts from an external broadcast management server via a broadcast channel.

[0085] The broadcasting channels include satellite channels and terrestrial channels. The broadcasting management server refers to a server that generates and transmits broadcasting signals and / or broadcasting-related information, or a server that receives pre-generated broadcasting signals and / or broadcasting-related information and transmits them to a communication terminal. The broadcasting signals include TV broadcasting signals, radio broadcasting signals, and data broadcasting signals, as well as broadcasting signals in the form of TV broadcasting signals or radio broadcasting signals combined with data broadcasting signals. The broadcasting-related information refers to information related to broadcasting channels, broadcasting programs, or broadcasting service providers.

[0086] The mobile communication module transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server over a mobile communication network, and the wireless signals include various types of data such as voice signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia messages.

[0087] The wireless internet module is a module for connecting to the wireless internet, and wireless internet technologies include WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), and HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access).

[0088] The short-range communication module is a module for short-range communication. Short-range communication technologies include Bluetooth (registered trademark), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (Ultra Wideband), and ZigBee (registered trademark).

[0089] The location information module is a module for obtaining the location of a mobile terminal, and a representative example thereof is a GPS (Global Position System) module.

[0090] The A / V input unit 360 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and includes a camera and a microphone. The camera processes image frames, such as still images or moving images, acquired by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frames are displayed on the output unit 150, stored in the memory 350, or transmitted to the outside via the terminal communication unit 380.

[0091] The microphone receives an external audio signal in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the received audio signal as electrical audio data. In a call mode, the processed audio data is converted into a format that can be transmitted to a mobile communication base station and output by the terminal communication unit 380. The microphone is equipped with various noise reduction algorithms to remove noise generated during the process of receiving an external audio signal.

[0092] The input unit 330 generates input data for a user to control the operation of the terminal, and includes a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (static / electrostatic), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0093] The sensing unit 370 generates signals indicating the location of the communication terminal 300, whether or not a user touches the communication terminal, the direction of the communication terminal, and the acceleration / deceleration of the communication terminal.

[0094] The output unit 340 is for generating an output related to vision, hearing, touch, or the like, and includes a display, an audio output module, an alarm unit, a haptic module, and the like.

[0095] The display (display device) displays (outputs) information processed by the communication terminal 300. For example, when the communication terminal is in a call mode, it displays a UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphical User Interface) related to the call. When the communication terminal 300 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, it displays a photographed and / or received image, UI, or GUI.

[0096] The display is configured to include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, and a 3D display.

[0097] The display is a transparent or light-transmitting display device (a so-called transparent display). A typical example of the transparent display is a TOLED (Transparant OLED).

[0098] The communication terminal 300 may be equipped with one or more displays, and the displays may be arranged on the same surface of the communication terminal 300 or on different surfaces.

[0099] In the case where the display and a touch sensor (which detects whether or not the user's body touches the display) form a layered panel (hereinafter referred to as a "touch screen"), the display can also function as an input device. The touch sensor can take the form of a touch film, touch sheet, touch pad, etc.

[0100] The touch sensor is configured to convert pressure applied to a predetermined location on the display or a change in capacitance or the like generated at a predetermined location on the display into an electrical input signal, and is configured to detect not only the position and area of ​​a touch but also the pressure at the time of touch.

[0101] The audio output module outputs audio data received from the terminal communication unit 380 or stored in the memory 350 in a signal reception mode, a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, etc. The audio output module includes a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, etc.

[0102] The alarm unit outputs a signal to notify the occurrence of an event in the communication terminal 300. Examples of events generated by the communication terminal include signal reception, message reception, key signal input, and touch input. The alarm unit may output a signal to notify the occurrence of an event in a form other than a video signal or an audio signal, for example, by vibration. The video signal or audio signal may also be output by a display or an audio output module, and therefore the display and audio output module may be classified as part of the alarm unit.

[0103] The haptic module generates various haptic effects that can be felt by the user. A representative example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module is vibration. In addition to vibration, the haptic module can generate various haptic effects, such as a pin arrangement that moves vertically relative to the contact surface of the skin, an air ejection force or an air suction force through an ejection port or an inlet, a touch on the skin surface, an electrode contact, or an electrostatic force, or an effect that reproduces a cold or warm sensation using a heat-absorbing or heat-generating element.

[0104] The haptic module not only transmits haptic effects through direct contact, but also allows the user to feel haptic effects through muscle sensations such as a ring or arm.

[0105] The memory 350 (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium) stores programs for the operation of the terminal controller 310 and may temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, messages, still images, videos, etc.) The memory 350 stores data related to various patterns of vibration and sound output when a touch input is made on the touch screen.

[0106] The memory 350 includes at least one type of storage medium: a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), 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, or an optical disk.

[0107] The terminal control unit 310 (which can be implemented using one or more processors) controls the overall operation of the communication terminal 300. For example, it controls and processes voice calls, data communications, video calls, etc. The terminal control unit 310 includes a multimedia module for playing multimedia, which may be implemented within the terminal control unit 310 or may be implemented separately from the terminal control unit 310.

[0108] The terminal control unit 310 performs a pattern recognition process that can recognize handwritten or drawn inputs made on the touch screen as text and images.

[0109] The power supply unit 320 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the terminal controller 310, and supplies power required for the operation of each component.

[0110] The communication and aerosol module 100 shown in Figures 1 to 6 may be provided in the communication terminal 300 of Figure 9. In this case, the antennas 130 and 170 provided in the communication and aerosol module 100 are connected to the terminal communication unit 380 via the antenna wires 133 and 175, and the heating unit 120 of the communication and aerosol module 100 is connected to the terminal control unit 310 via the heating unit wire 126.

[0111] The embodiment of FIG. 10 shows a case where a communication and aerosol module 100 including a communication unit 150 and a control unit 160 is coupled to a communication terminal 300.

[0112] 1 and 7, the communication unit 150 and the control unit 160 may be provided to be attached to the PCB 140. In this case, the communication unit 150 and the control unit 160 are provided to be connected to the terminal control unit 310 via a third connector 143 of the PCB.

[0113] The above-mentioned communication and aerosol module, and the structure and control method of a communication terminal equipped with the module, are illustrative of one example of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of patent rights should be determined by the claims, and differences within the scope of equivalence of the content described therein should be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. a mounting body made of a dielectric material and having a receiving space sized to receive an article having an aerosol-generating material; and a mounting part formed at one end of the mounting body and having an inlet through which the article is received in the receiving space; a heating unit that heats the aerosol-generating material when at least a portion of the article is inserted into the storage space; a patch made of a conductor and fixed to the mounting body so as to be located outside the receiving space, and an antenna including a ground made of a conductor and fixed to the mounting body so as to be located outside the receiving space, the ground being located at a point separated from the patch; 1. A wireless communication and aerosol module comprising:

2. The mounting body is provided in a cylindrical shape, The wireless communication and aerosol module of claim 1, wherein the patch and the ground are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the mounting body or along the height direction of the mounting body.

3. The mounting body is provided in a prismatic shape, The wireless communication and aerosol module of claim 1, wherein the patch and the ground are arranged to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the mounting body or along the height direction of the mounting body.

4. The device further includes an extension body extending from the mounting body to be positioned outside the receiving space, the extension body being made of a flat dielectric material, The wireless communication and aerosol module of claim 1 , wherein the patch and the ground are connected to the extension body.

5. The device further includes an extension body extending from the mounting body to be positioned outside the receiving space and made of a dielectric material, 2. The wireless communication and aerosol module of claim 1, wherein either the patch or the ground is connected to the mounting body, and the other of the patch or the ground is connected to the extension body.

6. a communication circuit for feeding the patch; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit; 6. The wireless communication and aerosol module according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. The heating unit is A wireless communication and aerosol module as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it includes a coil arranged inside the mounting body to surround at least a portion of the accommodating space for inductive heating of a conductor located inside the aerosol generating material.

8. The heating unit is provided in the mounting body and includes a bar-shaped or plate-shaped heater located inside the receiving space, The heater includes a heater that penetrates a bottom surface of the article and contacts the aerosol-generating material when at least a portion of the article is located inside the storage space.

6. A wireless communication and aerosol module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. the heating unit includes a pipe-shaped heater located inside the accommodation space, The wireless communication and aerosol module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heater surrounds at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the item inserted into the storage space.

10. a mounting body made of a dielectric material and having a receiving space sized to receive an article having an aerosol-generating material; and a mounting part formed at one end of the mounting body and having an inlet through which the article is received in the receiving space; a heating unit that heats the aerosol-generating material when at least a portion of the article is inserted into the storage space; a first antenna including a first patch made of a conductor and fixed to the mounting body so as to be located outside the receiving space, and a first ground made of a conductor and fixed to the mounting body so as to be located outside the receiving space, the first antenna being located at a point separated from the first patch; a second antenna including a dielectric body made of a dielectric material and positioned at a location spaced apart from the mounting body, a second patch made of a conductor and connected to the dielectric body, and a second ground made of a conductor and connected to the dielectric body and positioned at a location spaced apart from the second patch; a communication circuit for controlling feeding of the first patch and the second patch; a first circuit connecting the first patch and the communication circuit; a second circuit connecting the second patch and the communication circuit; a switch that controls opening and closing of the first circuit and the second circuit; 1. A wireless communication and aerosol module comprising:

11. 11. The wireless communication and aerosol module of claim 10, wherein the switch closes the second circuit and opens the first circuit when at least a portion of the item is located within the storage space.

12. 12. The wireless communication and aerosol module of claim 11, wherein the switch closes the first circuit and opens the second circuit when the item is not located in the storage space.

13. the first patch and the first ground are provided in a cylindrical shape; The wireless communication and aerosol module of any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the first patch and the first ground are arranged to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the mounting body or along the height direction of the mounting body.

14. The device further includes an extension body extending from the mounting body to be positioned outside the receiving space, the extension body being made of a flat dielectric material, 13. The wireless communication and aerosol module of claim 10, wherein the first patch and the first ground are coupled to the extension body.

Images