Aerosol Generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a storage section including a plurality of capsules for storing an aerosol generating substance, an atomizing section for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating substance, and a rupturing section for rupturing the capsules to supply the aerosol generating substance stored in the capsules to the atomizing section, and the storage section is movable so that the capsules are aligned at a position corresponding to the rupturing section.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device in which an aerosol generating substance is supplied by rupturing a capsule. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been active research into aerosol generators, which generate aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol-generating substances, or generate vapor from liquid aerosol-generating substances, and then pass the generated vapor through a solid flavor medium to supply a flavored aerosol.

[0003] Applications of aerosol generating devices include electronic cigarettes that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or liquid compositions, and drug inhalation devices that aerosolize medicinal substances for the treatment of diseases such as asthma and lung diseases.

[0004] In the field of aerosol generating devices that use aerosol generating substances in a liquid state, active research is being conducted into leak prevention and quantitative supply of the liquid. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The cartridge of an aerosol generating device generally includes a storage section for storing a liquid substance (hereinafter, the term "liquid substance" is used interchangeably with "aerosol generating substance" and will be abbreviated as "liquid") and an atomizing section for atomizing the liquid. The atomizing section includes a wick (e.g., cotton, silica, ceramic, etc.) for absorbing the liquid and a heating element (e.g., a coil based on the principle of resistance heating) for atomizing the liquid. The liquid stored in the storage section is transferred to the wick, and the liquid is heated by the heating element coupled to the wick and atomized into an aerosol.

[0006] In structures where liquid is transferred from a reservoir to a wick, there is a risk of leakage at the connection between the reservoir and the wick, and there is also a risk of leakage due to backflow of liquid as the liquid is transferred from the reservoir to the portion of the wick adjacent to the heating element.

[0007] An embodiment provides an aerosol generating device equipped with one or more capsules that supply aerosol generating material to an atomizing section only when a capsule storing the aerosol generating material ruptures.

[0008] Furthermore, the embodiment provides an aerosol generating device having a structure that can leave a ruptured capsule as it is and rupture other unruptured capsules.

[0009] Problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a storage section including a plurality of capsules for storing an aerosol generating material, an atomization section for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material, and a rupturing section for rupturing the capsules to supply the aerosol generating material stored in the capsules to the atomization section, and the storage section can be moved so that the capsules are aligned at positions corresponding to the rupturing section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment, leakage of the aerosol generating substance can be prevented.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment, the amount of aerosol generating material flowing out of the capsule is uniform each time the capsule bursts, so that the aerosol generating material can be supplied to the atomization section in a fixed quantity, and a uniform amount of aerosol can be delivered to the user each time.

[0013] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage unit, showing an example of a storage unit applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage unit, showing an example of a storage unit applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a rupture part showing an example of a rupture part applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3B] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a rupture part showing an example of a rupture part applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3C] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a rupture part showing an example of a rupture part applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3D] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a rupture part showing an example of a rupture part applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4A] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an atomizing section and a rupturing section, showing an example in which the atomizing section and the rupturing section are combined, which is a structure applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4B] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an atomizing section and a rupturing section, showing an example in which the atomizing section and the rupturing section are combined, which is a structure applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4C] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an atomizing section and a rupturing section, showing an example in which the atomizing section and the rupturing section are combined, which is a structure applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a rupture portion and an atomization portion, showing the rupture portion in a first operating state. FIG. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the atomizing portion and the rupturing portion of FIG. 5A, showing the rupturing portion in a second operating state. [Figure 6A] 1A to 1C are cross-sectional views sequentially illustrating a capsule processing process of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] 1A to 1C are cross-sectional views sequentially illustrating a capsule processing process of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6C] 1A to 1C are cross-sectional views sequentially illustrating a capsule processing process of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6D] 1A to 1C are cross-sectional views sequentially illustrating a capsule processing process of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an encapsulation process of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used in the present invention, taking into consideration their functions in the present invention. However, these terms may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

[0016] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements and may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0017] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of," precedes an element in an arrangement, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the arrangement. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0018] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0019] The aerosol generating device comprises a heater, in one embodiment the heater is an electrically resistive heater, for example the heater comprises a conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the conductive track the heater is heated.

[0020] The heater may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0021] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. Tobacco rods can be made in sheet form, strand form, or shredded tobacco from a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod can also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this.

[0022] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may have a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out specific components contained in the aerosol.

[0023] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0024] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the body, incorporated therein, or fixed so as not to be detachable by a user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol-generating substance contained therein. However, is not limited thereto, and the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0025] The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming material in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid, solid, gas, or gel. The aerosol-forming material includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0026] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, the airflow passage being configured to deliver the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method, which refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0029] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0030] The aerosol generating device further includes a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, for example, the wick is positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the vibrator.

[0031] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator are transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0032] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator reduces the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the core, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator break the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limiting.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0034] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cradle.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may be combined with a separate cradle to form a system. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol generating device when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are combined.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment includes a storage unit 110 containing a plurality of capsules, an atomizing unit 120 for generating an aerosol, and a bursting unit 130 for bursting the capsules and supplying them to the atomizing unit.

[0041] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a housing 100. The housing 100 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 10. Components of the aerosol generating device 10 are disposed in the interior space of the housing 100. The housing 100 serves to house and protect the components.

[0042] At least a portion of the housing 100 is separated from the remaining portion so as to rearrange the components arranged in the interior space of the housing 100. In one example, the upper portion of the housing 100 is released from its connection with the lower portion and separated from the lower portion in the +z direction. In another example, at least one side of the housing 100 is open. When at least a portion of the housing 100 is separated, the components of the aerosol generation device 10 are exposed to the outside.

[0043] Reservoir 110 is disposed within housing 100 and stores an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state or a gel state. For example, in the field of electronic cigarettes, the aerosol-generating substance may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0044] In an aerosol generator, leakage of the aerosol-generating substance (leakage during storage) occurs at the connection between the storage unit and the atomization unit. Furthermore, leakage occurs due to backflow of the aerosol-generating substance during the process of transferring the aerosol-generating substance from the storage unit to the atomization unit (leakage during use). The storage unit and the atomization unit must be designed to minimize the occurrence of such leakage.

[0045] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the storage unit 110 of the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment includes one or more capsules c containing an aerosol-generating material. The capsules c store the aerosol-generating material and supply the aerosol-generating material to the atomizing unit 120 only when the capsules c burst.

[0046] Here, "rupturing" includes various methods of damaging the outer shell of capsule c and releasing the aerosol-generating material stored inside capsule c, such as crushing or breaking under pressure, cutting with a sharp blade, or puncturing with a pointed needle.

[0047] Before capsule c ruptures, the aerosol-generating substance stored inside capsule c does not flow out of capsule c. Hereinafter, the state before capsule c ruptures will be referred to as the "storage state of the capsule."

[0048] When capsule c is ruptured by rupturing section 130, the aerosol-generating substance is released from capsule c and moves to atomizing section 120. Hereinafter, the state in which capsule c has ruptured will be referred to as the "capsule ruptured state."

[0049] According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material is supplied to the atomization unit 120 only when the capsule c in which the aerosol-generating material is stored bursts, thereby preventing leakage of the aerosol-generating material while it is stored in the capsule c (preventing leakage during storage).

[0050] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, when capsule c ruptures, capsule c loses part of its function of storing the aerosol-generating material, and thus, backflow of the aerosol-generating material is prevented (prevention of leakage during use) in the process of the aerosol-generating material moving from the ruptured capsule c toward the atomizing unit 120.

[0051] Also, according to one embodiment, the capsule c attached to the storage unit 110 may not be directly connected to the atomizing unit 120. This blocks the path of the aerosol-generating material flowing back from the atomizing unit 120 to the ruptured capsule c, thereby preventing backflow (leakage during use).

[0052] The capsule c may contain the same material as a liquid capsule commonly used in the field of aerosol generating devices. However, the material of the capsule is not limited to the embodiment. The capsule c may contain various materials that can prevent leakage of the aerosol generating material during storage and that can be ruptured by the rupture portion 130.

[0053] The capsule c may be fabricated in various shapes. Referring to FIG. 1, the capsule is fabricated in a spherical shape. However, the shape of the capsule is not limited to the above embodiment and may include various shapes capable of storing the aerosol-generating material.

[0054] A plurality of capsules c are attached to the storage unit 110. In aerosol generation devices, the entire amount of the aerosol-generating material is generally stored in the storage unit. On the other hand, in the aerosol generation device 10 according to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material is stored in a dispersed manner in a plurality of capsules c, and the plurality of capsules c are attached to the storage unit 110.

[0055] In the field of electronic cigarettes, a pack of 20 conventional combustion cigarettes contains 20 capsules c, so that a set of 20 capsules c may be attached to the storage unit 110. However, the number of capsules c is not limited to the above example. In Figure 1, six capsules are shown as an example.

[0056] The capsules c store an aerosol-generating substance capable of generating an appropriate amount of aerosol for a user to inhale during one use of the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0057] A capsule (c) in the field of electronic cigarettes stores an aerosol-generating substance in an amount equivalent to that contained in one conventional combustion-type cigarette. When a set includes 20 capsules (c), the total amount of aerosol-generating substance stored in the 20 capsules (c) is 1 ml, and each capsule (c) contains 0.04 ml to 0.06 ml, preferably 0.05 ml, of aerosol-generating substance. However, the amount of aerosol-generating substance stored in a capsule is not limited to the above example.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the amount of aerosol-generating material flowing out of the capsule c every time the capsule ruptures is uniform, so that the aerosol-generating material can be supplied quantitatively to the atomizing unit 120. Therefore, every time the user uses the aerosol generating device 10, a uniform amount of aerosol is delivered to the user.

[0059] In addition, according to one embodiment, multiple capsules c each storing a single-use amount of aerosol generating material are attached to the storage unit 110, thereby avoiding the hassle of having to replace the capsules c every time the aerosol generating device is used.

[0060] If there is an unruptured capsule c among one or more capsules c attached to the storage unit 110, the user can simply place the ruptured capsule c in a certain area inside the aerosol generating device 10 without removing it, and then rupture the other unruptured capsules c to use the aerosol generating device 10.

[0061] When all the capsules c attached to the storage unit 110 are ruptured, the user must attach new capsules c to the storage unit 110 in order to use the aerosol generation device 10. This corresponds to the act of replacing the storage unit (cartridge) in a general aerosol generation device.

[0062] The manner in which the capsules c are arranged in the storage unit 110 varies depending on the structure of the storage unit 110. In one example, the capsules c are arranged in the storage unit 110 side by side in one direction. In another example, the capsules c are arranged in the storage unit 110 in a circular order.

[0063] If multiple capsules c are arranged in a row rather than randomly, the multiple capsules c will burst in the order in which they are arranged. In other words, the multiple capsules c can be efficiently burst.

[0064] At this time, in order to improve the efficiency of the rupture, the rupture of capsule c occurs at the same position every time, so that the capsule c scheduled to rupture must first move to the position where the rupture will occur before the rupture by the rupture unit 130 occurs.

[0065] The capsule c is aligned to a position where it will burst by the storage unit 110. In other words, the storage unit 110, to which one or more capsules c are attached, moves so that the capsule c is aligned to a position corresponding to the rupture unit 130. Here, "a position corresponding to the rupture unit 130" means a position where the capsule will burst.

[0066] In one example of the manner in which the storage unit 110 moves, the storage unit 110 rotates. Referring to Fig. 1, the storage unit 110 rotates around a rotation axis extending in the x-axis direction. When the storage unit 110 rotates, the capsules c mounted in the storage unit 110 rotate and move around the rotation axis.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 1, the position at which capsule c bursts is the position closest to the bursting portion 130 in the circular movement trajectory of capsule c due to the rotation of storage portion 110, and is a position aligned with bursting portion 130 in the bursting direction of bursting portion 130 (e.g., the z-axis direction) so that capsule c can burst easily.

[0068] As the storage unit 110 rotates, the capsule c that was most recently ruptured by the rupturing unit 130 moves away from the rupturing unit 130 along the trajectory of the capsule c, while other capsules c move closer to the position where rupture occurs along the trajectory of the capsule c. If the capsule c is aligned at a position corresponding to the rupturing unit 130, the capsule c will be ruptured by the rupturing unit 130.

[0069] The atomizing unit 120 generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. Specifically, when a capsule c attached to the storage unit 110 bursts, the aerosol-generating material is supplied to the atomizing unit 120 disposed below (e.g., in the -z direction) the storage unit 110. The aerosol-generating material supplied to the atomizing unit 120 is atomized into an aerosol by the atomizing unit 120.

[0070] The aerosol refers to a suspension of liquid and / or solid particles dispersed in a gas. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the atomizing unit 120 refers to a mixture of vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air.

[0071] Atomization unit 120 converts the phase of the aerosol-generating substance into a gas phase by vaporization and / or sublimation. That is, atomization unit 120 can generate an aerosol by atomizing and releasing the aerosol-generating substance in any one or a combination of a liquid, solid, and gel state.

[0072] Although not specifically shown in Figure 1, the atomization section 120 includes a liquid transfer means that is coupled to one component of the aerosol generating device 10 to absorb the aerosol generating substance, and an atomization element that is disposed in the liquid transfer means to atomize the aerosol.

[0073] The liquid delivery means receives the aerosol-generating substance released from the ruptured capsule c and absorbs the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery means may be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0074] The liquid transfer means may have an elongated shape. For example, the liquid transfer means may have a columnar shape extending in one direction. Specifically, the liquid transfer means may have a polygonal columnar shape such as a cylindrical, quadrangular columnar, or triangular columnar shape, but is not limited to the above examples. The liquid transfer means may have an approximately rod-like or needle-like shape.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in one portion (e.g., the upper portion) of the liquid transfer means moves to another portion (e.g., the lower portion) of the liquid transfer means by capillary action, whereby the liquid transfer means transfers the aerosol-generating substance to the atomizing element.

[0076] The atomizing element generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the liquid transfer means. In one example, the atomizing element is a heating element that generates heat to heat the aerosol-generating substance. When the aerosol-generating substance comes into contact with the heating element and is heated by the heating element, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating substance.

[0077] The heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. The heating element may include a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). For example, the heating element may be made of SUS316L.

[0078] The heating element is made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and is heated by a current supply. The heating element is made of a ceramic material that is heated by an induction magnetic field and is heated by an induction magnetic field generated in an induction coil located separately from the heating element.

[0079] In another example, the atomization element is an ultrasonic vibrator that generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance by using ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating substance using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0080] The aerosol generating method of the atomizing element is not limited to the above examples, but includes various methods for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material.

[0081] The atomizing element may be attached to the liquid transmission means not only by a structural feature such as being wrapped around the liquid transmission means, but also by being permanently or reversibly attached to the liquid transmission means by painting, spraying, vapor deposition, plating, dipping, coating, printing, 3D printing, using a tool, etc. Furthermore, the heating element may be attached to the liquid transmission means by a method such as sintering the atomizing element together during the process of manufacturing the liquid transmission means.

[0082] However, the arrangement of the atomizing element is not limited to the embodiment, and includes various ways in which the atomizing element can be arranged on the liquid transfer means while maintaining its function.

[0083] Although not specifically shown in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the atomizing section 120 is coupled to and supported by a configuration of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0084] The bursting unit 130 bursts the capsule c to supply the aerosol-generating material stored in the capsule c to the atomizing unit 120 .

[0085] The rupturing portion 130 is disposed between the storage portion 110 and the atomizing portion 120. At least a portion of the rupturing portion 130 is coupled to and supported by the atomizing portion 120. The rupturing portion 130 is disposed in a direction extending from the atomizing portion 120 toward the storage portion 110.

[0086] When the capsules c scheduled to burst are moved by the storage unit 110 and aligned to a position corresponding to the bursting unit 130, the bursting unit 130 bursts the capsules c scheduled to burst that are in a position where bursting occurs.

[0087] The rupturing portion 130 has a long, elongated shape. One end of the rupturing portion 130 may be pointed toward the capsule c so as to rupture the capsule c. The rupturing portion 130 punctures the capsule c through the pointed end to rupture it. However, the shape and rupture method of the rupturing portion 130 are not limited to those described in the embodiment.

[0088] The aerosol-generating material stored in capsule c flows out of capsule c through the portion ruptured by rupture unit 130. The aerosol-generating material flowing out of capsule c moves in the direction of gravity (e.g., the −z direction) due to gravity and is supplied to atomization unit 120.

[0089] In one example, the aerosol-generating material falls freely toward the atomizing unit 120 and is supplied to the atomizing unit 120. In another example, the aerosol-generating material moves along the rupturing unit 130 and is supplied to the atomizing unit 120. However, the manner in which the aerosol-generating material flowing out of the capsule c is supplied to the atomizing unit 120 is not limited to the embodiment.

[0090] For capsule c to rupture, capsule c and rupture portion 130 must move closer to each other. In one example, at least a portion of storage portion 110 moves toward rupture portion 130, causing capsule c to move closer to rupture portion 130. In another example, at least a portion of rupture portion 130 moves toward storage portion 110, causing rupture portion 130 to move closer to capsule c.

[0091] The manner in which the capsule c and the rupture unit 130 approach each other is not limited to the above example. Hereinafter, the rupture of the capsule c will be described based on the manner in which the rupture unit 130 approaches the capsule c.

[0092] At least a portion of the rupturing portion 130 approaches the capsule c aligned at the position where rupture will occur, i.e., at least a portion of the rupturing portion 130 moves toward a position where it will contact the capsule c.

[0093] In one example, the rupturing portion 130 is coupled to the atomizing portion 120 and moves together with the atomizing portion 120. In another example, the rupturing portion 130 is coupled to the atomizing portion 120, but the atomizing portion 120 does not move, and only the rupturing portion 130 moves.

[0094] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the rupture portion 130 moves between a position in contact with the capsule c and a position spaced apart from the capsule c.

[0095] When at least a part of the rupturing portion 130 approaches the capsule c and comes into contact with the outer shell of the capsule c, the capsule c is ruptured by the sharp part included in at least a part of the rupturing portion 130.

[0096] At least a part of the rupturing part 130 moves further even after coming into contact with the outer shell of the capsule c and is inserted into the interior of the capsule c. In other words, the "position where it comes into contact with the capsule" means not only the position where at least a part of the rupturing part 130 comes into contact with the outer shell of the capsule c, but also the position where it is inserted into the interior of the capsule c.

[0097] As a result, when the rupture portion 130 comes into contact with the outer shell of the capsule c, the capsule c may not rupture, or only a small area may rupture that makes it difficult for the aerosol-generating material to escape. However, the capsule c ruptures during the process of inserting the rupture portion 130 into the interior of the capsule c, ensuring complete rupture of the capsule c.

[0098] When the rupturing portion 130 has finished rupturing the capsule c, at least a portion of the rupturing portion 130 moves in the opposite direction to the direction toward the ruptured capsule c, and moves away from the ruptured capsule c. That is, at least a portion of the rupturing portion 130 moves toward a position spaced apart from the capsule c.

[0099] The mouthpiece 140 is disposed on the upper part of the housing 100 and comes into contact with the user's mouth. The mouthpiece 140 protrudes from the housing 100 in the +z direction. The mouthpiece 140 has a shape that allows easy contact with the user's mouth. The user inhales the aerosol after bringing their mouth into contact with the mouthpiece 140 formed on the housing 100.

[0100] The airflow path 150 serves as a passageway for delivering the atomized aerosol to the user. Generally, the term "airflow path" refers to the path of air and aerosol traveling from an air inlet (not shown) located in a portion of the housing 100 to the mouthpiece 140. In this specification, however, the term "airflow path" refers to the path of aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 120 traveling to the mouthpiece 140.

[0101] External air flows into the aerosol generating device 10 through the air inlet. The external air flows along an air inlet path (not shown) formed inside the aerosol generating device 10 and reaches the atomizing unit 120. The air that reaches the atomizing unit 120 is mixed with vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material. The mixed aerosol flows along the airflow path 150 and is provided to the user through the mouthpiece 140.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the airflow path 150 is arranged to extend from the atomizing unit 120 to the mouthpiece 140, bypassing the storage unit 110. However, the arrangement of the airflow path is not limited to this embodiment.

[0103] The aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment further includes a receiving unit 160. The receiving unit 160 is disposed below the storage unit 110 and receives the aerosol-generating material flowing out from the capsule c ruptured by the rupturing unit 130.

[0104] The container 160 has a funnel shape that is open in the z-axis direction. The upper part of the funnel, which faces the capsule c that is about to burst, is open enough to allow all of the aerosol-generating material flowing out of the capsule c to flow into the container 160. The lower part of the funnel, which faces the atomizing unit 120, is open enough to allow all of the aerosol-generating material that has flowed into the container 160 to descend and be supplied to the atomizing unit 120.

[0105] The rupturing portion 130 is disposed inside a funnel-shaped container 160 that is open in the z-axis direction, where the container 160 allows movement of the storage portion 110 and / or the rupturing portion 130 so that the rupturing portion 130 ruptures the capsule c.

[0106] The material constituting the receiving portion 160 includes various materials that allow the aerosol-generating material that flows into the inside of the receiving portion 160 to move smoothly along the inner surface of the receiving portion 160 without remaining in the receiving portion 160.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the container 160 prevents the aerosol-generating material from descending around the atomizing unit 120 and guides the aerosol-generating material flowing out of the ruptured capsule c to move to the atomizing unit 120.

[0108] The specific structure of the reservoir 110 to which the capsule c is attached and the movement of the reservoir 110 to align the capsule at the position where it will burst will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0109] 2A and 2B are perspective views of a storage unit, each showing an example of a storage unit applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0110] 2A and 2B, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment includes storage units 110a and 110b. The storage unit 110a shown in FIG. 2A and the storage unit 110b shown in FIG. 2B are the same as or similar to the storage unit 110 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 2A, the storage unit 110a includes a front portion 111, a rear portion 112, a center portion 113, a mounting portion 114, a connecting portion 115, and a support portion .

[0112] The front part 111 and the back part 112 form the exterior of the storage part 110a. The front part 111 includes a circular frame and is open in the x-axis direction. A user can replace one or more used capsules c through the open part of the front part 111. The back part 112 includes a circular plate and is connected to the center part 113 of the storage part 110a.

[0113] The front surface 111 and the rear surface 112 are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the x-axis direction (for example, in a direction in which the yz plane extends). In this case, the front surface 111 and the rear surface 112 have the same size in a direction intersecting the x-axis direction. However, the arrangement and shape of the front surface 111 and the rear surface 112 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment.

[0114] The central portion 113 is disposed at the center of the circular storage portion 110a when the storage portion 110a is viewed in the x-axis direction. The central portion 113 penetrates the center of the rear portion 112 and is coupled to the rear portion 112.

[0115] 1, the central portion 113 is coupled to and supported by a component of the aerosol generation device 10. As a result, the storage portion 110a is supported by a component of the aerosol generation device 10 within the aerosol generation device 10.

[0116] The center portion 113 includes a rotation axis extending in the x-axis direction. The center portion 113 rotates around the rotation axis by a driving unit (not shown). When the center portion 113 rotates, the rear portion 112 coupled to the center portion 113 rotates together with the center portion 113. As a result, the storage portion 110a rotates around the center portion 113 as the rotation axis.

[0117] One or more capsules c are mounted on the mounting part 114. The mounting part 114 includes a circular frame on which the capsules c are arranged in a circular pattern at equal intervals in the storage part 110a. The mounting part 114 supports the one or more mounted capsules c.

[0118] In one example, the plurality of capsules c are individually mounted in the mounting portion 114. In another example, the plurality of capsules c are connected to adjacent capsules c to form a set. In this case, the user does not need to separate the set into individual capsules c, and the plurality of capsules c are mounted in the storage portion 110a as a set.

[0119] The mounting portion 114 is disposed between the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112, alongside the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112. In this case, the mounting portion 114 is smaller than the size occupied by the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112 in a direction crossing the x-axis direction.

[0120] In one example of a method for mounting the capsule c to the mounting part 114, the mounting part 114 includes a hole (not shown) corresponding to the size of the capsule c. The capsule c is fitted into the hole to be coupled. However, the method for mounting the capsule c to the mounting part 114 is not limited to the above example, and includes various methods that allow the capsule c to be ruptured by the rupture part and that can support the capsule c by the mounting part 114.

[0121] The connecting part 115 connects the front part 111 and the rear part 112. The support part 116 connects the mounting part 114 and the connecting part 115. Because the center part 113 is connected to the rear part 112, all components of the storage part 110a are connected and rotate together. As a result, one or more capsules c mounted on the mounting part 114 also rotate and move together with the storage part 110a. At this time, the circular mounting part 114 becomes the movement trajectory of the capsules c.

[0122] The connecting part 115 and the supporting part 116 each include a straight frame. The connecting part 115 firmly supports the front part 111 and the rear part 112. The supporting part 116 firmly supports the mounting part 114 and the connecting part 115.

[0123] The connecting portion 115 separates the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112 by the extension of the connecting portion 115. As a result, a separation space 115i is formed by the extension of the connecting portion 115. The separation space 115i is the space between the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112, and is the space between one or more connecting portions 115.

[0124] Connecting portion 115 is positioned so as not to obstruct the path along which the rupturing portion (e.g., rupturing portion 130 in FIG. 1) moves to rupture capsule c. Thus, separated space 115i allows the rupturing portion to move to rupture capsule c. Separated space 115i also includes sufficient space for the aerosol-generating material flowing out of capsule c to move to atomizing portion 120.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 2B, the storage unit 110b includes a front portion 111, a rear portion 112, a central portion 113, a mounting portion 114, and a support portion 116, similar to the storage unit 110a of FIG. 2A.

[0126] Unlike reservoir 110a of Figure 2A, reservoir 110b of Figure 2B includes a side portion 115b, in which case support 116 connects mounting portion 114 and side portion 115b to provide rigid support for the two components.

[0127] The side portion 115b forms the exterior of the storage unit 110b. The side portion 115b has a cylindrical shape that is open in the x-axis direction and connects the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112 between them. As a result, the storage unit 110b has a cylindrical exterior that is open in the +x direction only at the front portion 111.

[0128] The side surface 115b includes an insertion hole 115h that guides the rupturing part as it moves toward the capsule aligned at a position corresponding to the rupturing part. The insertion hole 115h prevents the rupturing part from leaving its path of movement and failing to rupture the capsule (c) while moving toward the capsule.

[0129] Various shapes of ruptures that can guide the movement of the aerosol-forming material are described below with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D.

[0130] 3A to 3D are cross-sectional views of rupture parts, each showing an example of a rupture part applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0131] 3A to 3D, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment includes rupture portions 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d. The rupture portions shown in each of Fig. 3A to 3D are the same as or similar to the rupture portion 130 shown in Fig. 1, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted below, and common descriptions will be made based on the rupture portion 130 in Fig. 1.

[0132] Referring to Figures 3A to 3D, each rupture portion 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d not only ruptures a capsule (e.g., capsule c in Figure 1) to release the aerosol-generating substance, but also serves as a medium for transmitting the aerosol-generating substance.

[0133] 3A, at least a portion of the rupture portion 130a includes a shape that is inclined with respect to the extension direction of the rupture portion 130a (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction of the rupture portion). For example, when the elongated rupture portion 130a is arranged in the z-axis direction, at least a portion of the rupture portion 130a is inclined with respect to the z-axis direction. In this case, the cross section of the rupture portion 130a in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) includes a pointed or tapered shape.

[0134] Due to the inclined portion of the rupture portion 130a, the rupture portion 130a has a shape in which the thickness of the rupture portion 130a decreases toward one end. Here, "thickness" means the distance from the central axis of the rupture portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the rupture portion (e.g., the z-axis direction) (hereinafter, the expression "central axis of the rupture portion" will be used in this sense) to a point around the rupture portion along the radial direction of the rupture portion.

[0135] The rupturing portion 130a is inclined toward the storage portion (e.g., the storage portion 110 in FIG. 1) in the same manner as the rupturing portion 130 shown in FIG. 1. For example, one end of the rupturing portion 130a includes a pointed shape. The rupturing portion 130a pierces and ruptures the capsule c through the pointed end.

[0136] Furthermore, the rupture portion 130a is inclined toward the atomization portion (e.g., atomization portion 120 in FIG. 1). For example, the rupture portion 130a includes a shape that is inclined toward one end toward the storage portion and the other end in the opposite direction. The rupture portion 130a becomes thinner toward the other end of the rupture portion 130a.

[0137] 1 ruptures the capsule, one end of rupture portion 130 remains inserted inside the capsule. At this time, the ruptured area of ​​the capsule is closed by one area of ​​rupture portion 130. Therefore, it is difficult for the aerosol-generating material to escape through the ruptured area.

[0138] 3A, if the rupture portion 130a has a shape that becomes thinner toward the other end, the ruptured area may become thinner as the rupture portion 130a moves toward the inside of the capsule, providing ample space through which the aerosol-generating material can escape. Thus, the aerosol-generating material can escape smoothly through the ample space.

[0139] The outer surface of the rupturing portion 130a can act as a guide to guide the aerosol-generating material toward the atomizing portion. The smoothly released aerosol-generating material not only falls freely toward the atomizing portion, but also moves toward the atomizing portion along the outer surface of the rupturing portion 130a.

[0140] 3B, rupturing portion 130b includes a hollow 131 extending in the longitudinal direction of rupturing portion 130b. If rupturing portion 130b remains inserted into the capsule after rupturing the capsule, the aerosol-generating material moves to the atomizing portion through hollow 131 that opens toward the atomizing portion.

[0141] If the aerosol-generating material moves through the hollow 131, the probability of it reaching the atomization unit is higher than if the aerosol-generating material simply flows out through the ruptured area of ​​the capsule. Thus, the arrangement of the hollow 131 prevents the aerosol-generating material from not reaching the atomization unit and remaining inside the aerosol generation device 10 or coming into contact with other components arranged inside the housing (e.g., housing 100 of FIG. 1).

[0142] A portion of the aerosol-forming material flows out through the ruptured region without passing through hollow 131. At this time, the aerosol-forming material moves along the outer surface of ruptured portion 130b.

[0143] 3C, the rupture portion 130c includes a hollow 131c that is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the rupture portion 130c. Here, "inclined hollow 131c" means that the interior of hollow 131c protrudes more toward the central axis of the rupture portion 130c as it approaches the lower end of the rupture portion 130c.

[0144] Due to the inclination of the hollow 131c, the diameter of the inlet of the hollow 131c into which the aerosol-generating material flows is larger than the diameter of the outlet of the hollow 131c from which the aerosol-generating material is released. The aerosol-generating material flowing out of the ruptured capsule flows smoothly into the hollow 131c through the inlet of the hollow 131c.

[0145] Although not shown in FIG. 3C, similar to rupture portion 130a in FIG. 3A, the outer surface of rupture portion 130c is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of rupture portion 130c.

[0146] 3D, rupture portion 130d includes one or more hollows 131 for the aerosol-generating material to travel through. For example, hollows 131 include a first hollow 1311 extending in one direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the rupture portion) and a second hollow 1312 extending in the opposite direction (e.g., a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rupture portion).

[0147] After the capsule ruptures, the aerosol-generating material flows into first hollow 1311 of ruptured portion 130d. The aerosol-generating material travels along first hollow 1311 and second hollow 1312 and flows out of ruptured portion 130d.

[0148] 3D, second hollow 1312 is connected to one end of first hollow 1311. However, the arrangement of the first and second hollows is not limited to the embodiment. Similar to hollow 131 in FIG. 3B, first hollow 1312 extends to the lower end of ruptured portion 130d, and the aerosol-generating material also flows out through the first hollow.

[0149] Also, FIG. 3D shows one first hollow 1311 formed in the z-axis direction and two second hollows 1312 formed in the y-axis direction, but the number, size, and direction of the first hollows and second hollows are not limited to the embodiment.

[0150] The aerosol-generating material is discharged from ruptured portion 130d in various directions along first hollow 1311 and second hollow 1312. For example, when a portion of ruptured portion 130d is inserted into the atomizing portion, the aerosol-generating material spreads in various directions from the inside of the atomizing portion along the direction in which it is discharged from hollow 1312. This allows the aerosol-generating material to be effectively supplied to the atomizing portion.

[0151] Hereinafter, the manner in which the bursting part is coupled to the atomizing part and the movement of the bursting part will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C.

[0152] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views of the rupturing portion and the atomizing portion, showing an example in which the atomizing portion and the rupturing portion are combined, which is a structure applicable to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0153] 4A to 4C, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment includes an atomizing unit 120 and an exploding unit 130.

[0154] The atomizing section 120 and the bursting section 130 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C are the same as or similar to the atomizing section 120 and the bursting section 130 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

[0155] 4A to 4C, the bursting unit 130 is coupled to the atomizing unit 120. The manner in which the bursting unit 130 is coupled to the atomizing unit 120 may be varied and is not limited to the examples described below with reference to the drawings.

[0156] At least a portion of the rupture portion 130 moves between a position in contact with the capsule (eg, capsule c in FIG. 1) and a position spaced apart from the capsule.

[0157] 4A and 4B moves together with the atomizing unit 120. In this case, the bursting unit 130 moves together with the atomizing unit 120 by a driving unit (not shown) connected to the atomizing unit 120.

[0158] 4C is coupled to the atomizing portion 120, the atomizing portion 120 does not move, and only at least a portion of the rupturing portion 130 moves. However, the movement of the rupturing portion 130 is not limited to the above example.

[0159] 4A, the atomizing unit 120 includes an insertion groove 120g into which at least a portion of the rupturing unit 130 is inserted. The insertion groove 120g opens toward the position where the capsule ruptures. When the rupturing unit 130 is inserted into the insertion groove 120g, the position where the capsule ruptures is located on the longitudinal extension of the rupturing unit 130.

[0160] The rupturable portion 130 is forcibly inserted into the insertion groove 120g and is supported by the insertion groove 120g, but the manner in which the rupturable portion 130 is inserted into the insertion groove 120g is not limited to the embodiment.

[0161] 4B, the aerosol generating device 10 further includes a transmission wick 125 disposed in at least a portion of the bursting portion 130 and configured to absorb the aerosol-generating substance. The transmission wick 125 may be a part of the atomizing portion 120 or a part of the bursting portion 130.

[0162] The transmission wick 125 surrounds at least a portion of the rupturing portion 130. The transmission wick 125 is in contact with and connected to the atomizing portion 120. For example, the transmission wick 125 is connected to the liquid transmitting means of the atomizing portion 120 to implement a dual-core structure. The transmission wick 125 absorbs the aerosol-generating material flowing out from the capsule ruptured by the rupturing portion 130 and transmits the aerosol-generating material toward the atomizing portion 120.

[0163] When the transmission wick 125 is placed around the pointed end of the rupture portion 130, the transmission wick 125 is inserted into the interior of the capsule together with the end of the rupture portion 130 to absorb the aerosol-generating substance present inside the capsule.

[0164] The transmission core 125 contacts the atomizing unit 120 and the rupturing unit 130 to connect the atomizing unit 120 and the rupturing unit 130 to each other. Thus, the rupturing unit 130 is coupled to the atomizing unit 120. For example, the rupturing unit 130 is coupled to the atomizing unit 120 by being inserted into the transmission core 125 coupled to the atomizing unit 120. However, the manner in which the rupturing unit 130 and the atomizing unit 120 are coupled to each other via the transmission core 125 is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

[0165] 4C, the atomizing unit 120 includes a through-hole 120h extending in one direction (for example, the z-axis direction) so that at least a portion of the rupturing unit 130 penetrates the atomizing unit 120.

[0166] The through-hole 120h opens toward the position where the capsule will burst. When the rupturing part 130 is inserted into the through-hole 120h, the position where the rupture will occur is located on the longitudinal extension of the rupturing part 130.

[0167] An internal thread 122 is formed in at least one region of the through hole 120h. An external thread 132 corresponding to the internal thread 122 of the through hole 120h is formed on the outer surface of the rupture portion 130. At this time, the positions of the internal thread 122 and the external thread 132 may be interchangeable depending on the embodiment. That is, an external thread may be formed in the through hole 120h, and an internal thread may be formed in the rupture portion 130.

[0168] The rupture part 130 is constrained by the through hole 120h so that it can only move in the direction in which the through hole 120h extends. Therefore, when the rupture part 130 is rotated by the drive part, the rupture part 130 moves linearly along the female thread 122 in the direction in which the through hole 120h extends.

[0169] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an example in which only a part of the bursting part 130 moves without the movement of the atomizing part 120 will be described.

[0170] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary atomizing portion and rupturing portion, showing the rupturing portion in a first operating state, and Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the atomizing portion and rupturing portion, showing the rupturing portion of Figure 5A in a second operating state.

[0171] 5A and 5B, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment includes an atomizing unit 120 and an exploding unit 130.

[0172] The atomizing section 120 and the bursting section 130 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are the same as or similar to the atomizing section 120 and the bursting section 130 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

[0173] 5A and 5B, the rupturable part 130 is at least partially inserted into and coupled with the atomizing part 120. At this time, the rupturable part 130 is inserted into the atomizing part 120 through an insertion groove (e.g., insertion groove 120g in FIG. 4A) or a through-hole (e.g., through-hole 120h in FIG. 4C) of the atomizing part 120.

[0174] The rupture section 130 includes a first portion 1301, a second portion 1302, and a third portion 1303. That is, the rupture section 130 includes a three-stage structure consisting of three portions.

[0175] At least a portion of the first portion 1301 is disposed inside the atomizing portion 120 and is coupled to the atomizing portion 120. The first portion 1301 is supported by the atomizing portion 120.

[0176] The second portion 1302 is at least partially disposed inside the first portion 1301 and moves in the longitudinal direction of the rupture portion 130 (for example, in the z-axis direction).

[0177] The third portion 1303 is at least partially disposed inside the second portion 1302 and moves in the longitudinal direction of the rupturing portion 130 to rupture a capsule (for example, capsule c in FIG. 1).

[0178] The second portion 1302 and the third portion 1303 are each connected to a drive unit (not shown) and move linearly.

[0179] 5A, the second portion 1302 is inserted into the first portion 1301, and the third portion 1303 is inserted into the second portion 1302. This state is called the first operating state of the rupturing unit 130.

[0180] 5B, a part of the second portion 1302 protrudes from the first portion 1301, and a part of the third portion 1303 protrudes from the second portion 1302. This state is called the second activated state of the rupturable portion 130.

[0181] To rupture the capsule, the rupturing unit 130 is converted from the first operating state to the second operating state, i.e., the second portion 1302 and the third portion 1303 each move in the +z direction toward the capsule.

[0182] To move away from the ruptured capsule, the rupturing portion 130 is converted from the second actuation state to the first actuation state, i.e., the second portion 1302 and the third portion 1303 each move in the z direction away from the capsule.

[0183] The first and second operating states are not limited to those shown in Figures 5A and 5B. Furthermore, the rupturing portion 130 is not limited to the three-stage structure shown in Figures 5A and 5B. For example, the rupturing portion 130 may have a two-stage structure consisting of only a first portion and a second portion. In this case, the second portion ruptures the capsule.

[0184] The capsule processing process using the reservoir and burster will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D.

[0185] 6A to 6D are cross-sectional views sequentially illustrating a capsule processing process of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0186] 6A to 6D, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment includes a storage portion 110 and a rupturing portion 130.

[0187] The reservoir 110 and the rupture portion 130 shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D are the same as or similar to the reservoir 110 and the rupture portion 130 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

[0188] FIG. 6A shows a state in which the rupturing part 130 ruptures the first capsule c1 attached to the storage part 110, leaving the first capsule c1 empty.

[0189] 6A, a plurality of capsules are mounted in the storage unit 110. The plurality of capsules mounted in the storage unit 110 are arranged in order to form a circle.

[0190] Among the multiple capsules, a first capsule c1 is aligned at a position where rupture occurs. The rupture unit 130 ruptures the first capsule c1 aligned at a position corresponding to the rupture unit 130. As a result, the first capsule c1 is in an ruptured state, and the remaining capsules remain in a stored state.

[0191] The aerosol-generating material flowing out of the first capsule c1 is supplied to the atomizing unit (e.g., atomizing unit 120 in FIG. 1). The first capsule c1 can no longer store any more aerosol-generating material, and the inside of the first capsule c1 becomes empty.

[0192] Even after the rupturing part 130 ruptures the first capsule c1 and all the aerosol-generating material flows out of the first capsule c1, the rupturing part 130 remains inserted in the first capsule c1.

[0193] When the atomization unit does not atomize the aerosol-generating substance into an aerosol, the aerosol-generating substance exists in the atomization unit in the state in which it was supplied to the atomization unit. In this case, the inside of the aerosol generation device 10 is in the same state as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0194] When a user of the aerosol generation device 10 uses the aerosol generation device 10, i.e., when the atomization unit atomizes the aerosol-generating material into an aerosol, the interior of the aerosol generation device 10 remains in the same state as shown in Fig. 6A. The state shown in Fig. 6A is maintained until most of the aerosol-generating material supplied to the atomization unit is atomized into an aerosol.

[0195] When most of the aerosol-generating material supplied to the atomizing unit is atomized into aerosol, it is necessary to supply new aerosol-generating material to the atomizing unit. In this case, it is necessary to rupture the remaining unruptured capsules attached to the storage unit 110. This completes the capsule processing process.

[0196] FIG. 6B shows the state in which the ruptured portion 130 moves away from the ruptured first capsule c1.

[0197] 6B, the rupturing part 130 moves in the opposite direction to the direction of view of the ruptured first capsule c1, moving away from the ruptured first capsule c1, in order to rupture another capsule. That is, the rupturing part 130 moves toward a position spaced apart from the first capsule c1.

[0198] FIG. 6C shows how the reservoir 110 is rotated so that the second stored capsule c2 is aligned in a position for rupture to occur.

[0199] 6C, the storage unit 110 rotates around a center (for example, center 113 in FIG. 2A) as a rotation axis. As the storage unit 110 rotates, the capsules rotate around the center.

[0200] The first capsule c1, which was in the position where rupture occurs, moves away from the rupture unit 130 along the capsule movement trajectory. The second capsule c2, which is adjacent to the first capsule c1, moves closer to the position where rupture occurs along the capsule movement trajectory. When the storage unit 110 finishes rotating, the second capsule c2 aligns with the position where rupture occurs.

[0201] 6C, the storage unit 110 is rotated clockwise by 60°, but the rotation direction and angle of the storage unit 110 are not limited to this embodiment. The rotation angle of the storage unit 110 varies depending on the maximum number of capsules that can be loaded into the storage unit 110.

[0202] FIG. 6D shows a state in which the ruptured rupture portion 130 approaches the second capsule c2 and is inserted into the second capsule c2.

[0203] 6D, at least a portion of the rupture portion 130 approaches the second capsule c2 aligned with the position where rupture occurs, i.e., at least a portion of the rupture portion 130 moves toward a position where it contacts the capsule.

[0204] The rupturing portion 130 ruptures the second capsule c2 aligned at a position corresponding to the rupturing portion 130. That is, the first capsule c1 and the second capsule c2 are ruptured, and the remaining capsules remain stored.

[0205] 6D, second capsule c2 is shown ruptured at rupture portion 130, but the aerosol-generating material has not yet leaked out. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the aerosol-generating material may leak out of ruptured second capsule c2.

[0206] The series of "capsule processing processes" described with reference to Figures 6B to 6D, which proceed in the state shown in Figure 6A, refers to a process in which the rupture unit 130 moves toward a position away from the first capsule c1 in the ruptured state, the storage unit 110 rotates to move the second capsule c2 in the stored state to a position where rupture occurs, and the rupture unit 130 moves toward a position where it contacts the second capsule c2 in the stored state, thereby rupturing the second capsule c2.

[0207] Once the aerosol-generating material flows out from the ruptured second capsule c2 and is supplied to the atomization unit, the user of the aerosol generation device 10 can use the aerosol generation device 10 again. In other words, the capsule processing process is performed after the user has finished using the aerosol generation device 10 and before using the aerosol generation device 10 again.

[0208] During the capsule processing process, the capsules are burst in the order in which they are arranged in a circle, and the capsule processing process continues until all capsules in the storage unit 110 are burst.

[0209] If all the loaded capsules have burst and there are no more capsules to burst, the user must load new capsules into the storage unit 110. In this case, the capsule processing process proceeds to, but is not limited to, the state shown in FIG. 6B.

[0210] Hereinafter, the control of the movement of the storage portion 110 and the rupture portion 130 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0211] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0212] Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment includes a storage unit 410, an atomizing unit 420, a bursting unit 430, a driving unit 440, a sensing unit 450, a battery 460, a memory 470, and a control unit 480.

[0213] The storage unit 410, the atomizing unit 420, and the bursting unit 430 shown in FIG. 7 are the same as the storage unit 110, the atomizing unit 120, and the bursting unit 130 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, the overlapping description will be omitted below.

[0214] The driving unit 440 is connected to at least one of the storage unit 410, the atomizing unit 420, and the bursting unit 430, and moves the storage unit 410 and / or the bursting unit 430.

[0215] The driving unit 440 includes one or more actuators. The actuators include various components that perform mechanical work using electricity, hydraulics, compressed air, etc. For example, the actuators include a motor. The actuators can perform not only rotational movement but also linear movement, and rotate and / or linearly move components connected to the actuator.

[0216] The driving unit 440 includes a first actuator 441 that moves at least a portion of the storage unit 410 and a second actuator 442 that moves at least a portion of the rupture unit 430 .

[0217] The first actuator 441 is connected to the storage unit 410. The first actuator 441 rotates the storage unit 410 so that a capsule (e.g., capsule c in FIG. 1) attached to the storage unit 410 is aligned with a position corresponding to the rupture unit 430.

[0218] The second actuator 442 is connected to the atomizing unit 420 or the bursting unit 430. When the second actuator 442 is connected to the atomizing unit 420, the second actuator 442 moves the atomizing unit 420, thereby moving the bursting unit 430 together with the atomizing unit 420. When the second actuator 442 is connected to the bursting unit 430, the second actuator 442 moves only the bursting unit 430.

[0219] The second actuator 442 linearly moves at least a portion of the rupturing portion 430 between a position where the rupturing portion 430 contacts the capsule and a position where the rupturing portion 430 is spaced apart from the capsule. For example, the second actuator 442 moves the rupturing portion 430 in the longitudinal direction of the rupturing portion 430.

[0220] The driving unit 440 includes one or more gear units (not shown). The gear units are arranged separately from the actuator. The gear units connect the actuator to at least one of the storage unit 410, the atomizing unit 420, and the bursting unit 430.

[0221] The gear portion not only simply reduces the movement speed of the actuator, but also, depending on the type, can change the direction of movement of the actuator and convert rotary motion into linear motion.

[0222] The aerosol generating device 10 detects the presence or absence of an aerosol-generating substance in the atomizing unit 420 by using the sensing unit 450. In one example, the sensing unit 450 may generate a signal depending on the temperature of the atomizing element of the atomizing unit 420, and when the aerosol-generating substance is depleted and the atomizing unit 420 is heated to a high temperature, the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating substance is detected based on the signal from the sensing unit 450.

[0223] In another example, the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating substance is detected using a sensing unit 450 including a fixed resistor arranged in parallel with the atomizing element. In this case, the resistance value of the fixed resistor does not change depending on the temperature of the atomizing element, and the fixed resistor is arranged solely to detect the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0224] The temperature of the atomizing element disposed in the liquid transfer means changes depending on whether or not the aerosol-generating substance is absorbed in the liquid transfer means of the atomizing unit 420. If the atomizing element includes a resistor with a temperature coefficient of resistance, the resistance of the resistor changes as the temperature of the atomizing element changes, and therefore the voltage difference across the resistor changes.

[0225] The control unit 480 detects the presence or absence of an aerosol-generating substance in the atomizing unit 420 based on the sensing unit 450 which generates a signal based on the voltage difference between both ends of the resistor or fixed resistor of the atomizing element.

[0226] Specifically, the control unit 480 refers to a lookup table stored in the memory 470, analyzes the result value corresponding to the voltage difference across the resistor, and determines whether or not an aerosol-generating substance is present.

[0227] When the control unit 480 determines whether or not the aerosol-generating substance exists in the atomizing unit 420, the control unit 480 transmits a signal including a result value regarding the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating substance to the sensing unit 450. The control unit 480 may also control other components of the aerosol-generating device 10 based on the result regarding the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0228] The method for detecting the presence or absence of the aerosol generating material is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and includes various methods capable of detecting the presence or absence of the aerosol generating material present in the atomizing unit 420.

[0229] The sensing unit 450 generates a signal in response to a change in the amount of the aerosol-generating material present in the nebulizing unit 420. In one example, the sensing unit 450 generates a signal whose magnitude changes linearly as the amount of the aerosol-generating material present in the nebulizing unit 420 changes.

[0230] In another example, sensing unit 450 generates a signal when the amount of aerosol-generating substance present in atomizing unit 420 decreases below a predetermined value. Here, the “predetermined value” is a reference value for determining that the aerosol-generating substance is not present in atomizing unit 420, and is a value that has already been set in memory 470.

[0231] The signal generated by the sensing unit 450 is transmitted to the control unit 480. Accordingly, the control unit 480 controls the aerosol generating device 10 to perform various functions.

[0232] The battery 460 supplies power used when the aerosol generation device 10 operates. That is, the battery 460 supplies power to heat the atomization unit 420. The battery 460 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 10, namely, the driving unit 440, the sensing unit 450, the memory 470, and the control unit 480.

[0233] Memory 470 is hardware that stores various data processed within aerosol generation device 10, and stores data that has been processed by control unit 480 and data to be processed by control unit 480. For example, memory 470 stores data regarding the presence or absence of an aerosol-generating substance in the atomization unit (the aforementioned "lookup table"), etc.

[0234] The control unit 480 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 10. Specifically, the control unit 480 controls the operation of the components provided in the aerosol generation device 10. The control unit 480 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 10 to determine whether the aerosol generation device 10 is in an operable state.

[0235] The control unit 480 senses the signal generated by the sensing unit 450. Upon sensing the signal, the control unit 480 controls subsequent processes to supply the aerosol generating material to the atomizing unit 420.

[0236] In one example, the control unit 480 controls the movement of at least one of the storage unit 410 and the rupturing unit 430 based on the signal generated by the sensing unit 450. Specifically, the control unit 480 is connected to the driving unit 440 and transmits a command to the driving unit 440 to move the storage unit 410 and / or the rupturing unit 430.

[0237] In another example, the control unit 480 generates a notification signal and outputs it to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. The user confirms through the notification signal that the aerosol-generating material has been depleted in the atomizing unit 420. The user operates the button (not shown), for example, to cause the control unit 480 to transmit a command to the driving unit 440 to move the storage unit 410 and / or the rupturing unit 430.

[0238] In summary, the control unit 480 detects the signal generated by the sensing unit 450 and then controls the supply of the aerosol generating material to the FIG unit 420 automatically or in response to a user's operation.

[0239] The capsule processing process proceeds according to a command from the control unit 480. Accordingly, other capsules storing the aerosol-generating material are ruptured, and the aerosol-generating material is supplied to the atomizing unit 420.

[0240] Control unit 480 controls at least one of storage unit 410 and rupturing unit 430 to stop operating for a predetermined time after the capsule is ruptured by rupturing unit 430. Here, the "predetermined time" refers to a time sufficient for all of the aerosol-generating material to flow out of the capsule immediately after the capsule is ruptured and be supplied to atomizing unit 420. Under the control of control unit 480, storage unit 410 does not rotate and rupturing unit 430 remains inserted in the capsule and does not move linearly for the predetermined time.

[0241] According to one embodiment, if the aerosol-generating material does not flow smoothly out of the capsule after the capsule ruptures, the capsule processing process is prevented from proceeding without sufficient aerosol-generating material being supplied to the atomization unit 420.

[0242] Hereinafter, the capsule processing process will be described with reference to FIG. 8, focusing on the sensing unit and the control unit.

[0243] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an encapsulation process of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0244] In the following description of the capsule processing process of FIG. 8, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generating system 10 shown in FIGS.

[0245] 8, the capsule processing process of the aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment is based on the premise that one or more non-rupturable capsules are installed in the storage unit 110. The capsule processing process shown in FIG. 8 also begins with the capsule being ruptured by the rupturing unit 130.

[0246] In step S10, the aerosol-generating material flows out of the capsule and is supplied to the atomizing unit 120, where the aerosol-generating material is atomized into an aerosol by the atomizing unit 120. At this time, the user inhales the aerosol using the aerosol generating device 10.

[0247] In step S20, control unit 480 detects whether or not an aerosol-generating substance is present in nebulizing unit 120 based on the signal from sensing unit 450. If control unit 480 determines that an aerosol-generating substance is present in nebulizing unit 120 based on the signal from sensing unit 450, step S20 is performed again. If control unit 480 determines that an aerosol-generating substance is not present in nebulizing unit 120 based on the signal from sensing unit 450, control unit 480 proceeds to step S30.

[0248] In step S30, the sensing unit 450 generates a signal so that the control unit 480 controls the movement of at least one of the storage unit 410 and the rupturing unit 430.

[0249] Step S30 is performed, for example, when the control unit 480 transmits a signal including a result value regarding the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating substance to the sensing unit 450. If the control unit 480 determines the result regarding the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating substance in step S20 and can immediately control other components of the aerosol-generating device 10 (e.g., the storage unit 110 and the rupturing unit 130) based on the result value, step S30 is omitted and the process immediately proceeds to step S40.

[0250] In step S40, the rupturing unit 130 moves (for example, moves linearly) in a direction away from the ruptured capsule. At this time, the control unit 480 controls the movement of the rupturing unit 130.

[0251] In step S50, the storage unit 110 moves (for example, rotates) so that the unruptured capsules are aligned at a position corresponding to the rupturing unit 130. At this time, the control unit 480 controls the movement of the storage unit 110.

[0252] In step S60, the bursting unit 130 moves (for example, moves linearly) toward the capsule that is not to be burst, and bursts the capsule. At this time, the control unit 480 controls the linear movement of the bursting unit 130.

[0253] Steps S10 to S60 are repeated until all capsules in the storage unit 110 are burst and replaced with new capsules.

[0254] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 900 according to another embodiment.

[0255] The aerosol generating device 900 includes a control unit 910, a sensing unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, a heater 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 9. That is, a person skilled in the art would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 9 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 900.

[0256] The sensing unit 920 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 900 or the state around the aerosol generating device 900, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 910. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 910 controls the aerosol generating device 900 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0257] The sensing unit 920 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 922, an insertion sensor 924, and a puff sensor 926, but is not limited thereto.

[0258] The temperature sensor 922 senses the temperature to which the heater 950 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be disposed around the battery 940 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0259] The insertion detection sensor 924 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 924 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and detects a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product.

[0260] The puff sensor 926 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0261] The sensing unit 920 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor in addition to the above-described sensors 922 to 926. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0262] The output unit 930 outputs and provides to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 900. The output unit 930 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 932, a haptic unit 934, and an audio output unit 936. When the display unit 932 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 932 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0263] The display unit 932 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 900 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 940 of the aerosol generating device 900, the preheating status of the heater 950, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generating device 900 (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 932 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 932 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 932 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0264] The haptic unit 934 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 900. For example, the haptic unit 934 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0265] The acoustic output unit 936 audibly provides the user with information about the aerosol generation device 900. For example, the acoustic output unit 936 converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0266] The battery 940 supplies power used for operation of the aerosol generating device 900. The battery 940 supplies power to heat the heater 950. The battery 940 also supplies power necessary for operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 900 (e.g., the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980). The battery 940 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0267] Heater 950 receives power from battery 940 and heats the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 9, aerosol generation device 900 further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of battery 940 and supplies it to heater 950. Furthermore, when aerosol generation device 900 generates aerosol by induction heating, aerosol generation device 900 further includes a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of battery 940 into AC power supply.

[0268] The control unit 910, the sensing unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980 perform their functions by receiving power from a battery 940. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , the device further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 940 and supplies it to each component.

[0269] In one embodiment, heater 950 is formed of any suitable electrically resistive material, such as, but not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 950 may be embodied as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having conductive tracks disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0270] In another embodiment, heater 950 is an induction heater, for example, heater 950 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0271] The user input unit 960 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 960 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (such as a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, or a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, or a jog switch. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 900 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices via the connection interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 940.

[0272] The memory 970 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 900, and stores data that has been processed by the control unit 910 and data to be processed by the control unit 910. The memory 970 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 970 stores the operating time of the aerosol generating device 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0273] The communication unit 980 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 includes a short-range communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

[0274] The short-range 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 short-range wireless communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0275] 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., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 984 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 900 within the communication network.

[0276] The controller 910 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900. In one embodiment, the controller 910 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 910 may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0277] The control unit 910 controls 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 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 950 in response to a control command from the control unit 910.

[0278] The control unit 910 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 and controls subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 910 controls the power supplied to the heater 950 to start or stop operation of the heater 950 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920. As another example, the control unit 910 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 950 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 920 so that the heater 950 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0279] The control unit 910 controls the output unit 930 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 920. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 926 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 910 notifies the user through at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the audio output unit 936 that the aerosol generating device 900 will soon be finished.

[0280] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0281] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. a reservoir including a plurality of capsules for storing an aerosol-generating material; an atomization unit that generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance; a rupturing section for rupturing the capsule to supply the aerosol-generating material stored in the capsule to the atomizing section, An aerosol generating device, wherein the storage portion is movable so that the capsule is aligned at a position corresponding to the rupture portion.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is rotatable.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the rupture portion is inclined with respect to the direction in which the rupture portion extends.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the rupturing portion includes a hollow space through which the aerosol generating material moves.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the hollow includes a first hollow extending in the longitudinal direction of the rupture portion and a second hollow connected to the first hollow and extending in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rupture portion.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the rupture portion is movable between a position in contact with the capsule and a position spaced apart from the capsule.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the rupturing part is coupled to the atomizing part and is movable together with the atomizing part.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the atomizing part includes an insertion groove for accommodating at least a part of the rupturing part and supporting the rupturing part.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a transmission wick disposed in at least a portion of the rupture for absorbing the aerosol generating material.

10. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the rupturing portion includes a first portion coupled to the atomizing portion and supported by the atomizing portion, and a second portion at least partially disposed on the first portion and moving in the longitudinal direction of the rupturing portion to rupture the capsule.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a drive unit that moves the storage unit so that the capsule is aligned at a position corresponding to the rupture unit.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the driving unit moves the rupturing part in a longitudinal direction of the rupturing part.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a sensing unit that generates a signal in response to a change in the amount of the aerosol generating material present in the atomizing unit.

14. Further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the storage unit; The aerosol generating device according to claim 13 , wherein the control unit controls the movement of the storage unit based on the signal generated by the sensing unit.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 , wherein the control unit controls at least one of the storage unit and the rupturing unit to be in a stopped state for a predetermined time after the rupturing unit ruptures the capsule.

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