Aerosol Generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a storage unit that stores an aerosol generating material, a generation unit that generates an aerosol from the aerosol generating material, an inlet unit that fluidly connects the storage unit and the generation unit, and a vibration unit that generates vibrations to transmit the vibrations to the inlet unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device capable of removing bubbles generated during the process of generating an aerosol. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the drawbacks of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generating device, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. As a result, research into heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] In the field of aerosol generating devices that use a liquid aerosol generating substance, active research is being conducted into the smooth supply of liquid. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The cartridge of an aerosol generating device generally includes a storage section for storing a liquid substance (hereinafter, the liquid substance is used interchangeably with the "aerosol generating substance" and is simply referred to as "liquid") and a generating section for generating an aerosol from the liquid. The liquid stored in the storage section is transferred to the generating section, which can atomize the liquid into an aerosol.

[0005] In a structure in which liquid is transferred from a storage unit to a generating unit, bubbles may be generated in an inlet fluidly connecting the storage unit and the generating unit, which may result in an insufficient supply of liquid to the generating unit and a reduced amount of atomization.

[0006] Embodiments provide an improved aerosol generating device for eliminating air bubbles generated at the inlet.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a storage unit that stores an aerosol generating material, a generation unit that generates an aerosol from the aerosol generating material, an inlet unit that fluidly connects the storage unit and the generation unit, and a vibration unit that generates vibrations to transmit the vibrations to the inlet unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment, air bubbles are removed and the aerosol generating substance is smoothly transferred.

[0010] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can improve the amount of atomization of the aerosol generating substance.

[0011] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a cartridge. [Figure 5A] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for explaining a vibration unit applicable to the cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5B]10 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge for explaining a vibration unit applicable to the cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the coupling operation of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 10A] A cross-sectional view of the main body of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment and the cartridge separated therefrom. [Figure 10B] 10B is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 10A and the cartridge coupled thereto. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The terms used in the embodiments are currently commonly used terms, and are selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of engineers in the field, 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 must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

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

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

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

[0017] The aerosol generating device includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the conductive track, the heater may be heated.

[0018] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0019] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. Tobacco rods can be made in sheet or strand form, and tobacco sheets can be made from shredded tobacco. The tobacco rod is 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.

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

[0021] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0022] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating material and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the body or assembled and fixed so that it cannot be removed by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with the aerosol generating material stored therein. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0030] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed into the core is reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance is broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to this.

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

[0032] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply 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. The susceptor is located inside the coil, and generates heat when a magnetic field is applied, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol product.

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

[0034] The aerosol generating device may be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled together.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. 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, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

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

[0037] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

[0038] 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, a heater 13, and a vaporizer 14.

[0039] The aerosol generation device 1 in Figures 1 and 2 includes a housing that includes an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol product 2. The aerosol product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, and thereby the aerosol product 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing. Also, Figures 1 and 2 show the aerosol generation device 1 as including a heater 13, but the heater 13 can be omitted if necessary.

[0040] The aerosol generation device 1 of FIG. 3 does not have a space into which the aerosol product 2 is inserted, and therefore the heater 13 for heating the aerosol product 2 is not provided.

[0041] The aerosol generation device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 includes components according to this embodiment. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include other components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0042] 1 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a line. Also, FIG. 2 shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. That is, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0043] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0044] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

[0045] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 12 may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0046] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, if the aerosol production product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the aerosol production product 2. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance within the aerosol production product 2.

[0047] The heater 13 may also be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated when a current flows through the conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generation device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by a user.

[0048] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 includes a conductive coil for heating the aerosol product by induction heating, and the aerosol product may include a susceptor heated by the induction heater.

[0049] 1 and 2 show the heater 13 as being disposed externally of the aerosol product 2, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol product 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0050] A plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, or may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and various shapes may be produced.

[0051] Vaporizer 14 is a component that stores an aerosol-forming substance and atomizes the aerosol-forming substance to generate a vaporized aerosol.

[0052] The vaporizer 14 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and an atomization element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the atomization element can be included in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0053] The liquid storage unit can store an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit may be configured to be detachable from or attached to the vaporizer 14, or may be configured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0054] For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavorings include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavorings include components that can provide the user with a variety of flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The aerosol-generating substance may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0055] The liquid transfer means can transfer the aerosol-forming substance from the liquid storage portion and absorb the aerosol-forming substance, and the liquid transfer means can be, for example, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0056] 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 shape, a square columnar shape, or a triangular columnar shape, but is not limited to the above examples. The liquid transfer means may also have a roughly rod-like or needle-like shape.

[0057] The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in one portion of the liquid transfer means can move to another portion of the liquid transfer means by capillary action, thereby allowing the liquid transfer means to transfer the aerosol-forming substance to the atomizing element.

[0058] The atomizing element can generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the liquid transfer means. For example, the atomizing element can also be 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.

[0059] The heating element can be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. The heating element can include a resistor having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR).

[0060] The heating element is made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and is heated by a current supply, and the heating element is made of a susceptor material that is heated by an induction magnetic field generated by an induction coil located separately from the heating element.

[0061] As another example, the atomization element may be an ultrasonic vibrator that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance by using ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol-generating substance using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The atomizing element may be attached to the liquid transmitting means not only by being bonded to the liquid transmitting means by a structural feature such as being wrapped around the liquid transmitting means, but also by being permanently or reversibly attached to the liquid transmitting means by painting, spraying, vapor deposition, plating, dipping, painting, printing, 3D printing, using a tool, etc. The atomizing element may also be attached to the liquid transmitting means by sintering the atomizing element together during the manufacturing process of the liquid transmitting means.

[0064] The arrangement of the atomizing element is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and includes various ways of arranging the atomizing element on the liquid conveying means while maintaining the function of the atomizing element.

[0065] The aerosol generated by the atomizing element can travel along an airflow passageway. In Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol travels along the airflow passageway and passes through the aerosol-producing article 2 before being delivered to the user. In Figure 3, the aerosol travels along the airflow passageway and is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece 18.

[0066] The vaporizer 14 may also be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0067] The vaporizer 14 is the main body of the aerosol generation device 1 or a cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from the aerosol generation device 1. When the aerosol generating material stored in the vaporizer 14 is consumed, the vaporizer 14 is replenished with new aerosol generating material or replaced with another vaporizer 14 that stores aerosol generating material.

[0068] Hereinafter, the component corresponding to the vaporizer 14 will be referred to as a cartridge, and the cartridge and the aerosol generating device will be described in detail.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a cartridge.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge 100 includes a storage section 110, a generating section 120, a connecting section 130, and an inlet section 135.

[0071] The storage unit 110 can store the aerosol-generating material and is similar to the liquid storage unit included in the vaporizer 14 of FIGS.

[0072] The generator 120 can generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. Specifically, when the aerosol-generating material is supplied from the storage unit 110 to the generator 120, the aerosol-generating material is atomized into an aerosol by the generator 120.

[0073] The aerosol refers to a gas, such as air, in which suspended matter, such as liquid and / or solid particles, is dispersed. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the generator 120 refers to a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating material and air.

[0074] Generator 120 can convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material into a gas phase through evaporation and / or sublimation. That is, generator 120 can generate an aerosol by atomizing and releasing the aerosol-generating material in any one or a combination of a liquid, solid, and gel state.

[0075] Although not specifically shown in Fig. 4, the generation unit 120 includes a liquid transfer means and an atomization element included in the vaporizer 14 of Figs. 1 to 3. The generation unit 120 includes a generation space 125 in which the liquid transfer means and the atomization element are disposed.

[0076] The connecting unit 130 is disposed between the storage unit 110 and the generating unit 120 and can be coupled to the storage unit 110 and the generating unit 120. The storage unit 110 and the generating unit 120 are connected by the connecting unit 130. The connecting unit 130 can seal at least a portion of the storage unit 110 and / or the generating unit 120 to prevent the aerosol-generating substance or the aerosol from unintentionally leaking from the storage unit 110 and / or the generating unit 120.

[0077] The connection unit 130 is also a component included in the storage unit 110. For example, the connection unit 130 is a bottom wall of the storage unit 110 disposed below (e.g., in the -z direction) the storage unit 110. In this case, the storage unit 110 and the generation unit 120 are coupled and connected to each other without the need for a separate connection unit 130.

[0078] The connection unit 130 is also a component included in the generator 120. For example, the connection unit 130 is an upper wall of the generator 120 disposed above (e.g., in the +z direction) the generator 120. In this case, the storage unit 110 and the generator 120 are coupled and connected to each other without the need for a separate connection unit 130.

[0079] The connecting unit 130 includes an inlet 135 that fluidly connects the storage unit 110 and the generator 120. The aerosol-generating material can move from the storage unit 110 to the generator 120 through the inlet 135. The inlet 135 may have various shapes, such as holes or passages, through which the aerosol-generating material can move, and multiple inlets 135 may be arranged.

[0080] The storage unit 110 and the generation unit 120 each include an opening disposed at a position corresponding to the inlet unit 135. When the connecting unit 130 is the bottom wall of the storage unit 110, the inlet unit 135 is the opening 110h of the storage unit 110. Similarly, when the connecting unit 130 is the top wall of the generation unit 120, the inlet unit 135 is the opening 120h of the generation unit. In other words, even when there is no separate connecting unit 130, the opening 110h of the storage unit and the opening 120h of the inlet unit each become the inlet unit 135.

[0081] Unless otherwise specified, the connection unit 130 will be described below as a component included in the storage unit 110 or the generation unit 120. Also, the inlet unit 135 refers to all openings and passages that fluidly connect the storage unit 110 and the generation unit 120 and allow the aerosol-generating material to move from the storage unit 110 to the generation unit 120.

[0082] The cartridge 100 may further include a case (not shown). The case forms the exterior of the cartridge 100 and functions to house and protect the components of the cartridge 100. The case houses the storage unit 110, the generating unit 120, the connecting unit 130, and the like, but is not limited to these.

[0083] The cartridge 100 may further include an airflow path (not shown). The airflow path may serve as a passageway for air and / or aerosol movement. External air may flow into the cartridge and reach the generator 120 through a portion of the airflow path. The air that reaches the generator 120 mixes with vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material. The mixed aerosol may travel along another portion of the airflow path and move from the generator 120 to the outside of the cartridge 100.

[0084] Hereinafter, the air bubbles generated in the inlet 135 and the vibrating unit for removing the air bubbles will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0085] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a cartridge for explaining a vibration unit applicable to the cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0086] 5A and 5B, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a cartridge 100, a storage unit 110, a generation unit 120, an inlet unit 135, and a vibration unit 140. Here, the storage unit 110, the generation unit 120, the inlet unit 135, and the vibration unit 140 are components included in the cartridge 100.

[0087] At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 5A and 5B is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in Figure 4B, and therefore, a duplicate description will be omitted below.

[0088] As described above, the liquid transfer means and the atomization element are disposed inside the generation space 125. During the atomization operation of the cartridge 100, the aerosol-generating material transferred from the storage section 110 through the inlet section 135 is atomized inside the generation space 125 to generate an aerosol.

[0089] 5A, during the process of atomizing the aerosol-generating material by the atomizing element, the atomized gas may generate bubbles within the generation space 125. One example of bubbles generating within the generation space 125 is when the aerosol atomized by the atomizing element is not yet fully inhaled by the user. Other examples include when the power of the atomizing element is strong during the atomization operation, resulting in a large amount of atomization, or when the user tilts the cartridge. The bubbles generated within the generation space 125 move to the inlet 135.

[0090] In some cases, bubbles may also be generated in the inlet 135. When the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 moves to the generation space 125 through the inlet 135, a pressure difference occurs between the storage unit 110 and the generation space 125. A portion of the external air that has flowed into the generation space 125 flows back in a direction opposite to the movement of the aerosol-generating material to compensate for the pressure difference. As a result, a portion of the external air moves to the inlet 135, and unintended bubbles are formed in the inlet 135. However, the reasons for the generation of bubbles are not limited to those described above.

[0091] Air bubbles present in inlet 135 narrow or close inlet 135, thereby inhibiting the inflow of the aerosol-generating material from storage 110 into generation space 125. If the inflow of the aerosol-generating material is inhibited by air bubbles, the aerosol-generating material cannot be smoothly transferred to the liquid transfer means inside generation space 125.

[0092] As a result, the liquid delivery means is carbonized by the atomization element during atomization. "Carbonization" refers to a state in which the liquid delivery means turns black due to high heat. If the liquid delivery means is carbonized, harmful substances are generated and transmitted to the user, causing discomfort to the user, such as a burnt taste when the aerosol is inhaled.

[0093] In addition, the amount of aerosol-generating material atomized by the atomizing element may temporarily decrease, resulting in a problem that the amount of atomization is less than the amount of atomization that would occur if no bubbles were generated during the atomization operation. Therefore, a component is required to prevent the inlet 135 from being blocked by bubbles.

[0094] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a vibration unit 140. The vibration unit 140 can generate vibrations so as to transmit the vibrations to the inlet unit 135.

[0095] 5B, the vibration of the vibration unit 140 can vibrate the cartridge 100. When the cartridge 100 vibrates, the vibration is transmitted to the inlet 135, and air bubbles present in the inlet 135 are removed. This allows the aerosol-generating material to move smoothly through the inlet 135.

[0096] The location of the vibration unit 140 is not limited to a specific location. Since the vibration unit 140 must remove air bubbles present in the inlet 135, it is more advantageous for the vibration unit 140 to be located adjacent to the inlet 135. Similarly, when the vibration unit 140 is located outside the cartridge, it is more advantageous for the vibration unit 140 to be located adjacent to the cartridge 100 in transmitting vibration force to the cartridge 100.

[0097] The vibration unit 140 may be disposed on an outer surface of the cartridge 100. In this case, the outer surface of the cartridge 100 refers not only to the outer surface of the case of the cartridge 100 but also to the outer surface of the structure to which the storage unit 110, the generation unit 120, and the connection unit 130 are coupled. Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, the vibration unit 140 is shown disposed on the side of the connection unit 130, but the arrangement of the vibration unit 140 is not limited to the embodiment.

[0098] The vibration unit 140 may include various components that generate vibrations, and may generate vibrations mechanically or electrically. For example, the vibration unit 140 may include an actuator such as a motor, a piezoelectric element, or a switch.

[0099] The vibration unit can be arranged to vibrate in the vertical direction of the cartridge 100 (for example, the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, and the z-axis direction in Figures 5A and 5B). Such a vibration direction is effective in removing air bubbles from the inlet section 135. However, the vibration direction of the vibration unit is not limited to the above example. The vibration direction of the vibration unit 140 includes all directions, and the vibration unit 140 is arranged regardless of the vibration direction.

[0100] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge showing a vibration part disposed at a different position from the vibration part shown in FIG. 5A.

[0101] 6, the vibration unit 140 may be disposed inside the cartridge 100. In this case, the inside of the cartridge 100 refers not only to the inside of the case of the cartridge 100, but also to the inside of the structure in which the storage unit 110, the generation unit 120, and the connection unit 130 are combined.

[0102] For example, the vibration unit 140 may be disposed on one surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the connection unit 130. In other words, the inlet 135 is disposed on one surface (e.g., the lower surface) of the storage unit 110, and the vibration unit 140 is disposed adjacent to the inlet 135 on one surface of the storage unit 110. In this case, the vibration unit 140 is disposed in a position that does not interfere with the movement of the aerosol-generating material through the inlet 135.

[0103] However, the arrangement of vibration unit 140 is not limited to the structure of the embodiment. Even when the vibration unit is arranged inside inlet portion 135, if the size of inlet portion 135 is large enough to allow the aerosol-generating material to pass through smoothly, the vibration unit may be arranged inside inlet portion 135.

[0104] When the vibration part 140 is disposed inside the cartridge 100, particularly when the vibration part 140 is disposed adjacent to the inlet part 135, the bubble removal efficiency of the vibration part 140 can be improved.

[0105] 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0106] The aerosol generation apparatus 1 in Fig. 7A is similar to the aerosol generation apparatus 1 in Fig. 3. The aerosol generation apparatus 1 in Fig. 7B is similar to the aerosol generation apparatus 1 in Fig. 2. In the following description of Figs. 7A and 7B, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generation apparatus 1 shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0107] 7A and 7B, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment includes a cartridge 100 and a main body 200. At least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0108] The main body 200 refers to the remaining components of the aerosol generating device 1 excluding the cartridge 100. That is, the main body 200 includes the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 shown in FIGS.

[0109] The main body 200 forms part of the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1 and functions to house and protect the components of the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the main body 200 houses a battery 11 and a control unit 12, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] The cartridge 100 is coupled to a part of the main body 200, and together with the main body 200, it can form the external appearance of the aerosol generation device 1. The cartridge 100 is coupled to the main body 200 and is used as a component of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 7B, the main body 200 includes a housing 201, a receiving space 202, a heater 203, and an airflow path 204.

[0112] The housing 201 forms the exterior of the main body 200 and includes a storage space 202 in which the aerosol product 2 is stored. The storage space 202 can store the aerosol product 2 inserted into the aerosol generation device 1.

[0113] The heater 203 is capable of heating the aerosol-producing product contained in the containing space 202 to generate an aerosol, and is the same as or similar to the heater 13 of FIG.

[0114] The airflow path 204 is connected to the airflow path of the cartridge and can transfer the aerosol generated in the generation unit 120 to the storage space 202.

[0115] 7A and 7B, the vibration unit 140 may be disposed outside the cartridge. As one example, the vibration unit 140 may be a component included in the cartridge 100, disposed outside the cartridge 100, and transmit vibrations to the cartridge. As another example, the vibration unit 140 may be a component included in the main body 200, disposed in a part of the main body 200 adjacent to the cartridge 100, and transmit vibrations to the cartridge 100.

[0116] The main body 200 includes a support part 210 that supports the cartridge 100. The support part 210 refers to a part of the main body that comes into contact with the cartridge 100 and can restrict movement of the cartridge 100 in one direction relative to the main body. For example, the support part 210 can support the lower end of the cartridge 100 in the z-axis direction. In this case, the vibration part 140 is disposed on the support part 210 and can transmit vibrations to the lower end of the cartridge 100.

[0117] The main body 200 includes a groove 220 that can accommodate the vibration unit 140 disposed outside the cartridge 100. The groove 220 is formed at a position adjacent to the cartridge 100. For example, the groove 220 is formed in the support part 210. The vibration unit 140 disposed in the groove 220 can transmit vibrations to the cartridge 100 without interfering with the coupling between the main body 200 and the cartridge 100.

[0118] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling operation of the cartridge of the aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment.

[0119] At least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Figure 8 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Figure 7B, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 8, the main body 200 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment includes an extension 230 extending toward the cartridge 100 to form a mounting space 235 for accommodating the cartridge 100 .

[0121] The extension 230 extends opposite to the support (e.g., the support 220 in FIG. 7B). A mounting space 235 for the cartridge 100 is formed between the extension 230 and the support 210. When the aerosol generating device 1 is disassembled into the main body 200 and the cartridge 100, the mounting space 235 located in the main body 200 is exposed. When the cartridge 100 is coupled to the main body 200, the cartridge 100 is accommodated between the extension 230 and the support 210, closing the mounting space 235.

[0122] The vibration unit 140 is disposed in the extension 230 and can transmit vibrations to the upper end of the cartridge 100 when the cartridge is accommodated in the mounting space 235. In this case, the vibration unit 140 is disposed in a groove (e.g., groove 220 in FIG. 7B) formed in the extension 230.

[0123] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0124] At least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 9 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 7B, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0125] 9, the cartridge 100 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment can be detachably coupled to one side of the main body 200. In this case, the cartridge 100 is electrically connected to the main body 200 and is supplied with power from a battery, and the power supply is controlled by a control unit.

[0126] The main body 200 includes a coupling member 240 for coupling with the cartridge 100 and / or for maintaining or releasing the coupled state. For example, the coupling member 240 includes a fastening member that engages with a fastening groove of the cartridge 100 to be used for direct coupling with the cartridge 100, and a moving member that moves the fastening member for coupling and separation. However, the coupling member is not limited to the above examples.

[0127] By disposing the coupling member 240 between the main body 200 and the cartridge 100, a surplus space is secured around the coupling member 240. For example, since the coupling member 240 protrudes from the main body 200 toward the cartridge 100, the periphery of the protruding coupling member 240 is empty. In this case, the vibration unit 140 is disposed around the periphery of the coupling member 240.

[0128] The vibration part 140 disposed adjacent to the coupling member 240 is disposed adjacent to the cartridge 100 while being located in a space that does not interfere with the coupling between the main body 200 and the cartridge 100 .

[0129] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the main body of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment and a cartridge separated therefrom, respectively, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 10A and a cartridge coupled thereto.

[0130] At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figures 10A and 10B is identical to or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Figure 9, and duplicate explanations will be omitted below.

[0131] 10A and 10B, the cartridge 100 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment may be coupled to the main body 200 by approaching it from the side (e.g., the x-axis direction) of the main body 200. However, the coupling direction of the cartridge 100 is not limited thereto.

[0132] When the cartridge 100 is coupled to the main body 200, if the size of the space in which the vibrating unit 140 is disposed is larger than the size of the vibrating unit 140, the vibrating unit 140 will not come into contact with the cartridge 100. In this case, the vibration generated in the vibrating unit 140 is transmitted to the cartridge 100 through other components of the main body 200. If there are many other components through which the vibration must pass during the vibration transmission process, a large amount of vibration energy is lost before the vibration is transmitted to the cartridge 100.

[0133] Therefore, when the vibration unit 140 does not come into direct contact with the cartridge 100, a component is required that can be directly connected to the vibration unit 140 and the cartridge 100 without interfering with the connection of the cartridge 100 to the main body 200, and that can transmit vibrations without significant loss of vibration energy.

[0134] The aerosol generating device 1 according to yet another embodiment includes a compression pad 150. The compression pad 150 refers to a pad that compresses when pressure is applied. The compression pad 150 is coupled to the vibration unit 140 and can transmit vibrations generated by the vibration unit 140 to other components in contact with the compression pad 150 without loss of vibration energy. For example, if the cartridge 100 is coupled to the main body 200, the compression pad 150 can contact the cartridge 100 and transmit the vibrations of the vibration unit 140 to the cartridge 100.

[0135] The expression "no loss of vibration energy" not only means that vibration energy is preserved during the vibration transmission process through the compression pad 150, but also means that the amount of vibration energy lost is small. In this case, the compression pad includes various materials that are easy to compress and that cause little loss of vibration energy during vibration transmission.

[0136] 10A, the cartridge 100 is separated from the main body 200, and the compression pad 150 is not compressed. Referring to FIG. 10B, the cartridge 100 is connected to the main body 200, and the compression pad 150 is pressed in the +x direction by the cartridge.

[0137] Without the compression pad 150, the vibration part 140 would not be able to come into direct contact with the cartridge 100, but due to the presence of the compression pad 150, the vibration part 140 and the cartridge 100 are connected via the compression pad 150, so that vibrations can be easily transmitted from the vibration part 140 to the cartridge 100.

[0138] In addition, the compression pad is applied not only when the vibration part 140 is arranged on the periphery of the coupling member 240, but also when the vibration part 140 is arranged in a groove (e.g., groove 220 in Figure 7B) and does not directly contact the cartridge 100.

[0139] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0140] At least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 11 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 9, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 11, the main body 200 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to yet another embodiment includes a sealing part 205 disposed at a portion where the generating part 120 of the cartridge 100 and the airflow path 204 of the main body 200 are connected.

[0142] The sealing part 205 seals the portion where the generating part 120 of the cartridge is connected to the airflow path 204 of the main body 200. The sealing part 205 can prevent the aerosol from leaking into spaces other than the airflow path 204 while the aerosol is moving from the generating part 120 to the airflow path 204 of the main body 200.

[0143] At this time, depending on the size of the sealing part 205, an extra space may be created between the main body 200 and the cartridge 100. The vibration part 140 is disposed around the sealing part 205. The vibration part 140 disposed adjacent to the sealing part 205 is disposed adjacent to the cartridge 100 while being located in a space that does not interfere with the coupling between the main body 200 and the cartridge 100.

[0144] Meanwhile, the vibration of the vibrating unit 140 affects the sealing structure that prevents leakage. For example, the vibration causes the sealing unit 205 to vibrate, weakening the connection between the airflow path 204 and the generating unit 120 and the sealing unit 205. This can lead to leakage problems.

[0145] The aerosol generating device 1 according to yet another embodiment includes an elastic member 160. The elastic member 160 can connect the main body 200 and the cartridge 100. The elastic member 160 can buffer vibrations, thereby preventing the problem of weakening of the connection of the sealing structure, and can ensure stable vibration of the cartridge 100 by connecting the main body 200, in which the vibration unit 140 is disposed, and the cartridge 100.

[0146] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0147] At least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 12 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 9, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0148] 12, the cartridge 100 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment may be rotatably coupled to the main body 200 within a predetermined range. The rotatable coupling may be achieved in various ways. For example, a link member coupled to the cartridge 100 may rotate around a rotation axis included in the main body 200, allowing the cartridge 100 to rotate relative to the main body 200.

[0149] The vibration unit (not shown) can rotate the cartridge 100 relative to the main body 200 within a predetermined range. In this case, the "predetermined range" refers to the range of angles within which the cartridge 100 rotates around the y-axis.

[0150] It is desirable to prevent damage to components of the main body 200 due to pressure caused by rotational movement of the cartridge 100 relative to the main body 200. An elastic member 160 is disposed between the main body 200 and the cartridge 100 to absorb pressure caused by vibration and protect the components. The elastic member 160 can support the cartridge 100 in the z-axis direction, which is the direction of vibration caused by rotation of the cartridge 100.

[0151] By rotating the cartridge relative to the main body within a predetermined range, the cartridge 100 can vibrate in the vertical direction (for example, the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, i.e., the z-axis direction in FIG. 12). By vibrating the cartridge 100 in the vertical direction, air bubbles in the inlet portion 135 can be effectively removed.

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

[0153] Referring to FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a generating unit 310, a vibrating unit 320, a control unit 330, a sensing unit 340, a memory 350, and a user interface 360.

[0154] The generating unit 310 and the vibrating unit 320 shown in FIG. 13 are the same as the generating unit 120 and the vibrating unit 140 shown in FIGS. 5A to 12, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0155] The control unit 330 can control the operation of the vibration unit 320. The control unit 330 can control the vibration unit 320 in various aspects related to vibration, such as the generation of vibration as well as the intensity of vibration.

[0156] The control unit 330 may control the vibration unit 320 to generate vibrations in a specific situation to provide a user with a satisfying smoking experience. For example, the control unit 330 may control the vibration unit 320 to generate vibrations after preheating of the generation unit 310 is completed. This removes air bubbles in the inlet 135 and ensures the amount of atomization before the user starts smoking.

[0157] In this case, as an example of a method for determining "after preheating is completed," if the temperature of the generator 310 rises to a predetermined temperature, the temperature sensor of the sensing unit 340 generates a signal, and the control unit 330 determines through the signal that preheating of the generator 310 is completed. Also, if power is supplied to the generator 310 for a predetermined time, the control unit 330 can determine that preheating of the generator 310 is completed.

[0158] As another example, the control unit 330 may control the vibration unit 320 to generate vibrations for every predetermined number of puffs. This ensures that bubbles in the inlet 135 are removed and the amount of atomization is ensured even while the user is smoking. In this case, if the puff detection sensor of the sensing unit 340 detects a puff by the user, it generates a signal, and the control unit 330 can count the number of puffs through the signal.

[0159] As another example, the control unit 330 may control the vibration unit 320 to generate vibrations after a smoke is completed. This allows air bubbles generated in the inlet 135 during one smoke to be finally removed and the next smoke to be prepared. In this case, criteria for determining "completion of smoking" include, but are not limited to, the number of puffs and the operating time of the generating unit.

[0160] A user can passively control the operation of the vibration unit 320. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment may further include a switch (not shown). The switch is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 so that it can be operated by a user, and is a component included in the user interface 360.

[0161] A user can operate the control unit 330 to control the operation of the vibration unit 320 by operating a switch electrically connected to the control unit 330. Thus, if the user feels that the amount of atomization has decreased during smoking, the user can operate the switch to generate vibrations and remove bubbles present in the inlet 135. In this case, the user can also adjust the intensity of the vibrations by operating the switch.

[0162] On the other hand, the problem of reduced atomization volume can be caused by various factors, such as bubbles forming in the inlet 135 and hindering the movement of the aerosol-generating material, or by the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage unit 110 being depleted and there not being enough aerosol-generating material flowing into the generation unit 310.

[0163] If the generation of bubbles is the cause of the problem of reduced atomization, the problem can be solved by vibration from the vibrating unit, but if the depletion of aerosol-generating material is the cause of the reduced atomization, the problem cannot be solved even if the vibrating unit generates vibration.

[0164] To distinguish between the two situations, the aerosol generating device 1 can detect the presence or absence of the aerosol generating substance present in the generating unit 310 using the sensing unit 340. The sensing unit 340 can generate a signal according to a change in the amount of the aerosol generating substance present in the generating unit 310.

[0165] For example, the sensing unit 340 may generate a signal whose size changes linearly as the amount of aerosol-generating material present in the generator 310 changes. The sensing unit 340 may also generate a signal when the amount of aerosol-generating material present in the generator 310 decreases below a predetermined value. In this case, the "predetermined value" is a reference value for determining that the aerosol-generating material is not present in the generator 310, and is a preset value stored in the memory 350.

[0166] As an example of a specific method for detecting the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating substance, the sensing unit 340 may generate a signal depending on the temperature of the atomizing element of the generating unit 310. When the aerosol-generating substance is depleted and the generating unit 310 is heated to a high temperature, the control unit 330 may detect the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating substance based on the signal from the sensing unit 340.

[0167] As another example, the presence or absence of an aerosol-generating substance can be detected using a sensing unit 340 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 for detecting the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating substance.

[0168] The temperature of the atomizing element disposed in the liquid transferring means may change depending on whether or not the aerosol generating material is absorbed in the liquid transferring means of the generator 310. In this case, if the atomizing element includes a resistor having a temperature coefficient of resistance, the resistance of the resistor may change as the temperature of the atomizing element changes. Therefore, the voltage difference across the resistor may change as the temperature of the atomizing element changes.

[0169] The control unit 330 can determine whether or not an aerosol-generating substance is present in the generation unit 310 based on the sensing unit 340, which generates a signal based on the voltage difference between both ends of the resistor of the atomization element or both ends of the fixed resistor.

[0170] Specifically, the control unit 330 can refer to a lookup table stored in the memory 350, analyze the result value corresponding to the voltage difference across the resistor, and determine whether or not an aerosol-generating substance is present.

[0171] The method for detecting the presence or absence of the aerosol generating substance is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and includes various methods capable of detecting the presence or absence of the aerosol generating substance present in the generating unit 310.

[0172] If the control unit 330 determines whether or not the aerosol-generating material exists in the generator 310, the control unit 330 may transmit a signal including a result value regarding the presence or absence of the aerosol-generating material to the generator 310.

[0173] In addition, the control unit 330 can also control other components of the aerosol generating device 1 based on the result of the presence or absence of the aerosol generating substance.

[0174] For example, the control unit 330 may control the atomization operation of the generator 310 based on the signal generated by the sensing unit 340. If the control unit 330 determines that there is no aerosol-generating material in the generator 310, the control unit 330 may control the generator 310 to stop atomization by the generator 310. This causes smoking to be stopped.

[0175] In addition, the control unit 330 may transmit a notification signal to notify the user that the aerosol-generating material has been depleted through the user interface 360. This allows the user to recognize that the decrease in the amount of atomization is due to the depletion of the aerosol-generating material and replace the storage unit 110.

[0176] Memory 350 is hardware that stores various data processed within aerosol generation device 1, and can store data that has been processed by control unit 330 and data to be processed by control unit 330. For example, memory 350 stores predetermined data, etc. Specifically, memory 350 stores data related to the presence or absence of an aerosol-generating substance in the generation unit (the above-mentioned "lookup table"), etc.

[0177] The user interface 360 ​​can provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generation device 1. The user interface 360 ​​includes various interfacing means such as a display or lamp that outputs visual information, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, a terminal for data communication with input / output (I / O) interfacing means (e.g., a button or touch screen) that receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user, or for receiving charging power, and a communication interfacing module for wireless communication with external devices (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.).

[0178] The aerosol generating device 1 may be embodied by selecting only some of the various examples of the user interface 360 ​​described above.

[0179] The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment may include a feedback generating unit (not shown) that vibrates the aerosol generating device 1 to provide a user with feedback regarding the use of the aerosol generating device 1. The feedback generating unit includes various components that generate vibrations, such as a motor. The feedback generating unit is a component included in the user interface 360.

[0180] The feedback generating unit can perform the function of removing air bubbles present in the inlet 135 in place of the vibration unit 320 in addition to providing feedback to the user.

[0181] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1400 according to another embodiment.

[0182] The aerosol generating device 1400 includes a control unit 1410, a sensing unit 1420, an output unit 1430, a battery 1440, a heater 1450, a user input unit 1460, a memory 1470, and a communication unit 1480. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1400 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 14. That is, it is understood by a person skilled in the art that this embodiment relates to that some of the components shown in Fig. 14 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1400.

[0183] The sensing unit 1420 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1400 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1400 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1410. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1410 can control the aerosol generating device 1400 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1450, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0184] The sensing unit 1420 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a temperature sensor 1422, an insertion sensor 1424, and a puff sensor 1426.

[0185] The temperature sensor 1422 can sense the temperature to which the heater 1450 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1400 can include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1450, or the heater 1450 itself can function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1422 can be disposed around the battery 1440 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1440.

[0186] The insertion detection sensor 1424 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1424 can 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 can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article.

[0187] The puff sensor 1426 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0188] The sensing unit 1420 may further include 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 aforementioned temperature sensor 1422, insertion sensor 1424, and puff sensor 1426. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0189] The output unit 1430 can output and provide to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1400. The output unit 1430 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 1432, a haptic unit 1434, and an audio output unit 1436. When the display unit 1432 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 1432 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0190] The display unit 1432 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 1400. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1400 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1440 of the aerosol generating device 1400, the preheating status of the heater 1450, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 1400 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 1432 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 1432 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 1432 can also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0191] The haptic unit 1434 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 1400. For example, the haptic unit 1434 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0192] The acoustic output unit 1436 can audibly provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1400. For example, the acoustic output unit 1436 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0193] The battery 1440 can supply power used for operation of the aerosol generating device 1400. The battery 1440 can supply power to heat the heater 1450. The battery 1440 can also supply power necessary for operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1400 (e.g., the sensing unit 1420, the output unit 1430, the user input unit 1460, the memory 1470, and the communication unit 1480). The battery 1440 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1440 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0194] The heater 1450 is supplied with power from the battery 1440 and can heat the aerosol-generating substance. Although not shown in Fig. 14, the aerosol-generating device 1400 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1440 and supplies it to the heater 1450. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 1400 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 1400 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 1440 into AC power.

[0195] The control unit 1410, the sensing unit 1420, the output unit 1430, the user input unit 1460, the memory 1470, and the communication unit 1480 can function by receiving power from the battery 1440. Although not shown in FIG. 14 , a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1440 and supplies it to each component may be further included.

[0196] In one embodiment, heater 1450 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 1450 may be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0197] In other embodiments, heater 1450 is an induction heater. For example, heater 1450 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0198] The user input unit 1460 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1460 can be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (touch-type capacitance type, pressure-type resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 14 , the aerosol generating device 1400 can further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface to connect to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 1440.

[0199] The memory 1470 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1400 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 1410 and data to be processed by the control unit 1410. The memory 1470 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 1470 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1400, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0200] The communication unit 1480 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1480 includes a short-range communication unit 1482 and a wireless communication unit 1484.

[0201] The short-range wireless communication unit 1482 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0202] The wireless communication unit 1484 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 1484 can also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1400 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0203] The control unit 1410 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1400. In one embodiment, the control unit 1410 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0204] The control unit 1410 can control the temperature of the heater 1450 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1440 to the heater 1450. For example, the control unit 1410 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1440 and the heater 1450. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 1450 according to a control command from the control unit 1410.

[0205] The control unit 1410 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1420 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 1410 may control the power supplied to the heater 1450 to start or stop operation of the heater 1450 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1420. As another example, the control unit 1410 may control the amount and duration of power supplied to the heater 1450 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1420 to heat the heater 1450 to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0206] The control unit 1410 can control the output unit 1430 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1420. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1426 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1410 can notify the user through at least one of the display unit 1432, the haptic unit 1434, and the audio output unit 1436 that the aerosol generating device 1400 will soon be shut down.

[0207] 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 both separate and non-separate media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate 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, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0208] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. a storage unit for storing an aerosol-generating substance; a generating unit that generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substance; an inlet fluidly connecting the storage unit and the production unit; a vibration unit that generates vibrations so as to transmit the vibrations to the inlet unit.

2. The inlet is disposed on at least one surface of the storage portion, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the vibration unit is disposed adjacent to the inlet unit on the one surface of the storage unit.

3. The method further includes a connecting portion disposed between the storage portion and the production portion and including the inlet portion; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the vibration part is disposed on the connecting part.

4. Further comprising a cartridge containing the storage unit, the inlet unit, and the generation unit; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the vibration part is disposed on an outer surface of the cartridge.

5. a cartridge that accommodates the storage section, the inlet section, and the generation section; a main body including the vibration unit, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the vibration unit is disposed adjacent to the cartridge.

6. the main body further includes a support portion that supports the cartridge; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the vibration part is disposed on the support part.

7. the main body further includes a mounting space extending toward the cartridge for accommodating the cartridge; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the vibration unit is disposed in the mounting space.

8. the cartridge is releasably coupled to the body; the main body further includes a coupling member protruding toward the cartridge for coupling with the cartridge; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the vibration portion is disposed adjacent to the coupling member.

9. the cartridge is releasably coupled to the body; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , further comprising a compression pad coupled to the vibration unit, the compression pad contacting the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the body to transmit the vibration of the vibration unit to the cartridge.

10. the cartridge is releasably coupled to the body; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , further comprising one or more elastic members connecting the main body and the cartridge.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the cartridge is rotatably coupled to the main body within a predetermined range.

12. Further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the vibration unit, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the vibration unit so that the vibration unit generates vibrations after preheating of the generation unit is completed.

13. Further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the vibration unit, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the vibration unit so that the vibration unit generates vibrations every predetermined number of puffs.

14. a sensing unit that generates a signal in response to a change in the amount of the aerosol generating substance present in the generating unit; a control unit that controls the operation of the generation unit, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the operation of the generating unit based on the signal generated by the sensing unit.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a feedback generating unit that generates vibrations to vibrate the aerosol generating device in order to provide feedback to a user.

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