Aerosol generating device capable of acoustic output

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a housing that forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device and has an acoustic emission hole, a storage unit that stores cigarettes through the hole formed on one side of the housing, a heater for heating the cigarettes stored in the storage unit, a memory that stores acoustic data, an acoustic output unit that outputs the acoustic data, and a control unit that transmits the acoustic data stored in the memory to the acoustic output unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device capable of outputting sound to provide an auditory effect to a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for methods of generating aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating substance, rather than by burning a cigarette. This has led to active research into heated aerosol generators.

[0003] Recently, attempts to equip aerosol generating devices with various functions have been gradually increasing in order to provide various effects to users. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Various embodiments provide an aerosol generating device that can provide an auditory effect to a user.

[0005] The embodiment can provide a user with auditory effects according to various situations, thereby increasing user convenience and ensuring safety.

[0006] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned 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]

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a housing that forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device and has an acoustic emission hole; a storage unit that stores cigarettes through a hole formed on one side of the housing; a heater for heating the cigarettes stored in the storage unit; a memory that stores acoustic data; an acoustic output unit that outputs the acoustic data; and a control unit that transmits the acoustic data stored in the memory to the acoustic output unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The aerosol generating device according to the present invention provides an auditory effect to the user.

[0009] In addition, the aerosol generating device according to the present invention can provide the user with auditory effects according to various situations, thereby increasing the user's convenience and ensuring safety.

[0010] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 1C] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 1D] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0012] [Figure 2A] 1 is a drawing that schematically illustrates a cigarette according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B]1 is a drawing that schematically illustrates a cigarette according to an embodiment.

[0013] [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of an aerosol generating device with an open hole.

[0014] [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which the holes are closed.

[0015] [Figure 4A] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing the process of movement of the cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 4B] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing the process of movement of the cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 4C] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing the process of movement of the cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an embodiment in which a speaker is disposed in an aerosol generating device.

[0018] [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment in which a microphone is disposed in an aerosol generating device. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment in which a microphone is disposed in an aerosol generating device.

[0019] [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used and widely used in consideration of the functions of the embodiments, but these 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 embodiments should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the embodiments, rather than simply by their names.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0024] Throughout the specification, the term "embodiment" is an arbitrary category for easily describing the embodiment, and the embodiments do not necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. For example, a configuration disclosed in one embodiment may be applied to and / or embodied in other embodiments, and may be applied to and / or embodied with modifications without departing from the scope of the embodiment.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms used in the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the embodiments. In the present invention, the singular form includes the plural form unless otherwise specified.

[0026] The size and proportion of some components in the drawings may be slightly exaggerated, and components shown in one drawing may not be shown in another drawing.

[0027] Furthermore, throughout the specification, the "distance direction" of a component refers to the direction in which the component extends along one axis of the component, and in this case, the one axis of the component refers to the direction in which the component extends further than another axis intersecting the one axis. For example, in FIG. 3A, the distance direction of the storage unit 50 refers to the direction in which the cylindrical storage unit 50 extends (z direction in FIG. 3A), i.e., the height direction of the cylinder, which is perpendicular to the axis forming the diameter of the cylinder. Similarly, the distance direction of the cigarette 2 refers to the direction in which the cylindrical cigarette 2 extends (z direction in FIG. 3A). Furthermore, the distance direction of the aerosol generation device 1 refers to the z direction in FIG. 3A, in which the longest side of the aerosol generation device 1 extends.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] 1A to 1D are diagrams schematically illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 1A, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 10, a control unit 20, and a heater 30. Referring to Figs. 1B and 1C, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a vaporizer 40. Referring to Fig. 1D, the aerosol generator 1 includes the battery 10, the control unit 20, and a susceptor 32. A cigarette 2 is inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0031] 1A to 1D show components according to this embodiment, and therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the aerosol generating device 1 may further include other general components in addition to the components shown in FIGS.

[0032] 1B and 1C show that the aerosol generating device 1 is provided with a heater 30, but the heater 30 may be omitted as necessary.

[0033] 1A shows that the battery 10, the control unit 20, and the heater 30 are arranged in a row. Also, FIG. 1B shows that the battery 10, the control unit 20, the vaporizer 40, and the heater 30 are arranged in a row. Also, FIG. 1C shows that the vaporizer 40 and the heater 30 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 10, the control unit 20, the heater 30, and the vaporizer 40 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0034] When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can activate the heater 30 and / or the vaporizer 40 to generate an aerosol from the cigarette 2 and / or the vaporizer 40. The aerosol generated by the heater 30 and / or the vaporizer 40 passes through the cigarette 2 and is delivered to the user. If necessary, the aerosol generation device 1 heats the heater 30 even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted in the aerosol generation device 1 .

[0035] The battery 10 supplies power used when the aerosol generation device 1 operates. For example, the battery 10 supplies power to heat the heater 30 or the vaporizer 40, and supplies power necessary for the operation of the control unit 20. The battery 10 also supplies power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0036] The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the control unit 20 controls the operation of not only the battery 10, the heater 30, and the vaporizer 40, but also other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 20 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

[0037] The control unit 20 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 executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0038] The heater 30 is heated by power supplied from the battery 10. For example, when the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 30 is located outside the cigarette 2. Therefore, the heated heater 30 increases the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the cigarette 2.

[0039] The heater 30 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 30 has a conductive track, and current flows through the conductive track to heat the heater 30. However, the heater 30 is not limited to the above example, and any heater that can heat up to a desired temperature can be used without limitation. Here, the desired temperature may be already set in the aerosol generation device 1, or may be set to the desired temperature by the user.

[0040] 1D, an induction heater including a coil 31 and a susceptor 32 is used as the heater. Therefore, a redundant description of the heater will be omitted.

[0041] Specifically, the aerosol-generating device 1 includes a conductive coil 31 for inductively heating the cigarette 2, and a susceptor 32 that can be heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in FIG. 1D, the susceptor 32 may be included in the cigarette 2 rather than in the aerosol-generating device 1.

[0042] For example, the heater 30 includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and heats the inside or outside of the cigarette 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0043] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 30 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 30 may be disposed so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or may be disposed outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 30 may be disposed so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be disposed outside the cigarette 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 30 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figs. 1A to 1C, and various shapes may be produced.

[0044] The vaporizer 40 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which is then transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 40 travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow passage is configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 40 to be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2.

[0045] For example, the vaporizer 40 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be provided in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0046] The liquid storage unit stores 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. The liquid storage unit may be configured to be detachable from the vaporizer 40, or may be configured as an integral part of the vaporizer 40.

[0047] For example, the liquid composition may contain 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 ingredients that provide the user with a variety of flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also contain an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0048] The liquid transfer means transfers the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element, for example, but not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.

[0049] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a wound structure around the liquid delivery means. The heating element is heated by supplying electric current and transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0050] For example, the vaporizer 40 may be called, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0051] Meanwhile, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 10, the control unit 20, the heater 30, and the vaporizer 40. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor. The aerosol generator 1 may also be manufactured with a structure that allows outside air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0052] 1 to 1D, the aerosol generation device 1 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 10 of the aerosol generation device 1. Alternatively, the heater 30 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generation device 1 are coupled together.

[0053] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1D, an induction heating method using a coil 31 and a susceptor 32 will be specifically described.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1D, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 10, a control unit 20, a susceptor 32, and a cavity 33.

[0055] The cigarette 2 is inserted into the cavity 33 of the aerosol generating device 1, and the coil 31 is positioned around the cavity 33. Although Fig. 1D shows that the coil 31 is positioned to surround the cavity 33, this is not intended to be limiting.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 1 can generate aerosol by heating the cigarette 2 using an induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of applying an alternating magnetic field to generate heat from a magnetic material.

[0057] When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material. The lost energy is thermal energy, which is released from the magnetic material. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the more thermal energy is released from the magnetic material. The magnetic material that generates heat due to the external magnetic field is a susceptor.

[0058] The aerosol generation device 1 includes a susceptor 32 that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. The aerosol generation device 1 applies an alternating magnetic field to the susceptor 32 to heat the cigarette 2.

[0059] The susceptor 32 includes a metal or carbon, and includes at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al).

[0060] The susceptor 32 may also include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramic such as zirconia, transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and semi-metal such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0061] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a cavity 33 for accommodating the cigarette 2. The cavity 33 includes an opening that opens to the outside of the cavity 33 in order to accommodate the cigarette 2 in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0062] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a coil 31 that applies an alternating magnetic field to a susceptor 32. The coil 31 is wound along the side of a cavity 33. The coil 31 is disposed around the susceptor 32.

[0063] The coil 31 is supplied with power from the battery 10. When power is supplied to the coil 31, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil 31. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 31, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil 31 may change periodically. When the susceptor 32 is exposed to the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 31, the susceptor 32 generates heat, thereby heating the cigarettes 2 accommodated in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0064] The temperature of the susceptor 32 that heats the cigarette 2 changes as the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 31 changes. The control unit 20 can adjust the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field formed by the coil 31 by controlling the power supplied to the coil 31, thereby controlling the temperature of the susceptor 32.

[0065] As one example, the coil 31 may be embodied as a solenoid. The coil 31 is a solenoid wound along the side of the cavity 33. The cigarette 2 is accommodated in the internal space of the solenoid. The solenoid may include, but is not limited to, copper (Cu).

[0066] The solenoid contains one or an alloy containing at least one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), which has low resistivity and therefore allows high current to flow.

[0067] 2A and 2B are diagrams that schematically show a cigarette according to an embodiment.

[0068] Referring to Figure 2A, cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. Although Figure 2A shows filter rod 220 as a single segment, this is not intended to be limiting. In other words, filter rod 220 may be comprised of multiple segments.

[0069] For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol, and may also include at least one additional segment that performs another function, if desired.

[0070] The cigarettes 2 are wrapped in at least one wrapper 240. The wrapper 240 has at least one perforation formed therein to allow outside air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. As an example, the cigarettes 2 are wrapped in a single wrapper 240. As another example, the cigarettes 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 240 stacked one on top of the other. For example, the tobacco rod 210 is wrapped in a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 220 is wrapped in wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire cigarette 2 may then be rewrapped in a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in a wrapper 242, 243, or 244.

[0071] The tobacco rod 210 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited to these. The tobacco rod 210 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod 210 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 210.

[0072] The tobacco rod 210 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be manufactured in a sheet or strand form. The tobacco rod 210 may also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod 210 may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may uniformly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may also function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 210 may further include a susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0073] The filter rod 220 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 220 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 220 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with a hollow interior. The filter rod 220 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0074] The filter rod 220 may also be manufactured to emit a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 220, or a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 220.

[0075] The filter rod 220 also includes at least one capsule 230. The capsule 230 generates a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a membrane. The capsule 230 may be, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0076] 2B, the cigarette 3 further includes a front end plug 330. The front end plug 330 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 310 opposite the filter rod 320. The front end plug 330 prevents the tobacco rod 310 from detaching to the outside and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 310 into the aerosol generating device during smoking.

[0077] Filter rod 320 includes first segment 321 and second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of filter rod 220 in FIG. 2A, and second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of filter rod 220 in FIG. 2A.

[0078] The diameter and overall length of cigarette 3 correspond to those of cigarette 2 in Fig. 2A. For example, but not limited to, the length of front end plug 330 is approximately 7 mm, the length of tobacco rod 310 is approximately 15 mm, the length of first segment 321 is approximately 12 mm, and the length of second segment 322 is approximately 14 mm.

[0079] The cigarette 3 is wrapped by at least one wrapper 350. The wrapper 350 has at least one perforation formed therein to allow external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out. For example, the front end plug 330 is wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 310 is wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 is wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 is wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. The entire cigarette 3 is then rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0080] Also, at least one perforation 360 is formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 360 is formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 310. The perforation 360 serves to transfer heat generated by the heater 30 shown in Figures 1B and 1C to the interior of the tobacco rod 310.

[0081] The second segment 322 also includes at least one capsule 340. The capsule 340 may function to generate a flavor or may function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 340 has a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a membrane. The capsule 340 may be, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0082] FIG. 3A is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of an aerosol generating device with an open hole.

[0083] 3A, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a housing 100 that forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device 1, and a receiving unit 50 that receives a cigarette 2 through a hole 110 formed on one side of the housing 100. The aerosol generating device 1 also includes a battery 10, a control unit 20, a heater 30, a memory 60 that stores acoustic data, and an acoustic output unit 70.

[0084] The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. In the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment, the control unit 20 transmits the acoustic data stored in the memory 60 to the acoustic output unit .

[0085] The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a storage section 50 that stores a cigarette 2, and the storage section 50 is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 through a hole 110. The hole 110 has an internal space that can sufficiently store the cigarette 2, and has a shape that corresponds to the cross section of the cigarette 2 in the distance direction.

[0086] The heater 30 is configured to surround at least a part of the outside of the accommodating portion 50. For example, the accommodating portion 50 has a cylindrical shape similar to the outer shape of the cigarette 2. As another example, the heater 30 is an induction heating type heat generating means including a cylindrical susceptor surrounding at least a portion of the accommodating portion 50 and a coil surrounding the susceptor. Alternatively, the heater 30 may be arranged so as to protrude into the accommodating portion 50 and be inserted into the cigarette 2.

[0087] The receiving part 50 is cylindrical and has an internal storage space for storing at least a portion of the cigarette 2. The receiving part 50 includes a hole 110 that opens to the outside of the storage space in order to store the cigarette 2 in the aerosol generation device 1. The hole 110 opens toward the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. The cigarette 2 is stored in the storage space through the hole 110 in a direction from the outside of the receiving part 50 toward the inside of the receiving part 50.

[0088] The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a memory 60 for storing acoustic data. The memory 60 stores acoustic data relating to small-volume alarms and short sounds in an uncompressed form, and stores acoustic data relating to relatively large volumes in a compressed form.

[0089] The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes an acoustic output unit 70 that outputs acoustic data stored in the memory 60. The acoustic output unit 70 includes an amplifier (72 in FIG. 5) that amplifies the signal of the acoustic data, and a speaker (73 in FIG. 5) that outputs the amplified signal. The speaker is a microspeaker. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a decoder 71 for outputting large-volume acoustic data.

[0090] The acoustic output unit 70 is disposed at a position where the influence of heat generated from the heater 30 is minimized. The acoustic output unit 70 is disposed between the housing 100 of the aerosol generation device 1 and the heater 30.

[0091] In addition, when heating by induction heating, the acoustic output unit 70 may be spaced a certain distance from the coil (31 in FIG. 1D) to minimize the influence of the magnetic field applied during heating. Alternatively, a shielding tape or the like may be provided between the coil (31 in FIG. 1D) and the acoustic output unit 70 to shield the influence of the magnetic field.

[0092] In addition, the housing 100 of the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment includes a sound emission hole 101 that can emit the sound output from the sound output unit 70 to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. The sound emission hole 101 is one or more small holes formed in the housing 100, and enables the sound output from the sound output unit 70 to be efficiently emitted to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0093] The sound emission hole 101 is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the sound output unit 70. Specifically, it is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the speaker (73 in FIG. 5) of the sound output unit 70. As a result, the sound output from the speaker (73 in FIG. 5) is emitted to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 through the sound emission hole 101 of the aerosol generation device 1, thereby providing an auditory effect to the user.

[0094] The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment further includes a cover 200 that opens and closes the hole 110. The cover 200 opens and closes the hole 110 in various ways. When the cover 200 covers and closes the hole 110, it covers at least a portion of the housing 100. The cover 200 may be fixed to one side of the housing 100 or detachably attached to one side of the housing 100. For example, the cover 200 is a separate member that covers at least a portion of the aerosol generating device 1 and the hole 110, and is detachably attached to one side of the housing 100.

[0095] As another example, referring to FIG. 3A, the cover 200 may be movably coupled to one side of the housing 100, and the hole 110 may be opened or closed as the cover 200 moves.

[0096] 3A, the housing 100 further includes a guide 120 that guides the movement of the cover 200. The cover 200 is movably coupled to the guide 120 and slides along the path of the guide 120.

[0097] The connection between the cover 200 and the guide 120 may be implemented in various ways. For example, the guide 120 may be provided in a groove-like shape on one side of the housing 100, and the cover 200 may include a protrusion that slides while being inserted into the groove of the guide 120. As another example, the guide 120 may be provided in a protrusion-like shape on one side of the housing 100, and the cover 200 may include a groove into which the protrusion is inserted. However, the present invention is not limited to these. Furthermore, the guide 120 and the housing 100 may be manufactured integrally, or may be manufactured separately and then connected.

[0098] Although the guide 120 is shown in the drawings as a straight line, this is not intended to be limiting. At least a portion of the guide 120 may be shown as curved, in which case the cover 200 moves along the curved path of the guide 120.

[0099] The cover 200 opens the hole 110 at the first position P1 and closes the hole 110 at the second position (P2 in FIG. 3B ). When the cover 200 is at the first position P1, the hole 110 is open and a cigarette 2 can be inserted. To use the aerosol generation device 1, a user moves the cover 200 to the first position P1 to open the hole 110, thereby exposing the storage unit 50 to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. The user inserts a cigarette 2 into the storage unit 50 through the open hole 110.

[0100] More specifically, the cover 200 moves between a first position P1 at which the hole 110 of the receiving portion 50 is opened and a second position (P2 in FIG. 3B) at which the hole 110 is closed. When the cover 200 is in the first position P1, all of the holes 110 are opened, and when the cover 200 is in the second position (P2 in FIG. 3B), all of the holes 110 are closed.

[0101] The position of the cover 200 can be adjusted by pressing it with a user's finger. The aerosol generating device 1 also includes a separate driving device that can adjust the position of the cover 200 along the guide 120. The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment further includes a retaining member (not shown) that maintains the cover 200 at the first position P1 or the second position P2. The retaining member fixes the cover 200 at the first position P1 or the second position P2, thereby maintaining the hole 110 in an open state or a closed state. For example, the retaining member may be a permanent magnet that fixes the position of the cover 200 by magnetic force, or a structure that is fixed in a fitting manner, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The cover 200 is formed to be larger than the cross section of the hole 110. The cover 200 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the hole 110. For example, when the hole 110 is circular, at least a portion of the cover 200 includes an arc having a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole 110.

[0103] Meanwhile, the aerosol generator 1 according to one embodiment further includes an air inlet 300. The air inlet 300 refers to a space through which air can flow between the holder 50 and the cigarette 2 when the cigarette 2 is inserted into the holder 50. The air inlet 300 is connected to an air flow passage, which is a path through which air moves inside the aerosol generator 1. That is, outside air flows into the aerosol generator 1 through the air inlet 300, moves to the holder 50, passes through the inside of the cigarette 2, mixes with the aerosol, and is then delivered to the user.

[0104] FIG. 3B is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the aerosol generating device in which the holes are closed.

[0105] 3B, when the aerosol generation device 1 is not in use, a user can close the hole 110 by moving the cover 200 to the second position P2. When the cover 200 is moved to the second position P2 and the hole 110 is closed, the receiving part 50 is sealed, and the receiving part 50 can be isolated from the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. When the cover 200 closes the hole 110, foreign matter is prevented from flowing into the receiving part 50.

[0106] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing a process in which a cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment moves.

[0107] The aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment further includes an elastic member 400 that guides the movement of the cover 200. The elastic member 400 guides the movement of the cover 200 by elastic force. The elastic member 400 is a spring. For example, the spring is a spiral spring or a torsion spring.

[0108] As another example, the elastic member 400 is a compressible and elastic material such as sponge or rubber.

[0109] As still another example, the elastic member 400 includes a magnet that exerts an elastic force by the action of magnetic force, or an air cylinder that exerts an elastic force by compressed air.

[0110] One side 410 of the elastic member 400 is rotatably connected to the cover 200, and the other side 420 is rotatably connected to the housing 100. At least a portion of the one side 410 and the other side 420 of the elastic member 400 may be curved to be rotatably connected to the cover 200 and the housing 100, respectively.

[0111] 4A to 4C, the elastic member 400 is a torsion spring, and includes a portion wound around one or more times between one side 410 and the other side 420 of the elastic member 400.

[0112] The elastic member 400 guides the movement of the cover 200 by being deformed on one surface of the housing 100 as the cover 200 moves and then restoring its shape due to elastic force.

[0113] 4A is a view showing one side of the housing 100 when the cover 200 is at the first position P1. When the cover 200 is at the first position P1, the hole 110 of the aerosol generation device 1 is opened.

[0114] When the cover 200 is in the first position P1, the elastic member 400 is not subjected to an external force and therefore maintains its basic shape without being compressed or expanded. Therefore, when the cover 200 is in the first position P1, the elastic member 400 does not provide an elastic force to the cover 200.

[0115] Furthermore, when the cover 200 is positioned closer to the first position P1 than to the second position P2, the elastic member 400 can bias the cover 200 toward the first position P1. Specifically, when the cover 200 moves from the first position P1 to an intermediate position Pm between the first position P1 and the second position P2, the elastic member 400 is compressed. Furthermore, when the cover 200 moves from the intermediate position Pm to the first position P1, the elastic member 400 relaxes. Therefore, when the cover 200 moves from the intermediate position Pm to the first position P1, the elastic member 400 relaxes and biases toward the first position P1.

[0116] The elastic member 400 allows the user to move the cover 200 with a small force to open the hole 110. Furthermore, if no external force is applied that would move the cover 200 to the intermediate position (Pm in FIG. 4B), the cover 200 is maintained at the first position P1, thereby preventing unintended movement of the cover 200.

[0117] FIG. 4B is a view showing one side of the housing 100 when the cover 200 is located at the intermediate position Pm, which is the intermediate point between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0118] When a user moves the cover 200 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, or from the second position P2 to the first position P1, one side 410 of the elastic member 400 connected to the housing 100 moves together with the cover 200, compressing the elastic member 400.

[0119] When the elastic member 400 is compressed by an external force applied to the cover 200, elastic energy that attempts to restore the elastic member 400 to its original shape is stored in the elastic member 400. The original shape of the elastic member 400 means the shape of the elastic member 400 when it is not compressed or expanded.

[0120] The elastic member 400 accumulates elastic energy as it is compressed by the external force between the first position P1 and the second position P2 until it passes a critical position where the external force applied by the user and the elastic force of the elastic member 400 become equal. If the cover 200 does not move beyond the critical position, the elastic force of the elastic member 400 returns the cover 200 to its original position. The critical position is the intermediate position Pm shown in FIG. 4B.

[0121] 4C is a view showing one side of the housing 100 when the cover 200 is in the second position P2. When the cover 200 is in the second position P2, the hole 110 of the aerosol generation device 1 is closed.

[0122] When the cover 200 is in the second position P2, the elastic member 400 is not subjected to an external force and therefore maintains its basic shape without being compressed or expanded. Therefore, when the cover 200 is in the second position P2, the elastic member 400 does not provide an elastic force to the cover 200.

[0123] Furthermore, when the cover 200 is positioned closer to the second position P2 than to the first position P1, the elastic member 400 can bias the cover 200 toward the second position P2. Specifically, when the cover 200 moves from the second position P2 to an intermediate position Pm between the second position P2 and the first position P1, the elastic member 400 is compressed. Furthermore, when the cover 200 moves from the intermediate position Pm to the second position P2, the elastic member 400 relaxes. Therefore, when the cover 200 moves from the intermediate position Pm to the second position P2, the elastic member 400 relaxes and biases toward the second position P2.

[0124] The elastic member 400 allows the user to move the cover 200 with a small force to close the hole 110. Furthermore, if no external force is applied that would move the cover 200 to the intermediate position (Pm in FIG. 4B), the cover 200 is maintained at the second position P2, thereby preventing the cover 200 from opening unintentionally.

[0125] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0126] The aerosol generation device 1 includes a control unit 20, a memory 60, and an acoustic output unit 70. The aerosol generation device 1 may further include an acoustic input unit 80. The aerosol generation device 1 also includes a sensing unit 90 that senses the operation of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0127] The control unit 20 controls the overall operations of the memory 60, the acoustic output unit 70, the acoustic input unit 80, and the sensing unit 90. Depending on the result determined by the control unit 20, the control unit 20 can perform an operation of transmitting a signal from the acoustic output unit 70, an operation of receiving a signal from the acoustic input unit 80, an operation of storing acoustic data in the memory 60, or an operation of outputting acoustic data stored in the memory 60. In addition, the control unit 20 controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 depending on the result sensed by the sensing unit 90.

[0128] 5, the control unit 20 can also control the operation of a communication unit capable of communicating with other electronic devices, a user input unit capable of receiving information from a user, etc. The communication unit is a communication module for short-range communication, wireless communication, etc. As described above, it goes without saying that the control unit 20 can control the operation of the heater and the battery.

[0129] The memory 60 stores one or more audio data in various formats, for example, but not limited to, uncompressed wav files or compressed mp3 files.

[0130] The aerosol generation device 1 includes an audio output unit 70 that outputs audio data stored in the memory 60 to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. The audio output unit 70 includes an amplifier 72 that amplifies the audio data signal stored in the memory 60, and a speaker 73 that outputs the amplified signal. Specifically, the memory 60 can store audio data relating to small-capacity alarms or short sounds in an uncompressed format, and such audio data is output via the amplifier 72 and the speaker 73 without any additional conversion. The aerosol generation device 1 according to the embodiment is capable of audio output with only a simple configuration.

[0131] In addition, the memory 60 can store relatively large amounts of audio data in a compressed format, and the audio output unit 70 further includes a decoder 71 for decoding and outputting the compressed audio data. Specifically, the digital audio data stored in the memory 60 in a compressed format is converted into an analog signal by the decoder 71, and the converted signal is amplified by an amplifier 72 and output to a speaker 73.

[0132] On the other hand, although not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 can output not only acoustic data already stored in the memory 60 but also acoustic data that has not been stored. For example, it receives external acoustic data provided via a communication module such as short-range communication or wireless communication, and outputs it to the acoustic output unit 70. As described above, the external acoustic data is received via the control unit 20. The acoustic data received via communication or the like is decoded by a decoder and played back in a streaming manner via the speaker 73.

[0133] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment further includes an audio input unit 80 for receiving external audio. That is, the aerosol generating device 1 has a recording function. The audio input unit 80 includes a microphone 81 and an encoder 82 for encoding audio input via the microphone 81. Specifically, an analog signal received from the microphone 81 is converted into a digital signal via the encoder 82 and stored in the memory 60.

[0134] The user selects sound data input through the encoder 82 and stored in the memory 60 and sets it to be played in a specific mode. The user replaces the sound data for each mode already stored in the memory 60 with the recorded sound and sets it.

[0135] Furthermore, other sound data than the sound data for each set mode may be stored in the memory 60. The user selects from the sound data stored in the memory 60, and changes and sets it so that it is played in the desired mode.

[0136] As will be described later, the acoustic data "open mode" and "close mode" which are acoustic data regarding whether the hole 110 is open or closed, the acoustic data "on mode" and "off mode" which are acoustic data regarding the power on / off of the aerosol generating device 1, the acoustic data "cigarette storage mode" and "cigarette removal mode" which are acoustic data regarding whether the cigarette 2 has been stored in / removed from the storage section 50, and the acoustic data "preheating start mode" and "preheating completion mode" which are acoustic data regarding whether preheating of the heater 30 has started / completed may be changed and set to acoustic data different from the default acoustic data.

[0137] A keypad, domeswitch, touchpad, zog wheel, zog switch, etc. may be provided to allow the user to make such settings.

[0138] The control unit 20 controls the acoustic data stored in the memory 60 to be output through the acoustic output unit 70 based on the result of sensing by the sensing unit 90. The sensing unit 90 includes at least one of a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a fourth sensor, and a fifth sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0139] The first sensor detects whether the cover 200 of the aerosol generating device 1 opens or closes the hole 110. The first sensor detects the movement of the cover 200 itself, and may also detect the movement of the elastic member 400 that guides the movement of the cover 200. For example, the first sensor detects changes in the mounting space due to compression and relaxation of the elastic member 400. However, the first sensor is not limited thereto, and may be any suitable sensor for detecting whether the hole 110 is open or closed.

[0140] The first sensor detects that the hole 110 is open when the cover 200 is positioned closer to the first position P1 than to the second position P2, and detects that the hole 110 is closed when the cover 200 is positioned closer to the second position P2 than to the first position P1.

[0141] The control unit 20 determines whether the hall 110 is open or closed based on the result sensed by the first sensor, selects sound data stored in the memory 60 according to the result of the determination, and transmits the sound data to the sound output unit 70. That is, the control unit 20 selects sound data for the "open mode" or the "close mode" stored in the memory 60 according to the result sensed by the first sensor, and transmits the sound data to the sound output unit 70.

[0142] If the first sensor detects that the hall 110 is open, the control unit 20 selects the sound data stored in the memory 60 in the "open mode" and transmits it to the sound output unit 70. Conversely, if the first sensor detects that the hall 110 is closed, the control unit 20 selects the sound data stored in the memory 60 in the "close mode" and transmits it to the sound output unit 70.

[0143] In addition, the first sensor recognizes the amplitude, frequency, waveform, etc. of sound waves generated from the elastic member 400 as the cover 200 opens and closes the hole 110. The control unit 20 can detect whether the hole 110 is open or closed by determining whether the sound wave data, such as the amplitude, frequency, waveform, etc., recognized by the first sensor matches the sound wave data related to the elastic member 400 that has already been stored. The first sensor includes a microphone 81 for recognizing the sound waves generated from the elastic member 400.

[0144] The memory 60 stores sound wave data generated by the elastic member 400 as the cover 200 opens and closes the hole 110. The sound wave data is data related to the amplitude, frequency, waveform, etc. of sound waves generated by the elastic member 400 due to the movement of the cover 200, and may vary depending on the type of elastic member 400, the manner in which the elastic member 400 is connected to the cover 200 and the housing 100, and the degree of compression and relaxation of the elastic member 400.

[0145] The control unit 20 determines whether the sound wave data of the elastic member 400 stored in the memory 60 matches the data recognized through the first sensor. The control unit 20 can detect whether the hole 110 is open or closed by determining whether the sound wave data matches. The control unit 20 determines that the sound wave data matches when one or more of the amplitude, frequency, and waveform of the sound wave of the elastic member 400 recognized through the first sensor matches the sound wave data of the elastic member 400 stored in the memory 60.

[0146] The second sensor detects whether the power supply to the aerosol generation device 1 is on / off. The second sensor detects whether the power supply is on / off by detecting the potential of the battery 10. However, the second sensor is not limited to this and may be any suitable sensor for detecting whether power is supplied from the battery 10 to the aerosol generation device 1.

[0147] The aerosol generating device 1 may also be provided with a separate switch for turning the power on and off, and the second sensor detects the operation of the switch.

[0148] Meanwhile, one sensor can detect both the power on / off of the aerosol generation device 1 and the opening and closing of the hole 110. For example, when the hole 110 is closed, an OFF signal is generated, thereby simultaneously detecting the closure of the hole 110 and the power off. When the hole 110 is open, an ON signal is generated, thereby simultaneously detecting the opening of the hole 110 and the power on.

[0149] The control unit 20 determines whether to power on or off the aerosol generating device 1 based on the signal sensed by the second sensor, selects acoustic data stored in the memory 60 according to the determination result, and transmits the selected acoustic data to the acoustic output unit 70. That is, the control unit 20 selects acoustic data of "on mode" or "off mode" stored in the memory 60 according to the result sensed by the second sensor, and transmits the selected acoustic data to the acoustic output unit 70.

[0150] If the second sensor detects that the hall 110 has been turned on, the control unit 20 selects the sound data stored in the memory 60 in the "on mode" and transmits it to the sound output unit 70. Conversely, if the second sensor detects that the hall 110 has been turned off, the control unit 20 selects the sound data stored in the memory 60 in the "off mode" and transmits it to the sound output unit 70.

[0151] The third sensor is a sensor that detects whether or not a cigarette 2 has been placed in the storage section 50 of the aerosol generation device 1. The cigarette 2 is inserted through the hole 110 of the aerosol generation device 1 and placed in the storage section 50, and therefore the third sensor is any suitable sensor for detecting whether or not a cigarette 2 has been inserted into the hole 110.

[0152] In addition, the third sensor recognizes that the cigarette 2 is accommodated when the cigarette 2 is inserted through the hole 110 and deeply inserted to a certain position in the accommodating portion 50. The cigarette 2 is inserted along the z-axis direction in Fig. 3A, and the certain position is based on a specific position on the z-axis. If the cigarette 2 is not deeply inserted to the certain position, the third sensor recognizes that the cigarette 2 is removed.

[0153] For example, the third sensor may include at least one of a Hall sensor that detects a change in a magnetic field generated from a metal material contained in the cigarette 2, a mechanical sensor that detects a physical change generated by the insertion of the cigarette 2, an infrared sensor that detects the approach of the cigarette 2, and an optical sensor that detects a pattern printed on the surface of the cigarette 2. However, the third sensor is not limited to the above examples.

[0154] The control unit 20 determines whether a cigarette 2 has been placed in or removed from the container 50 of the aerosol generating device 1 based on the signal sensed by the third sensor, and selects acoustic data stored in the memory 60 according to the result of the determination and transmits the selected acoustic data to the acoustic output unit 70. That is, the control unit 20 selects acoustic data for the "on mode" or "off mode" stored in the memory 60 according to the result sensed by the third sensor and transmits the selected acoustic data to the acoustic output unit 70.

[0155] If the third sensor detects that a cigarette 2 has been placed in the cigarette holder, the control unit 20 selects the sound data stored in the memory 60 in the "cigarette placement mode" and transmits it to the sound output unit 70. Conversely, if the third sensor detects that a cigarette 2 has been removed, the control unit 20 selects the sound data stored in the memory 60 in the "cigarette removal mode" and transmits it to the sound output unit 70.

[0156] The fourth sensor is a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 30 or the temperature to which the cigarette 2 is heated. For example, the fourth sensor may be a thermocouple (TC), a resistance temperature detector (RTD), or a thermistor, but is not limited to these.

[0157] The control unit 20 determines whether preheating of the heater 30 has started or whether preheating to a predetermined temperature has been completed based on the temperature sensed by the fourth sensor, and selects sound data stored in the memory 60 according to the result of the determination and transmits the selected sound data to the sound output unit 70. That is, the control unit 20 selects sound data for the "on mode" or "off mode" stored in the memory 60 according to the result sensed by the fourth sensor and transmits the selected sound data to the sound output unit 70.

[0158] If the fourth sensor detects that preheating of the heater 30 has started, the control unit 20 selects the sound data stored in the memory 60 in the "preheating start mode" and transmits it to the sound output unit 70. Conversely, if the fourth sensor detects that preheating of the heater 30 has been completed, the control unit 20 selects the sound data stored in the memory 60 in the "preheating completion mode" and transmits it to the sound output unit 70.

[0159] Meanwhile, when the third sensor detects that the cigarette 2 is contained, the control unit 20 controls the heater 30 to start preheating.

[0160] In addition, if the control unit 20 determines that the heater is heating based on the result sensed by the fourth sensor and simultaneously determines that the cigarette 2 has been removed from the storage unit 50 based on the result sensed by the third sensor, the control unit 20 selects the sound data stored in the memory 60 in the "cigarette removal mode during heating" and transmits it to the sound output unit 70.

[0161] As described above, if it is determined that the cigarette 2 has been detached during heating, the control unit 20 stops heating by the heater 30 or turns off the power to the aerosol generation device 1 to ensure safety.

[0162] The fifth sensor is a puff sensor for detecting a user's puff. The fifth sensor detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 626 detects a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0163] The fifth sensor counts the number of puffs. The number of puffs is counted after the heater 30 starts heating, after the heater 30 has completed preheating, or after the heater 30 has reached a certain temperature.

[0164] If the control unit 20 determines that the predetermined number of puffs has been reached based on the number of puffs sensed by the fifth sensor, the control unit 20 selects the sound data stored in the memory 60 in the “quit smoking mode” and transmits it to the sound output unit 70.

[0165] It is determined whether a cigarette 2 has been placed in or removed from the container 50 of the aerosol generating device 1, and based on the determination result, the acoustic data stored in the memory 60 is selected and transmitted to the acoustic output unit 70.

[0166] Furthermore, the acoustic output unit 70 of the aerosol generation device 1 may further include a volume adjustment unit. When the volume adjustment unit is further included, the aerosol generation device 1 has a volume adjustment lever, button, or the like on the housing 100 so that the user can adjust the volume.

[0167] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an embodiment in which a speaker is disposed in the aerosol generating device.

[0168] The speaker 73 is disposed between the housing 100 and the heater 30 of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the speaker 73 is disposed between the housing 100 and the heater 30 based on a direction intersecting the distance direction (z-axis direction) of the aerosol generation device 1. Referring to Fig. 6, the speaker 73 is disposed between the housing 100 and the heater 30 based on the x-axis direction.

[0169] The heater 30 includes a heat insulating member to better transfer heat for heating the cigarette 2 to the cigarette 2 without affecting other external components. The heat insulating member is included on the outside of the heater 30, i.e., on the side facing the housing 100, opposite the side facing the cigarette 2. The heat insulating member is arranged to surround the heater 30 and has a cylindrical shape extending in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction). The speaker 73 is arranged between the heat insulating member arranged on the outside of the heater 30 and the housing 100.

[0170] 6 is a cross-sectional view of an example in which a cigarette 2 is heated by induction heating. When the cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, a magnetic field is formed by supplying power to the coil 31, and the magnetic field causes the susceptor 32 to generate heat, thereby heating the cigarette 2.

[0171] A first insulator 34 is disposed outside the susceptor 32. The first insulator 34 blocks the heat generated in the susceptor 32 from being transferred to the outside, while at the same time allowing more heat to be transferred to the cigarette 2. The first insulator 34 not only provides the above-mentioned thermal insulation effect, but also serves as a support for the coil 31.

[0172] In addition, a second insulator 35 is further disposed on the outside of the coil 31. The second insulator 35 serves to reinforce the insulating effect of the first insulator 34.

[0173] The second insulator also includes a shielding tape. The shielding tape prevents the magnetic field formed by the coil 31 from affecting other components other than heating the cigarette 2 by causing the susceptor 32 to heat up. By providing the shielding tape on the outside of the coil 31, i.e., on the side facing the housing 100 opposite to the side facing the cigarette 2, the influence of the magnetic field on other components such as the speaker 73 is shielded. As another example, the shielding tape may also be provided between the first insulator 34 and the second insulator 35.

[0174] 6, the speaker 73 is disposed in the space between the housing 100 and the second insulator 35 of the aerosol generation device 1. By disposing the speaker 73 in the space between the housing 100 and the second insulator 35, the resonance effect of the speaker 73 is improved even in a miniaturized aerosol generation device 1. However, it goes without saying that the position of the speaker 73 is not limited to the position shown in FIG.

[0175] On the other hand, the speaker 73 is positioned between the housing 100 and the heater 30 based on the direction crossing the distance direction of the aerosol generating device 1, and at the same time, is positioned above the heater 30 based on the distance direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0176] Specifically, when the cigarette 2 is housed in the housing 50, the heater 30 is formed with a length that heats only the tobacco rod (210 in FIG. 2A) of the cigarette 2. That is, it is possible to heat only the portion of the cigarette 2 that contains the aerosol-generating material, and in this case, the length (z-axis direction) of the heater 30 is formed shorter than the length shown in FIG.

[0177] As shown in Fig. 1A, when the heater 30 is inserted into the cigarette 2 when the cigarette 2 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 50 of the aerosol generation device 1, the heater 30 may be formed to be shorter than the overall length (z-axis direction) of the cigarette 2. As shown in Figs. 1B and 1C, when the heater 30 surrounds the outside of the cigarette 2, the heater 30 may also be formed to be shorter than the overall length (z-axis direction) of the cigarette 2. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1D, the coil 31 and the susceptor 32 may also be formed to be shorter than the overall length (z-axis direction) of the cigarette 2.

[0178] That is, the means for heating the cigarette 2 are made shorter than shown in FIG.

[0179] In this case, the speaker 73 is disposed between the heater 30 and the housing 100 to minimize the influence of the heater 30, and is also disposed at an upper end (in the +z direction based on the z-axis) than the position where the heater 30 is disposed. In this case, the speaker 73 can minimize the influence of the heater 30 and enhance the resonance effect at the same time.

[0180] In other words, if we explain this based on the distance direction (z-axis direction) of the aerosol generating device 1, when the cigarette 2 is stored in the storage section 50, the heater 30 is arranged alongside the tobacco rod (210 in Figure 2A) of the cigarette 2, and the speaker 73 is arranged alongside the filter rod (220 in Figure 2A) of the cigarette 2.

[0181] The speaker 73 has a speaker frame 73a for being fixed to the aerosol generation device 1. A portion of the speaker frame 73a is sandwiched between a fixing member 73b and fixed by a fixing screw 73c. ​​The fixing member 73b is attached to the housing 100 of the aerosol generation device 1 or extends integrally from the housing 100. However, the fixing means for the speaker 73 is not limited to the examples given above.

[0182] 7A and 7B are perspective views schematically illustrating an embodiment in which a microphone is disposed in an aerosol generating device.

[0183] The aerosol generating device 1 further includes a microphone 81 for receiving external sounds. The microphone 81 can record a variety of sounds, including the user's voice.

[0184] The aerosol generation device 1 includes an audio input hole for receiving external sound on the surface of the aerosol generation device 1. When sound volume is input through the hole, the external sound is received through the microphone 81. The diaphragm of the microphone 81 is disposed inside the aerosol generation device 1 so as to correspond to the position of the audio input hole.

[0185] Although simply shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the arrangement of the microphones 81 includes both the aforementioned sound input holes and the arrangement of the microphones 81 that receive the sound transmitted through the sound input holes.

[0186] Since a user often positions their mouth toward the upper surface of the aerosol generation device 1 (in the +z direction based on the z-axis) to inhale the cigarette 2, the microphone 81 is placed near the upper surface of the aerosol generation device 1 so that the user's voice can be recorded more clearly. In addition, when the microphone 81 is placed in this position, the amplitude, frequency, waveform, etc. of the sound waves generated by the elastic member 400 can be more clearly recognized by opening and closing the hole 110 of the cover 200.

[0187] 7A, the microphone 81 is disposed at a position (+x direction based on the x-axis) on the upper surface of the aerosol generation device 1 where the cover 200 does not move. The microphone 81 minimizes the influence of movement of the cover 200.

[0188] 7B, the microphone 81 is positioned at a position where the cover 200 does not move (-x direction based on the x axis) on the upper surface of the aerosol generation device 1. Even if the cover 200 is positioned at the first position (P1 in FIG. 3A) where the hole 110 is completely opened, the cover 200 may be positioned so as not to cover the microphone 81.

[0189] As another example, the microphone 81 may be disposed on the side or rear surface of the aerosol generation device 1. It goes without saying that the position where the microphone 81 is disposed is not limited to the above-mentioned position.

[0190] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0191] The aerosol generating device 800 includes a control unit 810, a sensing unit 820, an output unit 830, a battery 840, a heater 850, a user input unit 860, a memory 870, and a communication unit 880. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 800 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 8. That is, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the components shown in Fig. 8 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 800.

[0192] The sensing unit 820 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 800 or the state around the aerosol generating device 800, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 810. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 810 controls the aerosol generating device 800 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 850, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0193] The sensing unit 820 includes at least one of a first sensor 821, a second sensor 822, a third sensor 823, a fourth sensor 824, and a fifth sensor 825, but is not limited to these.

[0194] The sensing unit 820 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 821 to 825. 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.

[0195] The output unit 830 outputs and provides to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 800. The output unit 830 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 832, a haptic unit 834, and an audio output unit 836. When the display unit 832 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 832 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0196] The display unit 832 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generating device 800. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 800 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 840 of the aerosol generating device 800, the preheating status of the heater 850, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generating device 800 (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 832 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 832 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 832 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0197] The haptic unit 834 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 800. For example, the haptic unit 834 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0198] 3 and 5. The acoustic output unit 836 audibly provides the user with information about the aerosol generation device 800. For example, the acoustic output unit 836 converts an electric signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0199] The battery 840 supplies power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 800. The battery 840 supplies power to the heater 850 so that it can be heated. The battery 840 also supplies power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generation device 800 (e.g., the sensing unit 820, the output unit 830, the user input unit 860, the memory 870, and the communication unit 880). The battery 840 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 840 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0200] Heater 850 receives power from battery 840 and heats the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 8, aerosol-generating device 800 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of battery 840 and supplies it to heater 850. Furthermore, when aerosol-generating device 800 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, aerosol-generating device 800 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of battery 840 into AC power supply.

[0201] The control unit 810, the sensing unit 820, the output unit 830, the user input unit 860, the memory 870, and the communication unit 880 perform their functions by receiving power from a battery 840. Although not shown in FIG. 8 , the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 840 and supplies it to each component.

[0202] In one embodiment, heater 850 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 130 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.

[0203] In another embodiment, heater 850 is an induction heater, for example, heater 850 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0204] The user input unit 860 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 860 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. 8 , the aerosol generating device 800 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 800 can connect to other external devices to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 840.

[0205] The memory 870 corresponds to the memory 60 described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5. The memory 870 stores various acoustic data. The memory 870 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 800, and stores data processed by the control unit 810 and data to be processed. The memory 870 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card micro, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 870 stores the operating time of the aerosol generating device 800, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0206] The communication unit 880 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 880 includes a short-range communication unit 882 and a wireless communication unit 884.

[0207] The short-range communication unit 882 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth 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.

[0208] The wireless communication unit 884 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 884 can use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 800 within the communication network.

[0209] The controller 810 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 800. In one embodiment, the controller 810 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 810 may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0210] The control unit 810 controls the temperature of the heater 850 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 840 to the heater 850. For example, the control unit 810 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 840 and the heater 850. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 850 in response to a control command from the control unit 810.

[0211] The control unit 810 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 820 and controls subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 810 controls the power supplied to the heater 850 to start or stop the operation of the heater 850 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 820. As another example, the control unit 810 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 850 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 820 so that the heater 850 is heated to a predetermined temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0212] The control unit 810 controls the output unit 830 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 820. The control unit 810 notifies the user of information through at least one of the display unit 832, the haptic unit 834, and the audio output unit 836 according to the sensed result.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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 equivalent to the contents of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, a housing that forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device and has an acoustic emission hole; a receiving portion for receiving a cigarette through a hole formed on one side of the housing; a heater for heating the cigarettes stored in the storage section; a memory in which acoustic data is stored; an acoustic output unit that outputs the acoustic data; and a control unit that transmits the acoustic data stored in the memory to the acoustic output unit.

2. The aerosol generating device further includes a cover that covers at least a portion of the housing and opens and closes the hole, and a first sensor that detects whether the hole is opened or closed by the cover, The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects acoustic data of the open mode or the closed mode stored in the memory based on the result sensed by the first sensor and transmits the selected acoustic data to the acoustic output unit.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the cover is movably coupled to one side of the housing, opens the hole in a first position, and closes the hole in a second position opposite the first position.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the first sensor detects that the hole is open when the cover is positioned closer to the first position than the second position, and detects that the hole is closed when the cover is positioned closer to the second position than the first position.

5. The aerosol generating device comprises: The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , further comprising an elastic member, one side of which is rotatably connected to the cover and the other side of which is rotatably connected to the housing, for providing an elastic force to the cover.

6. the first sensor recognizes at least one of amplitude, frequency, and waveform of a sound wave generated from the elastic member by the cover opening or closing the hole; The aerosol generating device of claim 5 , wherein the control unit detects whether the hole is open or closed by determining whether it matches at least one of the amplitude, frequency, or waveform of the elastic member that has already been stored.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the acoustic output unit includes an amplifier that amplifies the signal of the acoustic data, and a speaker that outputs the signal amplified via the amplifier.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the acoustic output unit further comprises a decoder coupled to the memory and configured to decode the acoustic data stored in the memory.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the speaker is disposed between the housing and the heater in a direction transverse to a distance direction of the aerosol generating device.

10. The aerosol generating device comprises: The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an acoustic input unit including a microphone for receiving external sound and an encoder for encoding the sound input via the microphone.

11. the aerosol generating device further includes a communication module; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit receives an acoustic signal via the communication module and transmits the acoustic signal to the acoustic output unit.

12. the aerosol generating device further includes a second sensor that detects whether the aerosol generating device is powered on or off; The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects the acoustic data of the on mode or the off mode stored in the memory according to the result sensed by the second sensor and transmits it to the acoustic output unit.

13. The aerosol generating device further includes a third sensor that detects whether the cigarette is contained, The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit selects acoustic data of the cigarette storage mode or the cigarette removal mode stored in the memory based on the results sensed by the third sensor and transmits the selected acoustic data to the acoustic output unit.

14. the aerosol generating device further includes a fourth sensor that senses a temperature of the heater; The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit selects acoustic data of a pre-heating start mode or a pre-heating completion mode stored in the memory based on the result sensed by the fourth sensor and transmits the selected acoustic data to the acoustic output unit.

15. The aerosol generating device further includes a third sensor that detects whether the cigarette is contained, and a fourth sensor that detects the temperature of the heater; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the acoustic data stored in the memory in the cigarette removal mode during heating to the acoustic output unit when the fourth sensor determines that the heater is heating and simultaneously the third sensor determines that the cigarette has been removed from the storage unit.

16. the aerosol generating device further includes a fifth sensor that counts the number of puffs taken by a user; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the acoustic data stored in the memory in a smoking cessation mode to the acoustic output unit when it is determined that the number of puffs counted by the fifth sensor has reached a predetermined number of puffs.

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