Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed that includes an elongated chamber for storing a liquid aerosol generating material, and a level sensor disposed within the chamber, the level sensor including an insulating substrate extending in a longitudinal direction of the chamber, and a plurality of sensing electrodes formed of conductors extending in the longitudinal direction and disposed laterally spaced apart from one another on the insulating substrate, at least some of the plurality of sensing electrodes positioned to contact the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a substance having a variety of components. The substance contained in the medium may be a flavoring substance having a variety of components. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, a herb component, and / or a coffee component. In recent years, much research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to solving the above-referenced problems and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can accurately determine the amount of aerosol generating material in a cartridge.

[0005] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that can adjust the power supplied to the heater when the aerosol generating material is generated.

[0006] It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that allows a user to accurately recognize when the aerosol generating material has run out and when it is time to replace the cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, an aerosol generating device includes an elongated chamber for storing a liquid aerosol generating material and a level sensor disposed inside the chamber, the level sensor including an insulating substrate extending longitudinally of the chamber and a plurality of sensing electrodes formed of conductors extending longitudinally and disposed laterally spaced apart from one another on the insulating substrate, at least some of the plurality of sensing electrodes positioned so as to be in contact with the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber. Effect of the Invention

[0008] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure allows for accurate determination of the amount of aerosol generating material in a cartridge.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supplied to the heater can be adjusted upon exhaustion of the aerosol generating material.

[0010] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to allow a user to accurately recognize when the aerosol generating material is exhausted and when it is time to replace the cartridge.

[0011] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stick. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stick. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stick. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components even if they are illustrated in different drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0014] The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used only for ease of description of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have different meanings or roles from each other.

[0015] In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a specific description of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings. Therefore, the attached drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the idea and scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0017] When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there can be other elements in between, whereas when an element is said to be "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.

[0018] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generation device 10 may include a communication interface 11, an input / output interface 12, an aerosol generation module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and / or a control unit 17.

[0021] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only the main body 100. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of the main body 100 and a cartridge 200 that stores an aerosol generating material. In this case, the components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

[0022] The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and / or a network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as a universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) low power (BLE), Zigbee (registered trademark), near field communication (NFC), etc.

[0023] The input / output interface 12 may include an input device that receives commands from a user and / or an output device 122 that outputs information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device 122 may include a display device that outputs visual information such as a display, a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor that outputs tactile information such as a haptic effect, etc.

[0024] The input / output interface 12 can transmit data corresponding to commands input by a user via the input device to other components (and the like) of the aerosol generating device 10. The input / output interface 12 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (and the like) of the aerosol generating device 10 via the output device 122.

[0025] The aerosol generating module 13 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol generating material can refer to any one or a combination of two or more materials in various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gel state, etc., capable of generating an aerosol.

[0026] The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material, including volatile tobacco flavor components, according to one embodiment. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material, according to another embodiment. For example, the liquid aerosol generating material may include water, solvent, nicotine, botanical extracts, flavors, flavorings, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

[0027] The solid-state aerosol-generating material may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, and granulated tobacco. The solid-state aerosol-generating material may also include solid materials containing taste modifiers, seasonings, and the like. For example, taste modifiers may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, seasonings may include natural materials such as herb granules, silica containing fragrance ingredients, zeolite, dextrin, and the like.

[0028] Additionally, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0029] The aerosol generation module 13 can include at least one heater.

[0030] The aerosol generation module 13 can include an electrical resistive heater. For example, the electrical resistive heater can include at least one electrically conductive track and can be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. Here, the aerosol generating material can be heated by the heated electrical resistive heater.

[0031] The electrically conductive track may comprise an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive track may be made of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a composite of a ceramic material and a metal.

[0032] The electrical resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track formed in a variety of shapes, for example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tube, a plate, a needle, a rod, and a coil.

[0033] The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heater may include an electric conductive coil, and an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically may be generated by adjusting a current flowing through the electric conductive coil. Here, 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, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy to heat the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be called a susceptor.

[0034] On the other hand, the aerosol generation module 13 can also generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

[0035] The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, or the like.

[0036] When the aerosol generating device 10 is composed of a main body 100 and a cartridge 200 that holds an aerosol generating substance, the aerosol generating module 13 may be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

[0037] The memory 14 can store programs for each signal processing and control within the control unit 17, and can store data processed by the control unit 17 and data to be processed.

[0038] For example, memory 14 can store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by control unit 17, and can selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of control unit 17.

[0039] For example, the memory 14 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery 16 has been charged, the number of times the battery 16 has been discharged, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's inhalation pattern, data on charging and discharging, etc. Here, a puff may refer to a user's inhalation, and inhalation may refer to a situation in which a user inhales air through the mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0040] For example, the memory 14 can be stored by matching the magnitude of impedance between multiple sensing electrodes of the level sensor with information of the liquid aerosol product mass in the cartridge.

[0041] The memory 14 may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0042] The memory 14 may be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200. The memory 14 may be disposed in each of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200. For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store information about the configuration disposed inside the main body 100, such as information about the total capacity of the battery 190. For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store cartridge information received from the cartridge 200 previously or currently coupled to the main body 100, and the memory of the cartridge 200 may store cartridge information including cartridge identification information (ID information), cartridge type information, and the like.

[0043] The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

[0044] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0045] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or the like.

[0046] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a temperature sensor) for detecting the temperature of a heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, the temperature of an aerosol generating material, etc. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The sensor module 15 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature.

[0047] For example, if a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generation device 10, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor that detects the insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor).

[0048] For example, in the case where the aerosol generating device 10 includes the cartridge 200, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment / detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge 200 relative to the main body 100.

[0049] Here, the stick detection sensor and / or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cartridge detection sensor may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal may be provided in the main body 100, and may be electrically connected to an electrode provided in the cartridge 200 by combining the cartridge 200 with the main body 100.

[0050] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and / or a current sensor that detects the current.

[0051] For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a "motion sensor" 154) that detects the movement of the main body 100 and / or the cartridge 200 of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, the motion sensor 154 may be embodied by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor 154 may be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

[0052] For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a "level sensor" 250) that senses the amount of liquid aerosol generating material present in the chamber C1 of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, the level sensor 250 may include a plurality of sensing electrodes spaced apart from one another on an insulating substrate. The plurality of sensing electrodes may be in contact with the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1. The magnitude of impedance between the plurality of sensing electrodes of the level sensor 250 may vary depending on the amount of liquid aerosol generating material present in the chamber C1.

[0053] The battery 16 can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 10 under the control of the control unit 17. The battery 16 can supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the battery 16 can supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input / output interface 12, a heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, etc.

[0054] The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer battery. For example, if the battery 16 is rechargeable, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, 10C to 20C. For stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured to ensure 80% or more of its full capacity even after 2000 charge / discharge cycles.

[0055] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a battery protection circuit module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The battery protection module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the battery 16. For example, in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16, the battery protection module (PCM) may cut off an electric path to the battery 16 when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16, when an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, etc.

[0056] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from an external source is input. For example, a charging terminal is formed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 10, and the aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0057] The aerosol generation device 10 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication, and can charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied power.

[0058] The control unit 17 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 10. The control unit 17 is connected to each component provided in the aerosol generation device 10, and can transmit and / or receive signals between each component to control the overall operation of each component.

[0059] The control unit 17 may include at least one processor, and may use the processor to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC, or a processor based on other hardware.

[0060] The control unit 17 may control a voltage to be applied to the plurality of sensing electrodes of the level sensor 250 and measure the impedance between the plurality of sensing electrodes. Here, an AC voltage may be applied between the plurality of sensing electrodes. The control unit 17 may calculate the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 based on the magnitude of the measured impedance.

[0061] The control unit 17 can perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the control unit 17 can execute any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generation device 10 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, a cleaning function, etc.) according to the state of each component included in the aerosol generation device 10, a user's command received via the input / output interface 12, etc.

[0062] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generation device 10 based on the data stored in the memory 14. For example, the control unit 17 can control the battery 16 to supply a predetermined amount of power to the aerosol generation module 13 for a predetermined period of time based on data about a temperature profile, a user's inhalation pattern, and the like stored in the memory 14.

[0063] The control unit 17 can determine the occurrence of a puff by the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the control unit 17 can check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, a voltage change, etc. in the aerosol generating device 10 based on a sensing value of the puff sensor, and can determine the occurrence of a puff according to the confirmed result based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

[0064] The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device 10 depending on the presence or absence of a puff and / or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 17 can control the heater temperature to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

[0065] The control unit 17 can control to cut off the power supply to the heater under a predetermined condition, for example, when the stick is removed and the cartridge 200 is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or more, when the remaining amount of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined value, etc.

[0066] The control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 16. For example, the control unit 17 may calculate the remaining amount of power in the battery 16 based on the sensing values ​​of a voltage sensor and / or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

[0067] The control unit 17 may control the supply of power to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0068] For example, the control unit 17 can use a PWM method to control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater. Here, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0069] For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature to be a control target based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method based on a difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0070] For example, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater based on the temperature profile. The control unit 17 can control the length of the heating section in which the heater is heated, the amount of power supplied to the heater in the heating section, etc. The control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

[0071] Meanwhile, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various control methods such as a Proportional-Integral (PI) method and a Proportional-Differential (PD) method can be used.

[0072] The control unit 17 can determine the temperature of the heater and adjust the power supplied to the heater according to the temperature of the heater. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the temperature of the heater by checking the resistance value of the heater, the current flowing through the heater, and / or the voltage applied to the heater.

[0073] Meanwhile, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply power under preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which the stick is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input / output interface 12, the control unit 17 may control the heater to supply a predetermined amount of power.

[0074] 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment can include a body 100 supporting a cartridge 200, the cartridge 200 storing an aerosol generating substance.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachably attached to the main body 100. According to another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured integrally with the main body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be attached to the main body 100 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 200 into an internal space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100.

[0077] The main body 100 may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the cartridge 200 is inserted. Here, the external air that has flowed into the main body 100 may flow to the user's mouth through the cartridge 200.

[0078] The control unit 17 can determine whether the cartridge 200 is attached / detached by a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor can transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. Here, the cartridge detection sensor can detect whether the cartridge 200 is connected based on whether the pulse current is received through another terminal.

[0079] The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 for heating an aerosol generating substance and / or a storage unit 220 for storing the aerosol generating substance. For example, a liquid transmission means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating substance may be disposed inside the storage unit 220. The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed in a structure that wraps around the liquid transmission means. Here, an aerosol may be generated by heating the liquid transmission means by the heater 210. Here, the liquid transmission means may include a wick made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0080] The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 into which the stick 20 can be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inside of the inner wall upward and downward. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

[0081] The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20 to be inserted into the insertion space. For example, if the stick 20 is formed to have a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed to have a cylindrical shape.

[0082] When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by the inner wall and may come into contact with the inner wall.

[0083] The stick 20 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 20 may also include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance manufactured in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0084] The entire first part may be inserted into the insertion space 230, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part, or both the first part and the second part may be inserted into the insertion space 230. A user may inhale aerosol while holding the second part in his / her mouth. Here, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

[0085] A user can inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in the mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 can be delivered to the user's mouth through the stick 20. Here, as the aerosol passes through the stick 20, a substance contained in the stick 20 is added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the added substance can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20.

[0086] The control unit 17 can monitor the number of puffs based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the point when the stick 20 is inserted.

[0087] The control unit 17 can initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14 when the inserted stick 20 is removed.

[0088] 3, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200, and the cartridge 200 storing an aerosol generating substance. The main body 100 may be configured so that the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 130.

[0089] The aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater that heats the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200. For example, when a user inhales into the mouth through one end of the stick 20, the aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20. Here, a flavor may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the stick 20. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the mouth of the user through one end of the stick 20.

[0090] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the stick 20 inserted into the body 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 by the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

[0091] 4 to 6 are diagrams illustrating a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description of the contents overlapping with those in FIGS. 4 to 6 will be omitted.

[0092] 4, a stick 20 according to one embodiment may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include the tobacco rod 21. The second part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include the filter rod 22.

[0093] Although the filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 4, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function, if necessary.

[0094] The stick 20 may have a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of about 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 stacked on top of each other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined, and the entire stick 20 may be further wrapped by a third wrapper. When each filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by an individual wrapper 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20, in which the segments wrapped by the individual wrappers are combined, may be further wrapped by another wrapper.

[0096] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of a general filter wrapper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be a porous wrapper or a non-porous wrapper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum laminate wrapper.

[0097] The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 88 g / m2 to 96 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 90 g / m2 to 94 g / m2. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

[0098] The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of a grease-resistant hard wrapper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 88 g / m2 to 96 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90 g / m2 to 94 g / m2. Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.

[0099] The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g / m2. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

[0100] The fifth wrapper 245 may include a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance, which is less susceptible to change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied or coated onto the fifth wrapper 245 without any restrictions.

[0101] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 210, the stick 20 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the flash point of any one of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-flammable material, and therefore can prevent the stick 20 from burning.

[0102] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by a substance produced in the stick 20. A liquid substance can be produced in the stick 20 by the user's puff. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., moisture) can be produced as the aerosol produced in the stick 20 is cooled by the outside air. The fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20, thereby preventing the liquid substance produced in the stick 20 from leaking out of the stick 20.

[0103] The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0104] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a small piece obtained by cutting a tobacco sheet into small pieces. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 and improve the thermal conductivity to the tobacco rod. Therefore, the tobacco taste can be improved. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.

[0105] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical type rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tube type rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured into another shape.

[0106] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow inside. When the heater 110 is inserted, the first segment can prevent the inner material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward, and can also provide a cooling effect for the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0109] The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] The second segment can be made by weaving polymeric fibers, in which case the flavor liquid can be applied to the fibers made from the polymer, or the second segment can be made by weaving together the fibers made from the polymer with separate fibers that have been coated with the flavor liquid, or the second segment can be formed from a crimped polymer sheet.

[0111] For example, the polymer may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0112] The second segment may be formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, such that the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel may refer to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) may pass.

[0113] For example, the second segment of the crimped polymer sheet may be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of ​​the second segment may be between about 300 mm2 / mm and about 1000 mm2 / mm, and the aerosol cooling element may be formed from a material having a specific surface area between about 10 mm2 / mg and about 100 mm2 / mg.

[0114] Meanwhile, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which can be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread can be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0115] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0116] The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22. For example, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

[0117] The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may function to generate flavor. The capsule 23 may also function to generate aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 23 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0118] 5, the stick 30 according to an embodiment may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from falling out. The front end plug 33 can prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0119] Filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. First segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4. Second segment 322 can correspond to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4.

[0120] The diameter and overall length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the stick 20 of Figure 4. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14mm.

[0121] The stick 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. Then, the entire stick 30 may be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0122] Also, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31. For example, the perforation 36 may play a role in transferring heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 2 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

[0123] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may function to generate a flavor. The capsule 34 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped by a coating. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0124] The first wrapper 351 may be formed by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 50 g / m2 to 55 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g / m2.

[0125] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made from a conventional filter wrapper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be a porous wrapper or a non-porous wrapper.

[0126] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35000 CU. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g / m2.

[0127] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be, but is not limited to, 24000 CU. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21 g / m2.

[0128] The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper may refer to a triple layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 80 g / m2 to 100 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g / m2.

[0129] The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g / m2. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

[0130] The fifth wrapper 355 may include a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance, which is less susceptible to change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, other materials than silicon may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without any restrictions as long as they have the above-mentioned properties.

[0131] The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the front end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate toe. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate toe may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate toe may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0132] Optionally, the front end plug 33 may also include at least one channel, the cross-section of which may be fabricated in a variety of shapes.

[0133] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 4. Therefore, in the following, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted.

[0134] The first segment 321 may be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made from cellulose acetate to which a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) is added. For example, the mono and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono and total denier of the front end plug 33.

[0135] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. Also, the cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25,000.

[0136] 6, the stick 40 may include a medium portion 410. The stick 40 may include a cooling portion 420. The stick 40 may include a filter portion 430. The cooling portion 420 may be disposed between the medium portion 410 and the filter portion 430. The stick 40 may include a wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 may encase the medium portion 410. The wrapper 440 may encase the cooling portion 420. The wrapper 440 may encase the filter portion 430. The stick 40 may have a cylindrical shape.

[0137] The medium portion 410 may include a medium 411. The medium portion 410 may include a first medium cover 413. The medium portion 410 may include a second medium cover 415. The medium 411 may be disposed between the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415. The first medium cover 413 may be disposed at one end of the stick 40. The length of the medium portion 410 may be 24 mm.

[0138] The medium 411 may contain various substances. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances of various ingredients. The medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The medium 411 may be filled with granules to about 70%. The length L2 of the medium 411 may be 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 may be composed of an acetate material. The second medium cover 415 may be composed of an acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be composed of a paper material. The second medium cover 415 may be composed of a paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 may be composed of a paper material and may have a wrinkled shape, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between them for air to flow. The gaps may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L3 of the second medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 413 may be 7 mm.

[0139] Therefore, each granule of the medium 411 cannot separate from the medium portion 410 and the stick 40 .

[0140] The cooling part 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling part 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling part 420 may be disposed between the medium part 410 and the filter part 430. The cooling part 420 may be disposed between the second medium cover 415 and the filter part 430. The cooling part 420 may be formed in a tubular shape surrounding the cooling passage 424 therein. The cooling part 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440. The cooling part 420 may be made of a paper material that is thicker than the wrapper 440. The length L4 of the cooling part 420 may be the same as or approximately the same as the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L4 of the cooling part 420 and the cooling passage 424 may be 10 mm. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 10, at least a part of the cooling part 420 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0141] Therefore, the cooling unit 420 supports the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, and can ensure the rigidity of the stick 40. In addition, the cooling unit 420 supports the wrapper 440 between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, and can ensure a portion where the wrapper 440 is adhered. In addition, the heated air and aerosol can be cooled while passing through the cooling passage 424 inside the cooling unit 420.

[0142] The filter part 430 may be composed of a filter made of acetate material. The filter part 430 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 40. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the filter part 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. A user may inhale air by holding the filter part 430 in their mouth. The length L5 of the filter part 430 may be 14 mm.

[0143] The wrapper 440 may wrap or surround the medium part 410, the cooling part 420, and the filter part 430. The wrapper 440 may form the outer shape of the stick 40. The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. The adhesive part 441 may be formed on one side edge of the wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 wraps the medium part 410, the cooling part 420, and the filter part 430, and the adhesive part 441 formed on one side edge and the other side edge may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 wrapping the medium part 410, the cooling part 420, and the filter part 430 does not have to cover one end and the other end of the stick 40.

[0144] Therefore, the wrapper 440 can fix the medium portion 410, the cooling portion 420 and the filter portion 430 and prevent them from coming off the stick 40.

[0145] The first thin film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The first thin film 443 may surround the first medium cover 413. The first thin film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first thin film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 may be adhered to or coated on the wrapper 440.

[0146] The second thin film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415. The second thin film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second medium cover 415, or may be disposed outside the wrapper 440. The second thin film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 445 may be made of an aluminum material. The second thin film 445 may be attached to or coated on the wrapper 440.

[0147] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of an aerosol generation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams illustrating the aerosol generation device.

[0148] Here, "upstream" and "downstream" can be determined based on the direction of airflow that flows so that the generated aerosol is drawn into the user's mouth or lungs when the user inhales using the stick. For example, in Figures 4 and 5, the aerosol generated in the tobacco rods 21 and 31 flows toward the filter rods 22 and 32, so the tobacco rods 21 and 31 are located upstream of the filter rods 22 and 32, and the filter rods 22 and 32 are located downstream of the tobacco rods 21 and 31. "Upstream" and "downstream" can be determined based on the relative positions of the components.

[0149] Here, the direction of the aerosol generation device 10 can be defined based on a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generation device 10. Here, based on the origin, the direction toward +x can mean the rightward direction, and the direction toward -x can mean the leftward direction. The y-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generation device 10. Here, based on the origin, the direction toward +y can mean the upward direction, and the direction toward -y can mean the downward direction. The z-axis direction can be defined as the front-rear direction of the aerosol generation device 10. Based on the origin, the direction toward +z can mean the forward direction, and the direction toward -z can mean the backward direction.

[0150] 7, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a main body 100 and a cartridge 200. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a heater 210, a motion sensor 154, a level sensor 250, a connection terminal 155, a battery 16, and / or a control unit 17.

[0151] The cartridge 200 is detachable from the main body 100. A chamber C1 may be formed inside the cartridge 200.

[0152] The cartridge 200 may include an outer wall and an inner wall. A chamber C1 may be defined by a space between the outer wall and the inner wall. The chamber C1 may store a liquid aerosol generating material therein. The liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 may be heated by a heater 210.

[0153] The cartridge 200 may include a wick (not shown). The wick may be coupled to a chamber C1. The wick may receive a liquid aerosol generating substance stored in the chamber C1. The liquid aerosol generating substance stored in the chamber C1 may be impregnated within the wick. When the wick is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be generated.

[0154] The heater 210 may be electrically connected to the battery 16 and / or the controller 17. The heater 210 may be located adjacent to the chamber C1 and may heat a wick impregnated with a liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1. The heater 210 may heat the liquid aerosol generating material in the wick.

[0155] The cartridge 200 may be disposed so as to contact the main body 100. The cartridge 200 may be coupled to the main body 100 or separated from the main body 100. One side wall and a lower end wall of the outer walls of the cartridge 200 may contact the main body 100. The main body 100 may have a connection terminal 155 on a surface where the main body 100 contacts the cartridge 200. The connection terminal 155 may be disposed to protrude outside the main body 100. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, the connection terminal 155 may contact and be electrically connected to a plurality of terminals of the level sensor 250.

[0156] The level sensor 250 may be disposed inside the chamber C1. The plurality of sensing electrodes of the level sensor 250 may be at least partially disposed inside the chamber C1. At least a portion of the plurality of sensing electrodes may be in contact with the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 8, the level sensor 250 may include an insulating substrate 251 , a plurality of sensing electrodes 252 , 253 , a plurality of terminals 254 , 255 , and connecting patterns 256 , 257 .

[0158] The insulator substrate 251 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1. The insulator substrate 251 may be in the form of a plate having an elongated shape. The insulator substrate 251 may be made of an insulator.

[0159] The multiple sensing electrodes 252, 253 may be formed of conductors extending in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1. The multiple sensing electrodes 252, 253 may be positioned spaced apart from one another in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction on the insulator substrate 251. For example, the multiple sensing electrodes 252, 253 may be positioned spaced apart from one another at equal intervals on the insulator substrate 251 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 (left-right direction).

[0160] The plurality of sensing electrodes 252, 253 may include a first electrode 252 and a second electrode 253. The first electrode 252 may include at least one electrode extending in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1. The second electrode 253 may include at least one electrode extending in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 and spaced apart from at least one first electrode 252. Although FIG. 8 illustrates a structure in which the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 are each formed of two electrodes, the number of the first electrodes 252 and the second electrodes 253 is not limited thereto.

[0161] The first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may be alternately arranged in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1. For example, the electrodes may be alternately arranged on the insulator substrate 251 in the order of the first electrode 252, the second electrode 253, the first electrode 252, and the second electrode 253.

[0162] Since at least one first electrode 252 and at least one second electrode 253 are alternately arranged, at least one second electrode 253 may be arranged adjacent to the first electrode 252, and at least one first electrode 252 may be arranged adjacent to the second electrode 253. Compared to a case where the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 are not alternately arranged or where only one first electrode 252 and one second electrode 253 are present, the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may be measured more accurately.

[0163] The plurality of terminals 254, 255 may include a first terminal 254 and a second terminal 255. The first terminal 254 may be electrically connected to the first electrode 252. The second terminal 255 may be electrically connected to the second electrode 253. For example, the first terminal 254 may be connected to the first electrode 252 via a first connecting pattern 256, and the second terminal 255 may be connected to the second electrode 253 via a second connecting pattern 257.

[0164] The first terminal 254 and the second terminal 255 may be spaced apart from each other. The first terminal 254 and the second terminal 255 may be spaced apart from each other at a lower end of the insulator substrate 251. The first terminal 254 and the second terminal 255 may be exposed to one side of a lower end wall of the cartridge 200. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, the first terminal 254 and the second terminal 255 may contact the connection terminal 155 of the main body 100 and be electrically connected to each terminal included in the connection terminal 155.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 9, the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may extend from the lower end surface to the upper end surface of the chamber C1.

[0166] One end of the level sensor 250 may be fixed to one side of the lower end surface of the chamber C1, and the other end may be fixed to one side of the upper end surface of the chamber C1. For example, one end of the insulating substrate 251 may be fixed to one side of the lower end surface of the chamber C1, and the other end may be fixed to one side of the upper end surface of the chamber C1.

[0167] Since the level sensor 250 has a structure in which the multiple electrodes 252, 253 extend from the lower end surface to the upper end surface of the chamber C1, the aerosol generating device 10 can accurately determine the amount of liquid aerosol generating substance, from a state in which the chamber C1 is filled with liquid aerosol generating substance to a state in which no liquid aerosol generating substance is present in the chamber C1 (exhausted state).

[0168] Referring to FIG. 10, the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may extend to a predetermined height from the lower end surface of the chamber C1.

[0169] For example, one end of the level sensor 250 may be fixed to one side of the bottom surface of the chamber C1, and the other end may be located within the chamber C1. Here, the predetermined height may be 1 / 10 or less of the height from the bottom surface to the top surface of the chamber C1.

[0170] Because the level sensor 250 has a structure in which multiple electrodes 252, 253 extend to a predetermined height from the lower end surface of the chamber C1, the aerosol generating device 10 can accurately determine a state in which no liquid aerosol generating substance or only a very small amount of liquid aerosol generating substance is present in the chamber C1 (exhausted state).

[0171] Meanwhile, the insulating substrate 251 of the level sensor 250 may be disposed such that the surface on which the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 are formed faces the upper surface of the chamber C1. In this case, the insulating substrate 251, the first electrode 252, and the second electrode 253 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 (front-rear direction).

[0172] Referring to FIG. 11, the level sensor 250 may be located at the center of the bottom surface of the chamber C1 or adjacent to the center of the bottom surface of the chamber C1.

[0173] The insulating substrate 251 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 from the center of the lower end surface of the chamber C1 or from a position adjacent to the center of the lower end surface of the chamber C1.

[0174] When the electrodes 252, 253 of the level sensor 250 are provided extending in the longitudinal direction from the center of the lower end surface of the chamber C1, even if the chamber C1 is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground (or a horizontal plane), the height Ha at which the electrodes 252, 253 of the level sensor 250 are immersed in the liquid aerosol-generating substance may be the same as or very similar to the height Hb at which the electrodes 252, 253 of the level sensor 250 are immersed in the liquid aerosol-generating substance when the chamber C1 is arranged vertically with respect to the ground. Thus, even if the chamber C1 is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground, the aerosol generating device 10 can accurately determine the amount of the liquid aerosol-generating substance.

[0175] The motion sensor 154 can measure motion information including the movement state, attitude, tilt degree, etc. of the aerosol generating device 10, and output a signal corresponding to the measured information. The motion sensor 154 can be embodied by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor 154 can be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

[0176] The control unit 17 can measure the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 of the level sensor 250. The control unit 17 can calculate the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 based on the magnitude of the measured impedance.

[0177] The battery 16 can supply power to the heater 210 based on the control of the control unit 17.

[0178] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0179] 12, in operation S1210, the aerosol generating device 10 can detect the coupling of the cartridge 200. The aerosol generating device 10 can detect whether the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100 when an event occurs, such as when the device is turned on or when a user input is received via an input device.

[0180] The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100 through one terminal of the main body 100. The aerosol generating device 10 may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. Here, the aerosol generating device 10 may sense whether the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100 based on whether the pulse current is received through the other terminal. Here, the one terminal of the main body 100 may be the connection terminal 155.

[0181] The aerosol generating device 10 can receive a measurement signal from the motion sensor 154 in operation S1220.

[0182] The aerosol generation device 10 can calculate the angle of the chamber C1 in the operation S1230. The angle of the chamber C1 can be defined as an angle that the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 makes with respect to a vertical line perpendicular to the ground. The motion sensor 154 can measure motion information including the movement state, posture, tilt degree, etc. of the aerosol generation device 10, and output a signal corresponding to the measured information. The aerosol generation device 10 can calculate the angle of the chamber C1 based on the signal received from the motion sensor 154.

[0183] For example, when the upper surface of the chamber C1 faces upward, the inclination of the aerosol generation device 10 can be calculated as 0 degrees. For example, when the upper surface of the chamber C1 faces toward the left side, the inclination of the aerosol generation device 10 can be calculated as 90 degrees.

[0184] The aerosol generating device 10 may compare the calculated angle of the chamber C1 with a reference angle in operation S1240. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the calculated angle A is less than the reference angle. For example, the reference angle may be 15 degrees or 30 degrees. However, the reference angle is not limited thereto.

[0185] If the calculated angle is equal to or greater than the reference angle in operation S1250, the aerosol generation device 10 may output a warning via the output device 122. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 may output information notifying the user that the amount and / or presence or absence of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 cannot be determined because the chamber C1 is tilted via the output device 122. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 may output information through the output device 122 guiding the user to align the device in a direction perpendicular to the ground because the chamber C1 is tilted.

[0186] After outputting the warning, the aerosol generating device 10 can again receive a measurement signal from the motion sensor 154 (operation S1220).

[0187] When the chamber C1 is tilted with respect to the ground, the amount and / or presence or absence of liquid cannot be accurately determined. As shown in FIG. 13, even if liquid aerosol generating material remains in the chamber C1, the chamber C1 may be tilted in one direction, so that the liquid aerosol generating material does not come into contact with the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 of the level sensor 250. In this case, the aerosol generating device 10 may erroneously determine that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has been used up. Also, it may erroneously determine that a smaller amount of liquid aerosol generating material remains than the amount of liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1.

[0188] The aerosol generating device 10 can accurately determine the amount and / or presence or absence of liquid by determining the amount and / or presence or absence of liquid only when the chamber C1 is positioned at an angle equal to or less than a predetermined angle relative to a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0189] In the operation S1260, when the calculated angle is less than the reference angle, the aerosol generation device 10 can measure the impedance. The aerosol generation device 10 can control the level sensor 250 to supply power and measure the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 of the level sensor 250. For example, the aerosol generation device 10 can apply an AC voltage between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 via the first terminal 255 and the second terminal 256 and measure the current flowing through the first terminal 255 and the second terminal 256. The aerosol generation device 10 can calculate the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 based on the applied voltage and the measured current. Meanwhile, the aerosol generation device 10 can apply a DC voltage between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 via the first terminal 255 and the second terminal 256 and measure the current flowing through the first terminal 255 and the second terminal 256 to calculate the impedance.

[0190] The aerosol generating device 10 can compare the magnitude of the calculated impedance with a reference magnitude in operation S1270. The aerosol generating device 10 can determine whether the magnitude of the calculated impedance is equal to or greater than the reference magnitude.

[0191] When the magnitude of the calculated impedance is equal to or greater than the reference magnitude, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 is exhausted. When the magnitude of the calculated impedance is equal to or greater than the reference magnitude, the aerosol generating device 10 can output information regarding the exhaustion of the liquid aerosol generating material and / or replacement of the cartridge 200 via the output device 122 in operation S1280.

[0192] When the liquid aerosol generating material is exhausted, the aerosol generating device 10 can be controlled to cut off the supply of power to the heater 210. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can be controlled to cut off the supply of power to the heater 210 until the cartridge 200 is separated from the main body 100.

[0193] If the magnitude of the calculated impedance is less than the reference magnitude, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has not been consumed. If the magnitude of the calculated impedance is less than the reference magnitude, the aerosol generating device 10 can calculate the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 based on the magnitude of the calculated impedance in operation S1291.

[0194] 14, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253, a current may flow through the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253. Since the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 are disposed apart from each other on the insulating substrate 251, the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may have a very large value when no liquid aerosol generating material is present in the chamber C1. When a liquid aerosol generating material is present in the chamber C1, a portion of the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 is immersed in the liquid aerosol generating material. In this case, a larger current may flow through the portion of the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 immersed in the liquid aerosol generating material than through the portion that is not immersed. Since a portion between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 is immersed in the liquid aerosol generating material, the magnitude of the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may have a relatively small value compared to when no liquid aerosol generating material is present in the chamber C1.

[0195] The magnitude of the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may decrease in proportion to the height of the portion of the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 that is immersed in the liquid aerosol generating material. When the height of the portion of the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 that is immersed in the liquid aerosol generating material is high (d1 in FIG. 14), the magnitude of the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may have a smaller value than when the height is low (d2 in FIG. 14).

[0196] The amount of liquid aerosol generating material in chamber C1 can be proportional to the height of the liquid aerosol generating material, and thus the magnitude of the impedance between first electrode 252 and second electrode 253 can decrease in proportion to the amount of liquid aerosol generating material in chamber C1.

[0197] The aerosol generating device 10 can calculate the amount of liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 based on the matching information stored in the memory 14. The memory 14 can match and store the magnitude of impedance between the multiple sensing electrodes 252, 253 of the level sensor 250 and the liquid aerosol product mass in the cartridge 200. The aerosol generating device 10 can compare the magnitude of impedance with the matching information stored in the memory 14 and calculate information on the liquid aerosol product mass matching the magnitude of impedance.

[0198] Meanwhile, matching information between the magnitude of impedance and the amount of liquid aerosol generating material may differ depending on the type of cartridge 200. The memory 14 may store ID information according to the type of cartridge 200. The memory 14 may match and store the magnitude of impedance between the plurality of sensing electrodes 252, 253 of the level sensor 250 and the mass of liquid aerosol product in the cartridge 200 for each ID of the cartridge 200. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive ID information of the cartridge 200 from the cartridge 200. The aerosol generating device 10 may compare matching information corresponding to the received ID information among the matching information stored in the memory 14 with the magnitude of impedance. The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate information on the mass of liquid aerosol product matching the magnitude of impedance.

[0199] The aerosol generating device 10 may output information about the amount of liquid aerosol generating material via the output device 122 at operation S1292.

[0200] The aerosol generating device 10 can be controlled to supply power to the heater 210 if the liquid aerosol generating material is not consumed. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can supply power to the heater 210 to preheat and / or heat the heater 210 until it senses a puff via a puff sensor (not shown). For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can supply power to the heater 210 based on a predetermined temperature profile.

[0201] Meanwhile, the aerosol generation device 10 may calculate the angle and movement of the chamber C1 based on the signal received from the motion sensor 154 in operation S1230, and may compare the angle of the chamber C1 with a reference angle and compare a value corresponding to the movement of the chamber C1 with the reference movement in operation S1240. The aerosol generation device 10 may measure the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 of the level sensor 250 when the angle is equal to or smaller than the reference angle and the value corresponding to the movement is equal to or smaller than the reference movement in operation S1260. The aerosol generation device 10 may calculate the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 and / or determine the presence or absence of the liquid aerosol generating material based on the magnitude of the measured impedance.

[0202] The aerosol generating device 10 can accurately determine the amount and / or presence or absence of liquid aerosol generating material by taking into account both the angle and degree of movement of the chamber C1 and determining the amount and / or presence or absence of liquid aerosol generating material only when both the angle and degree of movement are below certain levels.

[0203] As previously discussed, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure allows for accurate determination of the amount of aerosol generating material in a cartridge.

[0204] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supplied to the heater can be adjusted upon exhaustion of the aerosol generating material.

[0205] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to allow a user to accurately recognize when the aerosol generating material is exhausted and when it is time to replace the cartridge.

[0206] 1 to 14, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a long chamber C1 that stores a liquid aerosol generating material, and a level sensor 250 disposed inside the chamber C1. The level sensor 250 includes an insulator substrate 251 extending in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1, and a plurality of sensing electrodes 252, 253 formed of conductors extending in the longitudinal direction and disposed laterally spaced apart from each other on the insulator substrate 251. At least some of the plurality of sensing electrodes 252, 253 may be positioned to contact the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1.

[0207] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of sensing electrodes 252, 253 may extend from a lower end to an upper end of the chamber C1.

[0208] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of sensing electrodes 252, 253 may extend to a predetermined height from a lower end of the chamber C1.

[0209] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the level sensor 250 may be located at or adjacent to the center of the lower end of the chamber C1. The insulator substrate 251 may extend longitudinally of the chamber C1 from or adjacent to the center of the lower end of the chamber C1.

[0210] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of sensing electrodes 252, 253 may include at least one first electrode 252 extending in the longitudinal direction and at least one second electrode 253 extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the at least one first electrode 252. The at least one first electrode 252 and the at least one second electrode 253 may be alternately arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

[0211] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a control unit 17. The control unit 17 may measure an impedance between the at least one first electrode 252 and the at least one second electrode 253, and may calculate an amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 based on the magnitude of the measured impedance.

[0212] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 can determine that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 is exhausted when the magnitude of the measured impedance is greater than or equal to a reference impedance value.

[0213] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a heater 210 and an output device 122. The control unit 17 may output information about the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material or the consumption of the liquid aerosol generating material via the output device 122, and may turn on the heater 210 when the liquid aerosol generating material is consumed.

[0214] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a motion sensor 154 and an output device 122. The control unit 17 may determine an angle that the chamber C1 makes with respect to a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane based on a signal received from the motion sensor 154, and output a warning via the output device 122 if the angle is equal to or greater than a reference angle, and may supply power to the level sensor 250 and measure impedance between the at least one first electrode 252 and the at least one second electrode 253 if the angle is less than the reference angle.

[0215] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a main body 100 including a connection terminal 155, a cartridge 200 coupled to the main body 100, and a control unit 17. The cartridge 200 may include the chamber C1 and the level sensor 250. The control unit 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 and the main body 100 are coupled to each other via the connection terminal 155, and may control the supply of power to the level sensor 250 when the cartridge 200 and the main body 100 are coupled to each other.

[0216] The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct, and the structure or function of any or all of the elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

[0217] For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible unless it is described that the combination is not possible.

[0218] Although the embodiments have been described above according to a number of exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that many other variations and embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and / or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and / or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. an elongated chamber for storing a liquid aerosol generating material; a level sensor disposed within the chamber; The level sensor is an insulating substrate extending in a longitudinal direction of the chamber; a plurality of sensing electrodes formed from the longitudinally extending conductors and spaced apart laterally from one another on the dielectric substrate; An aerosol generating device, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of sensing electrodes are positioned so as to contact the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensing electrodes extend from a lower end to an upper end of the chamber.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensing electrodes extend to a predetermined height from a lower end of the chamber.

4. the level sensor is located at or adjacent to the center of the lower end of the chamber; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the insulating substrate extends in the longitudinal direction of the chamber from a center of a lower end of the chamber or from a position adjacent to the center of a lower end of the chamber.

5. The plurality of sensing electrodes include At least one first electrode extending in the longitudinal direction; at least one second electrode extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the at least one first electrode; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode are arranged alternately in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

6. Further comprising a control unit, The control unit is measuring an impedance between the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode; The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , further comprising a step of calculating an amount of liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber based on the magnitude of the measured impedance.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit further determines that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber is exhausted when the magnitude of the measured impedance is equal to or greater than a reference impedance value.

8. A heater and and an output device, The control unit further includes: outputting information about the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material or the consumption of the liquid aerosol generating material via the output device; 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the supply of power to the heater is cut off when the liquid aerosol generating material is exhausted.

9. A motion sensor and an output device; and The control unit further includes: determining an angle of the chamber relative to a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane based on a signal received from the motion sensor; If the angle is equal to or greater than a reference angle, a warning is output via the output device; The aerosol generating device of claim 6, further comprising: a level sensor configured to receive a first electrode and a second electrode; a level sensor configured to receive a first electrode and a second electrode;

10. A main body including a connection terminal; a cartridge coupled to the body; A control unit, the cartridge includes the chamber and the level sensor; The control unit is determining whether the cartridge and the main body are coupled to each other via the connection terminal; The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the device controls to supply power to the level sensor when the cartridge and the main body are coupled to each other.

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