Aerosol generating device

Abstract

The aerosol generating device comprises a case having a storage space for storing an aerosol product and accommodating at least one electronic component, a heater disposed in the storage space for heating the aerosol product stored in the storage space, a cartridge that is detachably connected to the case and includes a storage section for storing an aerosol generating substance and a vaporizer that receives the aerosol generating substance from the storage section and heats the aerosol generating substance, and the case has an air vent formed between the storage space and the cartridge and configured to allow air heated by heat generated by the heater or vaporizer to pass through.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device in which deformation of components due to heat of the aerosol generating device is minimized.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying aerosol by burning ordinary cigarettes. For example, research is being conducted on methods such as generating aerosol from aerosol generating substances in a liquid state or a solid state, or generating vapor from an aerosol generating substance in a liquid state and then passing the generated vapor through a solid perfume medium to supply a flavored aerosol.

[0003] Recently, as an alternative to the method of supplying aerosol by burning cigarettes, an aerosol generating device has been proposed that can generate aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article. For example, an aerosol generating device means a device that can generate aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance in a liquid or solid state to a predetermined temperature by a heater.

[0004] When using an aerosol generating device, smoking is possible without additional supplies such as lighters, and the smoking convenience of users is improved, such as being able to smoke as much as the user likes. Therefore, recently, research on aerosol generating devices has been gradually increasing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by generating heat includes a heating element that generates heat. The air inside the aerosol generating device is heated by the heating element. The hot heat and pressure of the heated air may denature other components of the aerosol generating device. Therefore, a structure for smoothly discharging the heated air is required.

[0006] The embodiment provides an aerosol generating device having a structure improved to smoothly discharge the air inside the aerosol generating device.

[0007] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems described above, and the problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a housing space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, a case for accommodating at least one electronic component, a heater disposed in the housing space for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the housing space, a cartridge detachably coupled to the case and including a storage part for storing an aerosol generating substance, and a vaporizer for heating the aerosol generating substance by transmitting the aerosol generating substance from the storage part, and the case is formed between the housing space and the cartridge and includes a vent hole configured such that the air heated by the heat generated by the heater or the vaporizer passes therethrough.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the aerosol generating device related to the embodiment, it is possible to prevent components from being deformed by the heat of the aerosol generating device.

[0010] Also, according to the aerosol generating device related to the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the optical element from being fogged by the heated air.

[0011] The effects according to the embodiment are not limited to the effects described above, and the effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] As terms used in the embodiments, general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible in view of the functions of the present invention are selected, but this may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning thereof is described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based not on the simple names of the terms but on the meaning the terms have and the overall content of the present invention.

[0014] Throughout the specification, when a part states that a certain component "includes", this means, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, that other components can be further included and does not exclude other components. Also, terms such as "~ part" and "~ module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this can be implemented by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0015] As used in this specification, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is before the arranged components, it modifies the entire components rather than each of the arranged components. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0016] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that electrically heats a cigarette housed in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

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

[0018] The heater includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and heats the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0019] A cigarette includes a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, may be made of strands, or may be made of shredded tobacco finely cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conductive material. For example, the heat-conductive material may be a metal foil such as an aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0020] The filter rod is also a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol.

[0021] In another embodiment, an aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge having an aerosol generating substance.

[0022] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge having an aerosol generating substance and a body for supporting the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the body, assembled, or fixed so as not to be detached by the user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol generating substance accommodated therein. However, it is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0023] The cartridge has an aerosol generating substance in any one of various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol generating substance includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0024] The cartridge can function to convert the phase of the aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase by being activated by an electrical signal, a wireless signal, etc. transmitted from the main body, thereby generating an aerosol. An aerosol means a gas in a state where vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating substance and air are mixed.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition moves along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device, and the air flow path is configured such that the aerosol passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating substance using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method means a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

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

[0028] The aerosol generating device further includes a core that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the core is arranged to cover at least one region of the vibrator or to be in contact with at least one region of the vibrator.

[0029] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator are transmitted to the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core. The aerosol product substance absorbed by the core is converted into the gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0030] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator reduces the viscosity of the aerosol product substance absorbed by the core, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator atomize the aerosol product substance with reduced viscosity, thereby generating an aerosol, but it is not limited thereto.

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

[0032] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat to heat the aerosol generating article. Also, optionally, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol generating article.

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

[0034] The aerosol generating device constitutes a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle charges the battery of the aerosol generating device. Or, the heater may be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled.

[0035] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present invention may be implemented in a form that can be embodied in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied and implemented in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

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

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which an aerosol generating article is inserted.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a cover 10 and a body 11.

[0039] The cover 10 is coupled to one end of the body 11 so that the body 11 and the cover 10 together can form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0040] The cover 10 has an opening 10h on the upper surface of the cover 10 into which the aerosol generating article 2 can be inserted.

[0041] The cover 10 has a plug 10c for opening and closing the opening 10h. The plug 10c is disposed on the upper surface of the cover 10 and opens and closes the opening 10h while sliding.

[0042] The cover 10 has a sliding groove 10g extending along the sliding direction of the plug 10c on the upper surface of the cover 10. The sliding groove 10g is opened so as to fluidly connect the outside and the inside of the cover 10.

[0043] When the plug 12 moves along the sliding groove 10g disposed on the upper surface of the cover 10, the opening 10h is exposed to the outside. Thus, the user inserts the aerosol generating article 2 into the opening 10h. Here, the aerosol generating article 2 is an example of a solid aerosol generating source used in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0044] The main body 11 forms a part of the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 and can perform the function of accommodating and protecting the components of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, a battery (not shown), a processor (not shown), and / or a heater (not shown) are accommodated inside the main body 11, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Further, the main body 11 accommodates the aerosol generating article 2 inserted through the opening.

[0045] The main body 11 and the cover 10 may be made of a plastic material that does not transmit heat well or a metal material coated with a heat insulating substance on the surface. The main body 11 and the cover 10 are manufactured, for example, by an injection molding method, a 3D printing method, or a method of assembling small parts manufactured by injection molding.

[0046] A maintaining device (not shown) for maintaining the connection state between the main body 11 and the cover 10 is provided between the main body 11 and the cover 10. The maintaining device includes, for example, a protrusion and a groove. By maintaining the state where the protrusion is inserted into the groove, the connection state between the cover 10 and the main body 11 can be maintained. According to the embodiment, the protrusion and the groove may be separated by the user operating the operation button.

[0047] Further, the maintaining device includes, for example, a magnet and a metal member attracted to the magnet. When a magnet is used for the maintaining device, a magnet can be provided on either one of the main body 11 and the cover 10, and a metal member attracted to the magnet can be provided on the other one, or alternatively, magnets can be provided on both the main body 11 and the cover 10.

[0048] The components of the aerosol generating device 1 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the aerosol generating device 1 according to other embodiments may not include the cover 10.

[0049] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view schematically showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a cover 10, a main body 11, a case 110, a button 150, and a cartridge 200.

[0051] The cover 10 is decoupled from the main body 11 and separated from the main body 11. For example, the cover 10 is separated from the main body 11 in the +z direction. When the cover 10 is separated from the main body 11, the case 110, the button 150, and the cartridge 200 disposed on the upper portion of the main body 11 are exposed to the outside.

[0052] The case 110 can perform a function of accommodating and protecting components disposed on the upper portion of the main body 11. The case 110 accommodates the components in different directions according to the internal structure of the case 110 and disposes them in different areas.

[0053] The button 150 is disposed such that at least a part thereof is exposed to the outside of the case 110, and can serve to release the fastening relationship between the case 110 and the cartridge 200 by a user's input. For example, when a user's input is applied to the button 150, the cartridge 200 is separated from the case 110.

[0054] The cartridge 200 stores an aerosol generating substance, heats the aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol. Further, the cartridge 200 is detachably coupled to one side of the case 110.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 11 including a processor (not shown) and / or a battery (not shown). The cartridge 200 is treated as a component of the aerosol generating device. For example, a heater (not shown) included in the cartridge 200 is electrically connected to the main body 11, supplied with power from a battery, and the power supply is controlled by a processor.

[0056] That is, in the aerosol generating device including the cartridge 200, power is supplied to and controlled for the heating element, so that an aerosol is generated from the liquid or gel-like aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200.

[0057] According to another example, the cartridge 200 is coupled to a main body 11 further including a storage space (not shown) for accommodating the aerosol generating article and a heater (not shown) for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the storage space.

[0058] That is, the aerosol generating device including the cartridge 200 not only heats the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge 200 to generate an aerosol, but also heats the inserted aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. Thereby, a hybrid form of aerosol generating device is realized.

[0059] In FIG. 2, a mode in which the cartridge 200 approaches from the side surface of the main body 11 and is coupled to the main body 11 is depicted, but the coupling method between the cartridge 200 and the main body 11 is not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge 200 may be coupled to the main body 11 by moving in the -z direction from the upper part of the main body 11 like the cover 10.

[0060] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the cartridge 200 is coupled to the side surface of the main body 11.

[0061] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper part of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which the cover is separated.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a cover 100, a case 110, a housing 120, a heater 130, a sealing part 170, and a cartridge 200.

[0063] The cover 100 is disposed on the upper part of the case 110 and covers the components disposed on the upper part of the case 110.

[0064] The cover 100 is detachably coupled to the upper part of the case 110. The cover 100 is provided with a plurality of protrusions at the lower part so as to be fixed to the case 110 in a state where the cover 100 is coupled to the case 110. The case 110 is provided with a plurality of grooves at the upper ends of the side walls at the upper part. By maintaining the state where the protrusions are inserted into the grooves, the coupling state between the cover 100 and the case 110 is maintained.

[0065] The cover 100 is coaxially arranged with the opening of the cover (for example, the cover 10 in FIG. 1) (for example, the opening 10h in FIG. 1), and is provided with an insertion port 100h so that an aerosol generating article can be inserted into the case 110. The aerosol generating article passes through the opening and the insertion port 100h and is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

[0066] In FIG. 3, the cover 100 is shown in contact with and covering a region of the housing 120 and the upper surface of the sealing portion 170, but the components that can be covered by the cover 100 are not limited thereto.

[0067] The case 110 is provided with an accommodation space 110i for accommodating an aerosol generating article (not shown). At this time, the accommodation space 110i may be not only the space surrounded by the case 110 but also the space surrounded by the housing 120 accommodated in the case 110.

[0068] The housing 120 is disposed inside the case 110 and includes an accommodation space 110i in which an aerosol generating article is accommodated. Further, the housing 120 may accommodate the heater 130 and other components inside the housing 120. The inner wall of the housing 120 supports the aforementioned heater 130 and other components so as not to move.

[0069] The heater 130 is disposed inside the housing 120 and heats the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space 110i to generate an aerosol. The heater 130 generates heat by the electric power supplied from a battery (not shown).

[0070] Figure 3 shows the heater 130 disposed outside the aerosol generating article housed in the accommodation space 110i, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 130 includes a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and heats the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0071] The sealing portion 170 is disposed between the cover 100 and the case 110, and can cover the components disposed on the upper portion of the case 110 while covering at least a part of the case 110. Therefore, the components disposed on the upper portion of the case 110 are doubly covered by the sealing portion 170 and the cover 100.

[0072] Figure 3 shows the sealing portion 170 covering the space below the cover 100 in the x-axis direction, but the direction in which the cover 100 can shield while covering the components is not limited thereto.

[0073] In order to prevent the aerosol and liquid existing inside and outside the aerosol generating device 1 from affecting the components disposed on the upper portion of the case 110, particularly the electronic components (not shown), the space in which the electronic components are disposed needs to be sealed.

[0074] At this time, the electronic component means an electrically operating component, and includes passive elements such as resistors and capacitors, active elements such as semiconductors, and connecting components such as connectors, switches, electric wires, and circuit boards.

[0075] The sealing portion 170 forms a sealed space together with other components in contact with the sealing portion 170 while covering the above-described electronic components. The electronic components are disposed in the sealed space.

[0076] Further, the cover 100 is coupled to the case 110 and presses the sealing portion 170 in the -z direction, which is the direction in which the lower surface of the cover 100 faces, while covering the sealing portion 170. As a result, the sealing effect of the sealing portion 170 is further enhanced.

[0077] Incidentally, after the assembly of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 is completed, air exists inside the aerosol generating device 1 and in the sealed space described above.

[0078] Inside the aerosol generating device 1, the air present in the sealed space where the electronic components are arranged cannot escape to the outside of the sealed space of the aerosol generating device 1 due to the density or sealed structure between the components, and is trapped inside.

[0079] At this time, the heat repeatedly generated by the heater 130 during the use of the aerosol generating device 1 heats the air in the sealed space.

[0080] Not only the heater 130 but also the heat generated by a vaporizer (not shown) for heating the aerosol generating substance affects heating the air in the sealed space. Hereinafter, the "heating element" is used in the sense of collectively referring to the heater 130 and the vaporizer for generating heat to generate aerosol.

[0081] If the air in the sealed space where the electronic components are arranged inside the aerosol generating device 1 is heated by the heat of the heating element, the air expanded by the heating pushes the components (for example, electronic components) toward the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0082] The heat and pressure of the heated air expand the sealed space, which may deform the components. Also, there is a possibility that gaps may be instantaneously formed in the portions where the density or sealed degree between the components is weak due to the expansion of the air. There is a possibility that the aerosol outside the aerosol generating device may flow into the aerosol generating device 1 through the gaps.

[0083] The aerosol flowing into the aerosol generation device 1 generates droplets while being cooled, and the droplets accumulate inside the aerosol generation device 1. If such a phenomenon occurs repeatedly, the aerosol flowing into the aerosol generation device 1 and the accumulated droplets may affect the electronic components arranged inside the aerosol generation device 1.

[0084] For example, in the case of an optical element (e.g., a lens) included in an optical sensor, the inside of the optical element becomes cloudy, which degrades the function of the optical sensor.

[0085] In order to prevent the above-described series of phenomena, that is, "the deformation of components due to heated air" which causes the "adverse effects of heated air", it is necessary to discharge the heated air to the outside. In order to discharge the air heated by the heating element to the outside, the case 110 is provided with a ventilation hole (not shown) through which the heated air passes.

[0086] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the components arranged at the upper part of the main body will be described in detail.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 1 cut along the IV-IV direction.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment includes a cover 100, a case 110, a housing 120, a heater 130, a transmission passage 140, and a cartridge 200. The cartridge 200 includes side plates 210, a storage unit 220, a vaporizer 230, and an outlet 240.

[0089] At least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 shown in FIG. 3, and the overlapping description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0090] Case 110 accommodates components in different directions and arranges them in different areas according to its internal structure.

[0091] Case 110 is divided into a plurality of compartments. The plurality of compartments of Case 110 include an area where the electronic component 60 is accommodated at the upper part, an area where the aerosol generating article is accommodated and components such as the housing 120, the heater 130, and the transmission passage 140 are arranged, and an area where the cartridge 200 is arranged. Each area will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0092] Case 110 is provided with a vent hole 110h for discharging the air heated by the heat generated by the heating element 30 to the outside.

[0093] The vent hole 110h is arranged at an appropriate position in Case 110 that is greatly affected by the "adverse effects of the heated air". For example, the vent hole 110h may be arranged where the electronic components 60 are densely packed inside the aerosol generating device 1.

[0094] Also, the vent hole 110h is arranged at an appropriate position so that the heated air can move smoothly through the vent hole 110h without accumulating inside the aerosol generating device 1. Further, the vent hole 110h is arranged at an appropriate position to prevent the aerosol outside the aerosol generating device 1 from flowing into the inside of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0095] Considering such points, the vent hole 110h is arranged inside the aerosol generating device 1 and is shielded by other components. The vent hole 110h does not appear outside even when the cover (for example, the cover 10 in FIG. 2) is separated from the aerosol generating device 1.

[0096] The transmission passage 140 is accommodated inside the housing 120, transmits the aerosol generated by the cartridge 200, and transmits the aerosol to the accommodation space 110i where the aerosol generating article (not shown) is accommodated.

[0097] The aerosol transmitted to the accommodation space 110i is transmitted to the user through the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space 110i.

[0098] The cartridge 200 includes an air inflow passage 200i through which air flows in from the outside, and heats the aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol.

[0099] The side plate 210 is disposed adjacent to the storage portion 220 of the cartridge 200, and an air inflow passage 200i is formed between the side plate 210 and one surface of the storage portion 220. The air inflow passage 200i transmits the air outside the cartridge 200 to the vaporizer 230.

[0100] One surface of the side plate 210 and the storage portion 220 each includes a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the air inflow passage 200i. The plurality of protrusions prevent the droplets generated in the vaporizer 230 from flowing out to the outside through the air inflow passage 200i.

[0101] The storage portion 220 stores the aerosol generating substance. The aerosol generating substance may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0102] The vaporizer 230 is transmitted with the aerosol generating substance from the storage portion 220, and heats the aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol.

[0103] Specifically, the vaporizer 230 includes a liquid transmission means for absorbing the aerosol generating substance in the storage portion 220 and transmitting it to the heater, and a heater for heating the aerosol generating substance transmitted by the liquid transmission means.

[0104] The vaporizer 230 is connected to the air inflow passage 200i and transmits air from the air inflow passage 200i. At this time, the gas generated from the aerosol generating substance heated in the vaporizer 230 is mixed with the air to generate an aerosol.

[0105] The outlet 240 discharges the aerosol generated in the vaporizer 230 to the outside of the cartridge 200. The outlet 240 is connected to the transmission passage 140. The aerosol generated inside the cartridge 200 is transmitted through the transmission passage 140 to the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

[0106] The direction in which the outlet 240 faces is a direction crossing the direction in which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The transmission passage 140 is bent or curved in an alphabetical "L" shape and extends long in the direction in which the outlet 240 faces and the direction in which the aerosol generating article is inserted. However, the embodiment is not limited to the direction of the outlet and the shape of the transmission passage.

[0107] The connected portion between the outlet 240 and the transmission passage 140 is sealed. By connecting the outlet 240 and the transmission passage 140 so as to be sealed, it is possible to prevent the aerosol from leaking to the outside of the transmission passage 140 during the process of the aerosol moving from the outlet 240 to the transmission passage 140.

[0108] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the structure of the case 110 and the arrangement of the ventilation holes 110h will be described in detail.

[0109] FIGS. 5 to 7 are drawings for explaining the case and the ventilation holes of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0110] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the case of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the case shown in FIG. 5 cut along the VI-VI direction. FIG. 7 is a side view of the case shown in FIG. 5 viewed from the VII direction.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the case 110 according to an embodiment includes an upper wall 111, a lower wall 112, a partition wall 113, a connecting passage 114, and a side wall 115.

[0112] The case 110 may accommodate components arranged on the upper part of the main body (for example, the main body 11 in FIG. 2) or be located inside the upper part of the main body. For example, the case 110 accommodates at least one electronic component (for example, the electronic component 60 in FIG. 4).

[0113] The case 110 includes a first area A1 in which electronic components are accommodated, an accommodation space 110i in which an aerosol generating article is accommodated, a second area A2 in which a heater (for example, the heater 130 in FIG. 4) is arranged, and a third area A3 in which a cartridge (for example, the cartridge 200 in FIG. 4) is arranged.

[0114] At this time, since the first area A1 is a space in which electronic components are concentrated and sealed by a sealing part (for example, the sealing part 170 in FIG. 3) and a cover (for example, the cover 100 in FIG. 3), etc., it is greatly affected by the heated air. Therefore, the case 110 includes a ventilation hole 110h in one area of the case 110 in the first area A1.

[0115] The first area A1 and the second area A2 are separated by a sealing part (for example, the sealing part 170 in FIG. 3). The first area A1 and the third area A3 are separated by an upper wall 111. The second area A2 and the third area A3 are separated by a partition wall 113.

[0116] The case 110 includes an upper wall 111. The upper wall 111 extends in the first direction from the first area A1 and arranges at least one electronic component 60 above the upper wall 111 and accommodates it in the upper part of the case 110. At this time, the "first direction" means the x-axis direction. The ventilation hole 110h is arranged in one area of the upper wall 111.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 5, the upper wall 111 extends only in the -x direction with respect to the partition wall 113. The upper area of the upper wall 111 extending in the -x direction with respect to the partition wall 113 is the first area A1. The lower area of the upper wall 111 extending in the -x direction with respect to the partition wall 113 is the third area A3.

[0118] The ventilation hole 110h is disposed in a region of the upper wall 111 located between the first region A1 and the third region A3. The ventilation hole 110h is open in a second direction that crosses the first direction. At this time, the "second direction" means the z-axis direction.

[0119] On the other hand, the region in the +x direction with reference to the partition wall 113 is the second region A2.

[0120] The case 110 includes a storage space 110i that is open in the second direction and extends in the second direction for accommodating an aerosol generating article (not shown) in the second region A2.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 5, the storage space 110i is a space surrounded by the partition wall 113 and the side wall 115 of the case 110. However, the embodiment is not limited to the manner in which the storage space is formed, and the storage space may be a space surrounded by a housing (for example, the housing 120 in FIG. 3) accommodated in the case 110.

[0122] In the second region A2, the heater is disposed outside the aerosol generating article accommodated in the storage space 110i.

[0123] The case 110 includes a lower wall 112 that extends in the first direction opposite to the upper wall 111.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 5, the lower wall 112 extends in the +x direction and the -x direction with reference to the partition wall 113. The lower wall 112 supports the housing in the second region A2. Further, the lower wall 112 supports the cartridge in the third region A3.

[0125] The cartridge is inserted between the upper wall 111 and the lower wall 112 and coupled to the case 110. The cartridge coupled to the case 110 closes the third region A3.

[0126] The case 110 includes a partition wall 113. As described above, the partition wall 113 separates a second area where an accommodation space 110i for accommodating the aerosol generating article is disposed from a third area A3 where the cartridge 200 is disposed.

[0127] The partition wall 113 extends in a second direction while facing a first direction and is disposed between the upper wall 111 and the lower wall 112.

[0128] The third area A3 of the case 110 is open in the first direction from the partition wall 113. Referring to FIG. 5, the third area A3 is open in the -x direction from the partition wall 113, but the embodiment is not limited to the directions described above.

[0129] The ventilation hole 110h may be disposed in a region of the upper wall 111 at a position adjacent to the partition wall 113.

[0130] The case 110 includes a connecting passage 114. The connecting passage 114 is disposed in a region of the partition wall 113 and connects the second area A2 and the third area A3.

[0131] A part of the transmission passage (for example, the transmission passage 140 in FIG. 4) disposed in the second area A2 and a part of the outlet (for example, the outlet 240 in FIG. 4) of the cartridge disposed in the third area A3 are inserted into the connecting passage 114. Therefore, a part of the transmission passage and a part of the outlet are connected inside the connecting passage 114, and the connecting portion of the transmission passage and the outlet is sealed inside the connecting passage 114.

[0132] The case 110 includes a side wall 115. The side wall 115 extends in the circumferential direction of the case 110 and forms at least a part of the appearance of the case 110.

[0133] In the third area A3, a region of the side wall 115 is open in the first direction. Referring to FIG. 5, a region of the side wall 115 is open in the -x direction. The cartridge approaches the case 110 in the +x direction through the open region of the side wall 115 and is coupled to the case 110.

[0134] In the third area A3, the side wall 115 includes a button hole through which a button (e.g., button 150 in FIG. 2) is exposed to the outside.

[0135] The side wall 115 surrounds the upper part of the upper wall 111. That is, the upper end portion of the side wall 115 extends in the circumferential direction to surround the upper part of the upper wall 111. The upper end portion of the side wall 115 surrounding the upper part of the upper wall 111 includes a plurality of grooves. A plurality of protrusions of the cover are inserted into the grooves, and the cover is coupled to the upper part of the case 110.

[0136] In addition, the upper end portion of the side wall 115 described above can surround and stably support the electronic component 60 disposed on the upper part of the upper wall 111.

[0137] The first area A1 is an area of the upper part of the upper wall 111 that extends in the -x direction with reference to the partition wall 113, and is an area surrounded by the upper end portion of the side wall 115.

[0138] The second area A2 is an area surrounded by the side wall 115 and the partition wall 113. The second area A2 is closed in the -z direction by the lower wall 112 and is an area open in the +z direction.

[0139] The third area A3 is surrounded by a part of the side wall 115 and the partition wall 113. The third area A3 is open in the -x direction and is an area closed in the z-axis direction by the upper wall 111 and the lower wall 112.

[0140] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the "area and related components affected by the heated air" will be described in detail.

[0141] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings for explaining the area affected by the heated air.

[0142] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the upper part of a portion of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 3 with some components omitted.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a case 110, a heating element 30, electronic components 60, a sealing part 170, a play adjusting part 180, and a cartridge 200. For reference numerals not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, refer to FIG. 6.

[0144] The heating element 30 includes a heater 130 and a vaporizer 230. The heater 130 heats the aerosol generating material accommodated in the accommodation space 110i to generate an aerosol. The vaporizer 230 is transmitted with the aerosol generating material from the storage part 220 and heated to generate an aerosol.

[0145] The heater 130 is disposed inside the housing 120 and is disposed in the second area A2 together with the housing 120. The vaporizer 230 is disposed inside the cartridge 200 and is disposed in the third area A3 together with the cartridge 200.

[0146] As described above, since the first area A1 is a space where the electronic components 60 are concentrated and sealed by the sealing part 170, the cover 100, etc., it is greatly affected by the heated air.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 5, since the first area A1 is closer to the heater 130 in the second area A2 than the vaporizer 230 in the third area A3, the heating of the air in the first area A1 is mainly performed by the heater 130. However, the arrangements of the heater 130 and the vaporizer 230 are not limited to the embodiment, and the cause of the heating of the air inside the aerosol generating device 1 varies depending on the embodiment.

[0148] The electronic components 60 disposed in the first area A1 include an optical sensor 160 and a circuit board 161 for the optical sensor.

[0149] The optical sensor 160 includes an optical element that transmits light reflected from an aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space 110i of the second region A2, and a sensing unit that senses the light.

[0150] For example, the optical sensor 160 may be a color sensor for sensing the color of the aerosol generating article to prevent reuse of the aerosol generating article. Further, the optical sensor 160 may be a proximity sensor for sensing that an aerosol generating article has been inserted into the accommodation space 110i of the second region A2.

[0151] The optical sensor 160 is disposed on the upper surface of the upper wall 111 together with a circuit board 161 for the optical sensor.

[0152] The ventilation hole 110h is disposed on the upper wall 111 and opens toward the optical sensor 160 in order to prevent the optical element from becoming cloudy.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the ventilation hole 110h disposed on the upper wall 111 is located below the optical sensor 160, but the embodiment is not limited to the position of the ventilation hole 110h.

[0154] The heated air does not accumulate in the upper space of the upper wall 111, and the phenomenon that the optical element becomes cloudy is prevented while the heated air moves through the ventilation hole 110h.

[0155] The electronic component 60 disposed in the first region A1 includes a puff sensor 165 and a circuit board 166 for the puff sensor. The puff sensor 165 detects a pressure change in the air flow path generated by the user's puff operation.

[0156] The puff sensor 165 is disposed on the upper surface of the upper wall 111 together with a circuit board 166 for the puff sensor.

[0157] The upper wall 111 includes a puff hole 111p that opens toward the puff sensor 165 so that air flows into the puff sensor 165. The puff hole 111p disposed on the upper wall 111 may be located above an air inflow passage 200i extending in the z-axis direction.

[0158] The sealing portion 170 covers at least a part of the case 110 in the first region A1 and separates the first region A1 from the second region A2. Referring to FIG. 8, based on one surface of the sealing portion 170 facing in the x-axis direction, the region in the +x direction is the second region A2, and the region in the -x direction is the first region A1.

[0159] The sealing portion 170 covers the electronic component 60 disposed on the upper part of the case 110 while covering the case 110.

[0160] The sealing portion 170 covers the optical sensor 160 and shields between the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space 110i in the x-axis direction and the optical sensor 160. At this time, the sealing portion 170 includes a transparent or translucent material through which light can pass. In this way, the optical sensor 160 can sense the light reflected from the aerosol generating article and transmitted through the sealing portion 170.

[0161] The vent hole 110h is opened in the direction from the case 110 toward the sealing portion 170. Referring to FIG. 8, the vent hole 110h disposed on the upper wall 111 is opened in the z-axis direction, which is the direction from the case 110 toward the sealing portion 170.

[0162] The play adjustment portion 180 is disposed between the case 110 and the electronic component 60. The play adjustment portion 180 contacts the case 110 and the electronic component 60 to remove the play between the case 110 and the electronic component 60.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 8, the play adjustment portion 180 is disposed to accommodate the puff sensor 165 and cover at least one region of the upper surface of the upper wall 111. The play adjustment portion 180 may be opened toward the puff hole 111p so that the air passing through the puff hole 111p flows into the puff sensor 165.

[0164] At least a part of the play adjustment part 180 contacts the sealing part 170. Referring to FIG. 8, the sealing part 170 covers the play adjustment part 180 that contacts the upper surface of the upper wall 111. A sealed space is formed between the sealing part 170 and the play adjustment part 180, in which the electronic component 60 is disposed.

[0165] One area of the play adjustment part 180 that contacts the upper wall 111 is opened so as not to shield the ventilation hole 110h. The air in the sealed space passes through the opened area of the play adjustment part 180 and moves through the ventilation hole 110h disposed on the upper wall 111.

[0166] The air moving through the ventilation hole 110h needs to be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0167] When the cartridge 200 is inserted between the upper wall 111 and the lower wall 112 of the cartridge 200 and coupled to the case 110, a gap may occur between the upper wall 111 and the cartridge 200. At this time, the gap becomes a moving path of air.

[0168] That is, an air discharge passage 200e is formed between the upper wall 111 and the cartridge 200, and the ventilation hole 110h is fluidly connected to the air discharge passage 200e.

[0169] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the "path through which the air moving through the ventilation hole 110h is discharged to the outside" will be described in detail.

[0170] FIGS. 10 and 11 are drawings for explaining the path through which the air moving through the ventilation hole is discharged to the outside.

[0171] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the air flow inside an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment with an aerosol generating article inserted therein. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the air flow moving from the inside to the outside of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment with an aerosol generating article inserted therein.

[0172] FIG. 11 shows a state in which a cover 10 is coupled to the upper part of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 10. Although omitted in FIG. 11, other components may be arranged between the upper part of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 10 and the cover 10.

[0173] Hereinafter, the content overlapping with the above-described content is omitted, and for the reference numerals not shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, refer to FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0174] The ventilation hole 110h is fluidly connected to the air discharge passage 200e. Thereby, a first air flow path P1 passing through the ventilation hole 110h and the air discharge passage 200e is formed.

[0175] According to the first air flow path P1, the heated air in the first area A1 passes through the ventilation hole 110h, passes through the air discharge passage 200e located in the third area A3, and is discharged to the outside of the case 110.

[0176] Conversely, the relatively cold air existing outside the case 110 may flow into not only the air inflow passage 200i but also the air discharge passage 200e. According to the first air flow path P1, the cold air passes through the air discharge passage 200e located in the third area A3, passes through the ventilation hole 110h, and reaches the first area A1.

[0177] In summary, through the first air flow path P1, the heated air in the first area A1 is discharged to the outside of the case 110, and the relatively cold air outside the case 110 flows into the first area A1. As a result, the temperature of the air in the first area A1 decreases.

[0178] On the other hand, a second air flow path P2 may be separately formed inside the aerosol generating device 1, and through this, the aerosol generated from the cartridge 200 and the aerosol generating article 2 is transmitted to the user.

[0179] The second air flow path P2 is an air flow path through which the primary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating substance of the cartridge 200 by the vaporizer 230 and the secondary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating article 2 by the heater 130 are mixed and inhaled by the user.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 10, the second air flow path P2 starts from the inlet of the air inflow passage 200i of the cartridge 200.

[0181] The air outside the case 110 and the cartridge 200 flows into the air inflow passage 200i. The air moves along the air inflow passage 200i and reaches the vaporizer 230.

[0182] The air that reaches the vaporizer 230 is mixed with the primary aerosol and moves outside the cartridge 200 through the outlet 240.

[0183] The primary aerosol mixed with air moves along the transmission passage 140 connected to the outlet 240 and flows into one end of the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

[0184] While the primary aerosol mixed with air passes through the aerosol generating article 2, a secondary aerosol is generated by the aerosol generating article 2. Therefore, the primary aerosol mixed with air is mixed with the secondary aerosol while passing through the aerosol generating article 2.

[0185] The air containing both the primary aerosol and the secondary aerosol moves into the user's oral cavity, which is the final destination of the second air flow path P2.

[0186] The second airflow path P2 indicates the movement path of air and aerosol when the user inhales the aerosol generating article 2. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the second airflow path P2 provides a single path for the flow of air. However, the moving directions of the air and aerosol are not limited thereto.

[0187] The air discharge passage 200e is formed in a direction crossing the air inflow passage 200i. At this time, the inlet of the air inflow passage 200i is opened toward the upper wall 111, and the air discharge passage 200e is connected to the inlet of the air inflow passage 200i.

[0188] Thereby, the first airflow path P1 passing through the air discharge passage 200e intersects with the second airflow path P2 formed along the air inflow passage 200i at the inlet of the air inflow passage 200i.

[0189] On the other hand, since the first airflow path P1 and the second airflow path P2 are airflow paths formed inside the aerosol generating device 1, each airflow path needs to be connected to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 11, a common airflow path PC is formed outside the case 110 and the cartridge 200. The common airflow path PC is connected to the first airflow path P1 and the second airflow path P2 and is formed up to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0191] According to the common airflow path PC, the air outside the aerosol generating device 1 flows into the inside of the cover 10 through the sliding groove of the cover 10 (for example, the sliding groove 10g in FIG. 1). The flowing-in air reaches the air inflow passage 200i and the air discharge passage 200e through the space between the cover 10 and other components.

[0192] According to the common airflow path PC, the air may move in the direction opposite to the above-described direction. That is, the air moves from the air inflow passage 200i and the air discharge passage 200e and moves to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0193] However, when the user sucks air with the aerosol generating article 2 in the mouth, a pressure difference is generated between the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 and the user's oral cavity. Due to such a pressure difference, most of the air moves from the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user's oral cavity.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 11, the inlet of the air inlet passage 200i is open toward the upper wall 111, and the common air flow path PC is connected to the first air flow path P1 and the second air flow path P2 at the inlet of the air inlet passage 200i.

[0195] However, the embodiment is not limited to the arrangement of the inlet of the air inlet passage described above. For example, the inlet of the air inlet passage is arranged in a direction crossing the side plate 210, whereby the air inlet passage is not connected to the air outlet passage.

[0196] In this case, the first air flow path formed along the air outlet passage and the second air flow path formed along the air inlet passage do not cross each other and are respectively connected to the common air flow path PC.

[0197] Also, through the coupling portion between the cover 10 and the main body 11, the air outside the aerosol generating device 1 flows in and merges into the common air flow path PC, but it is not separately shown in FIG. 11.

[0198] The first air flow path P1 and the second air flow path P2 are connected to the common air flow path PC, and the air outlet passage 200e and the air inlet passage 200i are in fluid connection with the outside of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0199] Through the second air flow path P2 and the common air flow path PC, air and / or aerosol move from the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user's oral cavity.

[0200] Through the first air flow path P1 and the common air flow path PC, the heated air in the first area A1 is discharged outside the aerosol generating device 1, and the relatively cold air outside the aerosol generating device 1 flows into the first area A1. As a result, the temperature of the air in the first area A1 decreases.

[0201] Since the ventilation hole 110h provides fluid communication between the first area A1 and the air discharge passage 200e, the first area A1 is fluidly connected to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 through the ventilation hole 110h. That is, the arrangement of the ventilation hole 110h prevents "deformation of components by heated air" and reduces "adverse effects of heated air".

[0202] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0203] The aerosol generating device 1200 includes a control unit 1210, a sensing unit 1220, an output unit 1230, a battery 1240, a heater 1250, a user input unit 1260, a memory 1270, and a communication unit 1280. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1200 is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 12. That is, those skilled in the art will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1200, some of the configurations shown in FIG. 12 may be omitted or new configurations may be further added.

[0204] The sensing unit 1220 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1200 and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 1210. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1210 controls the aerosol generating device 1200 so that various functions such as operation control of the heater 1250, restriction of smoking, determination of insertion of an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and notification display are performed.

[0205] The sensing unit 1220 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1222, an insertion sensing sensor 1224, and a puff sensor 1226, but is not limited thereto.

[0206] The temperature sensor 1222 senses the temperature at which the heater 1250 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1200 includes a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1250, or the heater 1250 itself serves as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1222 may be arranged around the battery 1240 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 1240.

[0207] The insertion sensing sensor 1224 senses the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1224 includes at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and senses a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article.

[0208] The puff sensor 1226 senses the puff of the user based on various physical changes in the air flow path or air flow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1226 senses the puff of the user based on any one of a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0209] In addition to the sensors 1222 to 1226 described above, the sensing unit 1220 further includes at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary technician from its name, specific descriptions are omitted.

[0210] The output unit 1230 outputs information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1200 and provides it to the user. The output unit 1230 includes at least one of a display unit 1232, a haptic unit 1234, and an acoustic output unit 1236, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1232 and the touch pad form a layer structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 1232 is also used as an input device in addition to the output device.

[0211] The display unit 1232 visually provides information about the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1200 means various information such as the charge / discharge state of the battery 1240 of the aerosol generating device 1200, the preheating state of the heater 1250, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article, or the state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1200 is restricted (for example, detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit 1232 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 1232 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. Further, the display unit 1232 may be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0212] The haptic unit 1234 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and tactually provides information about the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the haptic unit 1234 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0213] The acoustic output unit 1236 aurally provides information about the aerosol generating device 1200 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 1236 converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0214] The battery 1240 supplies the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 supplies power so that the heater 1250 is heated. Also, the battery 1240 supplies the power necessary for the operation of other components (for example, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280) provided in the aerosol generating device 1200. The battery 1240 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1240 is also a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0215] The heater 1250 is supplied with power from the battery 1240 and heats the aerosol generating substance. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 further includes a power conversion circuit (for example, a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to the heater 1250. Also, when the aerosol generating device 1200 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1200 further includes a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 1240 into an AC power source.

[0216] The control unit 1210, the sensing unit 1220, the output unit 1230, the user input unit 1260, the memory 1270, and the communication unit 1280 are supplied with power from the battery 1240 and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1240 and supplies it to each component.

[0217] In one embodiment, the heater 1250 is formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Also, the heater 1250 may be embodied as, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0218] In other embodiments, the heater 1250 is an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 1250 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

[0219] The user input unit 1260 receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1260 includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (capacitive touch type, pressure resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface acoustic wave conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and through the connection interface such as a USB interface, it connects to other external devices to transmit and receive information or charges the battery 1240.

[0220] The memory 1270 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1200, and stores the data processed by the control unit 1210 and the data to be processed. The memory 1270 includes at least one type of recording medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 1270 stores data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1200, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and data about the user's smoking pattern.

[0221] The communication unit 1280 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1280 includes a short-range communication unit 1282 and a wireless communication unit 1284.

[0222] The short-range communication unit 1282 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0223] The wireless communication unit 1284 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1284 may confirm and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1200 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0224] The control unit 1210 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1200. In one embodiment, the control unit 1210 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of a number of logic gates, or may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by this microprocessor is stored. Also, those skilled in the art will understand that it may be embodied in other forms of hardware.

[0225] The control unit 1210 controls the temperature of the heater 1250 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1240 to the heater 1250. For example, the control unit 1210 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1240 and the heater 1250. In another example, the heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 1250 according to the control command of the control unit 1210.

[0226] The control unit 1210 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220 and controls the subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 1210 controls the power supplied to the heater 1250 so that the operation of the heater 1250 starts or ends based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220. As another example, the control unit 1210 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 1250 and the time during which the power is supplied so that the heater 1250 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220.

[0227] The control unit 1210 controls the output unit 1230 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1220. For example, if the puff count counted through the puff sensor 1226 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1210 notifies the user through at least one of the display unit 1232, the haptic unit 1234, and the acoustic output unit 1236 that the aerosol generator 1200 will end soon.

[0228] One embodiment is also embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer-executable instructions such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is any available medium that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Also, a computer-readable medium includes both computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media embodied by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication media typically includes modulated data signals such as computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery media.

[0229] The above description of the embodiments is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention must be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims shall be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A case having an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol generating article and accommodating at least one electronic component, A heater disposed in the accommodation space for heating the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, A cartridge detachably coupled to the case and including a storage unit for storing an aerosol generating substance and a vaporizer for heating the aerosol generating substance transmitted from the storage unit, The case includes a ventilation hole formed between the accommodation space and the cartridge and configured to allow air heated by heat generated by the heater or the vaporizer to pass through, The case further includes a first area where the electronic component is accommodated, a second area where the accommodation space is disposed, a third area where the cartridge is disposed, and an upper wall separating the first area and the third area from each other, The ventilation hole is disposed on the upper wall, and is an aerosol generating device.

2. The case further includes a sealing part that separates the first area and the second area and covers at least a part of the case and the electronic component in the first area, The ventilation hole is opened in a direction from the case toward the sealing part, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. The case further includes a partition wall separating the second area and the third area, The ventilation hole is disposed at a position adjacent to the partition wall, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

4. The upper wall extends in a first direction from the first area and accommodates the electronic component above the upper wall, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

5. The accommodation space is opened in a second direction crossing the first direction and extends in the second direction to accommodate the aerosol generating article in the second area, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 4.

6. The ventilation hole is opened in a second direction crossing the first direction, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 4.

7. The electronic component includes an optical element disposed on the upper surface of the upper wall and transmitting light reflected from the aerosol generating article accommodated in the second area, and a sensing part for sensing the light, and includes an optical sensor, The ventilation hole is opened toward the optical sensor to prevent the optical element from becoming cloudy, and is the aerosol generating device according to claim 4.

8. The case further includes a lower wall that extends in the first direction opposite to the upper wall. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the cartridge is inserted between the upper wall and the lower wall to close the third region.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the cartridge is coupled to the case, and an air discharge passage is formed between the upper wall and the cartridge.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the vent hole is in fluid communication with the air discharge passage, and a first air flow path passing through the vent hole and the air discharge passage is formed.

11. The cartridge further includes an air inlet passage for transmitting air to the vaporizer. The air discharge passage is formed in a direction crossing the air inlet passage. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the first air flow path intersects at an inlet of the air inlet passage with a second air flow path formed along the air inlet passage.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the second air flow path is a flow path through which a primary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating substance of the cartridge by the vaporizer and a secondary aerosol generated by heating the aerosol generating article by the heater are mixed and inhaled by a user.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the first air flow path and the second air flow path are connected to a common air flow path formed outside the case and the cartridge, and the air discharge passage and the air inlet passage are in fluid communication with the outside of the aerosol generating device through the common air flow path.

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