Aerosol generating device and method for indicating the remaining amount of a liquid composition using a light source

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generation device that enables a user to easily check a residual amount of a liquid composition.SOLUTION: An aerosol generation device 1 according to an aspect includes: a body part 20 including a battery and a control part; a cartridge 40 connected with the body part 20 and including a liquid storage part storing a liquid composition and an atomization part heating a liquid composition stored in the liquid storage part to generate an aerosol; and a lid 10 connected with the body part so that the cartridge is arranged in an internal space to form the internal space. The body part 20 further includes a light source emitting light toward the inside of the liquid storage part. The lid 10 includes a window hole 101 through which the light emitted from the light source toward the inside of the liquid storage part transmits to the outside of the lid 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating substance to generate an aerosol. It relates to.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, instead of burning a cigarette, heating the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette has increased the demand for heated aerosol generating devices that generate an aerosol. For example, instead of burning a cigarette, heating the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette has increased the demand for heated aerosol generating devices that generate an aerosol. As a result, research on heated cigarettes and heated aerosol generating devices has been actively promoted. It has been.

[0003] Furthermore, an aerosol generating device that uses a liquid composition needs to show the remaining amount of the liquid composition to the user. It is necessary to show.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that allows a user to easily check the remaining amount of a liquid composition. It is to provide.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a main body portion including a battery and a control unit, a cartridge coupled to the main body portion and including a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid composition and an atomizing portion for heating the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage portion to generate an aerosol, and a housing coupled to the main body portion so that the cartridge is disposed in an internal space and the internal portion is coupled to the main body portion, a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid composition, and an atomizing portion for heating the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage portion to generate an aerosol. ridge, and a housing coupled to the main body portion so that the cartridge is disposed in an internal space and the internal space is coupled to the main body portion, a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid composition, and an atomizing portion for heating the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage portion to generate an aerosol. A lid that forms a partial space, and the main body portion includes a light source that emits light toward the inside of the liquid storage portion. The lid includes a window hole through which the light emitted from the light source toward the inside of the liquid storage portion is transmitted to the outside of the lid. The main body portion includes a light source that emits light toward the inside of the liquid storage portion. The lid includes a window hole through which the light emitted from the light source toward the inside of the liquid storage portion is transmitted to the outside of the lid.

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a user can grasp the remaining amount of the liquid composition contained in the cartridge through the light emitted from the light source. Further, the user can visually and intuitively grasp the remaining amount of the liquid composition contained in the cartridge from the light emitted from the light source. The advantages of the invention are not limited by the above-exemplified contents, and more various advantages are included in this specification. The advantages of the invention are not limited by the above-exemplified contents, and more various advantages are included in this specification.

[0007] The advantages of the invention are not limited by the above-exemplified contents, and more various advantages are included in this specification. The advantages of the invention are not limited by the above-exemplified contents, and more various advantages are included in this specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 6C

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol according to one aspect includes a battery and a control unit a main body, a liquid storage unit coupled to the main body and storing a liquid composition, and a cartridge including an atomizing unit that heats the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage unit to generate an aerosol and a lid coupled to the main body such that the cartridge is disposed in an internal space and forming the internal space The main body includes a light source that emits light toward the inside of the liquid storage unit, and the lid includes a window through which the light emitted from the light source toward the inside of the liquid storage unit passes through the outside of the lid. The main body includes a light source that emits light toward the inside of the liquid storage unit, and the lid includes a window through which the light emitted from the light source toward the inside of the liquid storage unit passes through the outside of the lid. The main body includes a light source that emits light toward the inside of the liquid storage unit, and the lid includes a window through which the light emitted from the light source toward the inside of the liquid storage unit passes through the outside of the lid. The main body includes a light source that emits light toward the inside of the liquid storage unit, and the lid includes a window through which the light emitted from the light source toward the inside of the liquid storage unit passes through the outside of the lid.

[0010] The aerosol generating device described above further includes a sensor that senses the remaining amount of the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage unit, and the control unit controls the light source based on the remaining amount of the liquid composition sensed by the sensor. The aerosol generating device described above further includes a sensor that senses the remaining amount of the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage unit, and the control unit controls the light source based on the remaining amount of the liquid composition sensed by the sensor. The aerosol generating device described above further includes a sensor that senses the remaining amount of the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage unit, and the control unit controls the light source based on the remaining amount of the liquid composition sensed by the sensor.

[0011] In the aerosol generating device described above, the control unit changes the hue of the light emitted by the light source according to the remaining amount of the liquid composition sensed by the sensor. In the aerosol generating device described above, the control unit changes the hue of the light emitted by the light source according to the remaining amount of the liquid composition sensed by the sensor.

[0012] In the aerosol generating device described above, the light source is disposed inside the main body, and the main body further includes a first light guide unit that guides the light emitted from the light source to the cartridge. In the aerosol generating device described above, the light source is disposed inside the main body, and the main body further includes a first light guide unit that guides the light emitted from the light source to the cartridge. In the aerosol generating device described above, the light source is disposed inside the main body, and the main body further includes a first light guide unit that guides the light emitted from the light source to the cartridge.

[0013] In the aerosol generating device described above, the emission surface of the first optical guide part is arranged to face the liquid storage part.

[0014] In the aerosol generating device described above, the liquid storage part includes a diffusion sheet arranged at a position corresponding to the emission surface of the first optical guide part so that the light emitted from the first optical guide part is diffused by the diffusion sheet.

[0015] In the aerosol generating device described above, the atomizing part further includes a second optical guide part that guides the light emitted from the emission surface of the first optical guide part through the atomizing part to the liquid storage part.

[0016] In the aerosol generating device described above, the incident surface of the second optical guide part is arranged to face the emission surface of the first optical guide part, and the emission surface of the second optical guide part is arranged to face the liquid storage part.

[0017] In the aerosol generating device described above, the liquid storage part includes a diffusion sheet arranged at a position corresponding to the emission surface of the second optical guide part so that the light emitted from the second optical guide part is diffused by the diffusion sheet.

[0018] In the aerosol generating device described above, the light source is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device with respect to the cartridge.

[0019] In the aerosol generating device described above, the light source is arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device with respect to the cartridge.

[0020] In the aerosol generation device described above, the control unit includes a circuit board, and the light source is mounted on the circuit board.

[0021] In the aerosol generation device described above, the circuit board is a flexible circuit board .

[0022] In the aerosol generation device described above, the lid further includes a cigarette insertion hole.

[0023] In the aerosol generation device described above, the lid is a mouthpiece.

[0024] In the aerosol generation device described above, the lid includes a plurality of window holes, and among the plurality of window holes, any two of the window holes are arranged to face each other through the internal space.

[0025] The terms used in the examples are, as much as possible while considering the functions in the present disclosure, general terms that are currently widely used However, this may also vary depending on the intentions or precedents of those skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies and so on. In addition, in certain cases, there are also terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the description part of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present disclosure are not merely the names of the terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the content throughout the present invention .

[0026] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise specified to the contrary, it does not exclude other components, but means that it may further include other components as well. Also, terms such as "… part" and "… module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and it It is implemented by hardware or software, or is also implemented by a combination of hardware and software.

[0027] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least any one of" is in front of an arranged component, it modifies the entire component that is not each arranged component. For example, the expression "at least any one of a, b, and c" must be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0028] When a component or layer is referred to as "above", "on", "connected", or "coupled" to another component or layer, the component or layer is directly above, on, connected, or coupled to the other component or layer, or there can be components or layers in between. In contrast, when a component is referred to as "directly above", "immediately above", "directly connected", or "directly coupled" to another component or layer, there are no components or layers in between. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout.

[0029] Hereinafter, based on the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement them. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. It is.

[0032] The aerosol generating device 1 may include, as a hardware configuration, a battery 11000, a heater 12 000, a sensor 13000, a user interface 14000, a memory 15000, and a control unit 16000. The hardware configuration included in the aerosol generating device 1 may be located separately in the main body and the cartridge.

[0033] The battery 11000 supplies electric power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. That is, the battery 11000 can supply electric power so that the heater 12000 is heated. Also, the battery 11000 can supply electric power necessary for the operation of other hardware configurations provided in the aerosol generating device 1, that is, the sensor 13000, the user interface 14000, the memory 15000, and the control unit 16000. The battery 11000 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 11000 is also a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. It is not.

[0034] The heater 12000 is supplied with electric power from the battery 11000 under the control of the control unit 16000. The heater 12000 is supplied with electric power from the battery 11000 and heats a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 or can heat a cartridge attached to the aerosol generating device 1.

[0035] The heater 12000 may be located in the main body of the aerosol generating device 1. Or, the heater ​​The heater 12000 may be located in the cartridge. When the heater 12000 is located in the cartridge, the heater 12000 can be supplied with power from the battery 11000 located at least at one of the main body and the cartridge. When located in the cartridge, the heater 12000 can be supplied with power from the battery 11000 located at least at one of the main body and the cartridge. The heater 12000 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron,

[0036] copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but are not limited thereto. Further, the heater 12000 may be embodied by a metal wire, a metal plate on which a conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto. The heater 12000 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but are not limited thereto. Further, the heater 12000 may be embodied by a metal wire, a metal plate on which a conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, etc., but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the heater 12000 is also a configuration included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 12000, a liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage unit. The aerosol product substance stored in the liquid storage unit moves to the liquid transfer means, and the heater 12000 can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 12000 includes a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid transfer means or disposed adjacent to the liquid transfer means. In one embodiment, the heater 12000 is also a configuration included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 12000, a liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage unit. The aerosol product substance stored in the liquid storage unit moves to the liquid transfer means, and the heater 12000 can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 12000 includes a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid transfer means or disposed adjacent to the liquid transfer means. In another embodiment, the heater 12000 can heat a cigarette inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 1. A cigarette can be inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 1. The heater 12000 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron,

[0037] In one embodiment, the heater 12000 is also a configuration included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 12000, a liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage unit. The aerosol product substance stored in the liquid storage unit moves to the liquid transfer means, and the heater 12000 can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 12000 includes a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid transfer means or disposed adjacent to the liquid transfer means. In one embodiment, the heater 12000 is also a configuration included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 12000, a liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage unit. The aerosol product substance stored in the liquid storage unit moves to the liquid transfer means, and the heater 12000 can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 12000 includes a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid transfer means or disposed adjacent to the liquid transfer means. In one embodiment, the heater 12000 is also a configuration included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 12000, a liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage unit. The aerosol product substance stored in the liquid storage unit moves to the liquid transfer means, and the heater 12000 can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 12000 includes a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid transfer means or disposed adjacent to the liquid transfer means. In one embodiment, the heater 12000 is also a configuration included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 12000, a liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage unit. The aerosol product substance stored in the liquid storage unit moves to the liquid transfer means, and the heater 12000 can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 12000 includes a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid transfer means or disposed adjacent to the liquid transfer means. In one embodiment, the heater 12000 is also a configuration included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 12000, a liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage unit. The aerosol product substance stored in the liquid storage unit moves to the liquid transfer means, and the heater 12000 can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 12000 includes a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid transfer means or disposed adjacent to the liquid transfer means. In one embodiment, the heater 12000 is also a configuration included in the cartridge. The cartridge may include the heater 12000, a liquid transfer means, and a liquid storage unit. The aerosol product substance stored in the liquid storage unit moves to the liquid transfer means, and the heater 12000 can heat the aerosol product substance absorbed by the liquid transfer means to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater 12000 includes a material such as nickel chromium and may be wound around the liquid transfer means or disposed adjacent to the liquid transfer means.

[0038] In another embodiment, the heater 12000 can heat a cigarette inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 1. A cigarette can be inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 1. In another embodiment, the heater 12000 can heat a cigarette inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 1. A cigarette can be inserted into the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device 1. By being accommodated, the heater 12000 may be positioned inside and / or outside the cigarette. Thereby, the heater 12000 can heat the aerosol generating substance in the cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0039] On the other hand, the heater 12000 is also an induction heater. The heater 12000 includes a conductive coil for heating the cigarette or the liquid composition by an induction heating method, and the cigarette or the cartridge may include a susceptor to be heated by the induction heater.

[0040] The aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor 13000. The result sensed by at least one sensor 13000 is transmitted to the control unit 16000, and based on the sensing result, the control unit 16000 can control the aerosol generating device 1 so as to perform various functions such as operation control of the heater, restriction of smoking, determination of whether a cigarette (or a cartridge) is inserted, and notification display.

[0041] For example, at least one sensor 13000 may include a puff sensing sensor. The puff sensing sensor can sense the user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0042] Also, at least one sensor 13000 may include a temperature sensing sensor. The temperature sensing sensor can sense the temperature at which the heater 12000 (or the aerosol generating substance) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1 may have a separate sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 12000. Instead of including a temperature sensing sensor or including a separate temperature sensing sensor, the heater 12000 itself can perform the role of a temperature sensing sensor. Alternatively, the heater 12000 performs the role of a temperature sensing sensor, and a separate temperature sensing sensor may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0043] In addition, at least one sensor 13000 may include a remaining amount sensing sensor for measuring the remaining amount of the liquid composition contained in the cartridge. For example, the remaining amount sensing sensor is an electrode When the aerosol product substance, which is a conductive liquid, comes into contact, it senses the flow of electricity and measures the water level A water level sensor, an inductive sensor using the property that the inductance changes depending on the gap , an infrared sensor for measuring the remaining amount based on temperature, a capacitance sensor for measuring the remaining amount based on the change in capacitance And the like may be included.

[0044] The user interface 14000 can provide information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1 to the user . The user interface 14000 outputs visual information A display, a lamp, a light source, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information , receives information input from the user, or performs data communication with an input / output (I / O ) interfacing means (for example, a button or a touch screen) that outputs information to the user, and a terminal for supplying charging power, wireless communication with an external device (for example, WI-FI, W I-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.) may include various interfacing means such as a communication interfacing module for performing . ​

[0045] However, in the aerosol generating device 1, only some of the various user interfaces 14 exemplified above can be selectively implemented. Out of 000, only some can be selectively implemented.

[0046] The memory 15000 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1. The memory 15000 can store data processed by the control unit 16000 and data to be processed. The memory 15000 can be implemented by various types such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory) like RAM (random access memory), ROM (read - only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read - only memory), etc. ROM (read - only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read - only memory), etc. ROM (read - only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read - only memory), etc. It can also be implemented by various types.

[0047] In the memory 15000, data related to the operation time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern may be stored. Data related to the operation time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern may be stored. It may be stored.

[0048] The control unit 16000 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 16000 includes at least one processor. The processor can also be implemented as an array of a large number of logic gates, and can also be implemented by a combination of a general - purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. The processor can also be implemented as an array of a large number of logic gates, and can also be implemented by a combination of a general - purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs will be able to understand that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware. Also, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs will be able to understand that it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs will be able to understand.

[0049] The control unit 16000 analyzes the results sensed by at least one sensor 13000 and controls the subsequent processes.

[0050] Based on the results sensed by at least one sensor 13000, the control unit 16000 can control the power supplied to the heater 12000 so that the operation of the heater 12000 starts or ends. Also, based on the results sensed by at least one sensor 13000, the control unit 16000 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 12000 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 12000 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0051] In one embodiment, after receiving user input for the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 16000 can set the mode of the heater 12000 to the preheating mode in order to start the operation of the heater 12000. Also, after sensing the puff of the user using the puff sensing sensor, the control unit 16000 can switch the mode of the heater 12000 from the preheating mode to the operation mode. Further, after counting the number of puffs using the puff sensing sensor, if the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the control unit 16000 can interrupt the power supply to the heater 12000.

[0052] Based on the results sensed by at least one sensor 13000, the control unit 16000 can control the user interface 14000. For example, after counting the number of puffs using the puff sensing sensor, if the number of puffs reaches a preset number, ​ The control unit 16000 uses at least one of a lamp, a motor, and a speaker to warn the user that the aerosol generating device 1 will end soon.

[0053] Based on the result sensed by the remaining amount sensing sensor, the control unit 16000 can control the light emission form of the light source. For example, after using the remaining amount sensing sensor to sense the remaining amount of the liquid composition in the cartridge, the control unit 16000 controls the light emission form of the light source to inform the user of the remaining amount of the liquid composition. For example, after using the remaining amount sensing sensor to sense the remaining amount of the liquid composition in the cartridge, the control unit 16000 can change the light emission hue of the light source according to the sensed remaining amount of the liquid composition.

[0054] On the other hand, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 can form an aerosol generation system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 can be charged from the battery of the cradle while being accommodated in the accommodation space inside the cradle to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0055] FIGS. 2 to 4 show an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0056]

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a main body 20, a cartridge 4 0, and a lid 10.

[0057] The lid 10 is coupled to one end of the main body 20, so that the main body 20 and the lid 10 together can form the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0058] The lid 10 is also made of a plastic material that does not conduct heat well or a metal material coated with a heat-insulating substance on the surface. The lid 10 can also be made by, for example, an injection molding method, a 3D printing method, or a method of assembling small accessories made by injection molding. It can also be made by assembling small accessories made by injection molding.

[0059] A holding device (not shown) for maintaining the connection state between the main body 20 and the lid 10 may be provided between the main body 20 and the lid 10. The holding device may include, for example, a protrusion and a groove. By holding the state where the protrusion is inserted into the groove, the connection state between the lid 10 and the main body 20 is maintained, and a structure may be used in which the protrusion moves by an operation button that can be pressed by the user and the protrusion is separated from the groove. By holding the state where the protrusion is inserted into the groove, the connection state between the lid 10 and the main body 20 is maintained, and a structure may be used in which the protrusion moves by an operation button that can be pressed by the user and the protrusion is separated from the groove. By holding the state where the protrusion is inserted into the groove, the connection state between the lid 10 and the main body 20 is maintained, and a structure may be used in which the protrusion moves by an operation button that can be pressed by the user and the protrusion is separated from the groove. It may be used.

[0060] Alternatively, the holding device may include, for example, a magnet and a metal member that is attracted to the magnet. When using a magnet for the holding device, a magnet is installed on either the main body 20 or the lid 10, and a metal member that is attracted to the magnet is installed on the other one. Otherwise, magnets may be provided on both the main body 20 and the lid 10. When using a magnet for the holding device, a magnet is installed on either the main body 20 or the lid 10, and a metal member that is attracted to the magnet is installed on the other one. Otherwise, magnets may be provided on both the main body 20 and the lid 10. When using a magnet for the holding device, a magnet is installed on either the main body 20 or the lid 10, and a metal member that is attracted to the magnet is installed on the other one. Otherwise, magnets may be provided on both the main body 20 and the lid 10. It may be provided.

[0061] A cap 30 may be slidably provided on the upper surface of the lid 10. On the upper surface of the lid 10, a rail 16 extending along the sliding direction of the cap 30 and a cigarette insertion hole 18 into which the cigarette 7 is inserted may be provided. The rail 16 may be open so as to connect the outside and the inside of the lid 10. A cap 30 may be slidably provided on the upper surface of the lid 10. On the upper surface of the lid 10, a rail 16 extending along the sliding direction of the cap 30 and a cigarette insertion hole 18 into which the cigarette 7 is inserted may be provided. The rail 16 may be open so as to connect the outside and the inside of the lid 10. A cap 30 may be slidably provided on the upper surface of the lid 10. On the upper surface of the lid 10, a rail 16 extending along the sliding direction of the cap 30 and a cigarette insertion hole 18 into which the cigarette 7 is inserted may be provided. The rail 16 may be open so as to connect the outside and the inside of the lid 10. It can be opened.

[0062] The cap 30 moves along the rail 16 formed on the upper surface of the lid 10 to insert the cigarette If the hole 18 is exposed to the outside, the cigarette 7 can be inserted into the cigarette insertion hole 18.

[0063] As the cap 30 slides along the upper surface of the lid 10, various preparatory operations may be executed in conjunction with the operation of opening the cigarette insertion hole 18. For example, at the moment when the cigarette insertion hole 18 is opened by the cap 30, the operation mode of the aerosol generating device 1 can be changed, a preliminary heating operation of the internal heater, an operation of the light source emitting light, an operation of changing the light emitting form of the light source, or an operation of recognizing the user can be executed. The internal heater's preliminary heating operation, the operation of the light source emitting light, the operation of changing the light emitting form of the light source, or an operation of recognizing the user, etc., can be executed.

[0064] The cigarette 7 is also similar to a general combustion-type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 7 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating substance and a second part containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the cigarette 7 also contains an aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance made in a granular or capsule form can be inserted into the second part.

[0065] The entire first part is inserted into the cigarette insertion hole 18, and the second part is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol with the second part in the mouth.

[0066] The cartridge 40 can be disposed in the internal space formed by the combination of the main body 20 and the lid 10.

[0067] The cartridge 40 is detachably provided at one end of the main body 20. For example, when the user presses the button member 28, the fastening protrusion that can be inserted into the cartridge 40 projects from the main body 20. By sliding vertically along the guide holes formed therein, the main body 20 and the cartridge 40 can be fastened or separated.

[0068] FIG. 4 depicts how the cartridge 40 approaches from the side of the main body 20 and is provided on the main body 20, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge 40 may be provided on the main body 20 by approaching vertically from above the lid 10. together with the lid 10.

[0069] The cartridge 40 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 7. That is, the aerosol generated by the cartridge 40 moves along the air flow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the air flow path can be configured such that the aerosol generated by the cartridge 40 passes through the cigarette and is transmitted to the user. transmitted.

[0070] The lid 10 may include a window hole 101. For example, the lid 10 may include two window holes 101 respectively disposed on opposite surfaces such as the front and back. faces.

[0071] The window hole 101 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the cartridge 40. Desirably, the window hole 101 may be disposed opposite to the liquid storage portion of the cartridge 40.

[0072] The window hole 101 is also elongated. A transparent window including a material that is at least partially transparent may be disposed in the window hole 101. The transparent window may be made of a material such as plastic or glass. manufactured.

[0073] The main body 20 may include a light source. The light emitted from the light source is the liquid of the cartridge 40 The radiation is irradiated toward the body cavity and exits through the window 101 to be delivered to the user.

[0074] On the other hand, on the outside of the main body 20 of the aerosol generation device 1, there is a user-operable Press button 28 to select one of the various preset hues to light up. In this way, a lamp 29 may be provided to indicate the internal operating state of the aerosol generating device 1. The lamp 29 is also an LED.

[0075] The control unit (16000 in FIG. 1) turns on the lamp 29 to check whether the heater is operating normally and and / or indicate "normal operation" based on conditions such as a full battery charge It is possible.

[0076] When the user presses the button 28, the lamp 29 can be illuminated. The user can check the remaining charge of the battery from the color of the light emitted by lamp 29. For example, if the battery has a sufficient charge, the lamp 29 emits a green light; If the charge amount is insufficient, the lamp 29 can emit red light.

[0077] Depending on how long the user presses the button 28, different preset actions are performed. For example, if the user presses the button 28 for a preset first press time, the aerosol is generated. A reset (i.e., initialization) operation of the configuration device 1 can be performed. When the button 28 is pressed for the preset second pressing time, the preliminary heating operation of the aerosol generating device 1 is performed. It can be carried out.

[0078] Also, when the user presses the button 28, the light source can emit light. For example, if the user performs an operation of pressing button 28 once for a short time, pressing it twice in a row, or pressing it for a preset period only, the light source emits light. The light source emits light while button 28 is being pressed or emits light for a preset time by the input of the user pressing button 28. The light emitted from the light source can be emitted through aperture 101 and transmitted to the user.

[0079] The control unit can control the light source to emit light based on the remaining amount of the liquid composition sensed through the sensor. For example, the control unit can control the light source to change the hue of the light emitted from the light source according to the remaining amount of the liquid composition. The user can grasp the remaining amount of the liquid composition from the hue of the light emitted through aperture 101. As another example, the control unit can control the light source to change the characteristics of the light, such as intensity and blinking frequency, according to the remaining amount of the liquid composition. The user can grasp the remaining amount of the liquid composition from the hue of the light emitted through aperture 101. As another example, the control unit can control the light source to change the characteristics of the light, such as intensity and blinking frequency, according to the remaining amount of the liquid composition.

[0080] FIG. 5 shows a cartridge according to an embodiment.

[0081] The cartridge 40 may include a liquid storage unit 41 for storing the liquid composition and an atomizing unit 42 that performs a function of converting the aerosol product substance in the liquid storage unit 41 into an aerosol.

[0082] For example, the liquid storage unit 41 can directly store the liquid product substance. Alternatively, the liquid storage unit 41 may include a component containing an aerosol product substance such as a sponge, cotton, fabric, or porous ceramic structure.

[0083] The aerosol product substance may include the liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition is also a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component and is also a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. ​ .

[0084] The liquid composition may include, for example, any one of water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, and a vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these components. The fragrance includes menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and aroma components of various fruits, etc., but is not limited thereto. The flavoring agent may include components that provide various fragrances or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture is also a mixture in which at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E is mixed, but is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0085] For example, the liquid composition may include a glycerin and propylene glycol solution in any weight ratio with a nicotine salt added. The liquid composition may contain two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid containing an organic acid or an inorganic acid to nicotine. The nicotine may be natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine and can have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0086] The acid for forming the nicotine salt can be appropriately selected considering factors such as the blood nicotine absorption rate, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 5, the fragrance or flavor, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt is benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, ​​​​​​​​​Acids, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group consisting of the foregoing acids, but not limited thereto.

[0087] The atomizing unit 42 includes a liquid delivery means for holding the liquid composition in an optimal state for absorbing the liquid composition and converting it into an aerosol, a heater for heating the liquid delivery means to generate an aerosol, and a frame for supporting the liquid delivery means and the heater and forming an atomizing chamber which is a space where the aerosol is generated. The liquid delivery means may include at least one of, for example, brocade fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic.

[0088] The heater may include a metal material such as copper, nickel, tungsten, etc. to heat the liquid composition transmitted to the liquid delivery means by generating heat through electric resistance. The heater may be embodied by, for example, a metal wire, a metal plate, a ceramic heating element, etc., and may be embodied by a conductive filament using a material such as nichrome wire, wound around the liquid delivery means, or disposed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

[0089] The atomizing unit may be embodied as a mesh heating element or a plate heating element that holds the liquid composition in an optimal state for absorbing the liquid composition and converting it into an aerosol without using a separate liquid delivery means, and heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol.

[0090]

[0091] Figures 6A to 6C schematically show an example in which a light source is arranged in the aerosol generating device.

[0092] The main body 20 may include a control unit (16000 in FIG. 1). The control unit may include a microcontroller or the like mounted on the circuit board 20 1, the circuit board 201.

[0093] The main body 20 may include a light source 202. The light source 202 may include at least one light emitting element . At least one light emitting element may also be a light emitting diode (LED). At least one light emitting element may also be a full color light emitting diode that emits light of various hues .

[0094] For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the light source 202 may be mounted on the circuit board 201 . By mounting the light source 202 on the circuit board 201 of the control unit without mounting it on other circuit boards, an increase in the cost of the aerosol generating device due to the addition of other circuit boards can be prevented.

[0095] As another example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the light source 202' may be mounted on another circuit board 201' that is not the circuit board 201 of the control unit. The circuit board 201' can be connected to the circuit board 201 of the control unit by an electric wire 205 to exchange power or data. Since the light source 20 2' is mounted on a circuit board 201' that is not the circuit board 201 of the control unit, it can be freely arranged inside the main body 20 regardless of the position of the circuit board 201.

[0096] As still another example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the light source 202'' can be mounted on the flexible circuit board 201''. In FIG. 6C, a flexible circuit board bent at 90° is shown. The flexible circuit board 201’’ is shown. The flexible circuit board 201’’ may be included in the control unit. By mounting the light source 202’’ on the flexible circuit board 201’’, the degree of freedom in the position where the light source 202’’ is arranged can be increased, and an increase in the cost of the aerosol generation device due to the addition of other circuit boards can be prevented.

[0097] The light source 202 may be arranged such that the light emitted from the light source 202 irradiates the inside of the liquid storage unit 41.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 6A, the light source 202 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device with respect to the cartridge 40. That is, the light source 202 may be arranged below the cartridge 40.

[0099] The main body 20 may include a first light guide portion 203 that guides the light emitted from the light source 202 toward the cartridge 40. The incident surface of the first light guide portion 203 faces the light source 202, and the emission surface of the first light guide portion 203 may be arranged to face the cartridge 40.

[0100] When the light source 202 is arranged to face the cartridge 40, that is, when the light source 202 is arranged to be exposed outside the main body 20, the main body 20 may not include the first light guide portion 203.

[0101] The atomization portion 42 of the cartridge 40 may include a second light guide portion 401 that guides light from the first light guide portion 203 into the liquid storage portion 41. The incident surface of the second light guide portion 401 faces the emission surface of the first light guide portion 203, and the emission surface of the second light guide portion 401 faces the liquid storage portion 41. It may be arranged to face.

[0102] The second light guide part 401 may be arranged separately from the atomization chamber of the atomization part 42. Thus, it is possible to prevent the second light guide part 401 from being thermally deformed by the heater. Also, the second light guide part 401 may be supported by the frame of the atomization part 42.

[0103] The second light guide part 401 may be arranged to penetrate the atomization part 42. For example, the second light guide part 401 may be arranged inside the atomization part 42 so as to penetrate the atomization part 42. In one embodiment, the second light guide part 401 may be arranged in contact with the surface of the atomization part 42 and penetrate the atomization part 42.

[0104] The liquid storage part 41 may include a diffusion sheet 402 arranged at a position corresponding to the emission surface of the second light guide part 401. The light passing through the second light guide part 401 can be diffused by the diffusion sheet 402. That is, the diffusion sheet 402 can perform the function of deforming the light emitted from the light source 202 into a surface light source with more uniform brightness.

[0105] The diffusion sheet 402 may be attached to the surface of the liquid storage part 41. For example, the diffusion sheet 402 can be attached to the surface of the liquid storage part 41 facing the emission surface of the second light guide part 401. For example, the diffusion sheet 402 can be attached to the lower surface of the liquid storage part 41. Also, the diffusion sheet 402 can be attached to the side surface of the liquid storage part 41. Also, the diffusion sheet 402 can be attached to the part of the side surface of the liquid storage part 41 facing the window hole (101 in FIG. 2) of the lid.

[0106] The first optical guide portion 203 and the second optical guide portion 401 may be formed of glass, silicon, plastic, or the like so that light can easily pass through. For example, the first optical guide portion 203 and the second optical guide portion 401 may include optical fibers such as glass fibers and plastic fibers.

[0107] When a part of the frame of the atomizing portion 42 is transparent, the light that has passed through the first optical guide portion 203 can reach the liquid storage portion 41 by passing through the transparent portion of the frame. In that case, the atomizing portion 42 may not include the second optical guide portion 401.

[0108] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the light sources 202', 202'' may be arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device with respect to the cartridge 40. That is, the light sources 202', 202'' may be arranged on the side of the cartridge 40. In this case, the emission surfaces of the first optical guide portions 203' 203'' may be arranged toward the liquid storage portion 41. Since the light passing through the first optical guide portions 203' 203'' is directly irradiated toward the liquid storage portion 41, the atomizing portion 42 may not include the second optical guide portion 401.

[0109] The liquid storage portion 41 may include diffusion sheets 402', 402'' arranged at positions corresponding to the emission surfaces of the first optical guide portions 203', 203''. The light that has passed through the first optical guide portions 203', 2 03'' is also diffused by the diffusion sheets 402', 402''.

[0110] The diffusion sheets 402', 402'' may be attached to the surface of the liquid storage portion 41. For example, the diffusion sheets 402', 402'' may be attached to the emission surfaces of the first optical guide portions 203', 203''. It may adhere to the surface of the liquid storage unit 41. For example, the diffusion sheets 402', 402'' may adhere to the side surface of the liquid storage unit 41. Also, the diffusion sheets 402', 402'' may adhere to the portion of the side surface of the liquid storage unit 41 that faces the window hole of the lid.

[0111] When the light sources 202', 202'' are arranged so as to face the cartridge 40, that is, when the light sources 202', 202'' are arranged so as to be exposed outside the main body 20, the main body 20 may not include the first light guide portions 203', 203''.

[0112] FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically show an example of the path along which light travels.

[0113] FIG. 7 schematically shows an example of the path along which the light emitted from the light source shown in FIG. 6A travels . In FIGS. 7 and 8, the path along which the light travels is schematically shown by arrows.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the control unit (16000 in FIG. 1) can control the light source 202 to emit light. The control unit controls the light source 202 to emit light at a preset time. For example, the control unit controls the light source 202 to emit light during the period between puffs, when the puff reaches a certain number of times, or when a preset time has elapsed after the start of smoking. It can be controlled to emit light.

[0115] Alternatively, the control unit can control the light source 202 to emit light according to an input signal. For example, when the user presses the button 28, the control unit controls the light source 202 to emit light. As another example, when the user slides the cap 30, the control unit controls the light source 2 02 to emit light.

[0116] Alternatively, the control unit controls the light source 202 to emit light according to the remaining amount of the liquid composition. For example, when the remaining amount of the liquid composition sensed by the remaining amount sensing sensor reaches a preset value, the control unit can control the light source 202 to emit light.

[0117] The control unit controls the light emission mode in which the light source 202 emits light. For example, the control unit can change the hue and intensity of the light emitted by the light source 202. As another example, the control unit can change the period and cycle during which the light source 202 emits light.

[0118] The control unit changes the hue of the light emitted by the light source 202 according to the remaining amount of the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage unit 41. For example, the control unit can change the hue of the light emitted by the light source 202 according to the change in the numerical value of the remaining amount of the liquid composition. As another example, the control unit can change the hue of the light emitted by the light source 202 according to the change in the number of times that can be performed with the remaining amount of the liquid composition.

[0119] The control unit changes the hue of the light emitted by the light source 202 to three or more hues according to the remaining amount of the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage unit 41. The number of hues emitted by the light source 202 is not limited. The control unit diversely changes the hue of the light source 202 according to the remaining amount of the liquid composition, enabling the user to easily visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid composition.

[0120] The light emitted from the light source 202 may pass through the first light guide unit 203 and be irradiated toward the cartridge 40. The light emitted from the emission surface of the first light guide unit 203 is the second light It may be irradiated toward the liquid storage unit 41 through the guide unit 401. The second light guide unit The light emitted from the emission surface of the 401 can be diffused by the diffusion sheet 402 of the liquid storage unit 41 The light diffused by the diffusion sheet 402 can be transmitted to the user through the window hole 101 The user can visually recognize the light through the window hole 101 and intuitively grasp the remaining amount of the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage unit 4 1.

[0121] FIG. 9 shows an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0122] The aerosol generating device 2 may include a main body 70, a cartridge 90, and a lid 60 The aerosol generating device 2 may include the configuration and functions of the aerosol generating device described above However, the aerosol generating device 2 may not include a configuration related to a cigarette.

[0123] The lid 60 of the aerosol generating device 2 can perform the function of a mouthpiece through which the aerosol generated by the cartridge 90 passes The lid 60 includes an opening 61, and the aerosol discharged through the opening 6 1 can be transmitted to the user's mouth.

[0124] Further, the lid 60 may include a window hole 62. The light emitted from the light source provided in the main body 70 is emitted to the outside through the cartridge 90 and the window hole 62. The user can grasp the remaining amount of the liquid composition of the cartridge 90 from the light emitted through the window hole 62 .

[0125] Among the configurations, components, modules, or units (collectively referred to as "configurations" in this paragraph), at least one is an exemplary implementation ​A variety of numbers of hardware, software, and / or firmware structures that perform each of the functions described by the embodiments are also implemented. For example, among these configurations, at least one can use a direct circuit structure that performs each function through the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices such as memory, processors, logic circuits, and lookup tables. Also, among these configurations, at least one includes one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function and is specifically implemented by a module, program, or part of the code executed by one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Also, among these configurations, at least one includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor that performs each function, or is implemented thereby. Among these configurations, two or more are combined by one or more single configurations and can perform all the operations or functions of the combined two or more configurations. Also, at least a part of at least one function among these configurations is performed by other configurations among these configurations. Also, although not shown in the block diagram, the communication of the configurations can be performed through a bus. The functional aspects of the exemplary embodiments are also implemented by an algorithm executed by one or more processors. Also, the configurations represented in blocks or processing stages may utilize any related technologies for electronic configuration, signal processing, and / or control, and data processing. A person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment can, from the essential characteristics described above, exclude... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

[0126] exclude... It will be understood that it can be embodied as a form deformed within a range that cannot be... And Therefore, the method of the present disclosure must be considered from an illustrative perspective rather than a limiting perspective. The scope of the present disclosure is shown not in the foregoing description but in the claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope must be construed as being included in the present disclosure. ​

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol, a main body portion including a battery and a control unit, a cartridge coupled to the main body portion, including a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid composition and an atomizing portion for heating the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage portion to generate an aerosol, a sensor for sensing the remaining amount of the liquid composition stored in the liquid storage portion, the main body portion further includes a light source that emits light so as to irradiate the inside of the liquid storage portion, the liquid storage portion is configured to be able to transmit the irradiated light to the outside, the light transmitted through the liquid storage portion is emitted to the outside of the aerosol generating device, the control unit controls the light emission form of the light source based on the remaining amount of the liquid composition sensed by the sensor, an aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the hue of the light emitted by the light source according to the remaining amount of the liquid composition sensed by the sensor.

3. The light source is disposed inside the main body portion, the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion further includes a first light guide portion for guiding the light emitted from the light source to reach the cartridge.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the emission surface of the first light guide portion is disposed so as to face the liquid storage portion.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the liquid storage portion includes a diffusion sheet disposed at a position corresponding to the emission surface of the first light guide portion so that the light emitted from the first light guide portion is diffused by the diffusion sheet.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the atomizing portion further includes a second light guide portion for guiding the light emitted from the emission surface of the first light guide portion to pass through the atomizing portion and reach the liquid storage portion.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the incident surface of the second light guide portion is disposed so as to face the emission surface of the first light guide portion, and the emission surface of the second light guide portion is disposed so as to face the liquid storage portion.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the liquid storage portion includes a diffusion sheet disposed at a position corresponding to the emission surface of the second light guide portion so that the light emitted from the second light guide portion is diffused by the diffusion sheet.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device with respect to the cartridge. **Claim 10** The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device with respect to the cartridge.

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