aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a housing, a mouth-side end portion, one or more cartridges for storing an aerosol-forming substrate, and an aerosol generating unit connected to the cartridge and generating an aerosol, the aerosol generating unit including a substrate having a flat plate shape, one or more transducers disposed on the substrate, and an atomization region located on the surface of the substrate and generating an aerosol, the substrate being disposed within the housing so as to form an acute angle with a central axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the housing, the transducers convert an electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave, and the surface acoustic wave is transmitted to the atomization region via the substrate to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following examples relate to an aerosol generating module and an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes that overcome the drawbacks of traditional cigarettes. For example, there is growing demand for devices that generate aerosols by electrically heating cigarette sticks (e.g., cigarette-type electronic cigarettes). Aerosols can be generated using ultrasonic methods and wick heating methods. With ultrasonic methods, the size of aerosol particles is not uniform, and droplets can scatter. With wick heating methods, aerosols may not be generated if the wick itself is heated.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a "non-combustion type flavor inhaler, flavor source unit, and atomization unit."

[0004] The above-mentioned background art is what the inventor possessed or learned in the process of deriving the contents of the disclosure of this application, and is not necessarily publicly known art that was disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of one embodiment is to provide a device that generates fine aerosols of uniform size using surface acoustic waves.

[0006] An object of one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device that provides an aerosol-forming substrate evenly and prevents droplets from clumping together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a mouth-side end portion disposed on the first surface, one or more cartridges disposed within the housing and storing an aerosol-forming substrate, and an aerosol generating unit connected to the cartridge and generating an aerosol, wherein the aerosol generating unit includes a substrate having a flat plate shape, one or more transducers disposed on the substrate, and an atomization region on a surface of the substrate where the aerosol is generated, the substrate being disposed within the housing so as to form an acute angle with a central axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the housing extending from the first surface to the second surface, the transducers convert an electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave, and the surface acoustic wave is transmitted to the atomization region via the substrate to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cartridge may include a first reservoir positioned closer to the first surface than the second surface, and a second reservoir positioned spaced apart from the first reservoir in the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second reservoir may be disposed opposite the first reservoir with respect to the aerosol generating unit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir may flow to the second reservoir along the direction of gravity via the surface of the substrate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a wick that delivers the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol generating unit, wherein a first end of the wick is connected to the first reservoir and a second end of the wick is connected to the aerosol generating unit.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second end of the wick can be positioned to overlap at least a portion of the atomization region.

[0013] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a connecting member for transferring the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir to the wick, and one end of the connecting member may be connected to the wick and the other end of the connecting member may be connected to the second reservoir.

[0014] In one embodiment, the converter may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of converters may be arranged opposite to each other with respect to the atomization area.

[0015] In one embodiment, the transducer may include a first transducer that transmits the surface acoustic waves to the atomization region, and a second transducer that transmits surface acoustic waves to the atomization region.

[0016] In one embodiment, the transducer may include a first transducer that transmits the surface acoustic waves to the atomization region and a second transducer that receives the surface acoustic waves transmitted from the first transducer.

[0017] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a detection unit that detects the internal or external condition of the aerosol generating device, and a control unit that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device depending on the internal or external condition of the aerosol generating device detected by the detection unit.

[0018] In one embodiment, the detection unit includes a tilt sensor that detects the degree to which the aerosol generating device is tilted, and the control unit can adjust the angle that the aerosol generating unit forms with respect to the central axis depending on the degree to which the aerosol generating device is tilted detected by the tilt sensor.

[0019] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a mouth-side end portion disposed on the first surface, a first storage container disposed closer to the first surface than the second surface and configured to store an aerosol-forming substrate, a second storage container disposed spaced apart from the first storage container in the longitudinal direction of the housing and configured to store the aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol generating unit connected to the first storage container and configured to generate an aerosol, a wick connecting the first storage container and the aerosol generating unit and transferring the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol generating unit, and a connecting member connecting the wick and the second storage container and transferring the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second storage container to the wick.

[0020] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating unit includes a substrate having a flat plate shape, one or more transducers disposed on the substrate, and an atomization region on the surface of the substrate where an aerosol is generated, the transducers converting an electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave, and the surface acoustic wave can aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0021] In one embodiment, the substrate is arranged in the housing so as to form an acute angle with a central axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing from the first surface to the second surface, and the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir flows to the second reservoir along the direction of gravity via the surface of the substrate, and the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir flows to the wick via the connecting member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can generate fine aerosols of uniform size to improve the smoking taste.

[0023] The aerosol generating device according to an embodiment can provide the aerosol-forming material evenly to prevent droplets from clumping together.

[0024] The effects of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which a mouthpiece is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a front view of an aerosol generating device showing the internal components of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a side view of an aerosol generating device showing the internal components of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The terms used in the examples are generally used as widely as possible, taking into consideration the functions of the present invention, but these may change depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by the names of the terms.

[0027] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements, but that it may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the terms "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as meanings consistent with the meanings they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal unless expressly defined in this application.

[0029] In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. When it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known technologies in describing the embodiments may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] Furthermore, when describing components of the embodiments, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the component from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. When a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that other components are also "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0031] Components having common functions to components included in any of the embodiments will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the description of one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted to the extent that they overlap.

[0032] In the following examples, "aerosol-generating article" can refer to an article that contains a medium and through which an aerosol passes and transfers the medium. A representative example of an aerosol-generating article is a cigarette, although the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0033] In the following examples, "upstream" or "upstream direction" can mean a direction away from the mouth of the user (smoker), and "downstream" or "downstream direction" can mean a direction toward the mouth of the user. The terms upstream and downstream are used to describe the relative positions of elements that make up the aerosol-generating article.

[0034] In the following examples, "puff" refers to a user's inhalation, where inhalation refers to drawing air through the user's mouth or nose into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs.

[0035] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0036] The aerosol generating device can include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater can be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater can include an electrically conductive track, and the heater can be heated when an electric current is passed through the electrically conductive track.

[0037] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and the pattern of the heating element may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette.

[0038] A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a shredded tobacco sheet. The tobacco rod may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0039] The filter rod can be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod can be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod can include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out specific components contained in the aerosol.

[0040] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0041] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the body, or may be fixed so that it cannot be removed by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with the aerosol-generating substance contained therein. However, without being limited thereto, the aerosol-generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0042] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can be delivered to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, which airflow passage can be configured to deliver the aerosol to the user through the cigarette.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented and implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0045] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0046] 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes an aerosol generating unit 14. In addition, cigarettes 2 and 3 can be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0047] Furthermore, although FIGS. 1 and 2 show the aerosol generating device 1 as including a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if desired.

[0048] 1 shows that the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and aerosol generation unit 14 are arranged in a line. Also, FIG. 2 shows that the aerosol generation unit 14 and heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and aerosol generation unit 14 may vary depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0049] When cigarettes 2 and 3 are inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 activates the heater 13 and / or the aerosol generating unit 14 to generate aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or the aerosol generating unit 14 passes through the cigarette 2 and is delivered to the user.

[0050] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when no cigarettes 2, 3 are inserted into the aerosol generating device 1.

[0051] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the aerosol generator 14, and can supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generator 1.

[0052] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the aerosol generator 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generator 1 to determine whether the aerosol generator 1 is in an operable state.

[0053] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 12 may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0054] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the cigarettes 2 and 3 are inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarettes. Thus, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the cigarettes.

[0055] The heater 13 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated by passing an electric current through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set by the user.

[0056] Alternatively, in another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the cigarette, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that is heated by the induction heater.

[0057] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and the pattern of the heating element may heat the inside or outside of the cigarettes 2, 3.

[0058] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or may be arranged outside the cigarettes 2 and 3. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarettes 2 and 3, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarettes 2 and 3. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and various shapes may be produced.

[0059] The aerosol-generating unit 14 can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarettes 2 and 3. In other words, the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating unit 14 can move along the airflow path of the aerosol generating device 1, and the airflow path can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating unit 14 can be delivered to the user through the cigarettes 2 and 3.

[0060] For example, the aerosol-generation unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, the aerosol-generation unit 203, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the aerosol-generation unit 203, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol-generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0061] Meanwhile, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the aerosol generator 14. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, or a cigarette insertion sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may be fabricated with a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when a cigarette 2 or 3 is inserted.

[0062] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 can also be used to configure a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater can be used to heat the aerosol generator 1 while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are combined.

[0063] Cigarettes 2 and 3 may be similar to typical combustion cigarettes. For example, cigarettes 2 and 3 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of cigarettes 2 and 3 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

[0064] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part, or the entire first part and a part of the second part, may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. A user can inhale the aerosol while biting the second part in their mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0065] For example, external air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening and / or size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 can be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. For another example, external air can flow into the cigarettes 2, 3 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarettes 2, 3.

[0066] 3 is a diagram showing an example in which a mouthpiece is inserted into an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Explanations of parts that overlap with the explanations of FIGS. 1 and 2 will be omitted.

[0067] 3 , an aerosol generating device 20 according to one embodiment may include a battery 201, a control unit 202, an aerosol generating unit 203, and a mouthpiece 204. The aerosol generating unit 203 according to one embodiment may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The aerosol generating unit 203 may be detachable from the aerosol generating device 20, or may be integrally formed with the aerosol generating device 20.

[0068] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavoring may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, etc. Flavoring may include ingredients that can provide the user with various flavors or tastes. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also contain an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0069] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the aerosol-generating unit 203 to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like.

[0070] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0071] For example, the aerosol generating unit 14, 203 may be called, but is not limited to, a nebulizer, a cartomizer, or an atomizer.

[0072] Examples of cigarettes 2 and 3 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0073] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of cigarettes.

[0074] 4, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first portion described above with reference to FIGS.

[0075] The filter rod 22 can have a single segment or multiple segments, as shown in FIG. 4, but examples are not limited thereto. The multiple segments of the filter rod 22 can include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters predetermined components contained in the aerosol. If desired, the filter rod 22 can also include at least one additional segment that performs another function. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the filter rod 22 can include a first segment that contacts the tobacco rod 21, a second segment that contacts the downstream end of the first segment, and a third segment that contacts the downstream end of the second segment.

[0076] The cigarette 2 may have a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm and a length of approximately 48 mm, but is not limited to these. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, the first segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 10 mm, the second segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 14 mm, and the third segment of the filter rod 22 may have a length of approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to these.

[0077] The cigarette 2 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to enter or internal gas to escape. As an example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped in one wrapper 24. As another example, the cigarette 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 stacked one on top of the other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 may be wrapped in wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Alternatively, the entire cigarette 2 may be rewrapped in a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped in a wrapper 242, 243, and 244.

[0078] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous or non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-clad paper wrapping material.

[0079] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0080] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of a grease-resistant hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is 88 g / m 2 ~96g / m 2 and preferably 90 g / m 2 ~94g / m 2 The thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0081] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0082] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 245. Examples of the predetermined material include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

[0083] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 31 rises above the ignition point, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning because it contains a non-combustible substance.

[0084] In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances produced from the cigarette 2. A liquid substance can be produced within the cigarette 2 when the user puffs. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., moisture) can be produced when the aerosol produced from the cigarette 2 is cooled by external air. By wrapping the cigarette 2 in the fifth wrapper 245, the liquid substance produced within the cigarette 2 can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the cigarette 2.

[0085] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0086] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in a sheet or a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from shredded tobacco sheets. The tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0087] The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. However, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow interior. The filter rod 22 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0088] The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it can prevent the material inside the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward and also produce a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be, but is not limited to, a suitable diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0089] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of plasticizer during manufacturing of the first segment. The first segment can also be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube made of the same or different material inside (e.g., hollow).

[0091] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0092] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately set within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0093] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the fragrance liquid can be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving the polymer fibers together with separate fibers to which the fragrance liquid has been applied. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a wound polymer sheet.

[0094] For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0095] By forming the second segment from woven polymer fibers or wound polymer sheets, the second segment can include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) can pass.

[0096] For example, the second segment of wound polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of the second segment can be less than about 300 mm 2 / mm and approximately 1000mm 2 / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element may have a specific surface area of between about 10 mm 2 / mg and about 100mm 2 It can be made from materials between 1 / 2 mg.

[0097] Meanwhile, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which can be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread can be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0098] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately selected within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0099] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment can be manufactured so that a flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted into the third segment. The aerosol generated from the tobacco rod 21 is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be achieved.

[0100] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform the function of generating a flavor or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 23 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0101] 5, the cigarette 3 may further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching, and may also prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device (1 in FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0102] Filter rod 32 can include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 can correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4, and second segment 322 can correspond to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 4.

[0103] The diameter and overall length of cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of cigarette 2 of Figure 4. For example, but not limited to, the length of shear plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of second segment 322 may be about 14 mm.

[0104] The cigarette 3 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein to allow external air to enter or internal gas to escape. For example, the shear plug 33 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped in a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped in a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper 354. The entire cigarette 3 may also be rewrapped in a fifth wrapper 355.

[0105] In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in the area surrounding the tobacco rod 31. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0106] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring agent is enclosed in a coating. The capsule 34 may have, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0107] The first wrapper 351 may be made by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a common filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 50 g / m 2 ~55g / m 2 and preferably 53 g / m 2 may be.

[0108] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made of common filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrapping paper or non-porous wrapping paper.

[0109] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 23.5 g / m 2 may be.

[0110] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 20 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 and preferably 21 g / m 2 may be.

[0111] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, PLA laminated paper means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m 2 ~100g / m 2 and preferably 88 g / m 2 may be.

[0112] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) refers to a paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m 2 ~63g / m 2 and preferably 60 g / m 2 The thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0113] A predetermined material may be added to the fifth wrapper 355. Examples of the predetermined material include, but are not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance (i.e., small changes due to temperature), oxidation resistance (i.e., no oxidation), resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, any material other than silicon that has the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

[0114] The shear plug 33 can be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably within the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0115] Also, if desired, the shear plug 33 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be varied.

[0116] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to Figure 4. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0117] The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment can be a tube-shaped structure with a hollow interior. The first segment 321 can be made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 can be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

[0118] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono-denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be within the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono-denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be within the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0119] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

[0120] The aerosol generating device 600 may include a control unit 610, a detection unit 620, an output unit 630, a battery 640, a heater 650, a user input unit 660, a memory 670, and a communication unit 680. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 600 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. That is, it would be understood by a person skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains that some of the components shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 600.

[0121] The detection unit 620 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 600 or the state around the aerosol generating device 600 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 610. Based on the detected information, the control unit 610 can control the aerosol generating device 600 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 650, restricting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol generating article (e.g., an aerosol generating article, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0122] The detection unit 620 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 622, an insertion detection sensor 624, and a puff sensor 626, but is not limited to these.

[0123] The temperature sensor 622 can sense the temperature to which the heater 650 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 600 can include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 650, or the heater 650 itself can function as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 622 can be disposed around the battery 640 to monitor the temperature of the battery 640.

[0124] The insertion detection sensor 624 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 624 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article.

[0125] The puff sensor 626 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, for example, the puff sensor 626 can sense a user's puff based on any of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

[0126] The detection unit 620 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the above-described sensors 622 to 626. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] The output unit 630 may output and provide to a user information regarding the status of the aerosol generating device 600. The output unit 630 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 632, a haptic unit 634, and an audio output unit 636. When the display unit 632 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 632 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0128] The display unit 632 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 600. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 600 can indicate various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 640 of the aerosol generating device 600, the preheating status of the heater 650, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol-generating article, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 600 is restricted (e.g., abnormal article detection), and the display unit 632 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 632 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 632 can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0129] The haptic unit 634 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 600. For example, the haptic unit 634 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0130] The acoustic output unit 636 can audibly provide the user with information relating to the aerosol generating device 600. For example, the acoustic output unit 636 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0131] The battery 640 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 600. The battery 640 can supply power to heat the heater 650. The battery 640 can also supply power necessary to operate other components provided in the aerosol generating device 600 (e.g., the detection unit 620, the output unit 630, the user input unit 660, the memory 670, and the communication unit 680). The battery 640 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 640 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0132] The heater 650 can heat the aerosol-generating material by receiving power from the battery 640. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 640 and supplies it to the heater 650. Furthermore, if the aerosol-generating device 600 generates aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol-generating device 600 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 640 into AC power.

[0133] The control unit 610, the detection unit 620, the output unit 630, the user input unit 660, the memory 670, and the communication unit 680 can function by receiving power from the battery 640. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device 600 may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 640 and supplies it to each component.

[0134] In one embodiment, heater 650 can be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials can be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, heater 650 can be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0135] In another embodiment, heater 650 can be an induction heater. For example, heater 650 can include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0136] In one embodiment, heater 650 can include multiple heaters. For example, heater 650 can include a first heater for heating the aerosol-generating article and a second heater for heating the liquid.

[0137] The user input unit 660 can receive information input by a user and output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 660 can be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a contact-type capacitance type, a pressure-type resistive film type, an infrared sensing type, a surface ultrasonic conduction type, an integral tension measurement type, a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 600 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 600 can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the battery 640.

[0138] The memory 670 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 600 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 610 and data to be processed by the control unit 610. The memory 670 can include at least one type of storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. The memory 670 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 600, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0139] The communication unit 680 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 680 may include a short-range communication unit 682 and a wireless communication unit 684.

[0140] The short-range wireless communication unit 682 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra-wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0141] The wireless communication unit 684 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 684 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 600 within the communication network.

[0142] The control unit 610 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 600. In one embodiment, the control unit 610 can include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0143] The control unit 610 can control the temperature of the heater 650 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 640 to the heater 650. For example, the control unit 610 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 640 and the heater 650. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 650 according to a control command from the control unit 610.

[0144] The control unit 610 may analyze the results sensed by the detection unit 620 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 610 may control the power supplied to the heater 650 so that the operation of the heater 650 starts or ends based on the results sensed by the detection unit 620. In another example, the control unit 610 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 650 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 650 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the detection unit 620.

[0145] The control unit 610 may control the output unit 630 based on the result sensed by the detection unit 620. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 626 reaches a preset number, the control unit 610 may notify the user through at least one of the display unit 632, the haptic unit 634, and the audio output unit 636 that the aerosol generating device 600 will soon be shut down.

[0146] In one embodiment, the control unit 610 may control the time and / or amount of power supplied to the heater 650 depending on the state of the aerosol-generating article sensed by the detection unit 620. For example, if the aerosol-generating article is in an overly humid state, the control unit 610 may control the time of power supply to the induction coil to increase the pre-heating time compared to when the aerosol-generating article is in a normal state.

[0147] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available medium accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. Computer-readable media can also include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0148] Figure 7 is a front view of an aerosol generating device showing the internal components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, Figure 8 is a side view of an aerosol generating device showing the internal components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and Figure 9 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating section according to one embodiment.

[0149] 7 to 9, an aerosol generating device 700 according to one embodiment can generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol generating device 700 can aerosolize a liquid stored in a cartridge 740 using the principle of surface acoustic waves. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 700 can atomize an aerosol-forming base material stored in the cartridge 740. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 700 can include a housing 710, a battery 711, a mouth end portion 720, an aerosol generating unit 730, a cartridge 740, a wick 750, a connecting member 760, a detecting unit 770, and a control unit 780.

[0150] In one embodiment, the housing 710 can be configured to house various electronic / mechanical components. In one embodiment, the battery 711, the detection unit 770, the control unit 780, the aerosol generation unit 730, and the cartridge 740 are all housed inside the housing 710 and can be safely protected from external stimuli (e.g., dust, impact, heat, etc.). In one embodiment, the housing 710 can have a first surface 710a and a second surface 710b. In one embodiment, the second surface 710b can face the first surface 710a.

[0151] In one embodiment, the mouth end 720 can be used by a user to inhale the aerosol from the aerosol generating device 700. For example, an insert for accommodating a mouthpiece or an inhalation article (e.g., a cigarette) can be disposed in the mouth end 720. In one embodiment, the mouth end 720 is a portion that abuts the user's mouth, and the aerosol can be transferred to the user via a fluid flow path included in the mouth end 720. In one embodiment, the mouse end 720 can be disposed on the first surface 710a of the housing 710. For example, the mouse end 720 can be disposed so as to abut against the first surface 710a of the housing 710.

[0152] In one embodiment, cartridge 740 may store at least one aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol-forming substance in any one of various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-forming substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. In one embodiment, cartridge 740 is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-forming substance inside cartridge 740 to a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas state consisting of a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-forming substance and air. In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrates stored in cartridge 740 may include the same or different substances.

[0153] In one embodiment, the cartridge 740 may store a functional substance (not shown) that serves as an aerosol-forming base material. In one embodiment, the functional substance may be stored inside the cartridge 740 in at least one of a gas phase, a liquid phase, and a solid phase. In one embodiment, the functional substance may include nicotine, glycerin, propylene glycol, a flavoring such as menthol, a drug for treating respiratory diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an oil such as an aroma, caffeine, taurine, a vaccine, etc. The functional substance is not limited to the above examples and may include various substances. In one embodiment, the functional substances stored in the cartridges 740 may be the same or different. For example, if multiple cartridges 740 are provided and the functional substances stored in each of the multiple cartridges 740 are the same, at least one of the multiple cartridges 740 may serve as a spare. If the functional substances stored in the cartridges 740 are different, a user may select one of the cartridges 740 to aerosolize according to their preference.

[0154] The following description will be given on the assumption that a homogeneous aerosol-forming substrate is stored in cartridge 740.

[0155] In one embodiment, cartridge 740 can be disposed within housing 710. In one embodiment, cartridge 740 can include a first reservoir 741 and a second reservoir 742. In one embodiment, first reservoir 741 can be disposed adjacent to first surface 710a of housing 710. For example, first reservoir 741 can be disposed adjacent to mouth end 720. First reservoir 741 can store an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0156] In one embodiment, the second reservoir 742 may be disposed apart from the first reservoir 741 along the longitudinal direction of the housing 710 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 7). For example, the second reservoir 742 may be disposed on the opposite side of the first reservoir 741 across the aerosol-generating unit 730 (described later). In one embodiment, a guide member 7421 may be disposed in the second reservoir 742. In one embodiment, the guide member 7421 may guide the aerosol-forming substrate to flow to the second reservoir 742. The guide member 7421 may be disposed at an inclination above the second reservoir 742 with respect to the central axis C (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 8). For example, a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate supplied from the first reservoir 741 to the aerosol-generating unit 730 may flow toward the second reservoir 742 in the direction of gravity (e.g., the −Z-axis direction in FIG. 8) due to gravity. In this case, the aerosol-forming substrate may first hit the guiding member 7421 and then slowly slide toward the second reservoir 742. The guiding member 7421 may reduce noise generated when the aerosol-forming substrate falls into the second reservoir 742 and may prevent the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir 742 from overflowing.

[0157] In one embodiment, the first reservoir 741 and the second reservoir 742 may be integrally formed. In this case, the first reservoir 741 and the second reservoir 742 may be detachably attached to the housing 710. In another embodiment, the cartridge 740 may be configured to include only the second reservoir 742, omitting the first reservoir 741. In this case, the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir 742 may be supplied to the aerosol-generating unit 730 through the connecting member 760 and the wick 750.

[0158] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 730 can aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the cartridge 740. For example, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) can be used as a method for generating an aerosol. Surface acoustic waves can be generated using a piezoelectric material capable of converting electrical energy and mechanical energy into one another. For example, by patterning interdigital transducers in a desired shape on the surface of the piezoelectric material through a semiconductor etching process and applying an AC voltage having an operating frequency corresponding to the spacing between the transducers to the corresponding transducers, surface acoustic waves can be generated that travel along the surface as the piezoelectric material contracts or expands. The acoustic force of the surface acoustic waves can aerosolize microdroplets and fluid or microparticles in a microfluidic channel. Aerosols generated using surface acoustic waves can have fine and uniform particle sizes. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 730 can aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the cartridge 740 using surface acoustic waves. However, the aerosol generation method is not limited to this, and various methods, such as a heating method using a heater, can also be used. In the following, aerosolization using surface acoustic waves will be described as an example.

[0159] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating unit 730 may be connected to the cartridge 740. For example, the aerosol-generating unit 730 may be connected to the first reservoir 741 through the wick 750.

[0160] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generation unit 730 can include a substrate 731, a converter 732, and an atomization region 730a.

[0161] The substrate 731 may form a surface through which surface acoustic waves are transmitted. The substrate 731 may have a plate shape. The substrate 731 may be tilted at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a central axis C parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 710. For example, the angle θ formed between the substrate 731 and the central axis C may be an acute angle. By positioning the substrate 731 at an angle with respect to the central axis C of the housing 710, the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir 741 may flow toward the second reservoir 742 on the surface of the substrate 731 due to gravity.

[0162] An atomization region 730a may be located on the surface of the substrate 731. The atomization region 730a may be a region where the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized through the converter 732 to generate aerosol. Since the substrate 731 is tilted with respect to the direction of gravity (e.g., the -Z direction in FIG. 8), the atomization region 730a may also be disposed so as to be tilted with respect to the direction of gravity. In this case, the atomization region 730a may be disposed below the wick 750 in the direction of gravity. The converter 732 may be disposed so that surface acoustic waves are directed toward the atomization region 730a.

[0163] The converter 732 can convert the electrical energy transmitted from the battery 711 into kinetic energy, and an acoustic wave can be generated by the kinetic energy converted by the converter 732. As the acoustic wave propagates along the surface of the elastic substrate 731, the surface acoustic wave vibrates the aerosol-forming material supplied from the wick, and can induce aerosolization of droplets through atomization.

[0164] In one embodiment, the wick 750 can deliver the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir 741 and / or the second reservoir 742 to the aerosol-generating unit 730. For example, the wick 750 can be any porous member, such as a wick, that can deliver the aerosol-forming substrate. In one embodiment, the wick 750 can connect the first reservoir 741 and the aerosol-generating unit 730. For example, a first end of the wick 750 can be connected to the first reservoir 741, and a second end of the wick 750 can be connected to the aerosol-generating unit 730. The wick 750 can deliver the aerosol-forming substrate through the first end or a connecting member 760, which will be described later. The second end of the wick 750 is positioned to overlap at least a portion of the atomization region 730a on the surface of the substrate 731, so that the aerosol-forming substrate can form a uniform, thin liquid film on the surface of the substrate 731.

[0165] In one embodiment, the connecting member 760 may connect the wick 750 and the second reservoir 742. For example, one end of the connecting member 760 may be connected to the wick 750, and the other end may be connected to the second reservoir 742. The connecting member 760 may transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir 742 to the wick 750. The connecting member 760 may transfer the aerosol-forming substrate that has moved from the first reservoir 741 to the second reservoir 742 along the surface of the substrate 731 by gravity to the wick 750. For example, the connecting member 760 may transfer the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir 742 to the wick 750 by capillary action. The connecting member 760 may include a porous member such as a wick.

[0166] In one embodiment, the converter 732 may include a first converter 7321 and a second converter 7322. The first converter 7321 and the second converter 7322 may be disposed on the substrate 731 across the atomization region 730a so as to face each other.

[0167] In one example, the first converter 7321 and the second converter 7322 can be configured to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy, generating surface acoustic waves as the kinetic energy propagates along the surface of the substrate 731. The amount of atomization can be easily increased by configuring both the first converter 7321 and the second converter 7322 as transmitters that can generate surface acoustic waves and transmit the respective surface acoustic waves to the wick 750.

[0168] In another example, the first converter 7321 may be configured as a transmitter that generates surface acoustic waves, and the second converter 7322 may be configured as a receiver that receives the surface acoustic waves transmitted by the first converter 7321. By having the first converter 7321 transmit surface acoustic waves and the second converter 7322 receive the surface acoustic waves, it is possible to detect any failure in transmission or reception of the surface acoustic waves and effectively monitor the operating status of the aerosol generating device 700.

[0169] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 10, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device 700 of FIG. 7) may include an aerosol generating unit 730 that aerosolizes an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, a detecting unit 770 that detects the state of the aerosol generating device, and a control unit 780 that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0171] In one embodiment, the detection unit 770 can detect the internal or external state of the aerosol generating device. For example, the detection unit 770 can include a tilt sensor (e.g., a gyro sensor) that can detect the degree to which the aerosol generating device is tilted relative to a direction perpendicular to the ground (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 8).

[0172] In one embodiment, the control unit 780 can control the operation of the aerosol generating device. For example, the control unit 780 can control the operation of the aerosol generating device depending on the internal or external condition of the aerosol generating device detected by the detection unit 770. In one embodiment, the control unit 780 can control the angle (e.g., angle θ in FIG. 8 ) that the aerosol generating unit forms with respect to a central axis (e.g., central axis C in FIG. 8 ) parallel to the longitudinal direction (e.g., Z-axis direction in FIG. 8 ) of the housing (e.g., housing 710 in FIG. 8 ) depending on the degree of tilt of the aerosol generating device detected by the detection unit 770. For example, the control unit 780 can detect the tilt state of the aerosol generating device and maintain the angle that the aerosol generating unit forms with respect to the central axis of the housing substantially constant, thereby preventing malfunctions even if the aerosol generating device is tilted while the user is using the aerosol generating device.

[0173] The operation of the aerosol generating device 700 according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0174] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir 741 may be supplied to the aerosol-generating unit 730 through the wick 750. The aerosol-generating unit 730 may generate an aerosol in the atomization region 730a through the substrate 731 and the converter 732. The remaining aerosol-forming substrate that is not aerosolized in the aerosol-generating unit 730 may flow by gravity through the inclined surface of the substrate 731 toward the second reservoir 742. A guide member 7421 may be disposed above the second reservoir 742, and the guide member 7421 may guide the remaining aerosol-forming substrate to flow to the second reservoir 742. The aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir 742 may flow to the wick 750 through the connecting member 760, for example, by capillary action, thereby inducing aerosolization of the remaining aerosol-forming substrate.

[0175] The aerosol generating device 700 according to one embodiment can aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate into particles of uniform size and supply them to the atomization region 730a, thereby preventing the problem of reduced efficiency of the converter 732 that can occur due to uneven thickness.

[0176] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 700 according to one embodiment effectively recirculates the remaining aerosol-forming substrate, thereby preventing the remaining aerosol-forming substrate from congealing into droplets, and effectively reusing the remaining aerosol-forming substrate.

[0177] As described above, although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or combined in a different manner than described, or may be replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents, and still achieve suitable results.

[0178] Therefore, other embodiments, other examples, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims below.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, a housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a mouse-side end portion disposed on the first surface; one or more cartridges disposed within the housing for storing an aerosol-forming substrate; an aerosol generating unit connected to the cartridge and generating an aerosol; a detection unit that detects an internal or external condition of the aerosol generating device; a control unit that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device in accordance with the internal or external state of the aerosol generating device sensed by the detection unit; Including, The aerosol generating unit includes: a substrate including a flat plate shape; one or more transducers disposed on the substrate; an atomization region on the surface of the substrate, where the aerosol is generated; the substrate is disposed in the housing so as to form an acute angle with a central axis parallel to a longitudinal direction of the housing extending from the first surface to the second surface, the central axis being taken as a reference, and the aerosol-forming substrate supplied from the cartridge to the aerosol generating unit flows along the substrate by gravity, the transducer converts the electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave, the surface acoustic wave is transmitted through the substrate to the atomization region, and the aerosol-forming substrate flowing along the substrate is aerosolized; The detection unit a tilt sensor that detects the degree to which the aerosol generating device is tilted; The control unit adjusts the angle formed by the aerosol generation unit with respect to the central axis depending on the degree of tilt of the aerosol generation unit sensed by the tilt sensor.

2. a housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a mouse-side end portion disposed on the first surface; one or more cartridges disposed within the housing for storing an aerosol-forming substrate; an aerosol generating unit connected to the cartridge and generating an aerosol; Including, The aerosol generating unit includes: a substrate including a flat plate shape; one or more transducers disposed on the substrate; an atomization region on the surface of the substrate, where the aerosol is generated; the substrate is disposed in the housing so as to form an acute angle with a central axis that is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the housing extending from the first surface to the second surface, The cartridge comprises: a first storage location disposed closer to the first surface than to the second surface; a second storage space disposed apart from the first storage space with respect to the longitudinal direction of the housing; The transducer converts an electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave, and the surface acoustic wave is transmitted through the substrate to the atomization region to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the second storage is disposed opposite the first storage with respect to the aerosol generating unit.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir flows into the second reservoir along the direction of gravity via the surface of the substrate.

5. The aerosol-forming agent further includes a wick that transfers the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol generating unit.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein a first end of the wick is connected to the first reservoir and a second end of the wick is connected to the aerosol generating portion.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the second end of the wick is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the atomization region.

7. a connecting member for transferring the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir to the wick; 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein one end of the connecting member is connected to the wick and the other end of the connecting member is connected to the second reservoir.

8. The converter is composed of a plurality of converters, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of converters are arranged opposite each other with respect to the atomization region.

9. The converter comprises: a first transducer for transmitting the surface acoustic waves to the atomization area; and a second transducer that transmits the surface acoustic waves to the atomization region.

10. The converter comprises: a first transducer for transmitting the surface acoustic waves to the atomization area; and a second transducer that receives the surface acoustic waves transmitted from the first transducer.

11. a housing having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a mouse-side end portion disposed on the first surface; a first reservoir disposed closer to the first surface than the second surface and configured to store an aerosol-forming substrate; a second storage container that is spaced apart from the first storage container in the longitudinal direction of the housing and that stores an aerosol-forming substrate; an aerosol generating unit connected to the first storage unit and configured to generate an aerosol; a wick connecting the first reservoir and the aerosol generating unit and delivering the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol generating unit; a connecting member that connects the wick and the second reservoir and transfers the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir to the wick; An aerosol generating device comprising:

12. The aerosol generating unit includes: a substrate including a flat plate form; one or more transducers disposed on the substrate; an atomization region on the surface of the substrate, where an aerosol is generated; the transducer converts an electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave; The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein the surface acoustic waves aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate.

13. the substrate is disposed in the housing so as to form an acute angle with a central axis that is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the housing extending from the first surface to the second surface, the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the first reservoir flows into the second reservoir along the direction of gravity via the surface of the substrate; The aerosol generating device according to claim 12 , wherein the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the second reservoir flows to the wick through the connecting member.

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