Aerosol Generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a housing including a hole for receiving an aerosol product and a guide spaced from the hole; and a cover that moves along the guide between a first position and a second position to open and close the hole; and when the cover is positioned in the first position, the hole is open and when the cover is positioned in the second position, the hole is closed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device that is easy to manage, has improved safety, and is capable of generating high-quality aerosol. [Background technology]

[0002] There is an increasing demand for aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols in a non-combustion manner to replace the method of generating aerosols by burning cigarettes. For example, such aerosol generating devices generate aerosols from an aerosol generating substance in a non-combustion manner and supply them to a user, or generate flavored aerosols by passing vapor generated from the aerosol generating substance through a flavor medium.

[0003] The aerosol generating device also includes a storage space in which an aerosol product is stored. The housing of the aerosol generating device includes a hole communicating with the storage space, and the aerosol product can be inserted into the aerosol generating device through the hole.

[0004] To prevent foreign matter from entering the storage space when the aerosol generating device is not in use, the aerosol generating device may be provided with a cover that opens and closes the storage space. The cover can open and close the storage space by moving between a position that closes the hole in the storage space and a position that opens the hole in the storage space.

[0005] The aerosol generating device may also be provided with a guide for guiding the movement of the cover, and the cover may be movably connected to the guide to open and close the hole into which the aerosol product is inserted. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When the accommodation space of the aerosol generating device and the guide are in contact with each other, droplets or residues generated during the aerosol generation process may move to the guide. If droplets or residues accumulate on the guide, they may obstruct the movement of the cover, and the cover may be damaged during the movement of the cover.

[0007] Furthermore, when the accommodation space and the guide come into contact with each other, the airflow passage, through which air flows into the accommodation space, may interfere with the guide, and in this case, the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation device may flow out of the aerosol generation device through the guide, thereby reducing the aerosol provided to the user and decreasing the amount of atomization.

[0008] The problems to be solved through this embodiment are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment provides an aerosol generating device in which a hole into which an aerosol product is inserted and a guide for guiding movement of a cover are positioned apart from each other.

[0010] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating device in which the cover is maintained at a position that closes or opens the hole in the storage space, and the cover can be moved semi-automatically.

[0011] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a housing including a hole into which an aerosol product is inserted, a guide spaced from the hole, and a cover that opens and closes the hole by moving the guide between a first position and a second position, and when the cover is positioned in the first position, the hole is open, and when the cover is positioned in the second position, the hole is closed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, the hole of the accommodation space and the guide are spaced apart from each other, thereby preventing droplets or residue from moving to the guide. Therefore, even if the guide is not cleaned separately, foreign matter can be prevented from accumulating in the guide, and damage to the cover due to foreign matter can be prevented.

[0013] Furthermore, since the air inlet provides an airflow path independent of the guide, the airflow path is not interfered with by the guide, thereby improving the amount of atomization and enhancing the user's smoking satisfaction.

[0014] The effects of this embodiment are not limited to the effects described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an aerosol generating device with an open hole. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an aerosol generating device with a hole closed. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in one operating state. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is a plan view of another operating state of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process in which the cover of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment moves. [Figure 5B] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process in which the cover of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment moves. [Figure 5C] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process in which the cover of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment moves. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a method for controlling power supply by a processor of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol product. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an aerosol product. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment also includes a housing including a hole for accommodating an aerosol product and a guide spaced from the hole; and a cover that moves along the guide between a first position and a second position to open and close the hole; wherein when the cover is positioned in the first position, the hole is open, and when the cover is positioned in the second position, the hole is closed.

[0017] The terms used in this embodiment are currently widely used and commonly used terms, taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, legal precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply by their names.

[0018] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, it does not mean excluding other elements, but also means including other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "unit" and "module" used in the specification mean 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.

[0019] As used herein, when phrases such as "at least one of," when preceding an array of elements, modify the entire array and not each individual element in the array. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0020] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0021] In addition, the size and proportions of some components in the drawings may be slightly exaggerated, and components shown in one drawing may not be shown in another drawing.

[0022] Also, throughout this specification, the "longitudinal direction" of a component may refer to the direction in which the component extends along one axis of the component, where the one axis of the component may refer to the direction in which the component extends further than another axis that is transverse to the one axis.

[0023] Also, throughout the specification, the term "puff" refers to a user's inhalation, which may refer to the situation where the inhalation is taken into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[0024] Throughout the specification, the term "embodiment" is an arbitrary category in the present disclosure for easily describing the present invention, and the embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a configuration disclosed in one embodiment may be applied to and / or embodied in other embodiments, and may be changed, applied, and / or embodied to the extent that it does not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, the singular form also includes the plural form unless otherwise specified.

[0025] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention, however, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0026] 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an aerosol generating device with an open hole. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 electrically heats an aerosol product 2 contained in a storage space 15 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating device also includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substance.

[0027] Components of an aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment are illustrated in Fig. 1. Therefore, a person skilled in the art will understand that the aerosol generating device 1 may further include other components in addition to the components illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0028] 1, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a housing 100 having a storage space 15 for storing at least a portion of the aerosol product 2, and a cover 200 for opening and closing the storage space 15. The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment also includes a battery 11, a processor 12, and a heater 13.

[0029] The housing 100 also includes a hole 110 at one end of the storage space 15 that communicates with the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 so that the aerosol product 2 can be inserted. The storage space 15 can be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 through the hole 110.

[0030] The heater 13 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the outside of the receiving space 15, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 13 may be an induction heating type heat generating means. In this case, the heater 13 may include a cylindrical susceptor that surrounds at least a portion of the receiving space 15 and a coil. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be arranged to protrude into the receiving space 15 and be inserted into the aerosol product 2. 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 inside or outside of the aerosol product 2 can be heated depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0031] A plurality of heaters 13 may be provided in the aerosol generation device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be provided so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and also outside the aerosol product 2. Some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be provided so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and the rest may be provided outside the aerosol product 2. The shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1, and may be fabricated in various shapes.

[0032] The housing 100 also includes a guide 120 for guiding the movement of the cover 200. The cover 200 is movably connected to the guide 120 and can move along the guide 120. For example, the guide 120 can be a groove provided on one side of the housing 100, and the cover 200 can include a protrusion that is inserted into the groove and allows the cover 200 to slide along the groove. However, the guide 120 and the cover 200 are not limited thereto. As another example, the guide 120 can be a protrusion provided on one side of the housing 100, and the cover 200 can include a groove that is inserted into the protrusion. The guide 120 and the housing 100 can be manufactured integrally, or can be manufactured separately and then combined.

[0033] The cover 200 can open and close the hole 110 by moving between a first position P1 and a second position P2 (FIG. 2) of the guide 120. More specifically, the cover 200 can move between the first position P1, which opens the hole 110 in the storage space 15, and the second position P2 (FIG. 2), which closes the hole 110. When the cover 200 is located at the first position P1, the entire hole 110 is opened, and when the cover 200 is located at the second position P2 (FIG. 2), the entire hole 110 is covered. The position of the cover 200 can also be adjusted by a user pressing the cover 200 with their finger. The aerosol generating device 1 also includes a separate drive device that can adjust the position of the cover 200 along the guide 120.

[0034] The cover 200 also has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the hole 110. For example, when the hole 110 is circular, at least a portion of the cover 200 also includes an arc having a diameter greater than the diameter of the hole 110.

[0035] To use the aerosol generation device 1, a user moves the cover 200 to the first position P1 and opens the hole 110, thereby exposing the storage space 15 to the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. The user can insert the aerosol product 2 into the storage space 15 through the opened hole 110.

[0036] When the aerosol production product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol generation device 1 can activate the heater 13 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 passes through the aerosol production product 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0037] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when the aerosol product 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0038] The battery 11 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. The battery 11 can supply power so that the heater 13 can be heated. The battery 11 can be a rechargeable battery 11 or a single-use battery 11. For example, the battery 11 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery 11, but is not limited thereto.

[0039] In one embodiment, the heater 13 is also an electrically resistive heater 13. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the conductive track, the heater 13 may be heated.

[0040] In one embodiment, heater 13 is formed from any suitable electrically resistive material, such as, but not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Heater 13 may also be embodied as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with conductive tracks, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0041] In another embodiment, heater 13 is an induction heater, for example, heater 13 may include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0042] Heater 13 can heat the aerosol-generating material using power supplied from battery 11. Although not shown in Fig. 1, aerosol generation device 1 also includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of battery 11 and supplies it to heater 13. Furthermore, when aerosol generation device 1 generates aerosol by an induction heating method, aerosol generation device 1 also includes a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of battery 11 into AC power supply.

[0043] The processor 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the processor 12 includes at least one processor. The processor 12 can also be realized by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor 12 can also be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0044] The processor 12 can control the temperature of the heater 13 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 11 to the heater 13. For example, the processor 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 11 and the heater 13. In another example, a heating direct circuit can also control the power supply to the heater 13 by a control command from the processor 12.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the aerosol generating device with the holes closed.

[0046] 2, when the aerosol generation device 1 is not in use, a user can close the hole 110 by moving the cover 200 to the second position P2. When the cover 200 is moved to the second position P2 and the hole 110 is closed, the accommodation space 15 is sealed and the aerosol generation device 1 can be isolated from the outside. When the cover 200 closes the hole 110, foreign matter can be prevented from entering the accommodation space 15. In addition, droplets or residues generated inside the aerosol generation device 1 during the aerosol generation process can be prevented from flowing out of the aerosol generation device 1 through the accommodation space 15.

[0047] In a typical aerosol generator, a guide and a hole are arranged to contact each other so that the cover can open and close the hole. In this case, the guide is connected to the storage space, and droplets and residue remaining in the storage space may move to the guide. In particular, if the guide is formed in the form of a guide groove, if droplets and residue accumulate in the guide groove, they may act as an obstacle to the movement of the cover, causing damage to the cover. Furthermore, even when the cover covers the hole, droplets and residue may flow out of the aerosol generator through the guide. Therefore, a user needs to periodically remove droplets and residue accumulated in the guide.

[0048] In addition, in the case of a typical aerosol generator in which the accommodation space and the guide are in contact with each other, air flows into the aerosol generator through the guide, and the aerosol generated by the aerosol product flows out through the guide. In this case, droplets and residues accumulated in the guide obstruct the air inflow, resulting in inconsistent suction resistance. Furthermore, the amount of atomization may be reduced because the aerosol flows out through the guide.

[0049] In the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment, the guide 120 is adjacent to the hole 110 of the accommodation space 15, but the hole 110 and the guide 120 are spaced apart from each other. Here, being spaced apart from each other means that the guide 120 is spaced apart from the hole 110 at a certain distance and does not come into contact with the hole 110.

[0050] 1 and 2, the guide 120 is positioned at a certain distance from the hole 110, so the guide 120 and the storage space 15 do not communicate with each other and can be provided independently. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment can prevent droplets or residue remaining in the storage space 15 from moving to the guide 120. In the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment, the guide 120 prevents droplets or residue from flowing out of the aerosol generation device 1, and droplets or residue do not accumulate in the guide 120. As a result, the aerosol generation device 1 can be easily managed.

[0051] 3A and 3B are plan views of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, more specifically, FIG. 3A is a plan view showing a state in which the cover is in a first position, and FIG. 3B is a plan view showing a state in which the cover is in a second position.

[0052] Generally, a user carries the aerosol generating device 1 in a pocket when not in use, and holds the aerosol generating device 1 in his / her hand when in use, so the aerosol generating device 1 must be made to an appropriate size so that it can be easily carried and used.

[0053] If the hole 110 and the guide 120 of the aerosol generation device 1 are arranged in series in one direction, the dimensions of the aerosol generation device 1 will increase in one direction, making it inconvenient for a user to carry. Also, if the hole 110 and the guide 120 are arranged in series in one direction, according to one embodiment, in order to separate the hole 110 and the guide 120 from each other, the cover 200 must be large enough to cover the distance between the hole 110 and the guide 120.

[0054] 3A and 3B, in the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment, the guide 120 may be spaced apart from the hole 110 along a first direction L1, and may extend in a second direction L2 intersecting the first direction L1. The cover 200 may be shaped to extend in the first direction L1 sufficiently to cover the entire hole 110, with at least a portion of the cover 200 connected to the guide 120.

[0055] At least a portion of the guide 120 may be located in a first region corresponding to the hole 110 , and the remaining portion of the guide 120 may be located in a second region not corresponding to the hole 110 .

[0056] For example, the guide 120 may extend in the second direction L2 from one end 121 to the other end 122. The one end 121 of the guide may be positioned in the first direction L1 so as to be out of alignment with the hole 110. When the cover 200 is positioned at the one end 121 of the guide, the one end 121 of the guide is also positioned completely out of alignment with the hole 110 so that the aerosol product 2 is not obstructed by the cover 200 when being inserted or removed through the hole 110.

[0057] The other end 122 of the guide may be located in the first direction L1 to correspond to the position of the hole 110. In other words, the other end 122 of the guide may be located on a straight line that passes through the hole 110 along the first direction L1.

[0058] The first position P1 of the cover 200 may refer to the position of the cover 200 when the cover 200 has moved to one end 121 of the guide, and the second position P2 of the cover 200 may refer to the position of the cover 200 when the cover 200 has moved to the other end 122 of the guide.

[0059] When the cover 200 is connected to the guide 120, the cover 200 can be moved linearly in the second direction L2 by the guide 120. When the cover 200 is positioned at one end 121 of the guide, the hole 110 is opened (see FIG. 3A), and when the cover 200 is positioned at the other end 122 of the guide, the hole 110 is closed (see FIG. 3B).

[0060] One end 121 of the guide is positioned so as to be completely out of position with respect to the hole 110 in the first direction L1, so that when the cover 200 is positioned at one end 121 of the guide, the entire hole 110 can be opened. The other end 122 of the guide is positioned so as to correspond to the position of the hole 110 in the first direction L1, so that when the cover 200 is positioned at the other end 122 of the guide, the entire hole 110 can be covered by the cover 200. A user can adjust the position of the cover 200 between one end 121 of the guide and the other end 122 of the guide by pushing the cover 200 in the second direction L2.

[0061] As described above, in the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment, the arrangement direction of the guide 120 and the hole 110 can be transverse to the extension direction of the guide 120 (i.e., the movement direction of the cover 200). According to the aerosol generating device 1, such an arrangement structure allows the size of the housing 100 to be reduced even if the hole 110 and the guide 120 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 is suitable for being carried by a user.

[0062] Although the guide 120 is illustrated as a straight line in the drawings, it is not limited thereto. At least a portion of the guide 120 may be curved, in which case the cover 200 may move along the curved path of the guide 120.

[0063] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, which is also a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

[0064] 4, the aerosol generation device 1 according to an embodiment further includes an air inlet 300 spaced apart from the guide 120. The air inlet 300 may be connected to an air flow path A, which is a path through which air moves into the aerosol generation device 1. In other words, external air is introduced into the aerosol generation device 1 through the air inlet 300, moves into the accommodation space 15, passes through the inside of the aerosol product, mixes with the aerosol, and is then inhaled by the user.

[0065] 4, the air inlet 300 is located apart from the guide 120. Therefore, the air inlet 300 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can be independently connected to the air flow passage A without being interfered with by the guide 120. Here, being independently connected to the air flow passage A also means that the air is not affected by the arrangement structure and shape of the guide 120, the cover 200 that moves along the guide 120, etc.

[0066] Therefore, in the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment, the guide 120 does not affect the airflow path A, so the suction resistance is constant and it is possible to prevent the aerosol from leaking to the outside through the guide 120. In the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment, the aerosol generated from the aerosol product 2 can be completely provided to the user, so the amount of atomization is increased and high-quality aerosol can be provided.

[0067] 4, the air inlet 300 may be located around the hole 110. The air inlet 300 may extend radially from the center of the hole 110 around the hole 110, thereby providing an airflow path A connected to the receiving space 15.

[0068] 4, when the aerosol product 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space 15, air can flow into the accommodation space 15 through the air inlet 300 located around the hole 110. The air that has flowed into the accommodation space 15 flows along the outside of the aerosol product 2 in the direction in which the accommodation space 15 extends, and then forms an air flow path A that flows inside the aerosol product 2.

[0069] Since the air inlet 300 is positioned apart from the guide 120, the air inlet 300 can independently provide the air flow path A without being interfered with by the guide 120. In the aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment, external air does not flow into the accommodation space 15 through the guide 120, and the generated aerosol does not flow out of the aerosol generation device 1 through the guide 120.

[0070] In addition, since the air inlet 300 is located around the hole 110, there is no need to provide a separate air guide groove connected to the storage space 15 on the outer surface of the housing 100, which simplifies the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0071] 3A and 3B, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment further includes a retaining unit 400 that retains the cover 200 at the first position P1 or the second position P2. The retaining unit 400 can maintain the hole 110 in an open state or a covered state by fixing the cover 200 at the first position P1 or the second position P2.

[0072] The retaining unit 400 also includes first retaining members 410, 410' provided on the cover 200 and second retaining members 420, 420' provided adjacent to both ends of the guide 120. The first retaining members 410, 410' may be provided at a portion where the cover 200 is connected to the guide 120. For example, if the guide 120 has a guide groove shape and the cover 200 includes a protrusion that is inserted into the guide groove, the first retaining members 410, 410' may be provided on the protrusion, and the second retaining members 420, 420' may be provided on the housing 100 adjacent to both sides of the guide 120 so as to be coupled with the protrusion of the cover 200.

[0073] 3A, when the cover 200 is located at the first position P1, the first retaining member 410 is coupled with the second retaining member 420 adjacent to one end 121 of the guide, thereby maintaining the position of the cover 200 at the first position P1. Also, referring to FIG. 3B, when the cover 200 is located at the second position P2, the first retaining member 410' is coupled with the second retaining member 420' adjacent to the other end 122 of the guide, thereby maintaining the position of the cover 200 at the second position P2.

[0074] The retaining member 400 may be a permanent magnet that fixes the position of the cover 200 using magnetic force, or may be a physical fastening member that uses a forced fit, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first retaining members 410, 410' and the second retaining members 420, 420' may be permanent magnets with opposite polarities. When the cover 200 is positioned within an attractive force range between the first retaining members 410, 410' and the second retaining members 420, 420', the attractive force may maintain the position of the cover 200 at the first position P1 or the second position P2. In this state, to move the cover 200, a user can release the connection between the first retaining members 410, 410' and the second retaining members 420, 420' by applying an external force that resists the attractive force between the first retaining members 410, 410' and the second retaining members 420, 420'.

[0075] Hereinafter, an aerosol generation device 1 according to another embodiment and an aerosol generation device 1 according to yet another embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components as those of the aerosol generation device 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] 5A to 5C are views illustrating a process in which a cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment moves.

[0077] The aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment further includes an elastic member 500 that guides the movement of the cover 200. The elastic member 500 can guide the movement of the cover 200 by its elastic force.

[0078] One end 510 of the elastic member 500 may be rotatably connected to the cover 200, and the other end 520 may be rotatably connected to the housing 100. One end 510 and the other end 520 of the elastic member 500 may be curved at least partially and may be rotatably connected to the cover 200 and the housing 100. The elastic member 500 may also include a portion wound in a circular fashion at least once between the one end 510 and the other end 520. The elastic member 500 is deformed in shape by the movement of the cover 200 at the rear surface of the housing 100, and can guide the movement of the cover 200 by restoring its shape by elastic force.

[0079] 5A is a view illustrating the rear of the housing 100 when the cover 200 is located at the first position P1, which opens the hole 110. When the cover 200 is located at the first position P1, the elastic member 500 is not subjected to an external force and therefore maintains its basic shape, neither compressed nor expanded. Therefore, when the cover 200 is located at the first position P1, the elastic member 500 does not provide an elastic force to the cover 200.

[0080] 5B is a view illustrating the rear of the housing 100 when the cover 200 is located at a critical position between the first position P1 and the second position P2. When a user moves the cover 200 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, or from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the position of one end 510 of the elastic member 500 moves together with the cover 200, and the elastic member 500 may be compressed.

[0081] When the elastic member 500 is compressed by an external force applied to the cover 200 by the user, it can provide the cover 200 with an elastic force that attempts to restore the cover 200 to its original shape. The elastic member 500 can accumulate elastic force while being compressed by the external force until the cover 200 passes a critical position between the first position P1 and the second position P2 where the external force applied by the user and the elastic force of the elastic member 500 become equal. If the cover 200 does not move beyond the critical position, the elastic force of the elastic member 500 allows the cover 200 to return to its original position.

[0082] 5C is a view illustrating the rear of the housing 100 when the cover 200 is positioned at the second position P2, covering the hole 110. When the cover 200 is positioned at the second position P2, the elastic member 500 is not subjected to external force and therefore maintains its basic shape, not compressed or expanded. When the cover 200 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, or from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the elastic member 500 expands at a point passing the critical position, thereby accelerating the cover 200 in the direction of movement. In other words, when the cover 200 moves beyond the critical position, the elastic force of the elastic member 500 allows the cover 200 to semi-automatically slide the remaining distance from the critical position to the first position P1 or the second position P2.

[0083] Therefore, the elastic member 500 serves as a driving source for the semi-automatic movement of the cover 200, allowing the user to easily move the cover 200 to the first position P1 or the second position P2 with a small force. Furthermore, unless an external force greater than the elastic force is applied to the cover 200, the position of the cover 200 is maintained at the first position P1 or the second position P2, preventing the position of the cover 200 from moving unintentionally.

[0084] 1 to 5, the aerosol generation device 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 generation device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generation device 1 are coupled together.

[0085] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the power supply by a processor of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0086] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generation device 1 can control the power supply from the battery 11 to the heater 13 based on whether the cover 200 opens the hole 110. When a user uses the aerosol generation device 1, the cover 200 can be positioned at the first position to insert the aerosol product 2. When a user is not using the aerosol generation device 1, it is preferable that the cover 200 be positioned at the second position to prevent foreign matter from entering the storage space 15 and to prevent droplets or residue in the storage space 15 from leaking out of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0087] When the cover 200 is located in the first position, the processor 12 can allow power supply from the battery 11 to the heater 13. In order for a user to use the aerosol generation device 1, the user is required to move the cover 200 to the first position and open the hole 110. In addition, when the cover 200 is located in the second position, the processor 12 can cut off power supply from the battery 11 to the heater 13.

[0088] 6, the aerosol generating device 1 can detect the position of the cover 200 (step 610). The aerosol generating device 1 also includes a position detection sensor that detects a change in the position of the cover 200. The position detection sensor can detect whether the cover 200 is located at a first position or a second position. The position detection sensor can be, but is not limited to, a pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a direction sensor, or a magnetic sensor. The processor 12 can detect the position of the cover 200 based on the signal received from the position detection sensor.

[0089] The aerosol generating device 1 can detect whether the position of the cover 200 is at the first position (operation 620).

[0090] When the cover 200 is in the first position and the aerosol production product 2 is inserted, the aerosol generation device 1 may allow power supply from the battery 11 to the heater 13 (step 631). If power supply from the battery 11 to the heater 13 is allowed, heating of the heater 13 may begin (step 640). For example, when the aerosol generation device 1 receives a signal from the position detection sensor that the position of the cover 200 has changed to the first position, the aerosol generation device 1 may start operating the heater 13 by supplying power from the battery 11 to the heater 13, thereby generating aerosol.

[0091] Meanwhile, if the aerosol generation device 1 detects that the position of the cover 200 is not at the first position, it can cut off the power supply from the battery 11 to the heater 13 (step 632). For example, if the aerosol generation device 1 receives a signal from the position detection sensor that the position of the cover 200 has changed from the first position to the second position, the aerosol generation device 1 can stop heating by the heater 13 and terminate use by cutting off the power supply from the battery 11 to the heater 13. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 can be operated by moving the position of the cover 200 without the user having to operate the aerosol generation device 1 separately, which is convenient to use.

[0092] Furthermore, when the cover 200 is located in the second position, the processor 12 can cut off the power supply from the battery 11 to the heater 13 so that the heater 13 does not start heating even if a user input to start heating the heater 13 is received. When the cover 200 is located in the second position, the user is not in a situation to use the aerosol generation device 1, so it is possible to prevent in advance a safety accident that may occur when the heater 13 is heated due to a malfunction.

[0093] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0094] The aerosol generation device 1 also includes a battery 11, a processor 12, a heater 13, a sensing unit 40, an output unit 50, a user input unit 60, a memory 70, and a communication unit 80. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 7. In other words, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment would understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1, some of the components shown in Fig. 7 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0095] The sensing unit 40 can sense the state of the aerosol generation device 1 or the state around the aerosol generation device 1 and transmit the sensed information to the processor 12. Based on the sensed information, the processor 12 can control the aerosol generation device 1 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 13, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0096] The sensing unit 40 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 42, an insertion sensor 44, and a puff sensor 46, but is not limited to these.

[0097] The temperature sensor 42 can sense the temperature to which the heater 13 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 13, or the heater 13 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 42 may be disposed around the battery 11 to monitor the temperature of the battery 11.

[0098] The insertion detection sensor 44 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 44 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 product.

[0099] The puff sensor 46 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel, such as a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0100] The sensing unit 40 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., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (red-green-blue) (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the above-described sensors 42 to 46. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, and therefore detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0101] The output unit 50 can output information related to the status of the aerosol generating device 1 and provide it to a user. The output unit 50 may include at least one of a display unit 52, a haptic unit 54, and an audio output unit 56, but is not limited to these. When the display unit 52 and the touchpad have a layered structure and are configured as a touch screen, the display unit 52 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0102] The display unit 52 can visually provide a user with information related to the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the information related to the aerosol generation device 1 can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 11 of the aerosol generation device 1, the preheating status of the heater 13, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generation device 1 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 52 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 52 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 52 can also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0103] The haptic unit 54 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and can provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the haptic unit 54 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0104] The acoustic output unit 56 can audibly provide the user with information related to the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the acoustic output unit 56 can convert an electric signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0105] The processor 12, the sensing unit 40, the output unit 50, the user input unit 60, the memory 70, and the communication unit 80 can perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 11. Although not shown in Fig. 7, the device further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 11 and supplies it to each of the components.

[0106] The user input unit 60 can receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 60 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. 7 , the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface. Through the connection interface such as the USB interface, the aerosol generating device 1 can be connected to another external device to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 11.

[0107] The memory 70 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generation device 1 and can store data that has been processed by the processor 12 and data that is to be processed. The memory 70 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk, micro multimedia card, card-type memory (e.g., SD memory 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 70 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generation device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0108] The communication unit 80 also includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices, such as a short-range wireless communication unit 82 and a wireless communication unit 84.

[0109] The short-range communication unit 82 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee 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, and the like.

[0110] The wireless communication unit 84 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 84 may also use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generation device 1 within the communication network.

[0111] The processor 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the processor 12 includes at least one processor. The processor can be realized by an array of multiple logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor can also be realized by other forms of hardware.

[0112] The processor 12 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 40 and control subsequent processing. For example, the processor 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 13 to start or stop operation of the heater 13 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 40. In another example, the processor 12 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 13 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 40 so that the heater 13 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0113] The processor 12 may control the output unit 50 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 40. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 46 reaches a preset number, the processor 12 may notify the user via at least one of the display unit 52, the haptic unit 54, and the audio output unit 56 that the aerosol generating device 1 will soon be shut down.

[0114] An example of an aerosol product 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0115] 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating examples of aerosol products.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol production article 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22 .

[0117] 8 illustrates the filter rod 22 as a single segment, but this is not intended to be limiting. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters a specific component contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

[0118] The aerosol product 2 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole formed therein, allowing external air to flow in and internal gas to flow out. As an example, the aerosol product 2 may be wrapped in a single wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol product 2 may be wrapped in two or more wrappers 24 in a stacked manner. 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. The entire aerosol product 2 may then be wrapped 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, or 244.

[0119] The tobacco rod 21 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

[0120] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in a variety of ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a sheet or strand. The tobacco rod 21 can also be manufactured from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. The tobacco rod 21 can also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 and improve the thermal conductivity of the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can also function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 can also include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the exterior.

[0121] The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod with 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 to have a different shape.

[0122] The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. The capsule 23 may function to generate a flavor or to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may be a structure that encases a liquid containing a flavoring agent with a coating. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] 9, the aerosol production product 3 further includes a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and prevents liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 31 from leaking into the aerosol generating device during smoking.

[0124] Filter rod 32 also includes a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 8, and second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of filter rod 22 of FIG. 8.

[0125] The diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the aerosol product article 2 of Figure 8. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 33 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm.

[0126] The aerosol product 3 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air can flow in and internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper 354. The entire aerosol product 3 may then be wrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0127] Also, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, but not limited to, the perforation 36 may be formed in 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.

[0128] The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. The capsule 34 may perform the function of generating a flavor or the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may be a structure that encases a liquid containing a flavoring agent with a coating. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0129] The present embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media include any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and nonvolatile, detachable and non-detachable media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0130] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in various modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics described above. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In the aerosol generating device, a housing including a hole for receiving an aerosol product and a guide spaced from the hole; a cover that moves along the guide between a first position and a second position to open and close the hole; an air inlet spaced apart from the guide; When the cover is in the first position, the hole is open, and when the cover is in the second position, the hole is closed; The air inlet is connected to an air flow passage, which is a path through which air moves into the inside of the aerosol generation device; the guide is a protrusion provided on one surface of the housing, the cover includes a groove into which the protrusion of the guide is inserted; An aerosol generating device, wherein at least a portion of the guide is located in a first region corresponding to the hole, and the remaining portion of the guide is located in a second region not corresponding to the hole.

2. The guide is The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the aerosol generating device is spaced apart from the hole in a first direction and extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the air inlet is located around the hole.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a retainer that retains the cover in the first position or the second position.

5. The maintaining unit a first retaining member provided on the cover and a second retaining member positioned adjacent to both ends of the guide, The aerosol generating device according to claim 4 , wherein the cover is maintained in the first position and the second position by coupling the first retaining member to the second retaining member.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising an elastic member having one end connected to the cover and the other end connected to the housing, the elastic member guiding movement of the cover by elastic force.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the elastic member provides an elastic force to the cover at a point where the cover passes a critical position between the first position and the second position, thereby moving the cover.

8. a heater for heating the aerosol product; a battery for supplying power to the heater; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a processor that controls the power supplied from the battery to the heater based on whether the cover has opened the hole.

9. The processor: The aerosol generating device of claim 8 , wherein the cover allows the battery to supply power to the heater when the cover is in the first position.

10. The processor: The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , wherein when the cover is not in the first position, power supplied from the battery to the heater is cut off.

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