Vaporizer and aerosol generating device including the same

Abstract

The vaporizer includes a storage section for storing an aerosol generating substance, a first wick for absorbing the aerosol generating substance from the storage section, a heating pattern printed on at least one surface of the first wick for heating the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the first wick, and a sensing pattern printed on the same surface as the heating pattern and the first wick for measuring the temperature of the heating pattern.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vaporizer and an aerosol generating apparatus including the same, and more particularly to a vaporizer with improved atomization performance and an aerosol generating apparatus including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for technologies to replace the method of supplying aerosols by burning a conventional cigarette. For example, research is being conducted into methods of supplying flavored aerosols by generating aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol-generating substances, or by generating vapor from a liquid aerosol-generating substance and then passing the generated vapor through a solid flavor carrier.

[0003] Recently, as an alternative to the method of supplying an aerosol by burning a cigarette, an aerosol generating device capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-producing material has been proposed. For example, an aerosol generating device refers to a device capable of generating an aerosol by heating a liquid or solid aerosol-producing material to a predetermined temperature using a heater.

[0004] Recently, research into aerosol generating devices has been gradually increasing because aerosol generating devices improve convenience for users by allowing them to smoke without additional equipment such as a lighter and allowing them to smoke as much as they want.

[0005] An aerosol generator that generates aerosol by generating heat includes a heater that generates heat and a sensor that detects the temperature generated by the heater. In order to increase the amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol generator and improve the precise control performance of the heater, the arrangement structure of the heater and the sensor must be improved. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The embodiments provide a vaporizer and an aerosol generating device including the same, which have improved atomization performance due to an increased contact area between the wick and the heating element.

[0007] Furthermore, the embodiments provide a vaporizer capable of precisely sensing a temperature change caused by the heat of a heating element, and an aerosol generating device including the vaporizer.

[0008] The embodiments also provide a vaporizer with dual atomization function and an aerosol generating device including the same.

[0009] Problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A vaporizer according to one embodiment includes a storage section for storing an aerosol-generating substance, a first wick for absorbing the aerosol-generating substance from the storage section, a heating pattern printed on at least one surface of the first wick for heating the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the first wick, and a sensing pattern printed on the same surface as the heating pattern and the first wick for measuring the temperature of the heating pattern.

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a vaporizer according to one embodiment, a battery for supplying power to the vaporizer, and a controller for controlling the power supplied to the vaporizer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the vaporizer and the aerosol generating device including the vaporizer according to the embodiment, the temperature of the heating pattern, which is a heating element, can be measured without disposing a separate temperature sensor.

[0013] Furthermore, the vaporizer and the aerosol generating device including the vaporizer according to the embodiment can increase the contact area between the aerosol generating material and the heating element, thereby improving atomization performance.

[0014] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vaporizer according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 taken along the AA direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a vaporizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of a vaporizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of a vaporizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a top view of a portion of a vaporizer according to another embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a top view of a portion of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a top view of a portion of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 11] 9B is a top view of a portion of the vaporizer according to yet another embodiment of FIG. 9A. [Figure 12] 12 is a top view of a portion of the vaporizer of FIG. 11 according to yet another embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a portion of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portion of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portion of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a portion of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment in which a mesh body is arranged. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The terms used in the embodiments are generally used in the present invention, taking into consideration their functions in the present invention. However, these terms may change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. 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 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 their names.

[0017] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements and may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "module" and "unit" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0018] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of," precedes an element in an arrangement, it modifies the entire element and not each individual element in the arrangement. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0019] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in an internal space.

[0020] The aerosol generating device comprises a heater, in one embodiment the heater is an electrically resistive heater, for example the heater comprises an electrically conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the electrically conductive track the heater is heated.

[0021] The heater may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0022] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. The tobacco rods may be made of sheets, strands, or shredded tobacco from a tobacco sheet. The tobacco rods may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0023] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may have a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out certain components contained in the aerosol.

[0024] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates the aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0025] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating material and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed with the body, assembled thereto, or fixed so as not to be detachable by a user. The cartridge is attached to the body with the aerosol-generating material contained therein. However, is not limited thereto, and the aerosol-generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0026] The cartridge contains an aerosol-forming material in any one of various states, such as a liquid, solid, gas, or gel. The aerosol-forming material includes a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0027] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase, thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material and air.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage is configured to deliver the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method, which refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0030] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0031] The aerosol generating device further includes a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, for example, the wick is positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the vibrator.

[0032] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator are transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0033] For example, the heat generated from the vibrator reduces the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the core, and the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator break the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance into fine particles, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limiting.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device using an induction heating method.

[0035] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil applies a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. When the susceptor is located inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor may be located inside the aerosol product.

[0036] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises a cradle.

[0037] The aerosol generating device may be combined with a separate cradle to form a system. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may heat the aerosol generating device while the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled together.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0040] 1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device including a vaporizer according to an embodiment.

[0041] 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, a heater 13, and a vaporizer 14.

[0042] 1 and 2 includes a housing including an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol product 2. The aerosol product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, and thereby the aerosol product 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing. Also, although FIGS. 1 and 2 show that the aerosol generation device 1 is equipped with a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

[0043] The aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 3 does not have a space into which the aerosol product 2 can be inserted, and therefore the heater 13 for heating the aerosol product 2 is not disposed.

[0044] The components according to this embodiment are shown in the aerosol generation device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 1 may further include other components in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0045] 1 shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. Also, FIG. 2 shows that the vaporizer 14 and the 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 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0046] The battery 11 supplies power used when the aerosol generation device 1 operates. For example, the battery 11 supplies power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and supplies power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 also supplies power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0047] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also other components provided in the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 to determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

[0048] 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 executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0049] The heater 13 is heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when the aerosol production product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the heater 13 is located outside the aerosol production product 2. Therefore, the heated heater 13 increases the temperature of the aerosol-generating substance inside the aerosol production product 2.

[0050] The heater 13 may be an electric resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 has an electric conductive track, and an electric current flows through the electric conductive track to heat the heater 13. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature can be used without any restrictions. Here, the desired temperature may be already set in the aerosol generation device 1, or may be set to the desired temperature by the user.

[0051] Alternatively, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 includes an electrically conductive coil for inductively heating the aerosol product, and the aerosol product includes a susceptor heated by the induction heater.

[0052] 1 and 2 show the heater 13 as being disposed on the exterior of the aerosol product 2, but is not limited to this. For example, the heater 13 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol product 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0053] Furthermore, a plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, or may be disposed outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be disposed so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and the rest may be disposed outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and various shapes may be manufactured.

[0054] Vaporizer 14 is configured to store an aerosol-forming substance and generate a vaporized aerosol by heating the aerosol-forming substance.

[0055] The vaporizer 14 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be provided in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0056] The liquid storage unit stores the aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit may be fabricated so as to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or may be fabricated integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0057] For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include water, solvent, ethyl alcohol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavorings include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients. Flavorings include ingredients that provide the user with a variety of 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 aerosol-generating substance may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

[0058] The liquid transfer means transfers the aerosol-generating substance in the liquid reservoir 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, or porous ceramic.

[0059] The heating element is an element for heating the aerosol-generating substance delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element may also be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element is heated by supplying electric current and transfers heat to the aerosol-generating substance in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance. As a result, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating substance.

[0060] The generated aerosol travels along an airflow path. In Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol travels along the airflow path and passes through the aerosol-producing article 2 before being delivered to the user. In Figure 3, the aerosol travels along the airflow path and is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece 18.

[0061] The vaporizer 14 may be called, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the vaporizer 14 is a cartridge that can be inserted into and removed from the aerosol generating device 1. When the stored aerosol generating material in the vaporizer 14 is consumed, the vaporizer 14 may be replenished with a new aerosol generating material or may be replaced with another vaporizer 14 that stores aerosol generating material. The structure and arrangement of the vaporizer 14 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8.

[0063] 4 to 6 are diagrams for explaining the vaporizer of the aerosol generating device.

[0064] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA direction of the vaporizer according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

[0065] 4 and 5, the vaporizer 14 according to an embodiment includes a storage portion 141, a first wick 142, a heating pattern 143, a sensing pattern 144, and a second wick 145.

[0066] Here, the storage portion 141, the wicks 142 and 145, and the heating pattern 143 are identical to the liquid storage portion, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element, respectively, included in the vaporizer 14 described in Figures 1 to 3.

[0067] The storage section 141 includes an empty space surrounded by an outer wall and an inner wall, and an aerosol-generating substance is stored in the empty space of the storage section 141.

[0068] 6, a first wick 142 and / or a second wick 145 are disposed inside the storage portion 141. A portion of the first wick 142 and / or the second wick 145 contacts the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage portion 141. Both ends of the first wick 142 and / or the second wick 145 contact the aerosol-generating material.

[0069] Storage portion 141 is sealed to prevent the aerosol-generating substance from leaking outside storage portion 141 via any path other than through first wick 142 and / or second wick 145.

[0070] The storage part 141 may be manufactured in various shapes, and according to an embodiment, the storage part 141 may have a shape such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in one direction.

[0071] Storage portion 141 is connected to first wick 142 and / or second wick 145, and the aerosol-generating substance in storage portion 141 is transported to the outside of storage portion 141 through first wick 142 and / or second wick 145.

[0072] For example, storage portion 141 includes a plurality of openings each connected to both ends of first wick 142 and / or second wick 145. The gap between storage portion 141 and first wick 142 and / or second wick 145 connected thereto is sealed to prevent leakage of the aerosol-generating substance from areas other than first wick 142 and / or second wick 145.

[0073] First wick 142 and second wick 145 absorb the aerosol-forming substance from storage portion 141 .

[0074] The heating pattern 143 heats the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the first wick 142 and the second wick 145 to vaporize the aerosol-forming substance and generate an aerosol.

[0075] The sensing pattern 144 is a temperature sensor and is arranged to measure the temperature of the heating pattern 143 .

[0076] 4, the aerosol generated by the heating element 143 is formed in the body of the aerosol generating device 1 and moves to the receiving space for receiving the aerosol product 2 through an airflow passage connected to the outlet of the vaporizer 14. The aerosol passes through the aerosol product 2 inserted in the receiving space of the body and is delivered to the user.

[0077] 5, the aerosol generated by the heating pattern 143 moves along the extension direction of the airflow passage 146 formed inside the vaporizer 14. The mouthpiece 18 is located at one end of the airflow passage 146. The aerosol is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece 18.

[0078] The first core 142, the heat generating pattern 143, the sensing pattern 144, and the second core 145 will be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0079] 7 and 8 are diagrams illustrating a first wick 142, a heat generating pattern 143, a sensing pattern 144, and a second wick 145 included in the vaporizer 14 according to an embodiment.

[0080] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a vaporizer according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a front view of a portion of a vaporizer according to one embodiment.

[0081] 7 and 8, the vaporizer 14 according to one embodiment includes a first wick 142, a heating pattern 143, a sensing pattern 144, and a second wick 145.

[0082] The first wick 142 receives the aerosol-generating substance from a storage unit (not shown) that stores the aerosol-generating substance and absorbs the aerosol-generating substance.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first core 142 has a hexahedral shape. For example, the first core 142 has a rectangular prism shape. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above example, and the core may have a generally cylindrical, elongated, rod-like, or needle-like shape.

[0084] A portion of first wick 142 absorbs the aerosol-forming substance supplied from the storage section. For example, the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in one portion of first wick 142 can move to another portion of first wick 142 by capillary action.

[0085] The heating pattern 143 and the sensing pattern 144 are printed on the first core 142. Here, "printing" refers to any method of permanently attaching the pattern to the first core 142, such as coating, spraying, vapor deposition, plating, or dipping.

[0086] In order to apply printing technology to first core 142, first core 142 must include a material that has suitable strength and stability while acting as a core to absorb the aerosol-generating substance. For example, first core 142 may include porous ceramics.

[0087] Heating pattern 143 is printed on at least one surface of first wick 142 to heat the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in first wick 142 .

[0088] The heating pattern 143 includes an electrically resistive heating element, such as an electrically conductive track, which is heated by passing an electric current through the resistive heating element when powered by a battery (not shown).

[0089] The heating temperature of the heating pattern 143 is determined by the power consumption of the electrical resistance of the heating pattern 143. The resistance value of the heating pattern 143 is set based on the power consumption of the resistance of the heating pattern 143, taking into account the heating temperature of the heating pattern 143. The resistance value of the heating pattern 143 is set in various ways depending on the constituent material, length, width, thickness, or pattern of the electrical resistive element.

[0090] The heating pattern 143 may be made of tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. The heating pattern 143 may be doped with a suitable doping material, but the material of the heating pattern 143 is not limited to the above examples.

[0091] Both ends of the heating pattern 143 are connected to the battery by heating electrodes 143e, which serve as electrical connection terminals that provide the heating pattern 143 with power supplied from the battery.

[0092] The sensing pattern 144 is printed on the same surface of the heating pattern 143 and the first core 142 , and measures the temperature of the heating pattern 143 .

[0093] Specifically, the sensing pattern 144 includes a resistor having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) for measuring the temperature of the heating pattern 143 .

[0094] The electrical resistance of the resistor is a temperature-dependent value and changes with temperature changes. The change in resistance is determined by measuring the change in voltage when a current flows through the resistor of the sensing pattern 144. Therefore, the change in resistance is determined through the change in voltage, and the temperature of the heating pattern 143 is measured based on the change in resistance.

[0095] However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a change in resistance may be derived by applying a constant voltage to the resistance of the sensing pattern 144 and measuring a change in current value.

[0096] The sensing pattern 144 includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of ceramic, semiconductor, metal, and carbon, and is made of an electrically resistive or electrically conductive element, similar to the heating pattern 143. For example, the sensing pattern 144 may include tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof, and may be doped with a suitable doping material.

[0097] Both ends of the sensing pattern 144 are connected to a control unit (not shown) by sensor electrodes 144e, which correspond to electrical connection terminals that electrically connect the sensing pattern 144 to the control unit.

[0098] In order to allow the heating pattern 143 and the sensing pattern 144 to be easily connected to a battery and / or a control unit, both ends of the heating pattern 143 and both ends of the sensing pattern 144 are drawn out from one of the outer surfaces of the first core 142 to the outside of the first core 142.

[0099] The heating electrode 143e and the sensor electrode 144e are arranged adjacent to one of the outer surfaces of the first core 142 described above, and are connected to both ends of the heating pattern 143 and both ends of the sensing pattern 144, respectively, which are extended to the outside of the first core 142, and extend parallel to the battery and / or control unit.

[0100] 7 and 8, the heating pattern 143 and the sensing pattern 144 are shown on the top surface of the first core 142, but the embodiment is not limited to the location of the patterns.

[0101] The vaporizer 14 includes a second wick 145 that contacts one side of the first wick 142 on which the heating pattern 143 is printed to increase the contact area between the heating element and the wick and improve atomization performance.

[0102] Second wick 145 is disposed adjacent to the one surface of first wick 142 and absorbs the aerosol-forming substance.

[0103] In one embodiment, the second core 145 may have a hexahedral shape similar to the first core 142. For example, the second core 145 may have a rectangular prism shape. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above example, and the core may have a generally cylindrical, elongated, rod-like, or needle-like shape.

[0104] A portion of second wick 145 absorbs the aerosol-forming substance supplied from the storage section. For example, the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in one portion of second wick 145 can move to another portion of second wick 145 by capillary action.

[0105] Unlike the first core 142, which has the heating pattern 143 and the sensing pattern 144 printed thereon, the second core 145 does not have any additional patterns printed thereon. In this case, the second core 145 is disposed so as to come into contact with the heating pattern 143 printed on the first core 142. The aerosol-generating material absorbed into the second core 145 is heated by the heating pattern 143 printed on the first core 142.

[0106] When no separate pattern is printed on the second core 145, the second core 145 may include not only porous ceramics but also cotton, silica, SPL, or melamine foam.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol-forming substance is absorbed from the reservoir into both ends of first wick 142 and second wick 145 .

[0108] The aerosol-generating substance absorbed into both ends of first wick 142 moves to one side of first wick 142 on which heating pattern 143 is printed.

[0109] The aerosol-generating substance absorbed into both ends of second wick 145 moves to the surface in contact with second wick 145 and heating pattern 143 .

[0110] The aerosol-generating material that is close to the heating pattern 143 is heated by the heating pattern 143, and an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. At this time, since both sides of the aerosol-generating material are heated by the heating pattern 143, more aerosols are generated than when only one side of the aerosol-generating material is heated.

[0111] The heating pattern 143 and the sensing pattern 144 printed on the first core 142 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9A to 12. FIG.

[0112] FIG. 9A is a top view of a portion of a vaporizer according to one embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a top view of a portion of a vaporizer according to another embodiment.

[0113] 9A and 9B show one side of the first core on which a pattern is printed, viewed from the z-axis direction, with the second core 145 omitted from FIG. 8, and show the heating pattern and sensing pattern printed on the first core, respectively.

[0114] 9A and 9B, the heating pattern 143 is printed in various shapes on the first core 142. For example, FIG. 9A shows an example in which a bent heating pattern 143 is printed on one surface of the first core 142. FIG. 9B shows an example in which a spiral heating pattern 143 is printed on one surface of a square pillar-shaped first core 142. However, the embodiment is not limited by the shape of the heating pattern.

[0115] The sensing pattern 144 is printed on one surface of the first core 142 on which the heating pattern 143 is printed. That is, the heating pattern 143 and the sensing pattern 144 are printed on the same surface.

[0116] Similar to the heating pattern 143, the sensing pattern 144 is printed in various shapes on the first core 142. The embodiment is not limited to the shapes of the sensing pattern shown in Figures 9A and 9B. However, the sensing pattern 144 forms a pattern without intersecting with the heating pattern 143 so as not to come into contact with the heating pattern 143 and cause operational problems.

[0117] 10A and 10B are top views each showing a portion of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment.

[0118] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating different sensing patterns from those in FIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively.

[0119] 10A and 10B, in order to measure the temperature of the heating pattern 133 consistently and accurately, the sensing pattern 144 is printed so as to be uniformly spaced apart from the heating pattern 143.

[0120] At this time, for ease of manufacturing and reliable operation between adjacent patterns, the sensing pattern 144 is printed so that the distance id between the adjacent heating pattern 143 is maintained in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm or at a constant value within the range. However, this is an example value, and the distance may change depending on changes in parameters such as the width and thickness of the heating pattern 143 and the sensing pattern 144.

[0121] FIG. 11 is a top view of a portion of the vaporizer of FIG. 9A according to yet another embodiment.

[0122] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the heat generation pattern is different from that of FIG. 9A.

[0123] 11, the heating pattern 143 is printed to have a first distance d1 between parallel portions adjacent to the peripheral portion 142a of the first core 142, and a second distance d2 between parallel portions adjacent to the central portion 142b of the first core 142. The second distance d2 is different from the first distance d1.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first wick 142 absorbs the aerosol-generating material supplied from a storage unit (not shown) through both ends of both peripheral portions 142a, and the absorbed aerosol-generating material moves to the center portion 142b of the first wick 142. At this time, the speed at which the aerosol-generating material moves varies from the peripheral portions 142a to the center portion 142b of the first wick 142.

[0125] The peripheral portion 142a of the first wick 142 absorbs the aerosol-generating substance at a relatively high rate because the peripheral portion 142a of the first wick 142 is connected to the storage portion and is directly supplied with the aerosol-generating substance. After a puff, the aerosol-generating substance in the first wick 142 is vaporized, leaving the first wick 142 in a dry state. When the first wick 142 is in a dry state, the peripheral portion 142a of the first wick 142 absorbs the aerosol-generating substance at a high rate.

[0126] Meanwhile, the rate of absorption of the aerosol-generating substance in the central portion 142b of the first wick 142 is slower than the rate of absorption in the peripheral portion 142a of the first wick 142. The central portion 142b of the first wick 142 is located far from the storage portion, which causes a relatively long time for the aerosol-generating substance to reach the central portion 142b.

[0127] When analyzing the minute sections constituting the first core 142 along the longitudinal direction of the first core 142, the aerosol is absorbed depending on the difference in the degree to which the aerosol-generating material is absorbed at both ends of each minute section. In this case, the "longitudinal direction of the first core 142" refers to the y-axis direction in FIG. 11.

[0128] However, the difference in the degree to which the aerosol-generating substance is absorbed at both ends of each minute section decreases as one moves from peripheral portion 142a to central portion 142b of first core 142. Therefore, the absorption rate of the aerosol-generating substance decreases as one moves from peripheral portion 142a to central portion 142b of first core 142.

[0129] When the heating pattern 143 is printed at regular intervals (for example, the distance between adjacent parallel portions) along the longitudinal direction of the first core 142, a smaller amount of aerosol is generated in the central portion 142b than in the peripheral portion 142a. Therefore, the amount of aerosol generated along the longitudinal direction of the first core 142 is non-uniform.

[0130] At this time, it is necessary to print the heating pattern 143 on the first core 142 in such a manner that the shape of the heating pattern 143 varies depending on the longitudinal direction of the first core 142.

[0131] For example, in peripheral portion 142a of first wick 142, where the absorption rate of the aerosol-generating substance is fast, the spacing between adjacent parallel portions of heating pattern 143 is maintained at first spacing d1. In central portion 142b of first wick 142, where the absorption rate of the aerosol-generating substance is relatively slow, the spacing between patterns of heating pattern 143 is maintained at second spacing d2, which is narrower than first spacing d1. This makes it possible to generate a uniform amount of aerosol along the longitudinal direction of first wick 142.

[0132] FIG. 12 is a top view of a portion of the vaporizer of FIG. 11 according to yet another embodiment.

[0133] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the sensing patterns in FIG. 11, but with a different configuration.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 12, the sensing pattern 144 is printed in a pattern shape that varies depending on the spacing between the patterns (for example, adjacent parallel portions) of the heating pattern 143.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 12, the second interval d2 of the heating pattern 143 printed on the center 142b of the first core 142 is relatively narrower than the first interval d1 of the heating pattern 143 printed on the center 142b of the first core 142.

[0136] In the peripheral portion 142a of the first core 142 where the heating patterns 143 are printed at relatively wide intervals, the sensing pattern 144 is printed at a constant distance from the heating patterns 143 (for example, parallel to the heating patterns 143).

[0137] The sensing pattern 144 is printed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the first core 142 in the center portion 142b of the first core 142 where the heating patterns 143 are printed at relatively narrow intervals.

[0138] Specifically, the heating pattern 143 includes a plurality of bent portions 143a sequentially arranged in one direction (for example, along the y-axis direction) and a plurality of connecting portions 143b connecting the plurality of bent portions 143a in the one direction. In this case, at least a portion of the sensing pattern 144 extends in the one direction in which the plurality of bent portions 143a of the heating pattern 143 are arranged.

[0139] The spacing between the heating patterns 143, which is the basis for the shape of the sensing pattern 144, is not limited.

[0140] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a portion of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 13, the heating pattern 143 of the vaporizer 14 according to another embodiment includes a first heating pattern 143-1 and a second heating pattern 143-2.

[0142] The vaporizer 14 includes a first heating pattern 143-1 and a second heating pattern 143-2 printed on both sides of the first wick 142, respectively, to increase the contact area between the heating element and the wick and improve atomization performance.

[0143] The aerosol-generating substance absorbed into both ends of first wick 142 moves to the surfaces on which first heating pattern 143-1 and second heating pattern 143-2 are printed.

[0144] The aerosol-generating material that is close to the first heating pattern 143-1 and the second heating pattern 143-2 is heated by the first heating pattern 143-1 and the second heating pattern 143-2, and aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. At this time, since the aerosol-generating material is heated on two opposite sides of the first wick 142, more aerosol is generated than when the aerosol-generating material is heated on only one side.

[0145] In this case, the sensing pattern 144 also includes a first sensing pattern 144-1 and a second sensing pattern 144-2 printed on the surface of the first core 142 on which the first heating pattern 143-1 and the second heating pattern 143-2 are printed, respectively.

[0146] The first sensing pattern 144-1 measures the temperature of the first heating pattern 143-1, and the second sensing pattern 144-2 measures the temperature of the second heating pattern 143-2.

[0147] Although the second core 145 is not shown in Figure 13, the second core 145 is positioned so as to contact the upper surface of the first core 142 on which the first heating pattern 143-1 is printed and / or the lower surface of the second core 145 on which the second heating pattern 143-2 is printed.

[0148] The first wick 142 includes a hollow 142h formed so that the aerosol generated on one surface or the lower surface passes through the first wick 142.

[0149] The hollows 142h penetrate the first core 142 in the z-axis direction. However, the size, number, and position of the hollows 142h may be variously modified according to the embodiment.

[0150] When an airflow passage (not shown) is positioned above the first core 142 and the aerosol must move in the +z direction, the aerosol generated on the underside of the first core 142 by the second heating pattern 143-2 moves in the +z direction through the hollow 142h.

[0151] In contrast, when the airflow passage is located below the first core 142 and the aerosol must move in the -z direction, the aerosol generated on the upper surface of the first core 142 by the first heating pattern 143-1 moves in the -z direction through the hollow 142h.

[0152] 14A and 14B are perspective views each showing a portion of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment.

[0153] 14A and 14B, the heating pattern 143 of the vaporizer 14 according to another embodiment is printed so as to surround at least a portion of the first core 142.

[0154] To increase the contact area between the heating element and the wick and improve atomization performance, in Fig. 14A heating pattern 143 is printed so as to surround four sides of square prism-shaped first wick 142. In Fig. 14B heating pattern 143 is printed so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of cylindrical first wick 142.

[0155] However, the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the first core 142 and the form of the heating pattern 143 surrounding the first core 142.

[0156] The aerosol-generating substance absorbed into both ends of first wick 142 is heated by heating pattern 143 surrounding at least a portion of first wick 142, and an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating substance. At this time, because the aerosol-generating substance is heated on multiple surfaces of first wick 142 surrounded by heating pattern 143, more aerosol is generated than when it is heated on only one surface.

[0157] FIG. 15 is a front view showing a portion of a vaporizer according to yet another embodiment in which a mesh body is arranged.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 15, the vaporizer 14 according to yet another embodiment includes a mesh body 147 .

[0159] The mesh body 147 is disposed adjacent to the top surface of the first core 142 to absorb the aerosol-generating material from a storage unit (not shown) and heat the absorbed aerosol-generating material. In this case, the "top surface of the first core 142" refers to one side of the first core 142, not the surface of the first core 142 on which the heating pattern 143 is printed.

[0160] The mesh body 147 includes a plurality of conductive filaments that are heated by a current supply. In one example, the plurality of conductive filaments are arranged in a net (or "mesh") shape, and the plurality of conductive filaments are arranged in the above-mentioned configuration to form a plurality of gaps between the plurality of conductive filaments.

[0161] The multiple conductive filaments of the mesh body 147 can generate capillary action (or capillary phenomenon) in the multiple gaps, and the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage section moves into the multiple gaps due to the capillary action that occurs in the multiple gaps.

[0162] The aerosol-generating material within the gaps comes into contact with the conductive filaments of the mesh body 147, which heat the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0163] That is, aerosol can be generated without a structure (for example, a wick) for transferring the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage unit to the mesh body 147 via the mesh body 147.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 15, the aerosol-forming substance is absorbed from the reservoir into first wick 142 and both ends of mesh body 147 .

[0165] The aerosol-generating substance absorbed into both ends of first wick 142 moves to one surface of first wick 142 on which heat generating pattern 143 is printed and to the other surface of first wick on which mesh body 147 is arranged.

[0166] The aerosol-generating substance that comes close to the heating pattern 143 printed on one surface of the first core 142 is heated by the heating pattern 143, and an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating substance.

[0167] After being absorbed into first wick 142, the aerosol-generating substance moves close to mesh body 147 arranged on the other side of first wick 142, where it is heated by mesh body 147, and an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating substance.

[0168] Apart from the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in first wick 142, the aerosol-generating substance absorbed in both ends of mesh body 147 is heated by mesh body 147, and an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating substance.

[0169] Due to the arrangement of mesh body 147, the aerosol-generating substance is heated on both sides of first wick 142. Furthermore, some of the aerosol-generating substance is absorbed and heated by mesh body 147, so more aerosol is generated than if the aerosol-generating substance were heated on only one side of first wick 142.

[0170] In FIG. 15, heating pattern 143 is printed on the lower surface of first core 142, and mesh body 147 is disposed on the upper surface of first core 142, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0171] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0172] The aerosol generating device 1600 includes a control unit 1610, a sensing unit 1620, an output unit 1630, a battery 1640, a heater 1650, a user input unit 1660, a memory 1670, and a communication unit 1680. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1600 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 16. That is, a person skilled in the art would understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 16 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1600.

[0173] The sensing unit 1620 senses the state of the aerosol generating device 1600 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1600, and transmits the sensed information to the control unit 1610. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1610 controls the aerosol generating device 1600 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1650, restricting smoking, determining whether to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0174] The sensing unit 1620 includes at least one of a temperature sensor 1622, an insertion sensor 1624, and a puff sensor 1626, but is not limited thereto.

[0175] The temperature sensor 1622 senses the temperature to which the heater 1650 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1600 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1650, or the heater 1650 itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1622 may be disposed around the battery 1640 so as to monitor the temperature of the battery 1640.

[0176] The insertion detection sensor 1624 detects the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1624 may 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 detects a change in signal due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product.

[0177] The puff sensor 1626 detects a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow rate change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0178] The sensing unit 1620 further includes 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 (temperature sensor 1622, insertion sensor 1624, and puff sensor 1626). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0179] The output unit 1630 outputs and provides to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1600. The output unit 1630 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 1632, a haptic unit 1634, and an audio output unit 1636. When the display unit 1632 and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1632 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0180] The display unit 1632 visually provides a user with information about the aerosol generating device 1600. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1600 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1640 of the aerosol generating device 1600, the preheating status of the heater 1650, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status that restricts the use of the aerosol generating device 1600 (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit 1632 outputs the information to the outside. The display unit 1632 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 1632 may also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0181] The haptic unit 1634 converts an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to tactilely provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1600. For example, the haptic unit 1634 includes a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0182] The acoustic output unit 1636 audibly provides the user with information about the aerosol generation device 1600. For example, the acoustic output unit 1636 converts an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0183] The battery 1640 supplies power used for operation of the aerosol generating device 1600. The battery 1640 supplies power to heat the heater 1650. The battery 1640 also supplies power necessary for operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1600 (e.g., the sensing unit 1620, the output unit 1630, the user input unit 1660, the memory 1670, and the communication unit 1680). The battery 1640 is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1640 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0184] The heater 1650 receives power from the battery 1640 and heats the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Fig. 16, the aerosol-generating device 1600 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1640 and supplies it to the heater 1650. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 1600 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 1600 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1640 into AC power supply.

[0185] The control unit 1610, the sensing unit 1620, the output unit 1630, the user input unit 1660, the memory 1670, and the communication unit 1680 perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 1640. Although not shown in FIG. 16 , the device 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 1640 and supplies it to each component.

[0186] In one embodiment, heater 1650 may be formed of 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. Additionally, heater 1650 may be embodied as, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0187] In another embodiment, heater 1650 is an induction heater, for example, heater 1650 includes a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0188] The user input unit 1660 receives information input by a user or outputs information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1660 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (such as 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, or a piezoelectric effect type), a jog wheel, or a jog switch. Although not shown in FIG. 16 , the aerosol generating device 1600 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, through which the aerosol generating device 1600 can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the battery 1640.

[0189] The memory 1670 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1600, and stores data that has been processed by the control unit 1610 and data to be processed by the control unit 1610. The memory 1670 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, 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 1670 stores the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1600, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data regarding the user's smoking pattern.

[0190] The communication unit 1680 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1680 includes a short-range communication unit 1682 and a wireless communication unit 1684.

[0191] The short-range communication unit 1682 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a short-range wireless communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a ZigBee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0192] The wireless communication unit 1684 includes, 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 1684 can use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1600 within the communication network.

[0193] The controller 1610 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1600. In one embodiment, the controller 1610 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executed by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 1610 may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0194] The control unit 1610 controls the temperature of the heater 1650 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1640 to the heater 1650. For example, the control unit 1610 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1640 and the heater 1650. In another example, a heating direct circuit may control the power supply to the heater 1650 in accordance with a control command from the control unit 1610.

[0195] The control unit 1610 analyzes the results sensed by the sensing unit 1620 and controls subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 1610 controls the power supplied to the heater 1650 to start or stop the operation of the heater 1650 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1620. As another example, the control unit 1610 controls the amount of power supplied to the heater 1650 and the time for which the power is supplied based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1620 so that the heater 1650 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

[0196] The control unit 1610 controls the output unit 1630 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1620. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1626 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1610 notifies the user through at least one of the display unit 1632, the haptic unit 1634, and the audio output unit 1636 that the aerosol generating device 1600 will soon be finished.

[0197] An 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 are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and detachable and non-detachable media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, 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, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0198] The above description of the embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. a storage unit for storing an aerosol-generating substance; a first wick that absorbs the aerosol-forming material from the storage portion; a heating pattern printed on at least one surface of the first wick to heat the aerosol-forming material absorbed in the first wick; a sensing pattern printed on the same surface as the heating pattern and the first core, for measuring the temperature of the heating pattern; the sensing pattern is uniformly spaced from the heating pattern and extends parallel to the heating pattern; The vaporizer further includes a mesh body arranged adjacent to one surface of the first core on which the heating pattern is not printed, for absorbing an aerosol-forming substance and heating the absorbed aerosol-forming substance.

2. The vaporizer of claim 1 , wherein the first wick is disposed within the storage portion, and a portion of the first wick contacts the aerosol-forming material in the storage portion.

3. The vaporizer of claim 1 , wherein the first wick comprises a porous ceramic.

4. The vaporizer of claim 1 , wherein the sensing pattern includes an antibody having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) for measuring the temperature of the heating pattern.

5. The vaporizer according to claim 1 , wherein both ends of the heating pattern and both ends of the sensing pattern are drawn out from one of the outer surfaces of the first wick to the outside of the first wick.

6. The vaporizer of claim 1 , further comprising a second wick disposed adjacent the same face of the first wick to absorb the aerosol-forming substance from the reservoir.

7. 2. The vaporizer of claim 1, wherein the heating pattern includes a first parallel portion spaced a first distance from the peripheral portion of the first wick and a second parallel portion spaced a second distance from the center of the first wick that is different from the first distance.

8. the heating pattern includes a plurality of bent portions sequentially arranged in one direction, and a plurality of connecting portions connecting the plurality of bent portions in the one direction, The vaporizer of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the sensing pattern extends in the one direction.

9. The vaporizer of claim 1 , wherein the heating pattern includes a first heating pattern printed on the one surface of the first core and a second heating pattern printed on the other surface of the first core opposite to the one surface.

10. The vaporizer of claim 1 , wherein the first wick includes a hollow space so that the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substance passes through the first wick.

11. The vaporizer of claim 1 , wherein the heating pattern is printed so as to surround at least a portion of the first wick.

12. The vaporizer according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a battery for powering the vaporizer; and a control unit that controls the power supplied to the vaporizer.

13. a housing including a storage space in which the aerosol product is stored; a heater for heating the aerosol product contained in the housing; The aerosol generating device according to claim 12 , wherein the aerosol generated in the vaporizer is transferred to the storage space.

Images