Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a supply unit including an aerosol forming substrate, a substrate unit where the aerosol forming substrate is atomized, a surface wave generating unit capable of transmitting a surface acoustic wave for atomizing the aerosol forming substrate to the substrate unit, and an inhalation unit through which a user can inhale the aerosol forming substrate atomized at the substrate unit. The supply unit can move the aerosol forming substrate to the substrate unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternatives that overcome the shortcomings of traditional cigarettes. For example, an inhaler is a device used to allow a composition, such as a drug, to be inhaled in liquid or gas form through the oral or nasal cavity during the inhalation process. Such a device comprises a container that holds the inhalable composition, which can be sprayed from the container through a narrow tube and finally into the oral or nasal cavity through a mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

[0003] As an example of prior art, European Patent No. 0017578 (registered March 19, 1980) describes an inhaler.

[0004] The aforementioned background technologies were acquired or learned by the inventors in the process of deriving the disclosures in this specification, and are not necessarily publicly known technologies that were made public before the filing of this application. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] One objective of this embodiment is to provide an aerosol generation device that utilizes surface acoustic waves.

[0006] One objective of this embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating apparatus capable of controlling the atomization of multiple aerosol-forming substrates.

[0007] One objective of this embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device that can control the amount of atomization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a supply unit equipped with an aerosol-forming substrate, a substrate unit on which the aerosol-forming substrate can be atomized, a surface wave generating unit capable of transmitting surface acoustic waves to the substrate unit to atomize the aerosol-forming substrate, and an intake unit on which a user can inhale the aerosol-forming substrate atomized on the substrate unit, wherein the supply unit can move the aerosol-forming substrate to the substrate unit.

[0009] The supply unit may include a storage element capable of storing the aerosol-forming substrate and a channel element connected to the storage element, which can move the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage element.

[0010] The aerosol-forming substrate includes a plurality of other liquid phases, and the supply unit may include a first storage element capable of storing a first liquid phase and a second storage element capable of storing a second liquid phase.

[0011] The channel element allows the aerosol-forming substrate to move via capillary action.

[0012] The supply unit may further include a control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the aerosol-forming substrate moved through the channel element.

[0013] The supply unit may include a first channel element capable of moving the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element and a second channel element capable of moving the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element.

[0014] The supply unit may further include a third storage element connected to the first channel element and the second channel element, which can mix the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase, and a third channel element which can move the mixed first liquid phase and the second liquid phase from the third storage element to the substrate.

[0015] The surface wave generation unit can include a plurality of surface wave generation elements that can independently generate surface elastic waves with respect to each other.

[0016] The supply unit can further include a first control element that can control the flow rate of the first liquid being moved and a second control element that can control the flow rate of the second liquid being moved.

[0017] The substrate unit can include a first substrate on which the first liquid phase can be atomized and a second substrate on which the second liquid phase can be atomized, and can further include a reaction unit in which the atomized first liquid phase and the second liquid phase react.

[0018] The surface wave generation unit can include a first surface wave generation element that can transmit surface elastic waves to the first substrate and a second surface wave generation element that can transmit surface elastic waves to the second substrate.

[0019] The surface wave generation unit can include a first surface wave generation element that can transmit surface elastic waves to the substrate unit and a second surface wave generation element that can transmit surface elastic waves to the third storage element.

[0020] The channel element can have a porous structure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] An aerosol generation device according to one embodiment can generate an aerosol using surface elastic waves.

[0022] An aerosol generation device according to one embodiment can control the atomization of a plurality of aerosol formation base materials.

[0023] An aerosol generation device according to one embodiment can control the atomization amount.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generation device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, including channel elements and storage elements. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, which includes multiple storage elements. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, which includes multiple channel elements. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, including additional storage and channel elements. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, including additional storage and channel elements. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, including control elements. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, including control elements. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, including a reaction section. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a rolled cigarette. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a rolled cigarette. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention is one of various aspects of the embodiments, and the following techniques constitute a part of the detailed techniques for the embodiments. In the description of this embodiment, specific explanations of well-known functions or configurations will be omitted in order to clarify the gist of the present invention.

[0026] However, various modifications can be made to the embodiments, and the scope of the patent application shall not be limited or restricted by such embodiments. All modifications, equivalents, or substitutes to the embodiments should be understood to be included within the scope of the patent.

[0027] Furthermore, terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in their usual or dictionary sense, but rather in a sense and concept appropriate to the technical idea of ​​an invention according to one embodiment, based on the principle that an inventor may appropriately define the concept of a term in order to describe their invention in the best possible way.

[0028] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “includes” or “has” indicate the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs. Commonly used predefined terms should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined herein.

[0030] Furthermore, when explaining with reference to the drawings, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same components regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted. In the description of this embodiment, if it is determined that a specific explanation of related prior art would unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, such detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0031] Furthermore, when describing the components of an embodiment, terms such as First, Second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. Such terms are used to distinguish a component from other components, and the terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the component. When it is stated that any component is “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that while that component may be directly connected to or connected to that different component, further components may be “connected,” “joined,” or “connected” between each component.

[0032] Components that have functions common to components included in any one embodiment will be described using the same name in the other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the descriptions in any one embodiment apply to the other embodiments, and specific descriptions will be omitted to the extent that they overlap.

[0033] Terms such as "~part" and "~module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which can be embodied in hardware or software, or realized through a combination of hardware and software.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a surface wave generating unit 41, a supply unit 45, a substrate unit 47, and an intake unit 49.

[0036] The surface wave generation unit 41 generates surface acoustic waves that can atomize the liquid phase. Surface acoustic waves are acoustic waves that propagate along the surface of an elastic substrate and can be generated from electrical signals as a result of the piezoelectric effect. The surface acoustic waves generated by the surface wave generation unit 41 can atomize the aerosol-forming substrate by meeting with it. The surface acoustic waves generated by the surface wave generation unit 41 can be transmitted to the substrate unit 47.

[0037] The surface wave generator 41 can be designed to operate and generate surface acoustic waves only when the user inhales the aerosol generator. For example, the surface wave generator 41 may include a respiratory sensor (not shown). The respiratory sensor attached to the surface wave generator 41 can detect when the user inhales the aerosol generator and generate an electrical control signal so that the surface wave generator operates only when inhaled.

[0038] The supply unit 45 stores the aerosol-forming substrate and supplies it to the substrate unit 47. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in liquid form, and the supply unit 45 can store multiple other types of aerosol-forming substrates. For example, one example of an aerosol-forming substrate stored in the supply unit 45 is a nicotine solution of a preset concentration. Examples of aerosol-forming substrates include a liquid phase containing flavorings, a health-functional substance, or a liquid phase containing other functional substances. In this way, various liquid phases other than nicotine solutions can be stored in the supply unit 47.

[0039] The substrate section 47 is supplied with aerosol-forming substrate from the supply section 45. Surface acoustic waves are transmitted to the substrate section 47 from the surface wave generation section 41. The surface acoustic waves transmitted from the supply section 45 to the substrate section 47 can atomize the aerosol-forming substrate supplied to the substrate section 47 from the supply section 45. In other words, atomization of the aerosol-forming substrate can occur in the substrate section 47. The atomized aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

[0040] The user can inhale the aerosol atomized on the substrate 47 through the inhalation section 49. The inhalation section may include a channel (not shown) through which the generated aerosol can move and a mouthpiece (not shown) into which the user can inhale.

[0041] However, Figure 1 only conceptually shows the connection and operating state of the components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and does not show the physical arrangement of each component. This also applies to the following description of the drawings.

[0042] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, including channel elements and storage elements.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2, the supply unit 45 of the aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a storage element 451 and a channel element 452. The storage element 451 may store an aerosol-forming substrate. As described above, the aerosol-forming substrate may be in liquid phase form, and the storage element 451 may be provided with a housing (not shown) capable of containing the liquid phase.

[0044] The channel element 452 can move the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage element 451 toward the substrate portion 47. The channel element 452 connects the storage element 451 and the substrate portion 47, and can generate capillary action between the storage element 451 and the substrate portion 47. For example, the channel element 452 may be a porous wick. The channel element 452 may be a porous structure manufactured by sintering a polymer, ceramic, etc. The channel element 452 may be a paper filter or a cotton wick. The channel element 452 may be formed in the form of a microchannel for transferring a minute volume of fluid. However, the form of the channel element 452 is not limited to the above example and is the same as described below.

[0045] The aerosol-forming substrate, which has been moved to the substrate portion 47 by the channel element 542, can be coated onto the substrate portion 47 so that it can be easily atomized by the surface wave generating portion 41. In other words, the liquid-phase aerosol-forming substrate supplied to the substrate portion 47 exists in a form coated on the surface of the substrate portion 47.

[0046] The aerosol-forming substrate, which has been moved from the storage element 451 to the substrate portion 47 by the channel element 452, is atomized by surface acoustic waves transmitted from the surface wave generating unit 41 to the substrate portion 47, and the user can inhale it through the inhalation unit 49.

[0047] Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, which includes multiple storage elements.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3, the supply unit 45 includes a first storage element 4511 and a second storage element 4512. The number of storage elements 451 included in the supply unit 45 is not limited thereto, and additional storage elements may be included in the supply unit as needed. The number of storage elements may be increased or decreased depending on the type of aerosol-forming substrate to be atomized.

[0049] The first storage element 4511 stores the first liquid phase. The second storage element 4512 stores the second liquid phase. The first and second liquid phases may be the aerosol-forming substrates described above, or they may be different types of liquid phases. The channel element 452 is connected to the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512, and supplies the first and second liquid phases stored in each storage element to the substrate 47. The first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 and the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 can be mixed during the process of moving through the channel element 452. The channel element 452 can mix the first and second liquid phases and supply them to the substrate 47.

[0050] The first and second liquid phases, which have been moved from the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47 by the channel element 452, are atomized by surface acoustic waves transmitted from the surface wave generating unit 41 to the substrate portion 47, and the user can inhale them through the suction unit 49.

[0051] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, which includes multiple channel elements.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4, the supply unit 45 includes a first storage element 4511, a second storage element 4512, a first channel element 4521, and a second channel element 4522.

[0053] The first storage element 4511 stores the first liquid phase. The second storage element 4512 stores the second liquid phase. The first and second liquid phases may be the aerosol-forming substrates described above, or they may be different types of liquid phases.

[0054] The first channel element 4521 moves the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 to the substrate section 47. The second channel element 4522 moves the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 to the substrate section 47. The first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 may be operated independently, and the first and second liquid phases may be moved by separate means, respectively. For example, the first channel element 4521 can supply the first liquid phase to the substrate section via a capillary developer, and the second channel element 4522 can supply the second liquid phase to the substrate section 47 by being formed in the form of a microchannel with a separate power means. The first channel element 4521 can continuously supply the first liquid phase to the substrate section via capillary action, and the second channel element 4522 can supply or not supply the second liquid phase to the substrate section 47 by controlling the opening and closing of the channel with a valve unit. Since the supply unit 45 includes a first channel element 4521 and a second channel element 4522, the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase can be supplied to the substrate unit 47 independently. Therefore, the atomization of the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase can be controlled independently. The configuration of the first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 is not limited to the above, and the same applies below.

[0055] The first and second liquid phases, which have been moved from the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47 by the first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522, are atomized by surface acoustic waves transmitted from the surface wave generating unit 41 to the substrate portion 47, and the user can inhale them through the suction unit 49.

[0056] Figures 5A and 5B show an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, including additional storage and channel elements.

[0057] Referring to Figure 5A, the supply unit 45 includes a first storage element 4511, a second storage element 4512, a third storage element 4513, a first channel element 4521, a second channel element 4522, and a third channel element 4523.

[0058] The first storage element 4511 stores the first liquid phase. The second storage element 4512 stores the second liquid phase. The first and second liquid phases may be the aerosol-forming substrates described above, or they may be different types of liquid phases.

[0059] The first channel element 4521 moves the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 to the third storage element 4513. The second channel element 4522 moves the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 to the third storage element 4513.

[0060] In the third storage element 4513, the first liquid phase supplied from the first storage element 4511 and the second liquid phase supplied from the second storage element 4512 can be mixed. Here, the surface wave generator 41 may transmit surface acoustic waves to the third storage element 4513. The surface acoustic waves transmitted from the surface wave generator 41 to the third storage element 4513 can easily mix the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase. The third channel element 4523 transmits the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase mixed in the third storage element 4513 to the substrate 47.

[0061] The first channel element 4521, the second channel element 4522, and the third channel element 4523 can operate independently, and as described above, they can move the first and second liquid phases as separate means.

[0062] The mixed liquid phase of the first and second liquid phases, which has been moved from the third storage element 4513 to the substrate portion 47 by the third channel element 4523, is atomized by surface acoustic waves transmitted from the surface wave generating unit 41 to the substrate portion 47, and the user can inhale it through the suction unit 49.

[0063] Referring to Figure 5B, the surface wave generating unit 41 includes a first surface wave generating element 411 and a second surface wave generating element 412.

[0064] The first surface wave generating element 411 transmits surface acoustic waves in the substrate portion 47. The surface acoustic waves transmitted from the first surface wave generating element 411 to the substrate portion 47 can atomize the aerosol-forming substrate in the substrate portion 47. The second surface wave generating element 412 transmits surface acoustic waves to the third storage element 4513. The surface acoustic waves transmitted from the second surface wave generating element 412 to the third storage element 4513 can easily mix the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase generated in the third storage element 4513. The configuration and function of the first storage element 4511, the second storage element 4512, the third storage element 4513, the first channel element 4521, the second channel element 4522, and the third channel element 4523, the substrate portion 47, and the suction portion 49 are the same as those shown in Figure 5A above.

[0065] Figures 6A and 6B show an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, including control elements.

[0066] Referring to Figure 6A, the supply unit 45 includes a first storage element 4511, a second storage element 4512, a first channel element 4521, a second channel element 4522, and a control element 453.

[0067] The first channel element 4521 moves the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 to the substrate portion 47. The second channel element 4522 moves the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47. The first channel element 4521 and the second channel element 4522 can be operated independently.

[0068] The control element 453 can control the flow rate of the liquid-phase aerosol-forming substrate moving through the channel element 452. For example, the control element 453 may control the flow rate of the first liquid phase moving through the first channel element 4521. The control element 453 may control the flow rate of the second liquid phase moving through the second channel element 4522. The control element 453 can control the flow rate of the moving liquid phase by controlling the velocity of the liquid phase. The control element 453 may be, for example, a micropump. The control element 453 supplies the first liquid phase, the second liquid phase, or all of them to the substrate 47 at a speed of 0.1 ml / s to 1 ml / s. The control element 453 may include a power unit (not shown) for controlling the flow rate of the liquid phase. By controlling the flow rate of each liquid phase supplied to the substrate 47, the amount of aerosol atomized in the substrate 47 can be controlled.

[0069] The first and second liquid phases, which have been moved from the first storage element 4511 and the second storage element 4512 to the substrate portion 47 by the channel element 452 and the control element 453, are atomized by surface acoustic waves transmitted from the surface wave generating unit 41 to the substrate portion 47, and the user can inhale them through the suction unit 49.

[0070] Referring to Figure 6B, the supply unit 45 includes a plurality of control elements 453. For example, the supply unit 45 includes a first control element 4531 and a second control element 4532. The first control element 4531 controls the flow rate of the first liquid phase moving through the first channel element 4521. The second control element 4532 controls the flow rate of the second liquid phase moving through the second channel element 4522. The first control element 4531 and the second control element 4532 may operate independently. The configuration and function of the first storage element 4511, the second storage element 4512, the first channel element 4521, the second channel element 4522, the surface wave generating unit 41, the substrate unit 47, and the suction unit 49 are the same as those shown in Figure 6A above.

[0071] Figure 7 shows an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment, including a reaction section.

[0072] Referring to Figure 7, an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a surface wave generating unit 41, a supply unit 45, a substrate unit 47, a reaction unit 48, and an intake unit 49.

[0073] The supply unit 45 includes a first storage element 4511, a second storage element 4512, a first channel element 4521, a second channel element 4522, a first control element 4531, and a second control element 4532.

[0074] The substrate section 47 includes a first substrate 471 and a second substrate 472. The first liquid phase stored in the first storage element 4511 is moved to the first substrate 471 via the first channel element 4521 and the first control element 4531. The second liquid phase stored in the second storage element 4512 is moved to the second substrate 472 via the second channel element 4522 and the second control element 4532.

[0075] The surface wave generating unit 41 includes a first surface wave generating element 411 and a second surface wave generating element 412. The first surface wave generating element 411 transmits surface acoustic waves to the first substrate 471 of the substrate unit 47. The second surface wave generating element 412 transmits surface acoustic waves to the second substrate 472 of the substrate unit 47.

[0076] The first liquid phase, which has been transferred to the first substrate 471, is atomized by surface acoustic waves transmitted from the first surface wave generating element 411. The second liquid phase, which has been transferred to the second substrate 472, may be atomized by surface acoustic waves transmitted from the second surface wave generating element 412.

[0077] In the reaction section 48, the first liquid phase atomized on the first substrate 471 and the second liquid phase atomized on the second substrate 472 come into contact and react. The atomized first and second liquid phases can react in the reaction section 48 to form an inhalable aerosol. The reaction section 48 may include a separate housing (not shown) into which the atomized first and second liquid phases can be mixed. The inhalable aerosol formed in the reaction section 48 can be inhaled by the user through the inhalation section 49.

[0078] Figures 8 to 10 show examples of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generator.

[0079] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. A cigarette 2 may also be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0080] Figures 8 to 10 show the aerosol generator 1, which contains components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components shown in Figures 8 to 10, other general-purpose components are also included in the aerosol generator 1.

[0081] Furthermore, although Figures 9 and 10 show that the aerosol generator 1 includes a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

[0082] Figure 8 shows that the battery 11, control unit 12, and heater 13 are arranged in a row. Figure 9 also shows that the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 are arranged in a row. Furthermore, Figure 10 shows that the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to those shown in Figures 8 to 10. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0083] When a rolled cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 activates the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 passes through the rolled cigarette 2 and is transmitted to the user.

[0084] If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 can heat the heater 13 even if the rolled cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

[0085] The battery 11 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply the power necessary for the control unit 12 to operate. The battery 11 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of the display, sensors, motors, etc., provided in the aerosol generator 1.

[0086] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, heater 13, and vaporizer 14, but also other components included in the aerosol generator 1. The control unit 12 may also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 to determine whether or not the aerosol generator 1 is operational.

[0087] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory containing a program that can be executed by this microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in different forms of hardware.

[0088] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0089] The heater 13 may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrical conductive track, and the heater 13 can be heated by current flowing through the electrical conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example and is applicable without restriction as long as it can heat up to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may already be set in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0090] On the other hand, as another example, heater 13 can be an induction heater. Specifically, heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0091] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and the pattern of the heating element can heat the inside or outside of the rolled cigarette 2.

[0092] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may have multiple heaters 13. In this case, the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or they may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Moreover, some of the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Also, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, and can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0093] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can then be transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 can travel along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 1, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette.

[0094] For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For instance, the liquid storage unit, liquid transfer means, and heating element may be included in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.

[0095] The liquid storage section can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage section may be manufactured to be detachable from the vaporizer 14, or it may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0096] For example, a liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavoring components. Flavoring agents may include components that provide users with a variety of flavors or aromas. Vitamin mixtures may be, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. Furthermore, a liquid composition may contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0097] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage unit to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be, but is not limited to, a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, porous ceramics, etc.

[0098] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transmitted by the liquid transmission means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid transmission means. The heating element can be heated by supplying an electric current, and heat can be transferred to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol can be generated.

[0099] For example, the vaporizer 14 is called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to this.

[0100] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may be constructed in such a way that outside air flows in or internal gas flows out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0101] Although not shown in Figures 8 to 10, the aerosol generator 1 may be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0102] The cigarette 2 can be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 2 can be divided into a first part containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second part containing a filter, etc. Alternatively, the second part of the cigarette 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

[0103] The entire first part is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, and the second part can be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while biting down on the second part. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol is transmitted to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

[0104] As an example, outside air can flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generator 1 and / or the size of the air passage can be adjusted by the user. This allows the amount of atomization, the smoking sensation, etc., to be adjusted by the user. As another example, outside air may flow into the inside of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0105] The following describes an example of cigarette 2 with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

[0106] Figures 11 and 12 show examples of rolled cigarettes.

[0107] Referring to Figure 11, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. Referring to Figures 8 to 10, the first part 21 described above includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second part 22 includes the filter rod 22.

[0108] Figure 11 shows the filter rod 22 as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 22 may consist of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering out a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may optionally include at least one additional segment performing other functions.

[0109] The diameter of the rolled cigarette 2 is in the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be, but is not limited to, approximately 48 mm. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 may be approximately 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 may be approximately 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 may be approximately 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to these dimensions.

[0110] A cigarette 2 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 can have at least one hole formed in it through which external air enters or internal gases exit. As an example, a cigarette 2 can be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, a cigarette 2 may be superimposed on two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be wrapped by a first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 22 can be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Alternatively, the entire cigarette 2 can be rewrapped by a single wrapper 245. If the filter rod 22 consists of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

[0111] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made from general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous paper or non-porous paper. Alternatively, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made from oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum-laminated paper packaging materials.

[0112] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard tissue paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 88 g / m ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 1,25 μm.

[0113] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard tissue paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and preferably may be in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 [[ID=^{}23]]In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably may be 1,25 μm.

[0114] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and preferably may be 60 g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably may be 67 μm.

[0115] The fifth wrapper 245 may have a predetermined substance added to it. Here, an example of a predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited to silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that prevents oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, any substance that has the above-mentioned properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation, even if it is not silicon.

[0116] The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 210 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310 rises above its ignition point, the cigarette 2 can burn. Even in such cases, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-combustible substance, thus preventing the cigarette 2 from burning.

[0117] Furthermore, the fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarette 2. The user's puffing can generate liquid substances within the cigarette 2. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 can be cooled by the outside air, generating liquid substances (such as water). By wrapping the cigarette 2 with the fifth wrapper 245, the liquid substances generated within the cigarette 2 can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette 2.

[0118] The tobacco rod 21 contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it.

[0119] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made from a sheet or from a strand. Alternatively, the tobacco rod 21 may be made from shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting a tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be, but is not limited to, metal foil such as aluminum foil. As an example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat 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 may include additional susceptors in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding its exterior.

[0120] The filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. However, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod containing a hollow interior, or a recessed rod. If the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made of a different shape.

[0121] The first segment of the filter rod 22 can be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment can be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. When the heater 13 is inserted through the first segment, it can also prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 210 from being pushed backward, and an aerosol cooling effect can also be generated. The diameter of the hollow interior of the first segment may be a suitable diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0122] The length of the first segment may be an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by controlling the plasticizer content during its manufacture. Furthermore, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into its interior (for example, hollow).

[0124] The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol generated by the heater 13 heating the tobacco rod 21. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature.

[0125] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of the cigarette 2. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0126] The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance solution can be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a fragrance solution and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed from a wound polymer sheet.

[0127] For example, polymers can be made from materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0128] By forming the second segment from woven polymer fibers or a wound polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0129] For example, the second segment, which consists of a wound polymer sheet, can be formed from a material having a thickness between approximately 5 μm and approximately 300 μm, for example, between approximately 10 μm and approximately 250 μm. The total surface area of ​​the second segment is approximately 300 mm². 2 and approximately 1000mm 2 It may be between these two. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element has a specific surface area of ​​approximately 10 mm². 2 / mg and approximately 100mm 2 It can be formed from materials between / mg.

[0130] On the other hand, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited to it. For example, the thread can be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0131] The third segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0132] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, it is also possible to manufacture it in such a way that flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 21 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 22, and the cooled aerosol is transmitted to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, it is possible to enhance the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user.

[0133] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 may contain at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may perform the function of generating flavor or the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 23 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0134] Referring to Figure 12, the cigarette 3 may further include a shear plug 33. The shear plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 opposite the filter rod 32. The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from detaching to the outside and can prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generator (Figures 8 to 10, part 1).

[0135] The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 corresponds to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 11, and the second segment 322 corresponds to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 11.

[0136] The diameter and overall length of cigarette 3 correspond to the diameter and overall length of cigarette 2 in Figure 11. For example, the length of the shear plug 33 may be approximately 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 may be approximately 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be approximately 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be approximately 14 mm, but are not limited to these dimensions.

[0137] A cigarette 3 can be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 can have at least one hole formed in it through which outside air enters or internal gases exit. For example, the shear plug 33 can be wrapped by a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 by a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 by a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 by a fourth wrapper 354. The entire cigarette 3 can also be rewrapped by a fifth wrapper 355.

[0138] Furthermore, at least one perforation 36 can be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 36 can be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited to this. The perforation 36 can serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 9 and 10 into the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0139] Furthermore, the second segment 322 may contain at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may perform the function of generating flavor or the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is enclosed in a film. The capsule 34 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0140] The first wrapper 351 may be made of general filter wrapping paper bonded with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm, preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, preferably 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m². 2 ~55g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 53 g / m² 2 That's fine.

[0141] The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made from general filter paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous paper or non-porous paper.

[0142] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 23.5 g / m². 2 That's fine.

[0143] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24,000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It may fall within the range, preferably 21 g / m² 2 That's fine.

[0144] The fourth wrapper 354 can be made from PLA laminate. Here, PLA laminate refers to a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and another paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is 80 g / m². 2 ~100g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 88 g / m² 2 That's fine.

[0145] The fifth wrapper 355 can be made from sterile paper (MFW). Here, sterile paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to ordinary paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is 57 g / m². 2 ~63g / m 2 It may be included within the range, preferably 60 g / m 2 This is also possible. Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0146] The fifth wrapper 355 may have a predetermined substance added to it. Here, an example of a predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited to silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance that prevents oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, any substance that has the above-mentioned properties can be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation, even if it is not silicon.

[0147] The shear plug 33 can be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the shear plug 33 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. The cross-section of the filament constituting the shear plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28,000.

[0148] Furthermore, the shear plug 33 may include at least one channel as needed, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0149] The tobacco rod 31 corresponds to the tobacco rod 21 described above, as shown in Figure 11. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0150] The first segment 321 can be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment 321 can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the monodenier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the monodenier and total denier of the shear plug 33.

[0151] The second segment 322 can be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filament constituting the second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. The cross-section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably in the range of 25,000.

[0152] Figure 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generator 900 according to another embodiment.

[0153] The aerosol generator 900 includes a control unit 910, a detection unit 920, an output unit 930, a battery 940, a heater 950, a user input unit 960, a memory 970, and a communication unit 980. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 900 is not limited to that shown in Figure 6. That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 6 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 900.

[0154] The detection unit 920 detects the state of the aerosol generator 900 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 900 and transmits the detected information to the control unit 910. Based on the detected information, the control unit 910 can control the aerosol generator 900 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 950, restricting smoking, determining whether or not an aerosol product (e.g., a cigarette, cartridge, etc.) has been inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0155] The detection unit 920 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 922, the insertion detection sensor 924, and the puff sensor 926.

[0156] The temperature sensor 922 can detect the temperature at which the heater 950 (or the aerosol generating material) heats up. The aerosol generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the heater 950, or the heater 950 itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 922 may be positioned around the battery 940 to monitor the temperature of the battery 940.

[0157] The insertion detection sensor 924 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion detection sensor 924 may include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect signal changes due to the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products.

[0158] The puff sensor 926 can detect user puffs based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 926 can detect user puffs based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0159] In addition to the sensors 922 to 926 described above, the detection unit 920 further includes at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of the angle sensor can be intuitively inferred by those skilled in the art from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0160] The output unit 930 can output and provide to the user information regarding the status of the aerosol generator 900. The output unit 930 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the acoustic output unit 936. If the display unit 932 and the touchpad form a layered structure and constitute a touchscreen, the display unit 932 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0161] The display unit 932 can visually provide the user with information regarding the aerosol generator 900. For example, information regarding the aerosol generator 900 could include various pieces of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 940 of the aerosol generator 900, the preheating status of the heater 950, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 900 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 932 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 932 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 932 may also display the state of an LED light-emitting element.

[0162] The haptic unit 934 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 900. For example, the haptic unit 934 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0163] The acoustic output unit 936 provides the user with auditory information regarding the aerosol generator 900. For example, the acoustic output unit 936 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0164] The battery 940 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generator 900. The battery 940 also supplies power to enable the heater 950 to heat up. In addition, the battery 940 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generator 900 (e.g., the detection unit 920, the output unit 930, the user input unit 960, the memory 970, and the communication unit 980). The battery 940 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 940 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0165] The heater 950 can be powered by the battery 940 to heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 6, the aerosol generator 900 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 940 and supplies it to the heater 950. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 900 generates aerosols using an induction heating method, the aerosol generator 900 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 940 into an AC power supply.

[0166] The control unit 910, detection unit 920, output unit 930, user input unit 960, memory 970, and communication unit 980 can function by being powered by the battery 940. Although not shown in Figure 6, the system may further include power conversion circuits, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that convert the power from the battery 940 and supply it to each component.

[0167] In one embodiment, the heater 950 may be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, suitable electrical resistant materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys, such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The heater 950 may also be implemented as, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrical conductive track is arranged, or a ceramic heating element.

[0168] In other embodiments, the heater 950 may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater 950 includes a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating substance.

[0169] The user input unit 960 can receive information input from the user and output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 960 may include, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Also, although not shown in Figure 6, the aerosol generator 900 further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can connect to other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 940.

[0170] Memory 970, as hardware for storing various data processed within the aerosol generator 900, can store data processed by the control unit 910 and data to be processed. Memory 970 includes at least one type of storage medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 970 may also store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 900, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0171] The communication unit 980 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 980 includes a short-range communication unit 982 and a wireless communication unit 984.

[0172] The short-range wireless communication unit 982 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field 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, and the like.

[0173] The wireless communication unit 984 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 984 may also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 900 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0174] The control unit 910 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 900. In one embodiment, the control unit 910 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. Further forms of hardware implementation can be understood by those ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0175] The control unit 910 can control the temperature of the heater 950 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 940 to the heater 950. For example, the control unit 910 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 940 and the heater 950. In a different example, a direct heating circuit may control the power supply to the heater 950 in response to a control command from the control unit 910.

[0176] The control unit 910 analyzes the results detected by the detection unit 920 and controls the processing to be performed thereafter. For example, based on the results detected by the detection unit 920, the control unit 910 can control the power supplied to the heater 950 so that the operation of the heater 950 is disclosed or terminated. As another example, based on the results detected by the detection unit 920, the control unit 910 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 950 and the duration for which power is supplied so that the heater 950 heats up to a predetermined temperature or maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0177] The control unit 910 controls the output unit 930 based on the results detected by the detection unit 920. For example, when the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 926 reaches a preset number, the control unit 910 notifies the user via at least one of the display unit 932, the haptic unit 934, and the acoustic output unit 936 that the aerosol generator 900 will immediately shut down.

[0178] In one embodiment, the control unit 910 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater 950 according to the state of the aerosol product detected by the detection unit 920. For example, if the aerosol product 15 is in an over-humid state, the control unit 910 can control the power supply time to the induction coil (induction coil 124 shown in Figure 2) and increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating article 15 is in a normal state.

[0179] One embodiment can also be realized in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instruction words, such as program modules executed by a computer. The computer-readable medium can be any solubility accessible by a computer, and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. The computer-readable medium can also include both computer storage media and communication media. The computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media implemented by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication medium typically includes computer-readable instruction words, data structures, program modules, other data such as modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0180] As described above, the embodiments have been described with specific details such as concrete components, limited embodiments, and drawings, which are provided to aid in general understanding. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations can be made from such embodiments by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Accordingly, the idea of ​​the present invention is not determined by the embodiments described above, and it can be said that all things equivalent to or with equivalent variations of the claims described below, as well as the claims described later, fall within the scope of the idea of ​​the present invention.

Claims

1. A supply unit comprising an aerosol-forming substrate containing a plurality of liquid phases, The aerosol-forming substrate comprises a substrate portion on which the aerosol-forming substrate can be atomized, The substrate portion includes a surface wave generating unit capable of transmitting surface acoustic waves to atomize the aerosol-forming substrate, The suction section allows the user to inhale the aerosol-forming substrate atomized on the substrate section, Includes, The aforementioned supply unit is A first storage element capable of storing the first liquid phase, A second storage element capable of storing a second liquid phase different from the first liquid phase, A first channel element capable of moving the first liquid phase stored in the first storage element, A second channel element capable of moving the second liquid phase stored in the second storage element, A third storage element connected to the first channel element and the second channel element, which allows the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase to be mixed, Includes, The surface wave generating unit is The substrate portion includes a first surface wave generating element capable of transmitting surface acoustic waves, An aerosol generating apparatus comprising a second surface wave generating element capable of transmitting surface acoustic waves to the third storage element.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first channel element and the second channel element is capable of moving the aerosol-forming substrate via capillary action.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit further includes a control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the aerosol-forming substrate moved through at least one of the first channel element and the second channel element.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surface wave generating unit further includes a plurality of surface wave generating elements capable of generating surface acoustic waves independently of each other.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit further includes a first control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the first liquid phase being moved, and a second control element capable of controlling the flow rate of the second liquid phase being moved.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first channel element and the second channel element has a porous structure.

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