Aerosol generator including heater module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device including a detachable heater module, and includes a main body including a control unit and a battery, a heater module detachably coupled to the main body and including a heater for heating an aerosol generating substance, and a cartridge detachably coupled to the heater module and holding the aerosol generating substance transmitted to the heater. The heater module includes a first terminal that electrically connects the cartridge and the heater module when the cartridge is coupled to the heater module, and a second terminal and a third terminal that electrically connect the heater module and the control unit when the heater module is coupled to the main body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus including a detachable heater module. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes, specifically methods that generate aerosols by heating an aerosol-generating substance rather than by burning the cigarette. For example, a system is being used in which a cartridge containing a liquid storage section holding the aerosol-generating substance and a heater is detachably connected to an aerosol generator, and power is transmitted from the aerosol generator to the cartridge, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge.

[0003] Furthermore, once all the aerosol-generating material stored in the liquid storage section of the cartridge has been consumed, the cartridge is replaced. However, generally, the period during which the heater's durability is maintained is longer than the period during which the aerosol-generating material is consumed, so the heater may be replaced unnecessarily even though it is still usable. This can lead to unnecessary waste, and therefore, a technology is required to individually consider the durability or consumption time of each component inside the aerosol generator. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Various embodiments may provide an aerosol generating apparatus in which the cartridge and heater module are configured to be detachable from each other. The technical problems that this disclosure aims to address are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems may be inferred from the following embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a main body including a control unit and a battery; a heater module detachably coupled to the main body and including a heater for heating the aerosol generating substance; and a cartridge detachably coupled to the heater module and holding the aerosol generating substance to be transmitted to the heater, wherein the heater module includes a first terminal for electrically connecting the cartridge and the heater module, and second and third terminals for electrically connecting the heater module and the control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This disclosure provides an aerosol generator in which the cartridge and heater module are configured to be detachable from each other, so that the components inside the aerosol generator can be individually replaced depending on their durability or wear and tear.

[0007] Furthermore, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment can be identified as an aerosol generating device in which the cartridge, heater module, and main body are all coupled together.

[0008] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment operates differently in response to the same user input depending on how the cartridges are connected, thus simplifying the user input interface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates an example where a cigarette has been inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example where a cigarette has been inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example where a cigarette has been inserted into an aerosol generator. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette. [Figure 6]It is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram related to identifying a combined aerosol generating device according to the connection state of a cartridge and a heater module in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart related to a method for determining the cartridge coupling state according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1100 according to another embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a main body including a control unit and a battery, a heater module detachably coupled to the main body and including a heater for heating the aerosol generating substance, and a cartridge detachably coupled to the heater module and holding the aerosol generating substance transmitted to the heater. The heater module includes a first terminal that electrically connects the cartridge and the heater module when the cartridge is coupled to the heater module, and a second terminal and a third terminal that electrically connect the heater module and the control unit when the heater module is coupled to the main body.

[0011] The heater module according to an embodiment further includes a printed circuit board that electrically connects the first terminal and the third terminal.

[0012] The heater module according to an embodiment further includes an integrated circuit mounted on the printed circuit board, and the integrated circuit is electrically connected to the control unit via the third terminal.

[0013] In one embodiment, the integrated circuit counts the number of puffs based on a signal transmitted from the control unit each time a puff is detected, and stores the count.

[0014] The integrated circuit according to one embodiment includes a non-volatile memory for storing the number of times.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heater is supplied with power from the battery via the second terminal.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the cartridge further includes an energizing portion that is electrically connected to the first terminal when coupled to the heater module.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the energizing unit is electrically connected to the first terminal, the energizing unit generates an energizing signal, and the control unit receives the energizing signal via the third terminal.

[0018] The energizing signal according to one embodiment is characterized by a current flow for a predetermined time or longer, or a current amount equal to or greater than a reference value.

[0019] The aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment further includes a user input unit for receiving user input, and the control unit responds to the user input via the user input unit by outputting a first control signal if the energization signal is less than a reference value, and outputs a second control signal different from the first control signal if the energization signal is equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first control signal is a signal that cuts off the power supplied to the heater.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal are each configured in a pair.

[0022] The terminology used in this embodiment has been selected, as far as possible, to be widely used and general terms, taking into account the function of the present invention, although this may vary depending on the intentions of the articulators, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, in which case their meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in this invention must not be merely names of terms, but must be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention.

[0023] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it means, unless otherwise specified, that it includes other components, not excludes them. Furthermore, terms such as "~part" or "~module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be embodied by hardware or software, or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] First, with reference to Figures 1 to 6, the aerosol generating apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0027] Figures 1 through 3 illustrate an example in which a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generator.

[0028] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol generator 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. A cigarette 2 can also be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generator 1.

[0029] The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, it should be understood by anyone with ordinary skill in the technical field related to this embodiment that, in addition to the components shown in Figures 1 to 3, other general-purpose components are also included in the aerosol generator 1.

[0030] Furthermore, although Figures 2 and 3 illustrate that the aerosol generator 1 includes a heater 13, the heater 13 may be omitted if necessary.

[0031] Figure 1 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, and heater 13 arranged in a row. Figure 2 shows the battery 11, control unit 12, vaporizer 14, and heater 13 arranged in a row. Figure 3 shows the vaporizer 14 and heater 13 arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 is not limited to what is shown in Figures 1 to 3. In other words, the arrangement of the battery 11, control unit 12, heater 13, and vaporizer 14 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0032] When a cigarette 2 is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the aerosol generator 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 is transmitted to the user through the cigarette 2.

[0033] If necessary, the aerosol generator 1 may heat the heater 13 even when the cigarette 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generator 1.

[0034] 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 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.

[0035] 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 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generator 1 and determine whether or not the aerosol generator 1 is in an operational state.

[0036] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. This processor can also be represented by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. It can also be represented by other forms of hardware, as would be understood by anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs.

[0037] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, if a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generator 1, the heater 13 may be located outside the cigarette. Therefore, the heated heater 13 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material inside the cigarette.

[0038] The heater 13 is also an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 includes a conductive track, and the heater 13 can be heated by the flow of current through the conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and can be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be one that is already set in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0039] As another example, heater 13 is also an induction heater. Specifically, heater 13 includes a conductive coil for heating a cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette also includes a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heater.

[0040] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and depending on the form of the heating element, it may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 2.

[0041] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may also be equipped with multiple heaters 13. In this case, the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, or to be arranged outside the cigarette 2. In addition, some of the multiple heaters 13 may be arranged to be inserted inside the cigarette 2, while the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 2. Moreover, the shape of the heaters 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 3, but can be manufactured in a variety of shapes.

[0042] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which can pass through the cigarette 2 and be delivered to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 moves along the airflow passage of the aerosol generator 1, and the airflow passage may be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette and is delivered to the user.

[0043] 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, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may also be included in the aerosol generator 1 as independent modules.

[0044] The liquid storage section can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage section may be manufactured to be detachable from / attached to the vaporizer 14, or to be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0045] For example, the liquid composition may also contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavorings may also contain components that can provide the user with a variety of flavors or aromas. The vitamin mixture may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0046] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid storage section to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means may be a wick made of cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics, but is not limited to these.

[0047] The heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition transmitted by a liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited to these. The heating element may also be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by an electric current supply and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0048] For example, the steam generator 14 may also be called a cartomizer or atomizer, but is not limited to these terms.

[0049] Furthermore, the aerosol generator 1 may also 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). The aerosol generator 1 may also be constructed in such a way that external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out even when a cigarette 2 is inserted.

[0050] Although not shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol generator 1 can also be configured with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generator 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 can be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generator 1 are coupled together.

[0051] Cigarette 2 is similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, 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 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.

[0052] The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, while the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or both the entire first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol with the second part in their mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is transmitted to the user's mouth.

[0053] As an example, outside air may 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, may 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 also flow into the interior of the cigarette 2 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 2.

[0054] The following explanation of cigarette 2 will be given with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0055] Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating examples of cigarettes.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4, the cigarette 2 includes a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22. The first part, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, includes the tobacco rod 21, and the second part includes the filter rod 22.

[0057] In Figure 4, the filter rod 22 is illustrated as a single segment, but is not limited to this. In other words, the filter rod 22 can also be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering out predetermined components contained in the aerosol. Furthermore, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may also include at least one additional segment performing other functions.

[0058] The diameter of cigarette 2 is within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length is approximately 48 mm, but is not limited to these dimensions. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is approximately 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 is approximately 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 is approximately 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 22 is approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to these dimensions.

[0059] A cigarette 2 may be packaged by at least one flap 24. The flap 24 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. As an example, a cigarette 2 may be packaged by one flap 24. As another example, a cigarette 2 may also be superimposed on two or more flaps 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by a first flap 241, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by flap 242, 243, and 244. The entire cigarette 2 may then be further packaged by a single flap, a fifth flap 245. If the filter rod 22 consists of multiple segments, each segment may be packaged by flap 242, 243, and 244.

[0060] The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of a general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be porous paper or non-porous paper. Also, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of oil-resistant papers and / or aluminum laminated paper packaging agents.

[0061] The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and is preferably included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and is preferably 125 μm.

[0062] The fourth wrapper 244 can be made of oil-resistant hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 is included in the range of 88 g / m 2 ~96 g / m 2 and is preferably included in the range of 90 g / m 2 ~94 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 is included in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm and is preferably 125 μm.

[0063] The fifth wrapper 245 can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) means paper specially manufactured so that its tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. are enhanced compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is included in the range of 57 g / m 2 ~63 g / m 2 and is preferably 60 g / m 2 Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is included in the range of 64 μm to 7 μm and is preferably 67 μm.

[0064] The fifth trumpet 245 may have a predetermined substance embedded within it. Here, an example of the predetermined substance may be silicon, but is not limited to it. For example, the 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, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 245 without limitation.

[0065] The fifth flaps 245 can prevent the cigarette 2 from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 13, the cigarette 2 may burn. Specifically, if the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 21 rises above its ignition point, the cigarette 2 may burn. Even in such a case, since the fifth flaps 245 contains a non-combustible material, the burning of the cigarette 2 can be prevented.

[0066] Furthermore, the fifth flap 245 can prevent the aerosol generator 1 from being contaminated by substances generated in the cigarette 2. A user's puff can generate liquid substances within the cigarette 2. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 2 may be cooled by external air, generating liquid substances (e.g., water). The fifth flap 245, by enclosing the cigarette 2, can prevent the liquid substances generated within the cigarette 2 from leaking outside the cigarette 2.

[0067] 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. Furthermore, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it.

[0068] The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be made from a sheet or from a strand. It can also be made from shredded tobacco, which is a tobacco sheet that has been finely chopped. Furthermore, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, this heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to that. As an example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21, improving the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod and thereby improving the tobacco flavor. The heat-conducting 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 also include additional susceptors in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

[0069] The filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. There are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 can be a cylindrical rod, a tubular rod with 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 in a different shape.

[0070] The first segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is a tubular structure containing a core inside. When the heater 13 is inserted along the first segment, it is possible to prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward, and an aerosol cooling effect may also occur. The diameter of the hollow contained in the first segment can be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] The length of the first segment may be, but is not limited to, a suitable length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited to that.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the form of 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 that.

[0075] The second segment may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a fragrance solution may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the fragrance solution may be applied to a separate fiber and the polymer fibers together to produce the second segment. Alternatively, the second segment may also be formed from a rolled polymer sheet.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, and the second segment also includes one or more channels that extend longitudinally, where the channels mean passages through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) passes.

[0078] For example, the second segment, which consists of a rolled polymer sheet, may be formed from a material having a thickness ranging from approximately 5 μm to approximately 300 μm, for example, from approximately 10 μm to approximately 250 μm. The total surface area of ​​the second segment is approximately 300 mm². 2 / mm to approximately 1,000mm 2 It can reach up to / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol cooling element has a specific surface area of ​​approximately 10mm². 2 Approximately 100 mm from / mg 2 It can be formed from materials up to / mg.

[0079] Furthermore, the second segment may also contain 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 may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

[0080] The third segment of the filter rod 22 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment can be appropriately set within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment can be as long as approximately 12 mm, but is not limited to that.

[0081] In the process of manufacturing the third segment, it may also be manufactured so that flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with the flavoring liquid may 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 through the third segment. Therefore, if a home-style element is added to the third segment, the persistence of the flavor transmitted to the user may be enhanced.

[0082] Furthermore, the filter rod 22 also contains at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 can perform the function of generating flavor, or it can perform the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 is a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is covered with a film. The capsule 23 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0083] Referring to Figure 5, the cigarette 3 also further includes a front plug 33. The front plug 33 may be located on the tobacco rod 31 on one side opposite the filter rod 32. The front plug 33 prevents the tobacco rod 31 from being detached to the outside and prevents liquefied aerosol from flowing out of the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generator 1 (Figures 1 to 3) during smoking.

[0084] The filter rod 32 also includes a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 4, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 in Figure 4.

[0085] The diameter and overall length of cigarette 3 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of cigarette 2 in Figure 4. For example, the length of the front 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.

[0086] A cigarette 3 may be packaged by at least one flap 35. The flap 35 may have at least one hole through which external air enters or internal gases exit. For example, a first flap 351 may package the front plug 33, a second flap 352 may package the tobacco rod 31, a third flap 353 may package the first segment 321, and a fourth flap 354 may package the second segment 322. The entire cigarette 3 may then be further packaged by a fifth flap 355.

[0087] Furthermore, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth trumpet 355. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in the region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer the heat generated by the heater 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 into the interior of the tobacco rod 31.

[0088] Furthermore, the second segment 322 also includes at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 can perform the function of generating flavor, or it can perform the function of generating aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 is a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is covered with a film. The capsule 34 may, but is not limited to, a spherical or cylindrical shape.

[0089] The first wrapper 351 is also a general filter wrapping paper to which a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, is bonded. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within 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 within the range of 6 μm to 7 μm, preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is 50 g / m². 2 ~55g / m 2 It also falls within the range, preferably 53 g / m². 2 But so.

[0090] The second and third flaps 352 and 353 can be made from common filter paper. For example, the second and third flaps 352 and 353 can be porous or non-porous paper.

[0091] For example, the porosity of the second flank 352 is 35,000 CU, but is not limited to that. Also, the thickness of the second flank 352 is within the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the second flank 352 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It also falls within the range, preferably 23.5 g / m². 2 But so.

[0092] For example, the porosity of the third flank 353 is 24,000 CU, but is not limited to that. Also, the thickness of the third flank 353 is within the range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. Furthermore, the basis weight of the third flank 353 is 20 g / m². 2 ~25g / m 2 It also falls within the range, preferably 21 g / m 2 But so.

[0093] The fourth flap 354 may be made from PLA (polylactic acid) laminate. Here, the PLA laminate means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth flap 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. The basis weight of the fourth flap 354 is 80 g / m². 2 ~100g / m 2 It also falls within the range, preferably 88 g / m². 2 But so.

[0094] The fifth trumpet 355 may 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 trumpet 355 is 57 g / m². 2 ~63g / m 2 It also falls within the range, preferably 60g / m 2 Furthermore, the thickness of the fifth trumpet 355 is within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0095] The fifth trumpet 355 may have a predetermined substance embedded within it. Here, an example of the 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, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 355 without limitation.

[0096] The front plug 33 can be made from cellulose acetate. For example, the front 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 front plug 33 is 5.0. The cross-section of the filament constituting the front plug 33 is also Y-shaped. The total denier of the front 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 front plug 33 is 28,000.

[0097] Furthermore, if necessary, the front plug 33 may also include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel can be manufactured in a variety of ways.

[0098] The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described with reference to Figure 4. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

[0099] The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may also be a tubular structure containing a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may 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 front plug 33.

[0100] The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier 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 monodenier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. The cross-section of the filament of the second segment 322 may also 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.

[0101] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0102] Referring to Figure 6, one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 10 also includes a main body 610, a heater module 620, and a cartridge 630.

[0103] The main body 610 is located at the lower end of the heater module 620 and supports the heater module 620. Components for the operation of the aerosol generator 10 may be arranged inside the main body 610. For example, a battery (not shown) and a control unit (not shown) may be arranged inside the main body 610. However, the battery and the control unit are merely examples of components that may be arranged inside the main body 610, and other components (e.g., user interface, sensor light) may also be arranged inside the main body 610 in addition to the above-mentioned components.

[0104] The heater module 620 is located between the cartridge 630 and the main body 610 and can perform the function of converting the aerosol-generating material into a gas phase and generating an aerosol. It can heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 630 and generate an aerosol.

[0105] For example, the heater module 620 heats the aerosol-generating material supplied from the cartridge 630, generating vapor from the aerosol-generating material. The generated vapor is mixed with outside air that flows into the heater module 620 from outside, thereby generating an aerosol. In this disclosure, "aerosol" means particles generated when the vapor generated by heating the aerosol-generating material is mixed with air, and this expression may be used interchangeably below.

[0106] The cartridge 630 stores an aerosol-generating substance, which can be supplied to a heater module 620 located at the lower end of the cartridge 630 (e.g., in the -z direction in Figure 6).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the cartridge 630 also includes a mouthpiece 630m for supplying aerosol to the user. For example, the mouthpiece 630m connects or fluidly connects the inside of the heater module 620 to the outside of the aerosol generator 10, and the aerosol generated inside the heater module 620 can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 10 through the mouthpiece 630m. At this time, the user can contact the mouthpiece 630m with their mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 10.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 also further includes a cover 611 for protecting the components of the aerosol generator 10.

[0109] The cover 611 is positioned to surround at least one area of ​​the main body 610, the heater module 620, and the cartridge 630, thereby fixing the positions of the main body 610, the heater module 620, and the cartridge 630, and protecting the main body 610, the heater module 620, and the cartridge 630 from external impacts or the ingress of foreign matter.

[0110] In one embodiment, the cover 611 may be formed integrally with the main body 610, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the cover 611 may be detachably coupled to the main body 610.

[0111] In the following, with reference to Figure 7, the coupling relationship between the main unit 610, the heater module 620, and the cartridge 630 will be explained in detail.

[0112] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating apparatus shown in Figure 6.

[0113] Referring to Figure 7, one embodiment of the aerosol generator 10 also includes a main body 610, a cover 611, a heater module 620, and a cartridge 630. At least one of the components of the aerosol generator 10 is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generator 10 shown in Figure 6, but redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0114] Furthermore, the components of the aerosol generator 10 are not limited to those described above, and in one embodiment, at least one of the aforementioned components (e.g., cover 611) may be omitted, or other components may be added.

[0115] The main body 610 can be detachably coupled to the lower end surface of the heater module 620 (e.g., the surface facing the -z direction in Figure 7) and support the heater module 620. For example, the main body 610 can be detachably coupled to the heater module 620 by either inserting at least one region into an insertion groove (not shown) formed on the lower end surface of the heater module 620, or by separating from the insertion groove, but the coupling method between the heater module 620 and the main body 610 is not limited to this.

[0116] According to one embodiment, components for the operation of the aerosol generator 10 may be arranged inside the main body 610. For example, a battery (not shown) for power supply and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator 10 may be arranged inside the main body 610.

[0117] The battery can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 10. For example, the battery can be electrically connected to the heater module 620 and supply power so that the heater of the heater module 620 can be heated. In another example, the battery can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components of the aerosol generator 10 (e.g., the control unit).

[0118] The control unit can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 10. The control unit can be implemented by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored, but is not limited to these.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the control unit can control the power supplied from the battery to the heater of the heater module 620. For example, the control unit can control the amount of power supplied from the battery to the heater and the duration of power supply so that the heater of the heater module 620 can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain a specified temperature.

[0120] The heater module 620 is detachably coupled to the lower end surface of the cartridge 630 (e.g., the surface facing in the -z direction in Figure 7) and can heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage tank 631 of the cartridge 630 to generate an aerosol.

[0121] For example, a first coupling member (not shown) located in a region of the heater module 620 facing the cartridge 630 may be coupled to or separated from a second coupling member (not shown) located on the lower end surface of the cartridge 630, thereby enabling the heater module 620 to be detachably coupled to the cartridge 630. However, the coupling method between the cartridge 630 and the heater module 620 is not limited to this.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the heater module 620 also includes an aerosol generating material inlet 621 connecting the inside of the heater module 620 to the inside of the storage tank 631 of the cartridge 630, an air inlet 622 for external air to flow into the inside of the heater module 620, and an air outlet 623 for discharging aerosols generated inside the heater module 620 to the outside.

[0123] The aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 631 of the cartridge 630 flows into the heater module 620 via the aerosol-generating material inlet 621, and a heater (not shown) located inside the heater module 620 can heat the aerosol-generating material supplied from the storage tank 631.

[0124] External air flows into the heater module 620 through the air inlet 622, and inside the heater module 620, the external air that has flowed into the heater module 620 is mixed with the vapor generated by the heating of the aerosol-generating material, and an aerosol can be generated.

[0125] The aerosol generated inside the heater module 620 flows from the heater module 620 into the cartridge 630 via an air outlet 623 located in a region of the heater module 620 facing the cartridge 630, and can then be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 10 via the mouthpiece 630m. For example, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 630m, the pressure inside the cartridge 630 decreases, causing the air and / or aerosol inside the heater module 620 to move from the heater module 620 into the cartridge 630, and the user can inhale the air and / or aerosol that has moved into the cartridge 630.

[0126] The cartridge 630 also includes a storage tank 631 in which aerosol-generating material is stored, and a mouthpiece 630m (e.g., mouthpiece 630m (Figure 6)) for supplying the aerosol generated by the heater module 620 to the user.

[0127] When the cartridge 630 and the heater module 620 are coupled, the storage tank 631 is connected or fluidly connected to the internal space of the heater module 620, and as a result, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 631 may flow into the internal space of the heater module 620.

[0128] At this time, the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage tank 631 may contain a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid composition that includes a non-tobacco substance.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may be one of the following components: water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture, or a mixture thereof. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. The flavoring agent may include components that can provide the user with a variety of flavors or aromas. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamins A, B, C, and E, but is not limited to these. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0130] For example, the liquid composition may also contain a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which a nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may also contain two or more nicotine salts. The nicotine salt may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to the nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring or synthetic nicotine and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

[0131] The acid for nicotine salt formation can be appropriately selected considering the rate of nicotine absorption into the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generator 10, flavor or aroma, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for nicotine salt formation may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the aforementioned group, but is not limited to these.

[0132] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 10 allows for the replacement of the cartridge 630 and / or heater module 620 through a structure in which the cartridge 630 and the heater module 620 are detachably coupled, and the heater module 620 and the main body 610 are detachably coupled.

[0133] For example, if the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 631 of cartridge 630 is depleted, the user can replace the existing cartridge 630 with a new one to continue smoking. As another example, if the performance of a component of heater module 620 (e.g., heater or wick) deteriorates and a sufficient amount of aerosol is not generated, the user can replace the existing heater module 620 with a new one to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol.

[0134] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0135] Referring to Figure 8, the aerosol generator 10 also includes a main body 810, a heater module 820, and a cartridge 830. The aerosol generator 10 shown in Figure 8 illustrates the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, it will be understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that the aerosol generator 10 may also include other general-purpose components in addition to those shown in Figure 8. For example, the aerosol generator 10 may further include at least one of the following: at least one sensor (not shown), a user interface (not shown), and a memory (not shown).

[0136] At least one sensor may include a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, etc. The results sensed by at least one sensor are transmitted to the control unit 811 in the main unit 810, and based on the sensing results, the control unit 811 can control the aerosol generator 10 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 823 in the heater module 820, limiting smoking, determining whether the cartridge 830 or the heater module 820 is coupled or not, and displaying notifications.

[0137] The user interface may provide the user with information relating to the state of the aerosol generator 10. The user interface may also include a variety of interface means, such as a display or lamp that outputs visual information, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, input / output (I / O) interface means (e.g., buttons or touchscreens) that receive information input from the user or output information to the user, terminals for data communication or supplying charging power, and a communication interface module for wireless communication with external devices (e.g., Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth®, NFC (near-field communication), etc.). However, the aerosol generator 10 may only incorporate a selection of the various user interface examples exemplified above.

[0138] The memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 10, and can store data processed by the control unit 811 and data being processed. The memory can be implemented by various types of RAM (random access memory) such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), and EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory). The memory can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0139] The main unit 810 also includes a control unit 811 and a battery 812, and the heater module 820 also includes a heater 823, an integrated circuit 824, and a printed circuit board 825 on which the integrated circuit 824 is mounted. The heater module 820 is detachably connected to the main unit 810, and the cartridge 830 can be detachably connected to the heater module 820. Therefore, the heater module 820 and the cartridge 830 can be replaced individually, but the exhaustion time of the aerosol-generating material held in the cartridge 830 and the durability of the heater module 820 can be considered individually.

[0140] The control unit 811 is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 10. The control unit 811 can also be implemented as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program that can be executed by the microprocessor is stored. Furthermore, it will be understood by anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that the control unit 811 can also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

[0141] The control unit 811 analyzes the results sensed by at least one sensor and controls subsequent processing. Based on the results sensed by at least one sensor, the control unit 811 can control the power supplied to the heater 823 so that the operation of the heater 823 is started or stopped. For example, if a puff is detected by the puff detection sensor, the control unit 811 can control the battery 812 to supply power to the heater 823.

[0142] Battery 812 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator 10. For example, battery 812 can supply power so that the heater 823 can be heated. Battery 812 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other hardware components within the aerosol generator 10, such as sensors, a user interface, memory, and a control unit 811. Battery 812 can be both a rechargeable and a single-use battery. For example, battery 812 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0143] Heater 823 may refer to a device for heating an aerosol-generating material. In one example, heater 823 may be formed from any suitable electrical-resistant material. Suitable electrical-resistant materials include, but are 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, and nichrome. For example, heater 823 may also include at least one of a coil heater coupled with a silica wick and a porous ceramic heater.

[0144] The integrated circuit 824 may refer to a control circuit implemented within the heater module 820, separate from the control unit 811 implemented in the main unit 810. The integrated circuit 824 may be implemented on a printed circuit board 825 located within the heater module 820. The integrated circuit 824 can also be realized as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor.

[0145] The integrated circuit 824 may be electrically connected to the control unit 811 when the heater module 820 is coupled to the main unit 810. The integrated circuit 824 may be electrically connected to the control unit 811 and used for normal product authentication of the heater module 820 or for preventing overuse of the heater module 820.

[0146] The integrated circuit 824 can count each time the control unit 811 detects an action related to the user's smoking (e.g., the user's puff), based on a signal transmitted from the control unit 811, and store the count corresponding to the result of the count. Since the count stored in the integrated circuit 824 is proportional to the time the heater module 820 has performed its heating operation, the timing for replacing the heater module 820 can be accurately determined by comparing the count stored in the integrated circuit 824 with a preset critical value, taking into account the durability of the heater module 820.

[0147] Furthermore, the integrated circuit 824 also includes a counter for counting the number of puffs. The integrated circuit 824 also includes a non-volatile memory for storing the counted number of puffs. Because the integrated circuit 824 includes a non-volatile memory for storing the counted number of puffs, even if the power supply to the integrated circuit 824 is cut off when the heater module 820 is separated from the main unit, the counted number of puffs can be maintained. Therefore, even if the heater module 820 is separated from the main unit 810 and then reconnected to the main unit, or connected to another main unit, it is possible to prevent use that exceeds the durability of the heater module 820.

[0148] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating how an aerosol generator according to one embodiment identifies the coupled aerosol generator based on the connection status of the cartridge and heater module.

[0149] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the heater module 920 also includes first terminals 921-1, 921-2, second terminals 922-1, 922-2, and third terminals 923-1, 923-2. The first terminals 921-1, 921-2, the second terminals 922-1, 922-2, and the third terminals 923-1, 923-2 can each be configured in pairs.

[0150] The first terminals 921-1 and 921-2 can electrically connect the cartridge 930 and the heater module 920 when the cartridge 930 is coupled to the heater module 920. Specifically, when the cartridge 930 is coupled to the heater module 920, the first terminals 921-1 and 921-2 are electrically connected to the energized portion 931 located on the cartridge 930, forming a closed circuit.

[0151] The second terminals 922-1, 922-2 and the third terminals 923-1, 923-2 of the heater module 920 can electrically connect the heater module 920 to the main body 910 when the heater module 920 is coupled to the main body 910. Specifically, the second terminals 922-1, 922-2 can be electrically connected to the first terminals 911-1, 911-2 located on the main body 910, and the third terminals 923-1, 923-2 can be electrically connected to the second terminals 912-1, 912-2 located on the main body 910.

[0152] The main body 910 also includes first terminals 911-1, 911-2 and second terminals 912-1, 912-2. The first terminals 911-1, 911-2 and the second terminals 912-1, 912-2 can each be configured as a pair. The first terminals 911-1, 911-2 and the second terminals 912-1, 912-2 can be electrically connected to the control unit 811 located on the main body 910.

[0153] The first terminals 921-1, 921-2 and the third terminals 923-1, 923-2 located on the heater module 920 can be electrically connected via the printed circuit board 825 located on the heater module 920. The integrated circuit 824 mounted on the printed circuit board 825 can be electrically connected to the third terminals 923-1, 923-2 and to the control unit 811 located on the main body 910.

[0154] The energizing section 931 located on the cartridge 930 is electrically connected to the first terminals 921-1 and 921-2 of the heater module 920 when the cartridge 930 is coupled to the heater module 920, and can generate an energizing signal. The energizing section 931 may be made of a conductive material. The control unit 811 may receive the energizing signal via the third terminals 923-1 and 923-2 of the heater module 920 when the heater module 920, to which the cartridge 930 is coupled, is coupled to the main body 910. This energizing signal is a signal applied via the third terminals 923-1 and 923-2 and the first terminals 921-1 and 921-2, and is an electrical signal mediated by the energizing section 931. This energizing signal may be supplied from a battery under the control of the control unit 811. Specifically, the control unit 811 can receive power-on signals via the second terminals 912-1 and 912-2 of the main unit 910, which are connected to the third terminals 923-1 and 923-2 of the heater module 920.

[0155] The control unit 811 can identify the aerosol generating device 10 in which the cartridge 930, heater module 920, and main unit 910 are all coupled, based on the strength of the energization signal.

[0156] Figure 10 is a flowchart relating to a method for determining whether a cartridge is coupled according to one embodiment.

[0157] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, step S10 is the step in which the control unit 811 measures an energizing signal. This energizing signal can be generated by electrically connecting the energizing section 931 of the cartridge 930 with the first terminals 921-1 and 921-2 of the heater modules 820 and 920. This energizing signal is also a current flow for a predetermined time or longer, or a current amount greater than or equal to a reference value. For example, when the energizing signal is already set to a current flow for a predetermined time or longer, the current flow for a predetermined time or longer is classified as the energizing signal, and the current flow for a predetermined time or less (including 0) is classified as a noise signal. For another example, when the energizing signal is already set to a current amount greater than or equal to a reference value, the current amount greater than or equal to the reference value is classified as the energizing signal, and the current amount less than or equal to the reference value (including 0) is classified as a noise signal. The distinction between the energizing signal and the noise signal can be made by a plurality of criteria, including the examples described above.

[0158] The control unit 811 compares the power supply signal with a previously set reference value (S1020), and if it is equal to or greater than the reference value, it can recognize that the cartridge 930 is in a coupled state. Specifically, the control unit 811 can recognize that the aerosol generator 10 is in a state where the cartridges 830, 930, heater modules 820, 920 and the main body 910 are all coupled (S1030).

[0159] The control unit 811 compares the energization signal with a previously set reference value (S1020), and if it is less than the reference value, it may recognize that cartridges 830 and 930 are in an unconnected state. Specifically, the control unit 811 may recognize that the aerosol generator has one of the following unconnected units: cartridges 830 and 930, heater modules 820 and 920, and the main unit 910 (S1040).

[0160] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol generator 1100 according to another embodiment.

[0161] The aerosol generator 1100 also includes a control unit 1110, a sensing unit 1120, an output unit 1130, a battery 1140, a heater 1150, a user input unit 1160, a memory 1170, and a communication unit 1180. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1100 is not limited to that shown in Figure 11. In other words, it will be understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art relating to this embodiment that some of the components shown in Figure 11 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1100.

[0162] The sensing unit 1120 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1100 or the state of the area around the aerosol generator 1100, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1110. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1110 can control the aerosol generator 1100 so that various functions are performed, such as controlling the operation of the heater 1150, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert aerosol products (e.g., cigarettes, cartridges, etc.), and displaying notifications.

[0163] The sensing unit 1120 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the temperature sensor 1122, insertion sensing sensor 1124, and puff sensor 1126.

[0164] The temperature sensor 1122 can sense the temperature at which the heater 1150 (or the aerosol-generating material) is heated. The aerosol generator 1100 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1150, or the heater 1150 itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1122 may also be positioned around the battery 1140 to monitor its temperature.

[0165] The insertion sensing sensor 1124 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1124 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.

[0166] The puff sensor 1126 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1126 can detect a user's puff based on any one of the following: temperature changes, flow rate changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0167] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (temperature sensor 1122, insertion sensor 1124, and puff sensor 1126), the sensing unit 1120 also includes at least one of the following: a temperature / humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS (global positioning system)), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (red-green-blue) sensor (illuminance sensor). The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0168] The output unit 1130 can output and provide to the user information relating to the status of the aerosol generator 1100. The output unit 1130 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the display unit 1132, the haptic unit 1134, and the acoustic output unit 1136. When the display unit 1132 and the touchpad form a layered structure and are configured as a touchscreen, the display unit 1132 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0169] The display unit 1132 can visually provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 1100. For example, information related to the aerosol generator 1100 can include a variety of information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery 1140 of the aerosol generator 1100, the preheating status of the heater 1150, the insertion / removal status of aerosol products, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1100 is restricted (e.g., detection of abnormal items), and the display unit 1132 can output this information to the outside. The display unit 1132 can also be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc. Furthermore, the display unit 1132 can also be an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting element.

[0170] The haptic unit 1134 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli and provide the user with tactile information related to the aerosol generator 1100. For example, the haptic unit 1134 may also include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0171] The acoustic output unit 1136 can provide the user with auditory information related to the aerosol generator 1100. For example, the acoustic output unit 1136 can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0172] Battery 1140 can supply power used to operate the aerosol generator 1100. Battery 1140 can supply power so that the heater 1150 can be heated. Battery 1140 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generator 1100 (e.g., sensing unit 1120, output unit 1130, user input unit 1160, memory 1170, and communication unit 1180). Battery 1140 can be a rechargeable battery or a single-use battery. For example, battery 1140 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to that.

[0173] The heater 1150 is powered by the battery 1140 and can heat the aerosol-generating material. Although not shown in Figure 11, the aerosol generator 1100 also further includes a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC (direct current) / DC converter) that converts the power from the battery 1140 and supplies it to the heater 1150. Furthermore, if the aerosol generator 1100 generates aerosols by induction heating, the aerosol generator 1100 also further includes a DC / AC (alternating current) converter that converts the DC power supply of the battery 1140 into AC power supply.

[0174] The control unit 1110, sensing unit 1120, output unit 1130, user input unit 1160, memory 1170, and communication unit 1180 are powered by the battery 1140 and can perform their functions. Although not shown in Figure 11, the system also further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the battery 1140 and supplies it to each component.

[0175] In one embodiment, the heater 1150 may also be formed from any suitable electrical resistant material. For example, such suitable electrical resistant materials may 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 1150 may also be embodied by, but are not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with conductive tracks, or a ceramic heating element.

[0176] In other embodiments, the heater 1150 is also an induction heating heater. For example, the heater 1150 may also include a susceptor that generates heat via a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0177] The user input unit 1160 can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1160 may be, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact-type capacitive type, pressure-type resistive type, infrared sensing 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 11, the aerosol generator 1100 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices via this connection interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 1140.

[0178] Memory 1170 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1100, and can store data processed by the control unit 1110, as well as data being processed. Memory 1170 also includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD (Secure Digital) memory or XD (Extreme Digital) 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 1170 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern.

[0179] The communication unit 1180 also includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1180 also includes a short-range wireless communication unit 1182 and a wireless communication unit 1184.

[0180] The near-field communication unit 1182 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) (Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) 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.

[0181] The wireless communication unit 1184 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, or a computer network (e.g., LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network)) communication unit. The wireless communication unit 1184 can also verify and authenticate the aerosol generator 1100 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

[0182] The control unit 1110 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1100. In one embodiment, the control unit 1110 also includes at least one processor. This processor can also be embodied by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. It will be understood by anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it can also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0183] The control unit 1110 can control the temperature of the heater 1150 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1140 to the heater 1150. For example, the control unit 1110 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements between the battery 1140 and the heater 1150. In another example, the control unit 1110 can control the power supply to the heater 1150 by a control command from the direct heating circuit.

[0184] The control unit 1110 can analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1120 and control subsequent processing. For example, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1120, the control unit 1110 can control the power supplied to the heater 1150 so that the heater 1150 starts or stops operating. Another example is that, based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1120, the control unit 1110 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1150 and the duration of power supply so that the heater 1150 is heated to a predetermined temperature or can maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0185] The control unit 1110 can control the output unit 1130 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1120. For example, if the number of puffs counted via the puff sensor 1126 reaches a pre-set number, the control unit 1110 can notify the user that the aerosol generator 1100 will be shut off immediately via at least one of the display unit 1132, the haptic unit 1134, and the acoustic output unit 1136.

[0186] The control unit 1110 outputs control signals based on user input via the user input unit 1160, but may output different control signals for the same user input depending on the coupling of the cartridges.

[0187] Specifically, if the received power-on signal is below a reference value, the control unit 1110 recognizes the cartridge as unconnected and may output a first control signal to the user input via the user input unit 1160. On the other hand, if the received power-on signal is above a reference value, the control unit 1110 recognizes the cartridge as connected and may output a second control signal to the user input via the user input unit 1160.

[0188] For example, the control unit 1110 may output a first control signal to supply power to the heater 1150 if it recognizes the cartridge as being coupled for the same user input, but may output a second control signal to cut off the power supplied to the heater 1150 if it recognizes the cartridge as being uncoupled.

[0189] To give another example, the control unit 1110 may output a first control signal to supply first power to the heater 1150 if it recognizes the cartridge as coupled for the same user input, but may output a second control signal to supply second power to the heater 1150 if it recognizes the cartridge as uncoupled. Here, the second power is also higher than the first power. The first power is the power supplied to the heater 1150 in the normal smoking mode, and the second power is also the power supplied to the heater 1150 in the cleaning mode, which vaporizes residual aerosol-generating material by heating the heater 1150 with even higher heat than in the normal smoking mode. Therefore, the aerosol generator 1100 according to one embodiment has the advantage that, for a single user input, two types of operation are possible depending on the coupling state of the cartridge, without the need to separately configure a user input unit 1160 for heating the heater 1150 in the smoking mode and a user input unit 1160 for operating the cleaning mode. In other words, the aerosol generator 1100 according to one embodiment operates differently in response to the same user input depending on how the cartridges are connected, thus simplifying the user input interface.

[0190] In one embodiment, if the received power supply signal is below a reference value, the control unit 1110 recognizes the cartridge as unconnected and may output a first UI (user interface) screen via the display unit 1132. On the other hand, if the received power supply signal is above a reference value, the control unit 1110 recognizes the cartridge as connected and may output a second UI screen different from the first UI via the display unit. For example, the first UI may display icons associated with cleaning mode, and the second UI may display icons associated with smoking mode.

[0191] One embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules executed by a computer. A computer-readable medium is also any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, and isolated and non-isolated media. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium also includes both computer recording media and communication media. The computer recording media includes both volatile and non-volatile, isolated and non-isolated media embodied by any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data such as modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transmission medium.

[0192] The descriptions relating to the embodiments described above are illustrative only, and a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand from them that a variety of modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention is determined by the attached claims, and all differences that are equivalent to those described in the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. The main unit includes a control unit and a battery, A heater module, detachably connected to the main body, includes a heater for heating an aerosol-generating substance, The heater module is detachably coupled to a cartridge containing the aerosol-generating substance that is transmitted to the heater, The heater module is When the cartridge is coupled to the heater module, a first terminal electrically connects the cartridge and the heater module, When the heater module is coupled to the main body, it includes a second terminal and a third terminal that electrically connect the heater module and the control unit, The cartridge further includes an energizing section which is coupled to the heater module and electrically connected to the first terminal, The current-carrying section is electrically connected to the first terminal to generate a current-carrying signal. The control unit receives the energization signal via the third terminal and recognizes whether the cartridge is connected or not based on the received energization signal, an aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater module further includes a printed circuit board that electrically connects the first terminal and the third terminal.

3. The heater module further includes an integrated circuit mounted on the printed circuit board, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the integrated circuit is electrically connected to the control unit via the third terminal.

4. The aforementioned integrated circuit is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each time a puff is detected, the number of puffs is counted based on a signal transmitted from the control unit and the count is stored.

5. The aforementioned integrated circuit is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a non-volatile memory for storing the number of times.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater is supplied with power from the battery via the second terminal.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energizing signal is a current flow for a predetermined time or longer, or a current amount equal to or greater than a reference value.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes a user input unit that receives user input, The control unit, In response to the aforementioned user input, If the current supply signal is below a reference value, a first control signal is output. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the energization signal is greater than or equal to a reference value, a second control signal different from the first control signal is output.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first control signal is a signal that cuts off the power supplied to the heater.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal are each configured in a pair.

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