Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system including the same

Abstract

An aerosol generating device comprises: a heating segment comprising a heater to which the medium portion is detachably coupled, which heats a medium portion containing a first aerosol generating material; a power segment connected to the heating segment, which includes a power source that supplies power to the heater and a control unit that controls the operation of the power source; a filter segment connected to the power segment, which includes a plurality of filter materials; and a cartridge connected to the filter segment, which includes a chamber in which a second aerosol generating material is stored and a cartridge heater that heats the second aerosol generating material stored in the chamber.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system capable of reducing disposal costs after the use of an aerosol generating article is completed and preventing environmental pollution caused by the aerosol generating article. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating a cigarette (or 'aerosol generating article') using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0003] Generally, in aerosol generating devices utilizing aerosol-generating materials, disposal costs for used aerosol-generating materials may be incurred. Furthermore, the indiscriminate disposal of used aerosol-generating materials can lead to environmental pollution problems. The problem to be solved

[0004] The technical problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system capable of reducing disposal costs after the use of an aerosol generating article is completed.

[0005] In addition, the technical problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system capable of preventing environmental pollution caused by aerosol generating articles.

[0006] In addition, the technical problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system capable of reducing the manufacturing costs required to produce existing aerosol generating articles.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings. means of solving the problem

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include: a heating segment comprising a heater to which the medium portion is detachably coupled, which heats a medium portion containing a first aerosol generating material; a power segment connected to the heating segment, which includes a power source that supplies power to the heater and a control unit that controls the operation of the power source; a filter segment connected to the power segment, which includes a plurality of filter materials; and a cartridge connected to the filter segment, which includes a chamber in which a second aerosol generating material is stored and a cartridge heater that heats the second aerosol generating material stored in the chamber.

[0009] An aerosol generating system according to one embodiment may include: a heating segment including a heater that is heated by receiving power; a medium portion including a first aerosol generating material heated by the heater and detachably coupled to the heater; a power segment connected to the heating segment including a power source that supplies power to the heater and a control portion that controls the operation of the power source; a filter segment including a plurality of filter materials and connected to the power segment; and a cartridge including a chamber in which a second aerosol generating material is stored and a cartridge heater that heats the second aerosol generating material stored in the chamber and connected to the filter segment. Effects of the invention

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, disposal costs can be reduced after the use of an aerosol-generating article is completed.

[0011] In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, environmental pollution caused by aerosol-generating articles can be prevented.

[0012] In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, components such as cigarette paper, filter paper, tip paper, adhesive, ink, etc., which are required to manufacture conventional aerosol generating articles can be omitted, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the aerosol generating system.

[0013] In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, since only at least one segment among a plurality of segments of an aerosol generating device is replaceable, the maintenance cost of the aerosol generating device can be reduced.

[0014] In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, filter materials can be combined and used according to the user's needs, so user convenience can be greatly improved.

[0015] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment showing the appearance of the medium portion before it is inserted into the heating segment. FIG. 2b is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment showing the appearance after the medium part is inserted into the heating segment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a combined structure of a heating segment and a power segment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heating segment including an example of a heating cover. Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating an example of a heater. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the heating segment and the power segment to show the aerosol flowing through the heating segment and the power segment. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a power segment along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment showing a different arrangement structure of power segments. FIG. 9a is a side cross-sectional view of a heating segment along the line IXa-IXa of FIG. 8, and FIG. 9b is a side cross-sectional view of a heating segment showing the heating segment of FIG. 9a in an open state. FIG. 10a is an enlarged front view of the heating segment of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10b is a side cross-sectional view of the heating segment showing the heater moving as the heating door of FIG. 10a moves. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter segment based on the line XI-XI of FIG. 2a. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the filter segment and cartridge to show the aerosol flowing through the filter segment and cartridge. FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a cartridge based on line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0018] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. "Module" or "unit" may be a component formed as a whole, or the smallest unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0019] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0020] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0021] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0022] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0024] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the water immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0028] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may perform the role of a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance of the heater (18). The impedance of the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0029] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0030] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0031] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of a power source (11). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (11) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the protection circuit module.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0034] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generating device (1) in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0035] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0036] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0037] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or a flow of aerosol may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol generating article, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0038] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0040] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0041] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0042] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a device for detecting compression by an aerosol-generating article.

[0043] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. When the control unit (12) detects a change in color in a part of the wrapper, it may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can determine the level range in which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the amount of moisture for the aerosol generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or detect the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0046] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific wavelength band based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0047] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0048] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0049] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or for detecting the type of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0051] According to one embodiment, a cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer or a gyro sensor.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor in addition to the aforementioned sensors. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) may include a display, a haptic unit and / or an acoustic output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating state of the heater (18, 24), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. The display can also be used as an input unit (15) if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) may include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heater (18, 24) can be heated. Additionally, the power source (11) may supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), sensor unit (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), memory (17), etc. The power source (11) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may also be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) can heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., solid and / or liquid medium).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electric resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with an electric conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the induction heating type heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field penetrates the heater, and eddy currents may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of eddy currents. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be contained within an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium). In this case as well, the susceptor contained within the aerosol-generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0059] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating an aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the control unit (12) and data to be processed. For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), 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, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) may include at least one processor. The control unit (12) may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of a power conversion circuit (not shown) to adjust the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply (11).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using at least one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method and a Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater (18, 24) by using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of the control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on a power profile. The control unit (12) may also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to a preset target power over time.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol generating item is inserted (hereinafter, insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control of the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the fact that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the charging of the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a first limit temperature. The control unit (12) can stop the use (e.g., discharge) of the power stored in the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a second limit temperature. The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) may also determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is above a limit temperature or the temperature change slope of the heater (18, 24) is above a set slope.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, the control unit (12) can use a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, the power supply to the heater (18, 24) is stopped or the power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period). If it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in the memory (17), the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge. Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the heater (18, 24) is heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for more than a preset time. The control unit (12) may also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a specific type. For example, the control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a specific type using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, it can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). For another example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the specific type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed in the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, puff detection, puff termination, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of insertion of an aerosol-generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), etc.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0084] According to one embodiment, when the control unit (12) receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it may release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, whether the user's authentication is complete, etc.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (11), operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0086] According to one embodiment, when a control unit (12) receives a location search request for an aerosol generating device (1) from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibrations or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) transmits data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0089] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0090] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. A heater (18) may be positioned to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may comprise a basic material. Based on the basic material, the nicotine in the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0091] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0092] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment showing the appearance of a medium portion before it is inserted into a heating segment, and FIG. 2b is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment showing the appearance of a medium portion after it is inserted into a heating segment.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a mouthpiece (20), a heating segment (100), a medium section (200), a power segment (300), a filter segment (400), and a cartridge (500). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., power supply (11) and control section (12)) is identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1, so a redundant description is omitted.

[0094] The mouthpiece (20) may be the part that the user's mouth contacts. The aerosol generated in the heating segment (100) may pass through the power segment (300), the filter segment (400), and the cartridge (500) and be inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece (20).

[0095] The heating segment (100) may include a heater (18). The heater (18) may be heated by receiving power. The heater (18) may be inserted into the medium portion (200). The heater (18) may extend longitudinally along the direction in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends.

[0096] The heating segment (100) can accommodate a medium portion (200) inside. As the medium portion (200) is accommodated in the heating segment (100), the medium portion (200) can be inserted into the heater (18).

[0097] The heating segment (100) may be formed in a cylindrical shape overall, but may also be formed in a rectangular shape as long as it can accommodate the medium portion (200). The heating segment (100) may include at least one of a plastic material or a metal material.

[0098] The medium portion (200) may include a first aerosol generating material. The medium portion (200) may be heated by a heater (18), and as a result, the first aerosol generating material may be heated. Accordingly, an aerosol may be generated from the first aerosol generating material. In the present disclosure, the aerosol may refer to a gas in a mixed state of vaporized particles and air generated as the aerosol generating material is heated.

[0099] The medium section (200) can be detachably coupled to the heater (18). When the aerosol generating material contained in the medium section (200) is completely consumed, the user can replace the existing medium section (200) with a new medium section (200). For example, the user can rotate the medium section (200) to separate the medium section (200) from the heating segment (100).

[0100] In one embodiment, one end of the heating segment (100) may be open. The medium portion (200) may be received into the interior of the heating segment (100) through the open end of the heating segment (100). The one end of the heating segment (100) may be a portion facing upstream of the heating segment (100) located opposite the power segment (300). Additionally, outside air may be introduced into the interior of the aerosol generating device (1) through the open end of the heating segment (100).

[0101] The medium portion (200) may include an insertion hole (210) into which a heater (18) is inserted. The heater (18) can heat the medium portion (200) while inserted into the insertion hole (210). As a result, an aerosol may be generated from the medium portion (200).

[0102] The insertion hole (210) may be formed in the center of the medium portion (200). The insertion hole (210) may penetrate one end and the other end of the medium portion (200). As the heater (18) is inserted into the insertion hole (210), the heater (18) may penetrate the medium portion (200). The insertion hole (210) may be formed in a shape that corresponds to a part of the heater (18) overall, for example, in a cylindrical shape.

[0103] The medium portion (200) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the heating segment (100). For example, the medium portion (200) can be formed in the shape of a circular ring with an open center. Accordingly, the user can easily attach and detach the medium portion (200) to the heating segment (100).

[0104] The medium (200) may include a biodegradable material. Accordingly, since the medium (200) after use is naturally decomposed, no separate processing step is required for the treatment of the medium (200), thereby reducing the processing cost of the aerosol generating device (1) and reducing the generation of waste caused by conventional stick-type cigarettes. In the present disclosure, 'biodegradable material' may refer to a material that naturally decomposes over time without separate treatment due to external environments (e.g., soil, climate). For example, the medium (200) may include paper, natural fibers, cotton, or recycled biomaterials.

[0105] The medium portion (200) may include tobacco material and / or non-tobacco material. The tobacco material and non-tobacco material may contain nicotine and may be heated to produce an aerosol containing nicotine vapor. The tobacco material and non-tobacco material may have various shapes. For example, the tobacco material and non-tobacco material may have at least one form among a sheet, a stick, a strand, a particle, a bead, a granule, a powder, and an extract, but are not limited thereto.

[0106] Tobacco materials may be manufactured using leaf tobacco raw materials and / or reconstituted tobacco raw materials. Leaf tobacco raw materials may include at least one of yellow tobacco, Burley tobacco, and Oriental tobacco, but are not limited thereto. Reconstituted tobacco raw materials may refer to tobacco raw materials regenerated by utilizing tobacco by-products. For example, reconstituted tobacco raw materials may include leaf-shaped leaves.

[0107] Non-tobacco substances may be substances manufactured without using tobacco raw materials. For example, non-tobacco substances may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine, organic acids, etc. Furthermore, non-tobacco substances may be manufactured using cellulose, nicotine salts, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0108] Tobacco substances and non-tobacco substances may include aerosol-generating substances. For example, aerosol-generating substances may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but are not limited thereto. Additionally, tobacco substances may include other additive substances such as flavoring agents and organic acids.

[0109] The medium section (200) may include at least one plate leaf sheet. The plate leaf sheet may include at least one of a slurry-type plate leaf and a paper-type plate leaf. Slurry-type plate leaves and paper-type plate leaves may be distinguished according to the manufacturing method. At least one plate leaf sheet may be arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction of the medium section (200). However, it is not limited thereto, and the medium section (200) may include a plurality of plate leaf slices manufactured by cutting or slicing the plate leaf sheet. Additionally, the plate leaf sheet may be wound to include wrinkles, and the medium section (200) may include a wound plate leaf sheet or a plurality of plate leaf slices manufactured from a wound plate leaf sheet.

[0110] The medium portion (200) may include at least one of puffed leaf and puffed main vein. The puffed leaf and puffed main vein may be manufactured by puffing leaf tobacco raw material and main vein, which is a byproduct of leaf tobacco raw material.

[0111] The medium portion (200) can be manufactured to have a predetermined shape after adding moisture to the above-described materials (e.g., tobacco materials and / or non-tobacco materials) and drying them.

[0112] The power segment (300) may include a power source (11) and a control unit (12). The power source (11) can supply power to the heater (18), and the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power source (11).

[0113] The power segment (300) can be connected to the heating segment (100). The power segment (300) can be connected to the other end of the heating segment (100). The power segment (300) may be formed in a cylindrical shape overall, but may also be formed in a rectangular shape as long as it can accommodate the power source (11) and the control unit (12). The power segment (300) may include at least one of a plastic material or a metal material.

[0114] The filter segment (400) may include a filter section (401). In one embodiment, the filter segment (400) may include a plurality of filter sections (401). The aerosol generated in the heating segment (100) may be filtered by the plurality of filter sections (401) while passing through the filter segment (400), and may also be supplied to the user accompanied by flavors contained in the plurality of filter sections (401).

[0115] The filter segment (400) may be connected to the power segment (300). The filter segment (400) may be connected to the other end of the power segment (300). The filter segment (400) may be formed in a cylindrical shape overall, but may also be formed in a rectangular shape as long as it includes the filter portion (401). The filter segment (400) may include at least one of a plastic material or a metal material.

[0116] The filter unit (401) can be detachably coupled to the filter segment (400). That is, the filter unit (401) can be replaced from the filter segment (400). Accordingly, the user can replace only the filter unit (401) that is no longer in use, and can replace the existing filter unit (401) with a different type of filter unit (401) according to preference.

[0117] In one embodiment, the filter unit (401) may include at least one of a metal filter, a ceramic filter, or a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. In the present disclosure, the filters described above may be filters with a long usage cycle that can be used multiple times, rather than single-use filters. Accordingly, the usage cycle of the filter unit (401) can be increased, and the usage cost can be reduced.

[0118] The filter portion (401) can filter some components contained in the aerosol passing through the filter segment (400). The filter portion (401) may include a filter material. For example, the filter portion (401) may include at least one filter material among paper, cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, polypropylene, and lyocell. For example, the filter portion (401) may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The filter portion (401) may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-shaped rod including an internal hollow, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] The filter section (401) can add flavor to the aerosol passing through the filter segment (400). For example, the filter section (401) may include a flavoring agent. The flavoring agent may be sprayed into the filter section (401) in a liquid state, but is not limited thereto.

[0120] The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the flavoring agent may include botanical flavorings such as cinnamon, sage, herbs, chamomile, kudzu, sweet potato, lavender, bergamot, lemon, orange, jasmine, ginger, vanilla, spearmint, peppermint, acacia, coffee, celery, sandalwood, and cocoa. As another example, the flavoring agent may include animal flavorings such as musk, ambergris, civet, and castrium.

[0121] Flavoring agents may be alcohol compounds such as geraniol, linalol, anethole, eugenol, etc. Flavoring agents may be aldehyde compounds such as vanillin, benzaldehyde, anisaldehyde, etc. Flavoring agents may be ester compounds such as isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate, linalyl butyrate, etc.

[0122] The filter section (401) may include at least one capsule. At least one capsule may be embedded inside the filter material. The capsule may generate flavor or aerosol. For example, the capsule may be a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor agent is surrounded by a film. The film of the capsule may rupture due to external pressure and / or heating to release the liquid contained inside the film. The liquid released from the capsule may be absorbed by the filter material of the filter section (401). The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] The filter section (401) may include an adsorbent. The adsorbent may adsorb specific substances in the gaseous phase. For example, the adsorbent may include at least one of activated carbon, zeolite, alumina, silica gel, and bentonite.

[0124] The filter section (401) may also perform the function of cooling the aerosol. The high-temperature aerosol generated in the heating segment (100) may be cooled as it passes through the filter segment (400). For example, the filter section (401) may be a paper tube formed of paper.

[0125] The filter portion (401) may include a cooling material. For example, the cooling material may include a polymer material having a cooling function. The polymer material having a cooling function may absorb heat from the aerosol when in contact with the high-temperature aerosol. The polymer material having a cooling function may include polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. As another example, the filter portion (401) may be a tube-shaped rod containing an internal hollow, and a polymer material having a cooling function may be applied to the surface of the internal hollow.

[0126] The filter segment (400) may include a first filter segment (400a) and a second filter segment (400b). The first filter segment (400a) and the second filter segment (400b) may be positioned with a cartridge (500) in between.

[0127] The first filter segment (400a) and the second filter segment (400b) can perform the same function. For example, the first filter segment (400a) and the second filter segment (400b) can filter the aerosol, cool the aerosol, or add flavor to the aerosol.

[0128] The first filter segment (400a) and the second filter segment (400b) may perform different functions. For example, one filter segment (e.g., the first filter segment (400a)) may filter the aerosol, and the other filter segment (e.g., the second filter segment (400b)) may add flavor to the aerosol.

[0129] The first filter segment (400a) can be connected to one side of the cartridge (500). That is, the first filter segment (400a) can be positioned between the power segment (300) and the cartridge (500).

[0130] The first filter segment (400a) may include a plurality of segments (400a1, 400a2). Each of the plurality of segments (400a1, 400a2) may include a filter portion (401). In the present disclosure, an embodiment in which the first filter segment (400a) includes two segments (400a1, 400a2) is illustrated, but this is exemplary and the first filter segment (400a) may include three or more segments.

[0131] Multiple segments (400a1, 400a2) can perform the same function. For example, multiple segments (400a1, 400a2) can filter the aerosol, cool the aerosol, or add flavor to the aerosol.

[0132] Multiple segments (400a1, 400a2) may perform different functions. For example, one segment (e.g., the first segment (400a1)) may filter the aerosol and the other segment (e.g., the second segment (400a2)) may add flavor to the aerosol.

[0133] A plurality of segments (400a1, 400a2) may include filter portions (401) having different filter materials. That is, the filter portion (401) included in the first segment (400a1) and the filter portion (401') included in the second segment (400a2) may include different filter materials. The user may replace some of the filter portions (401) in the plurality of segments (400a1, 400a2) and may also replace the plurality of filter portions (401, 401') together. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment is implemented in a structure that allows the user to combine and use the plurality of filter portions (401) according to their preference, thereby greatly improving user convenience.

[0134] The second filter segment (400b) can be connected to the other side of the cartridge (500). That is, the second filter segment (400b) can be placed between the cartridge (500) and the mouthpiece (20). Since the aerosol is placed downstream of the cartridge (500), the second filter segment (400b) can filter the aerosol that has passed through the cartridge (500) or add flavor.

[0135] The second filter segment (400b) may include a plurality of segments (400b1, 400b2). Each of the plurality of segments (400b1, 400b2) may include a filter portion (401). In the present disclosure, an embodiment in which the second filter segment (400b) includes two segments (400b1, 400b2) is illustrated, but this is exemplary and the second filter segment (400b) may include three or more segments.

[0136] Multiple segments (400b1, 400b2) can perform the same function. For example, multiple segments (400b1, 400b2) can filter the aerosol, cool the aerosol, or add flavor to the aerosol.

[0137] Multiple segments (400b1, 400b2) may perform different functions. For example, one segment (e.g., the first segment (400b1)) may filter the aerosol and the other segment (e.g., the second segment (400b2)) may add flavor to the aerosol.

[0138] A plurality of segments (400b1, 400b2) may include filter portions (401) having different filter materials. That is, the filter portion (401'') included in the first segment (400b1) and the filter portion (401''') included in the second segment (400b2) may include different filter materials. The user may replace some of the filter portions (401) in the plurality of segments (400b1, 400b2), and may also replace the plurality of filter portions (401'', 401''') together. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment is implemented in a structure that allows the user to combine and use the plurality of filter portions (401) according to their preference, thereby greatly improving user convenience.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the first filter segment (400a) and the second filter segment (400b) may include a filter portion (401) having different filter materials. That is, the filter portions (401, 401') included in the plurality of first filter segments (400a) and the filter portions (401'', 401''') included in the plurality of second filter segments (400b) may include different filter materials. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment is implemented in a structure that allows the user to combine and use a plurality of filter portions (401) positioned at opposite locations relative to the cartridge (500) according to their preference, thereby greatly improving the versatility of use and user convenience.

[0140] The cartridge (500) can add a new flavor to the aerosol generated in the heating segment (100) or generate a different type of aerosol than the aerosol generated in the heating segment (100).

[0141] The cartridge (500) may include a chamber (C0) in which a second aerosol generating material is stored and a cartridge heater (24) for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the chamber (C0).

[0142] The cartridge (500) may further include a liquid delivery means (25) that impregnates (contains) a second aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery means (25) may impregnate an aerosol generating material supplied from the chamber (C0). For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0143] The second aerosol generating material stored in the chamber (C0) may include a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid composition containing a non-tobacco material.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the liquid composition may comprise any one of water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, flavoring, flavoring agent, and vitamin mixture, or a mixture of these components. The flavoring may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, etc., but is not limited thereto. The flavoring agent may include ingredients capable of providing various flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the liquid composition may include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0145] For example, the liquid composition may comprise 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. Nicotine salts may be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. The nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine, and may have any suitable weight concentration relative to the total weight of the solution of the liquid composition.

[0146] The acid for forming the nicotine salt may be appropriately selected by considering the rate of nicotine absorption in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device (1), flavor or taste, solubility, etc. For example, the acid for forming the nicotine salt may be a single acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvate, 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, saccharinic acid, malonic acid, or malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from the said group, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] The cartridge heater (24) can heat the second aerosol generating material contained in the chamber (C0). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0148] For example, an electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. For another example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the cartridge (500) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating type heater. The induction heating type heater may include a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (24) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or wraps around) the liquid delivery means and / or in a shape that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means (e.g., a pattern shape).

[0149] Aerosols can be generated based on the heat generated by the cartridge heater (24). For example, as the second aerosol generating material impregnated in the liquid delivery means (25) is heated by the cartridge heater (24), vapor can be generated from the second aerosol generating material, and as the generated vapor is mixed with the outside air introduced into the cartridge (500), an aerosol can be generated. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) can flow into the mouthpiece (20) through the second filter segment (400b). While the aerosol generated in the heating segment (100) passes through the cartridge (500), tobacco or flavoring material can be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with tobacco or flavoring material added can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the mouthpiece (20).

[0150] The cartridge (500) may be positioned between the first filter segment (400a) and the second filter segment (400b). That is, the aerosol or flavor generated in the cartridge (500) may not be filtered in the first filter segment (400a) but may be filtered only in the second filter segment (400b). Therefore, only a minimal amount of the aerosol and / or flavor generated in the cartridge (500) may be filtered in the filter segment (400).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) can reduce manufacturing costs and post-use disposal costs compared to a device using a conventional stick-shaped aerosol generating article. This is because components such as cigarette paper, filter paper, tip paper, adhesive, and ink are required in a device using a stick-shaped aerosol generating article. Since the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can omit the aforementioned components, a device with a compact structure can be implemented, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and post-use disposal costs.

[0152] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a combined structure of a heating segment and a power segment.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 3, the heating segment (100) can be detachably coupled to the power segment (300). Accordingly, if the heating segment (100) is damaged or fails, only the heating segment (100) can be replaced, so the maintenance cost of the aerosol generating device (1) can be reduced.

[0154] In one embodiment, the heating segment (100) may include a coupling portion (150).

[0155] The coupling portion (150) of the heating segment (100) may protrude toward the power segment (300) from the other end of the heating segment (100). Screw threads may be formed on the outer surface of the coupling portion (150), and screw grooves may be formed on the insertion portion (370) of the power segment (300) into which the coupling portion (150) is inserted. The user can rotate the heating segment (100) to connect the heating segment (100) to the power segment (300).

[0156] However, the method of combining the heating segment (100) and the power segment (300) is not limited to this, and other variations of the combination method may be included.

[0157] A through hole (150a) may be formed in the joint portion (150) of the heating segment (100), and the internal space of the heating segment (100) and the internal space of the power segment (300) may be connected to each other through the through hole (150a). Accordingly, the aerosol generated in the heating segment (100) may move to the power segment (300).

[0158] The connecting portion (150) may include a conductive material. The conductive material may include at least one metal material. Accordingly, the heating segment (100) and the power segment (300) may be electrically connected, and as a result, the heater may receive power from a power source placed inside the power segment (300). The insert portion (370) of the power segment (300) may also include a conductive material.

[0159] In one embodiment, the power segment (300) may include a coupling portion (350).

[0160] The coupling portion (350) of the power segment (300) may protrude from the other end of the power segment (300) toward the filter segment (400 in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b). Screw threads may be formed on the outer surface of the coupling portion (350), and screw grooves may be formed on the insertion portion (not shown) of the filter segment (400) into which the coupling portion (350) is inserted. The user can rotate the power segment (300) to connect the power segment (300) to the filter segment (400).

[0161] However, the method of combining the power segment (300) and the filter segment (400) is not limited to this, and other variations of the combination method may be included.

[0162] A through hole (350a) may be formed in the coupling portion (350) of the power segment (300), and the internal space of the power segment (300) and the internal space of the filter segment (400) may be connected to each other through the through hole (350a). Accordingly, the aerosol generated in the power segment (300) may move to the filter segment (400).

[0163] In addition, although not shown in FIG. 3, the filter segment (400 in FIG. 2a and 2b) and the cartridge (500 in FIG. 2a and 2b) can also be combined in the aforementioned combination method.

[0164] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heating segment including an example of a heating cover.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 4, the heating segment (100) may include a heating door (110).

[0166] The heating door (110) can open and close one end of the heating segment (100). Accordingly, the possibility of external foreign matter entering the interior of the heating segment (100) through the open end of the heating segment (100) can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility of damage or breakage of the heater (18) can be reduced, and the cleanliness of the aerosol generating device (1) during use can be ensured.

[0167] A heating door (110) can be rotatably coupled to a portion of a heating segment (100). The heating door (110) can be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the heating segment (100). As the heating door (110) opens one end of the heating segment (100), a medium portion (200) can be inserted into the interior of the heating segment (100). As the heating door (110) closes one end of the heating segment (100), the interior space of the heating segment (100) can be completely sealed from the outside. The size of the heating door (110) can be greater than the size of the interior space of the heating segment (100).

[0168] Although not shown, at least one inlet hole may be formed in the heating door (110) to allow outside air to enter.

[0169] Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating an example of a heater.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 5, the heater (18) may be an internal heating type heater. The internal heating type heater may extend long along the longitudinal direction in the space (internal space of the heating segment (100 in FIG. 2a to FIG. 4) into which the medium part (200 in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b) is inserted. For example, the internal heating type heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element, but is not limited thereto and may include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internal heating type heater may be inserted into the medium part (200) through an insertion hole (210, FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b) of the medium part (200).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0172] For example, an electric resistive heater may contain an electric resistive material on the inside (e.g., inner hollow or inner surface) or on the outside (e.g., outer surface) and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. In this case, the electric resistive heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11 in FIG. 1, FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b) and may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).

[0173] In one embodiment, the heater (18) may include a coil (18a) and a heating element (18b).

[0174] The coil (18a) can be heated by receiving power from a power source. The coil (18a) can be located in the hollow of the heating part (18b). The coil (18a) may include a metal material capable of generating heat.

[0175] The heating element (18b) may be positioned to surround the coil (18a). The heating element (18b) may receive heat generated from the coil (18a). The heating element (18b) may include a metal material capable of generating heat.

[0176] In one embodiment, when the heater (18) is an electric resistive heater, the heating part (18b) can receive heat generated from the coil (18a) and heat the medium part (200). At this time, the electric resistive material described above can be placed in the coil (18a).

[0177] In another embodiment, if the heater (18) is an induction heating type heater, the coil (18a) may be an induction coil. In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the coil (18a) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. In the induction heating type heater, the heating part (18b) may be a susceptor and may generate heat based on the magnetic field generated from the coil (18a). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged so as to be detachable from the heating segment (100).

[0178] Below, the internal structure of the heating segment (100) and the power segment (300) will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0179] FIG. 6 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of the heating segment and the power segment to show the aerosol flowing through the heating segment and the power segment, and FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the power segment along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6.

[0180] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a heating segment (100) and a power segment (300). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., a heater (18)) has already been described above, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0181] The heating segment (100) may further include a heating insulation member (120).

[0182] A heating insulation member (120) may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the heater (18). The heating insulation member (120) can block heat generated from the heater (18) from being transferred to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). Accordingly, the heating efficiency of the heater (18) on the heating segment (100) can be increased, and burns to the user caused by the user gripping the heating segment (100) can be prevented.

[0183] In one embodiment, the heating insulation member (120) may include a material having thermal resistance and low thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the heating insulation member (120) may not be damaged by the heat generated from the heater (18) and may not be transferred to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) generated from the heater (18).

[0184] The heating insulation member (120) may include a thermal insulating polymer material. For example, the heating insulation member (120) may include at least one material selected from polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and polycarbonate (PC).

[0185] The heating insulation member (120) may include at least one of a metal material such as steel, iron, nickel, aluminum, or tungsten, or a ceramic material.

[0186] The power segment (300) may include a first region (300A1) and a second region (300A2).

[0187] The first region (300A1) may be a region of the power segment (300) that accommodates the power source (11) and the control unit (12).

[0188] The second region (300A2) may be the remaining area of ​​the power segment (300) through which the aerosol passes. The second region (300A2) may be spatially separated from the first region (300A1). Accordingly, the likelihood of damage to the power source (11) and control unit (12) housed in the first region (300A1) by the high-temperature aerosol flowing along the second region (300A2) may be reduced.

[0189] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the first region (300A1) is shown on the lower side of the power segment (300) and the second region (300A2) is shown on the upper side of the power segment (300), but this is exemplary and the first region (300A1) may be located on the upper side of the power segment (300) and the second region (300A2) may be located on the lower side of the power segment (300) as long as the regions can be partitioned from each other.

[0190] The power segment (300) may further include a pass-through section (310) and a power insulation member (320).

[0191] The passage section (310) may be in communication with the heating segment (100) and the filter segment (400 in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b). Accordingly, the aerosol generated in the heating segment (100) may pass through the passage section (310) and flow into the filter segment (400). The passage section (310) may be placed in the second region (300A2).

[0192] The power insulation member (320) may include a first power insulation member (321) and a second power insulation member (322).

[0193] The first power insulation member (321) may be positioned along the circumferential direction of the power segment (300). The first power insulation member (321) can block the heat of the high-temperature aerosol passing through the passage (310) from being transferred to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). Accordingly, burns to the user caused by the user gripping the power segment (300) can be prevented.

[0194] In one embodiment, the first power insulation member (321) may include a material having thermal resistance and low thermal conductivity.

[0195] The first power insulation member (321) may include a thermal insulating polymer material. For example, the first power insulation member (321) may include at least one material selected from polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and polycarbonate (PC).

[0196] The first power insulation member (321) may include at least one of a metal material such as steel, iron, nickel, aluminum, or tungsten, or a ceramic material.

[0197] The second power insulation member (322) may be positioned between the first area (300A1) and the second area (300A2). By means of the second power insulation member (322), the passage section (310), the power source (11), and the control section (12) may be located at spatially separated positions. Accordingly, high-temperature aerosols passing through the passage section (310) may not flow into the first area (300A1) containing the power source (11) and the control section (12), and as a result, the likelihood of damage to the power source (11) and the control section (12) may be reduced.

[0198] Although not shown, the second power insulation member (322) may include a hole through which a wire connected to the heater (18) passes. The wire passing through the hole may be connected to the power supply (11) and the control unit (12).

[0199] In one embodiment, the second power insulation member (322) may include a material having thermal resistance and low thermal conductivity.

[0200] The second power insulation member (322) may include a thermal insulating polymer material. For example, the second power insulation member (322) may include at least one material selected from polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and polycarbonate (PC).

[0201] The second power insulation member (322) may include at least one of a metal material such as steel, iron, nickel, aluminum, or tungsten, or a ceramic material.

[0202] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment showing a different arrangement structure of power segments.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 8, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a mouthpiece (20), a heating segment (100), a medium part (200), a power segment (300), a filter segment (400), and a cartridge (500).

[0204] The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 8 differs from the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1 only in the arrangement structure of the power segment (300), and all other components of the aerosol generating device (1) are the same, so the following description will focus on the differences.

[0205] The power segment (300) may include a power segment (300a) and a control segment (300b).

[0206] The power segment (300a) may include a power source (11). The power segment (300a) may be connected to one end of the heating segment (100). Accordingly, since the power segment (300a) is located in a position exposed to the outside on the aerosol generating device (1), the power source (11) can be easily replaced.

[0207] Since the power segment (300a) is positioned upstream of the heating segment (100), the aerosol generated in the heating segment (100) may not pass through the power segment (300a). Accordingly, the power segment (300a) does not need to include the structure of the power segment (300) of FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7, so a compact structure of the power segment (300a) can be implemented.

[0208] One end of the power segment (300a) can be opened. The power (11) of the power segment (300a) can be electrically connected to the heater (18).

[0209] Although not illustrated, the power segment (300a) may include a power door. The power (11) may be replaced based on the opening and closing of the power door. The power door may be implemented identically or similarly to the heating door (110) of FIG. 4, except that it is positioned at one end of the power segment (300a).

[0210] The control segment (300b) may include a control unit (12). The control segment (300b) may be connected to the heating segment (100) on the opposite side of the power segment (300a). That is, the control segment (300b) may be positioned between the heating segment (100) and the filter segment (400) (specifically, the first filter segment (400a)).

[0211] Although not illustrated, the control segment (300b) may include the first region (300A1) and the second region (300A2) of FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7.

[0212] The first region may be a region of the control segment (300b) that accommodates the control unit (12).

[0213] The second region may be the remaining area of ​​the control segment (300b) through which the aerosol passes. The second region may be spatially separated from the first region. Accordingly, the likelihood of damage to the control unit (12) contained in the first region by the high-temperature aerosol flowing along the second region may be reduced.

[0214] The control segment (300b) may further include a pass-through section and a power insulation member.

[0215] The passage section may be in communication with the heating segment (100) and the filter segment (400). Accordingly, the aerosol generated in the heating segment (100) may pass through the passage section and flow into the filter segment. The passage section may be positioned in a second region.

[0216] The power insulation member may include a first power insulation member and a second power insulation member.

[0217] The first power insulation member may be positioned along the periphery of the control segment (300b). The first power insulation member can block the heat of the high-temperature aerosol passing through the passage from being transferred to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). Accordingly, burns to the user caused by the user gripping the control segment (300b) can be prevented.

[0218] In one embodiment, the first power insulation member may include a material having thermal resistance and low thermal conductivity.

[0219] The first power insulation member may include a thermal insulating polymer material. For example, the first power insulation member may include at least one material selected from polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and polycarbonate (PC).

[0220] The first power insulation member may include at least one of a metal material such as steel, iron, nickel, aluminum, or tungsten, or a ceramic material.

[0221] A second power insulation member may be positioned between the first region and the second region. By means of the second power insulation member, the passage section and the control section (12) may be located at spatially separated positions. Accordingly, high-temperature aerosols passing through the passage section may not flow into the first region containing the control section (12), and as a result, the likelihood of damage to the control section (12) may be reduced.

[0222] Although not shown, the second power insulation member may include a hole through which a wire connected to the heater (18) passes. The wire passing through the hole may be connected to the control unit (12).

[0223] In one embodiment, the second power insulation member may include a material having thermal resistance and low thermal conductivity.

[0224] The second power insulation member may include a thermal insulating polymer material. For example, the second power insulation member may include at least one material selected from polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and polycarbonate (PC).

[0225] The second power insulation member may include at least one of a metal material such as steel, iron, nickel, aluminum, or tungsten, or a ceramic material.

[0226] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, since one end of the heating segment (100) is blocked by the power segment (300a) and the other end of the heating segment (100) is blocked by the control segment (300b), the heating segment (100) may include a heating door (110) that opens and closes the side of the heating segment (100) for replacing the medium part (200).

[0227] Below, the specific structure of the heating door (110) of FIG. 8 will be explained with reference to FIG. 9a to FIG. 10b.

[0228] FIG. 9a is a side cross-sectional view of a heating segment along the line IXa-IXa of FIG. 8, and FIG. 9b is a side cross-sectional view of a heating segment showing the heating segment of FIG. 9a in an open state.

[0229] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the heating door (110) can be rotatably coupled to the heating segment body (101). The heating segment body (101) may be the body of the heating segment (100) and may accommodate a heater (18) inside.

[0230] As illustrated in FIG. 9a, when the heating door (110) is closed, the user can open the heating door (110) by grasping a handle (not shown) placed on the heating door (110). Accordingly, the internal space of the heating segment (100) can be exposed to the outside.

[0231] As illustrated in FIG. 9b, when the heating door (110) is opened, the user can insert the medium (200) into the heater (18). Afterward, the user can close the heating door (110) by grasping a handle (not shown) placed on the heating door (110).

[0232] The heating door (110) can be rotatably positioned through a hinge (110a) disposed on the heating segment body (101). Also, although not shown, the heating door (110) may include the heating insulation member (120) of FIG. 6.

[0233] FIG. 10a is an enlarged front view of the heating segment of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10b is a side cross-sectional view of the heating segment showing the heater moving as the heating door of FIG. 10a moves.

[0234] Referring to FIGS. 10a and 10b, the heater (18) can be positioned to be movable along the longitudinal direction. In the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 8, since both ends of the heating segment (100) are blocked by the power segment (300), the medium section (200) can only be replaced using the heating door (110) positioned on the side of the heating segment (100). However, since the heater (18) extends in the longitudinal direction, sufficient space may not be secured to insert the medium section (200) into the side of the heating segment (100).

[0235] According to one embodiment, since the heater (18) can be positioned to be movable along the longitudinal direction, the medium portion (200) on the aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 8 can be easily inserted into the heater (18) of the heating segment (100).

[0236] The heater (18) can move as the heating door (110) moves. That is, when the heating door (110) is opened while it is closed as shown in FIG. 10a, the heater (18) can move along the longitudinal direction toward the control segment (300b in FIG. 8) as shown in FIG. 10b. Accordingly, sufficient space can be secured between one end of the heating segment (100) and the heater (18), so the user can easily insert the medium part (200) into the heater (18). Therefore, since the heater (18) can be moved through the relatively easy operation of opening the heating door (110), the ease of replacing the medium part (200) can be improved.

[0237] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 10b, when the heating door (110) is closed while the heating door (110) is open, the heater (18) can move along the length direction toward the power segment (300a in FIG. 8) as shown in FIG. 10a.

[0238] The heating segment (100) may include mechanical means capable of converting rotational motion into linear motion. The mechanical means may convert the rotation of the heating door (110) into linear motion of the heater (18). The mechanical means may include a cam mechanism connected to the hinge (110a) of FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b and the heater (18).

[0239] The heating segment (100) may include a moving space (170) and a moving hole (180) for the movement of the heater (18).

[0240] The movement space (170) is intended to provide a space for the heater (18) to move. The movement space (170) may be placed between the heating door (110) and the control segment (300b in FIG. 8). The heater (18) may move along the length of the movement space (170).

[0241] A heater (18) may be inserted into the moving hole (180). The heater (18) may be inserted into the moving hole (180) during the process of opening and closing the heating door (110). The moving hole (180) may be connected to the moving space (170). The moving hole (180) may be formed in an additional insulating member (190). The additional insulating member (190) may partition the internal space of the heating segment (100) and may include a material identical or similar to the heating insulating member described above.

[0242] Below, we will examine the internal space of the filter segment (400) in detail.

[0243] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a filter segment based on the line XI-XI of FIG. 2a.

[0244] Referring to FIG. 11, the filter door (410) can be rotatably coupled to the filter segment body (402). The filter segment body (402) may be the body of the filter segment (400) and may accommodate a filter portion (401) inside.

[0245] As illustrated in FIG. 11, when the filter door (410) is closed, the user can open the filter door (410) by grasping a handle (not shown) placed on the filter door (410). Accordingly, the internal space of the filter segment (400) can be exposed to the outside.

[0246] When the filter door (410) is opened, the user can insert the filter part (401) into the interior of the filter segment (400). Afterwards, the user can close the filter door (410) by grasping a handle (not shown) placed on the filter door (410).

[0247] The filter door (410) may be rotatably positioned via a hinge (410a) disposed on the filter segment body (402). Also, although not illustrated, the filter door (410) and / or the filter segment body (402) may include a heating insulation member (120) as described in FIG. 6.

[0248] The filter segment (400) may include a first region (400A1) and a second region (400A2).

[0249] The first region (400A1) may be a region of a filter segment (400) through which a line connected to the power supply (11) and control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 2b and FIGS. 6 to 8 passes. The line passing through the first region (400A1) may be connected to a cartridge heater (24) of a cartridge (500 in FIGS. 2a, 2b, and FIG. 8).

[0250] The second region (400A2) may be the remaining region of the filter segment (400) through which the aerosol passes. The second region (400A2) may accommodate a filter portion (401).

[0251] The second region (400A2) can be spatially separated from the first region (400A1). Accordingly, the likelihood of damage to the lines of the power supply (11) and control unit (12) housed in the first region (400A1) by high-temperature aerosols flowing along the second region (400A2) can be reduced.

[0252] Between the second region (400A2) and the first region (400A1), the second power insulation member (322) of FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 may be disposed.

[0253] Meanwhile, the first filter segment (400a) of FIGS. 2a, FIGS. 2b, and FIGS. 8 may be implemented with the structure of FIGS. 11, and the second filter segment (400b) of FIGS. 2a, FIGS. 2b, and FIGS. 8 may not include the first region (400A1). This is because the second filter segment (400b) is positioned downstream of the cartridge (500), so the line connected to the power supply (11) and control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 2b and FIGS. 6 to 8 does not need to pass through the second filter segment (400b).

[0254] Below, we will examine the internal space of the cartridge (500) in detail.

[0255] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the filter segment and cartridge to show the aerosol flowing through the filter segment and cartridge.

[0256] Referring to FIG. 12, the cartridge (500) may include a chamber (C0), a cartridge heater (24), and a liquid delivery means (25). Since at least one of the components of the cartridge (500) (e.g., the cartridge heater (24)) is identical or similar to the one described above, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0257] The cartridge (500) can be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device (1). The cartridge (500) may include a coupling portion as shown in FIG. 3 and can be detachably coupled to the first filter segment (400a) and / or the second filter segment (400b) through the coupling method as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, if the cartridge (500) is damaged or malfunctions, only the cartridge (500) can be replaced, thereby reducing the maintenance costs of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0258] The cartridge (500) may be positioned between the first filter segment (400a) and the second filter segment (400b). Accordingly, the aerosol passing through the first filter segment (400a) may carry flavor or other types of aerosol as it passes through the cartridge (500).

[0259] The internal space of the cartridge (500) can be in communication with the first filter segment (400a) and the second filter segment (400b).

[0260] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) can heat an aerosol generating material absorbed by a liquid delivery means (25) using an ultrasonic method. To this end, the cartridge heater (24) may include a vibrator.

[0261] The vibrator can generate short-period vibrations. The vibrations generated from the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, for example, 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz. Due to the short-period vibrations generated from the vibrator, the aerosol-generating material may be vaporized and / or atomized to form an aerosol. For example, the control unit may control the current supplied to the vibrator so that the vibrator can vibrate at a predetermined frequency.

[0262] The vibrator may include, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic, which is a functional material capable of converting electrical and mechanical forces by generating electricity (voltage) by physical force (pressure) and, conversely, generating vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied. Therefore, vibration (physical force) is generated by the electricity applied to the vibrator, and such small physical vibrations can break down aerosol-generating materials into small particles and atomize them into aerosols.

[0263] The oscillator can be electrically connected to the circuit via a pogo pin or a C-clip. Thus, the oscillator can generate vibrations by receiving current from the pogo pin or the C-clip. However, the type of component connected to supply current to the oscillator is not limited to what is described above.

[0264] The cartridge (500) may further include a cartridge insulation member (510).

[0265] The cartridge insulating member (510) may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the cartridge (500). The cartridge insulating member (510) may block heat generated from the aerosol passing through the cartridge heater (24) and / or the cartridge (500) from being transferred to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). Accordingly, the heating efficiency of the cartridge heater (24) on the cartridge (500) may be increased, and burns to the user may be prevented when the user holds the cartridge (500).

[0266] In one embodiment, the cartridge insulation member (510) may include a material having thermal resistance and low thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the cartridge insulation member (510) may not be damaged by heat generated from the cartridge heater (24) and may not be transmitted to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) generated from the cartridge heater (24).

[0267] The cartridge insulation member (510) may include an insulating polymer material. For example, the cartridge insulation member (510) may include at least one material selected from polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and polycarbonate (PC).

[0268] The cartridge insulation member (510) may include at least one of a metal material such as steel, iron, nickel, aluminum, or tungsten, or a ceramic material.

[0269] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a cartridge based on line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12.

[0270] Referring to FIG. 13, the cartridge door (520) may be rotatably coupled to the cartridge body (501). The cartridge body (501) may be the body of the cartridge (500) and may accommodate a chamber (C0), a cartridge heater (24), and a liquid delivery means (25) inside. In the present disclosure, the chamber (C0), the cartridge heater (24), and the liquid delivery means (25) may be implemented as a single module.

[0271] As illustrated in FIG. 13, when the cartridge door (520) is closed, the user can open the cartridge door (520) by grasping a handle (not shown) placed on the cartridge door (520). Accordingly, the internal space of the cartridge (500) can be exposed to the outside.

[0272] When the cartridge door (520) is opened, the user can replace the chamber (C0), the cartridge heater (24), and the liquid delivery means (25). Afterward, the user can close the cartridge door (520) by grasping a handle (not shown) placed on the cartridge door (520).

[0273] The cartridge door (520) may be rotatably positioned through a hinge (510a) disposed on the cartridge body (501). Also, although not illustrated, the cartridge door (520) and / or the cartridge body (501) may include the cartridge insulation member (510) described in FIG. 12.

[0274] The cartridge (500) may include a first region (400A1) and a second region (400A2).

[0275] The first region (500A1) may be a region of the cartridge (500) through which a line connected to the power supply (11) and control unit (12) of FIGS. 1 to 2b and FIGS. 6 to 8 passes. The line passing through the first region (500A1) may be connected to the cartridge heater (24) of the cartridge (500).

[0276] The second region (500A2) may be the remaining region of the cartridge (500) through which the aerosol passes. Additionally, the second region (500A2) may accommodate a chamber (C0), a cartridge heater (24), and a liquid delivery means (25).

[0277] The second region (500A2) can be spatially separated from the first region (500A1). Accordingly, the likelihood of damage to the power supply (11) and control unit (12) lines contained in the first region (500A1) due to heat generated from the high-temperature aerosol and / or cartridge heater (24) flowing along the second region (500A2) can be reduced.

[0278] Between the second region (500A2) and the first region (500A1), a second power insulation member (322) of FIGS. 6 and 7 may be disposed. A hole may be formed in the second power insulation member (322) through which a line connected to a power source (11) and a control unit (12) passes.

[0279] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0280] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, it means that even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0281] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0282] 1: Aerosol generating device 11: Power 12: Control unit 18: Heater 18a: Coil 18b: Heating part 20: Mouthpiece 24: Cartridge Heater 25: Chamber 100: Heating segment 110: Heating door 120: Heating insulation member 150: Joint 150a: Pass-through hole 170: Movement Space 180: Moving hole 190: Additional insulation member 200: Medium part 210: Insertion hole 300: Power Segment 300a: Power segment 300b: Control segment 310: Passage section 320: Power insulation member 321: 1st Power Insulation Member 322: Second power insulation member 350: Joint 350a: Pass-through hole 370: Insert 400: Filter segment 400a: 1st filter segment 400b: 2nd filter segment 401: Filter section 410: Filter door 500: Cartridge C0: Chamber 510: Cartridge insulation component 520: Cartridge Door 300A1, 400A1, 500A1: First area 300A2, 400A2, 500A2: Second Zone

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating segment comprising a heater that heats a medium portion containing a first aerosol generating material and to which the medium portion is detachably coupled; a power segment connected to the heating segment, comprising a power source that supplies power to the heater and a control unit that controls the operation of the power source; a filter segment connected to the power segment, comprising a plurality of filter materials; and a cartridge connected to the filter segment, comprising a chamber in which a second aerosol generating material is stored and a cartridge heater that heats the second aerosol generating material stored in the chamber. Claim 2 In claim 1, an aerosol generating device in which one end of the heating segment is open. Claim 3 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the medium portion includes an insertion hole into which the heater is inserted and which extends along the longitudinal direction, and the heater heats the medium portion while inserted into the insertion hole. Claim 4 In claim 1, the heating segment is an aerosol generating device detachably coupled to the power segment. Claim 5 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating segment comprises a heating door that opens and closes one end of the heating segment. Claim 6 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater comprises a coil that is heated by receiving power from the power source, and a heating part disposed to surround the coil and receiving heat generated from the coil. Claim 7 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating segment comprises a heating insulating member arranged along the circumferential direction of the heater. Claim 8 In claim 1, the medium portion comprises a biodegradable material, an aerosol generating device. Claim 9 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power segment further comprises a passage portion through which an aerosol generated in the heating segment passes, the power segment being connected to the heating segment and the filter segment. Claim 10 In claim 9, the power segment comprises a first region accommodating the power source and the control unit, and a second region separated from the first region and accommodating the pass-through unit, in an aerosol generating device. Claim 11 In claim 10, the power segment further comprises a power insulation member disposed between the first region and the second region, an aerosol generating device. Claim 12 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power segment comprises a power segment including the power source and a control segment including the control unit, the control segment is disposed between the heating segment and the filter segment, the power segment is connected to the heating segment on the opposite side of the control segment, and the heating segment further comprises a heating door that opens and closes the side of the heating segment. Claim 13 In claim 12, the heater is an aerosol generating device in which the heating segment is arranged to be movable along an extended longitudinal direction and moves based on the operation of opening and closing the heating door. Claim 14 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the filter segment comprises a first filter segment and a second filter segment having different filter materials arranged with the cartridge in between. Claim 15 An aerosol generation system comprising: a heating segment including a heater that is heated by receiving power; a medium portion including a first aerosol generating material heated by said heater and detachably coupled to said heater; a power segment connected to said heating segment, including a power source that supplies power to said heater and a control portion that controls the operation of said power source; a filter segment including a plurality of filter materials and connected to said power segment; and a cartridge including a chamber in which a second aerosol generating material is stored and a cartridge heater that heats said second aerosol generating material stored in said chamber, and connected to said filter segment.

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