Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a cartridge including a chamber storing a liquid aerosol-generating material; a sensor portion disposed on an inner side surface of the chamber and including a common electrode and at least one level electrode; and a controller calculating an amount of the liquid aerosol-generating material in the chamber on the basis of the presence or absence of electrical conduction between the common electrode and detection electrodes.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device comprising a liquid cartridge.

[0002] An aerosol generating device is designed to extract a specific component from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain various components. The components contained in the medium may be flavoring substances of various components. For example, the components contained in the medium may include nicotine, herbal ingredients, and / or coffee ingredients. Recently, extensive research has been conducted on such aerosol generating devices.

[0003] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of precisely measuring the volume of a liquid contained inside a cartridge.

[0004] The problems to be solved through the examples are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the examples belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0005] An aerosol generating device of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cartridge including a chamber for storing a liquid aerosol generating substance, a sensor unit disposed on an inner side of the chamber and including a common electrode and at least one level electrode, and a control unit for calculating the amount of the liquid aerosol generating substance in the chamber based on whether there is electrical connection between the common electrode and the detection electrodes.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge including a chamber for storing a liquid aerosol generating substance, a sensor unit including at least one strain gauge disposed on an outer wall of the chamber and detecting a change in resistance corresponding to a deformation of the outer wall, and a control unit for calculating an amount of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber based on the changed resistance.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention can measure the remaining amount of liquid contained inside a cartridge using a level sensor or a strain gauge.

[0008] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0012] Figures 4 and 5 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes.

[0013] Figures 6a to 6c are schematic diagrams illustrating a cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the positional relationship between a common electrode and a plurality of level electrodes and a liquid level detection method according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 8a is a drawing showing one aspect of a sensor unit including a strain gauge according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8b is a drawing showing another aspect of a sensor unit including a strain gauge according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cartridge according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the positional relationship of a plurality of strain gauges and a method for detecting a liquid level according to one embodiment.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing numbers may be used for similar or related components.

[0019] The suffixes "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A "module" or "unit" may be a component configured integrally, or a minimum unit of the component that performs one or more functions, or a part thereof. For example, a "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0020] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0022] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0023] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (170)) readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (100)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit (120)) of the machine (e.g., an aerosol generating device (100)) may call at least one command among the one or more instructions stored from 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 command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0025] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (100) can be defined based on the 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 (100). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (100). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a power source (110), a control unit (120), a sensor unit (130), an output unit (140), an input unit (150), a communication unit (160), a memory (170), and / or a heater (180, 240). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0028] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (130) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (100) or the status around the aerosol generating device (100) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (120). For example, the sensor unit (130) 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 movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (130) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid remaining amount sensor for detecting the liquid remaining amount of the cartridge, and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0029] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (180, 240) is heated. The aerosol generating device (100) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (180, 240), or the heater (180, 240) itself may function as a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance of the heater (180). The impedance of the heater (180) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (180). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (180) (or the induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of the heater (180) may be calculated. The control unit (120) may estimate the temperature of the heater (180) based on the calculated impedance.

[0030] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (180, 240). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the control unit (120) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (180, 240) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0031] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (180, 240). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (180, 240), and the control unit (120) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (180, 240) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0032] In one embodiment, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (110). The temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (110). For example, the temperature sensor can be attached to one surface of the power source (110) (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (100) can include a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor can be positioned adjacent to the power source (110) together with the power protection circuit.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (100) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0034] In one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect a user's puff.

[0035] 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 (100), and the control unit (120) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (100) may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (100).

[0036] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user puffs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating product is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (180, 240), etc. The control unit (120) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc., output from the temperature sensor.

[0037] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a 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 (120) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0038] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user puffs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and thus, the permittivity within the insertion space may change. The control unit (120) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0039] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0040] In one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating item. The insertion detection sensor can be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor can include any combination of the examples described above.

[0041] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted or removed within the insertion space, the permittivity around the conductor may change. The control unit (120) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0042] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the 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, a change in a magnetic field may occur around the current-carrying coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space. The control unit (120) 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 the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol-generating article) may include a susceptor (SUS). Even in this case, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like within the insertion space, and the control unit (120) may also detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0043] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. In one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressure by an aerosol-generating article.

[0044] In one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article has been 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 color change may occur in a portion of a wrapper surrounding the exterior 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., a wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. If a color change in a portion of the wrapper is detected, the control unit (120) may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is over-humidified. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor can include a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor can include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (120) can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is over-humidified based on the level of a signal corresponding to a permittivity or the like output from the capacitive sensor. For example, the control unit (120) can check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

[0046] In one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol generating article is genuine and / or detect the type of aerosol generating article.

[0047] For example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light in a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit (120) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

[0048] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The permittivity within the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (120) may detect the authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-generating product based on a signal corresponding to the permittivity within the insertion space output from the capacitive sensor.

[0049] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. When a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or the interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space may differ depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (120) may detect whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0050] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented with various sensors to detect the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product and / or the type of aerosol-generating product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0051] In one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may 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.

[0052] In one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor can 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 can include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (100), or covers at least a portion of a housing of the aerosol generating device (100). The cap detection sensor can output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on or removed from the housing, and the control unit (120) can detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (100). The motion detection sensor can be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (130) may further include, in addition to the aforementioned sensors, at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the output unit (140) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (100). The output unit (140) can include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an audio output unit. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (100) can include a charging / discharging status of the power supply (110) of the aerosol generating device (100), a preheating status of the heater (180, 240), an insertion / removal status of an aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge, a mounting and / or removal status of a cap, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (100) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display can visually provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device (100) to the user. For example, the display may include a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting element, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display may also be used as an input unit (150) if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit may provide tactile information about the status of the aerosol generating device (100) to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit may provide audibly information about the aerosol generating device (100) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the power source (110) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (100). The power source (110) can include one or more batteries. The power source (110) can supply power so that the heater (180, 240) can be heated. In addition, the power source (110) can also supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (100), such as the control unit (120), the sensor unit (130), the output unit (140), the input unit (150), the communication unit (160), and the memory (170). The power source (110) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (110) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (110) can also be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in the battery compartment provided within the aerosol generating device (100) or may be removed from the battery compartment. The removable battery may be charged by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0057] In one embodiment, the heater (180, 240) may receive power from the power source (110) to heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or the aerosol generating material within the cartridge. The aerosol generating device (100) may include a heater (180) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (240) for heating the cartridge (i.e., the solid and / or liquid medium).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the heater (180, 240) may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the electrically resistive heater may include an electrically 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 electrically resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0059] In one embodiment, the heater (180, 240) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the induction heating 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 may penetrate the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of the eddy current. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be included within an aerosol generating article (e.g., a medium portion). In this case, the susceptor included within the aerosol generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0060] The heater (180, 240) is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the input unit (150) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (150) can include a touch panel, a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the memory (170) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (100), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (120). For example, the memory (170) 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.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (170) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (100), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (160) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (160) 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., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the control unit (120) can include at least one processor. The control unit (120) can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller unit (MCU) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed in such an MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the control unit (120) can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can control the temperature of the heater (180, 240) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (110) to the heater (180, 240). The control unit (120) can control the temperature of the heater (180, 240) and / or the power supplied to the heater (180, 240) based on the temperature of the heater (180, 240) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (130)). The control unit (120) can control the temperature of the heater (180, 240) and / or the power supplied to the heater (180, 240) based on a temperature profile and / or a power profile stored in the memory (170).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can control power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (180, 240) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (180, 240) and the power source (110). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (180, 240), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an 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, a power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can control the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (180, 240) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power source (110).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the power supplied to the heater (180, 240) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (120) may control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (180, 240) using the PWM method. The control unit (120) may control the power supplied to the heater (180, 240) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (120) may determine a target temperature, which is a target of control, based on a temperature profile. The control unit (120) can control the power supplied to the heater (180, 240) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (180, 240) 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.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can determine a target power that serves as a control target based on the power profile. The control unit (120) can also control the power supplied to the heater (180, 240) to correspond to the preset target power over time.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (180, 240). More specifically, the control unit (120) can control the power supplied to the heater (180, 240) using a PID method. When the user's puff is generated, a temporary temperature drop may occur in a space where an aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, referred to as the insertion space), the heater (180, 240), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (180, 240) during the PID method of power control. The control unit (120) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0071] In one embodiment, the control unit (120) can prevent the heater (180, 240) from overheating. For example, the control unit (120) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (180, 240) or to stop supplying power to the heater (180, 240) based on the temperature of the heater (180, 240) exceeding a preset limit temperature.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can control charging and discharging of the power source (110). For example, the control unit (120) can check the temperature of the power source (110) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (130)). If the temperature of the power source (110) is higher than a first limit temperature, the control unit (120) can block charging of the power source (110). If the temperature of the power source (110) is higher than a second limit temperature, the control unit (120) can stop use (e.g., discharging) of power stored in the power source (110). The control unit (120) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (110). For example, the control unit (120) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (110) based on voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (110).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (130).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) based on the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (120) may control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) if it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (130)). The control unit (120) may cut off the power supply to the heater (180, 240) if it is determined that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (130)). The control unit (120) may also determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (180, 240) is equal to or higher than a limited temperature or when a temperature change slope of the heater (180, 240) is equal to or higher than a set slope.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (180, 240) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humidified state using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (130)), the control unit (120) may increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heater (180, 240).

[0076] In one embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) based on whether the aerosol generating article has been reused. For example, the control unit (120) may cut off the power supply to the heater (180, 240) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been used.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the cartridge is coupled and / or removed using a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (130)), the control unit (120) can stop the power supply to the heater (180, 240) or control the power not to be supplied to the heater (180, 240).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) based on whether the aerosol generating substance of the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the temperature of the heater (180, 240) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (180, 240) (i.e., during the preheating period), the control unit (120) may determine that the aerosol generating substance of the cartridge has been exhausted. If the control unit (120) determines that the aerosol generating substance of the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit (120) may cut off the power supply to the heater (180, 240).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) based on whether the cartridge is available for use. For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (170), the control unit (120) may determine that the cartridge is unusable. Alternatively, the control unit (120) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the heater (180, 240) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the heater (180, 240) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (120) may stop the power supply to the heater (180, 240) or control that power is not supplied to the heater (180, 240).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (120) may determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (130)). The control unit (120) may cut off the power supply to the heater (180, 240) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and / or when no puffs are detected for a preset period of time. The control unit (120) may also control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) when a puff is detected.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) based on whether the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine and / or the type thereof. For example, the control unit (120) may detect whether the aerosol generating article is genuine and / or the type thereof using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (130)). For example, if the control unit (120) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the control unit (120) may cut off the power supply to the heater (180, 240). If the control unit (120) detects that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is genuine, the control unit (120) may control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (180, 240). As another example, the control unit (120) may control the power supply to the heater (180, 240) differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating article (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (120) may control the temperature and / or power of the heater (180, 240) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and may control the temperature and / or power of the heater (180, 240) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected as a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may control the output unit (140) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (130). For example, the control unit (120) may control the output unit (140) to visually, tactilely, and / or audibly provide information that the aerosol generating device (100) is about to be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit (130)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (120) may also control the output unit (140) to visually, tactilely, and / or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater (180, 240).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (170) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater (180, 240), detection of application of overvoltage to the heater (180, 240), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, turning the aerosol generating device (100) on / off, initiation of charging of the power source (110), detection of overcharging of the power source (110), termination of charging of the power source (110), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (130)). For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a heater (180, 240), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater (180, 240), the voltage applied to the heater (180, 240), the current flowing through the heater (180, 240), and the like.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can control the communication unit (160) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (100) when authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number identifying the user, whether the user has completed authentication, etc.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (100) to an external device via a communication link (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (110), operating mode, etc.). The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0087] According to one embodiment, when a request for location search of the aerosol generating device (100) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (120) may control the output unit (140) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (120) may control the haptic unit to generate vibration or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device via a communication link.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (120) may transmit data on sensing values ​​of at least one sensor unit (130) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (120) may perform operations such as determining a user's suction pattern and generating a temperature profile using the learning model received from the server.

[0090] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (100) 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 (110) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power supply (110). The aerosol generating device (100) may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (110) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0091] The aerosol generating article referred to in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater (180) may be arranged to correspond to the 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 also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and / or an organic acid, and may also include various other substances. 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 cut tobacco, granules, powder, etc. In one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline material. Based on the alkaline material, the nicotine of the tobacco material included in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline 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. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, and the two or more aerosol-generating rods may each include a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be individually and / or integrally wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as a stick.

[0092] The cartridge referred to in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating material having any one of the following states: 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 including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be 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 impregnating (containing) the aerosol-generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (240) may be included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or winding) the liquid delivery means, or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (240) may be included in an aerosol-generating device (100) that is separable from the cartridge.

[0093] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a housing (10), a power source (110), a control unit (120), and / or a sensor unit (130). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components included in the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may include a structure on one side into which a cartridge (20) is inserted or mounted. In this case, the cartridge (20) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10).

[0096] Although not shown, the housing (10) and / or cartridge (20) may include a mouthpiece. The user may place the mouthpiece in their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (20) may include a chamber (C0) containing an aerosol generating material. The chamber (C0) may contain the aerosol generating material in any one of 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 including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

[0098] According to one embodiment, a liquid delivery means (25) impregnating (containing) an aerosol generating material may be included in the cartridge (20). For example, the liquid delivery means (25) may impregnate an aerosol generating material supplied from the chamber (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means (25) may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. Although not shown, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a liquid delivery means. In this case, at least a portion of the first liquid delivery means of the cartridge (20) and at least a portion of the second liquid delivery means of the aerosol generating device (100) may be formed to contact each other. In this case, the first liquid delivery means and the second liquid delivery means may be implemented in different forms. For example, the first liquid delivery means may include cotton fiber, and the second liquid delivery means may include porous ceramic. Alternatively, the cartridge (20) may not include a liquid delivery means, and the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (20) may be transferred to the liquid delivery means of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) and / or the cartridge (20) may be provided with airflow channels through which air flows.

[0100] For example, the housing (10) may include a structure through which outside air can be introduced into the interior of the housing (10) when the cartridge (20) is coupled. For example, an air inlet through which outside air can be introduced into the interior of the housing (10) may be formed on one side of the aerosol housing (10). The air inlet may also be formed on the lower surface of the housing (10). Outside air introduced into the interior of the housing (10) through the air inlet may pass through the cartridge (20) and then flow toward the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN). Outside air introduced through the air inlet hole may pass through the cartridge (20) and flow toward the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0101] For example, an airflow channel (CN) may be included in the cartridge (20). The airflow channel (CN) may connect a chamber (e.g., an atomizing chamber) in which a cartridge heater (240) or a liquid delivery means (25) is disposed, and the outside of the housing (10) and / or the cartridge (20). More specifically, one end of the airflow channel (CN) may be opened to the chamber (e.g., an atomizing chamber) in which the cartridge heater (240) or the liquid delivery means (25) is disposed, and the other end may be in communication with a mouthpiece. The airflow channel (CN) may extend longitudinally from one side of the chamber (C0) of the cartridge (20) along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (20). The airflow channel (CN) may also extend longitudinally along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (20) by penetrating the chamber (C0) of the cartridge (20). The airflow channel (CN) may also communicate with a mouthpiece separately provided in the housing (10).

[0102] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (240) can heat the aerosol generating material included in the cartridge (20). For example, the cartridge heater (240) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater. As an example, the electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as a current flows through the electrically resistive material. As another example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol generating device (100) can further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heater. The induction heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (240) can be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means included in the cartridge (20) and / or the aerosol generating device (100) and / or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (240) may be included in the cartridge (20). If the cartridge (20) is detachable from the housing (10), the cartridge heater (240) may be detachable from the aerosol generating device (100) together with the cartridge (20). Differently from the drawing, the cartridge heater (240) may also be included in the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the cartridge heater (240) may be included inside the housing (10). Meanwhile, the cartridge heater (240) may be included in a detachable form from the housing (10) separately from the cartridge (20) (i.e., independently). In other words, the cartridge heater (240) may or may not be detachable from the housing (10), regardless of whether the cartridge (20) is detached.

[0104] According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on heat generation from a cartridge heater (240). As the liquid delivery means (25) is heated by the cartridge heater (240), an aerosol may be generated. For example, as an aerosol generating material impregnated in the liquid delivery means (25) is heated by the cartridge heater (240), vapor may be generated from the aerosol generating material, and as the generated vapor is mixed with external air introduced into the cartridge (20), an aerosol may be generated. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (240) may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (20) may be formed integrally with the aerosol generating device (100) (e.g., the housing (10)). The cartridge (20) may be formed so that it cannot be separated from the aerosol generating device (100) by a user. Even in this case, the cartridge (20) and / or the aerosol generating device (100) may include at least one liquid delivery means, and an aerosol is generated based on heating the liquid delivery means (25) by a cartridge heater (240) included in the aerosol generating device (100) or the cartridge (20), and the generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0106] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a housing (10), a power source (110), a control unit (120), a sensor unit (130), and / or a heater (183, 240) (e.g., the heater (180, 240) of FIG. 1). However, those skilled in the art will understand that the components included in the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 3, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. In the drawings below, any description overlapping with that of FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide an upper-open space (hereinafter, “insertion space”) into which a cigarette (2) may be inserted. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the housing (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the cigarette (2) may be inserted. The lower end of the cigarette (2) may be inserted into the inside of the housing (10), and the upper end of the cigarette (2) may protrude outside the housing (10).

[0109] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge (19) may provide an insertion space for accommodating a cigarette (2). In this case, the insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the interior of the cartridge (19) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the cigarette (2) can be inserted. The lower end of the cigarette (2) may be inserted into the interior of the cartridge (19), and the upper end of the cigarette (2) may protrude outside the cartridge (19). Furthermore, in this case, the aerosol generating device (100) may not include a heater (183).

[0110] In one embodiment, the depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the area containing the aerosol generating material and / or medium in the cigarette (2). The user may place the exposed upper end of the cigarette (2) in his mouth and inhale air.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) can heat the cigarette (2). The heater (183) can extend upwardly around the space (i.e., the insertion space) into which the cigarette (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (183) can be in the form of a tube (e.g., a cylindrical shape) having a hollow space therein. The heater (183) can have a shape that includes a hollow space on the inside and surrounds the hollow space. In this case, the heater (183) can be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film can be referred to as a film heater. The heater (183) can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater (183) can heat the outside of the cigarette (2) inserted into the hollow space. In the present disclosure, the heater (183) may be referred to as an external heating type heater that heats the outside of the cigarette (2). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the heater (183). Through this, the heat radiating from the heater (183) in an outward direction and applied to the outside of the housing (10) can be reduced.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0113] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as current flows through the electrically resistive material. In this case, the electrical resistance heater can be electrically connected to a power source (110) and can directly generate heat by receiving current from the power source (110).

[0114] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include an induction coil (not shown) that surrounds at least a portion of the heater (183) (e.g., is disposed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater (183). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator or the like may be further included on the outside of the induction coil (not shown) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown).

[0115] In one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the cigarette (2). The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods, respectively (respectively). Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol generating rod, respectively. Meanwhile, when the heater (183) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (100) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may respectively be disposed at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of one heater (183). In addition, three or more heaters and / or induction coils may be included.

[0116] Unlike the drawing, the aerosol generating device (100) may not include a heater (183). The cigarette (2) may be heated directly or indirectly by the cartridge heater (240), or may not be substantially heated. Indirect heating may mean that the cigarette (2) is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (240) as it passes through the cigarette (2). In this case, the aerosol generating device (100) may be referred to as a non-heating (or indirect heating) aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating rod of the cigarette (2) may include an additive such as a basic substance. Based on this basic substance, the nicotine contained in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This basic nicotine can flow into the user's mouth together with the aerosol flowing into the cigarette (2) from the cartridge (19) described below.

[0117] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the heater (183) may include an internal heating heater. For example, the internal heating heater may include various heating elements, such as a rod-shaped or tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, or a needle-shaped heating element. The internal heating heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the cigarette (2) and may be configured to heat the inside of the cigarette (2).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10). For example, a space may be formed on one side of the housing (10), and at least a portion of the cartridge (19) may be inserted into the space formed on one side of the housing (10) so that the cartridge (19) may be mounted on the housing (10). Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the housing (10).

[0119] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) and / or the cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure through which air can be introduced from the outside into the interior of the housing (10) when the cartridge (19) is inserted. The introduced air can pass through the cartridge (19) and enter the insertion space through the airflow channel (CN) and flow into the user's oral cavity. The airflow channel (CN) may include various structures to reduce residual droplets or facilitate airflow.

[0120] In Fig. 3, the cartridge (19) is positioned laterally relative to the cigarette (2), and the airflow channel (CN) is formed from the side of the cigarette (2) to the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the cigarette (2), but the positions of the cartridge (19) and the airflow channel (CN) are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge (19) may be positioned adjacent to the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the cigarette (2), and in this case, the airflow channel (CN) may be formed in a substantially straight shape to connect the cartridge (19) and the lower end (i.e., the upstream side) of the cigarette (2).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a chamber (C0) containing an aerosol generating material, a cartridge heater (240), and / or a liquid delivery means impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material. The liquid delivery means (25) may impregnate the 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.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (240) can heat an aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19). For example, the cartridge heater (240) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0123] For example, an electrical resistance heater includes an electrically resistive material and can be heated as a current flows through the electrically resistive material. As another example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating type heater. The induction heating type heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (240) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or winds) a liquid delivery means and / or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means.

[0124] Unlike the illustration, the cartridge heater (240) may be included in the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the cartridge heater (240) may be included inside the housing (10). In this case, the cartridge (19) and the cartridge heater (240) may be separated by removing the cartridge (19).

[0125] In one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on heat generation from a cartridge heater (240). For example, vapor may be generated from an aerosol generating material impregnated in a liquid delivery means as the aerosol generating material is heated by the cartridge heater (240), and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with outside air introduced into the cartridge (19). The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (240) may be introduced into the cigarette (2) through the airflow channel (CN). Tobacco or a flavoring material may be added to the aerosol as it passes through the cigarette (2), and the aerosol added with the tobacco or flavoring material may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the cigarette (2).

[0126] Hereinafter, examples of cigarettes (2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0127] Figures 4 and 5 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 4, the cigarette (2) includes a tobacco rod (21) and a filter rod (22).

[0129] Although the filter rod (22) is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 4, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod (22) may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod (22) may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained within the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod (22) may further include at least one segment that performs a different function, if necessary.

[0130] The diameter of the cigarette (2) is within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length may be about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod (21) may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod (22) may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod (22) may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod (22) may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0131] A cigarette (2) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (24). The wrapper (24) may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. As an example, the cigarette (2) may be wrapped by one wrapper (24). As another example, the cigarette (2) may be wrapped by two or more wrappers (24) in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod (21) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (241), and the filter rod (22) may be wrapped by wrappers (242, 243, 244). In addition, the entire cigarette (2) may be re-wrapped by a single wrapper (245). If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by wrappers (242, 243, 244).

[0132] The first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be porous paper or non-porous paper. Additionally, the first wrapper (241) and the second wrapper (242) may be made of oil-resistant paper and / or aluminum composite packaging material.

[0133] The third wrapper (243) may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper (243) may be within the range of 88 g / m2 to 96 g / m2, and preferably within the range of 90 g / m2 to 94 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper (243) may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0134] The fourth wrapper (244) may be manufactured from a hard, oil-resistant paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (244) may be within the range of 88 g / m2 to 96 g / m2, and preferably within the range of 90 g / m2 to 94 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (244) may be within the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, and preferably 125 μm.

[0135] The fifth wrapper (245) may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (245) may be within the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2, and preferably 60 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (245) may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0136] The fifth wrapper (245) may be coated with a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicone, any material having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper (245) without limitation.

[0137] The fifth wrapper (245) can prevent the cigarette (2) from burning. For example, if the tobacco rod (21) is heated by the heater (13), there is a possibility that the cigarette (2) will burn. Specifically, if the temperature rises above the ignition point of any of the materials contained in the tobacco rod (21), the cigarette (2) may burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper (245) includes a non-combustible material, the cigarette (2) can be prevented from burning.

[0138] In addition, the fifth wrapper (245) can prevent the aerosol generating device (100) from being contaminated by substances generated from the cigarette (2). Liquid substances may be generated within the cigarette (2) by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated when the aerosol generated from the cigarette (2) is cooled by external air. As the fifth wrapper (245) wraps the cigarette (2), liquid substances generated within the cigarette (2) can be prevented from leaking out of the cigarette (2).

[0139] The tobacco rod (21) contains an aerosol-generating substance. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod (21) may contain other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring agent, such as menthol or a humectant, may be added to the tobacco rod (21) by spraying it onto the tobacco rod (21).

[0140] The tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a sheet or a strand. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (21) can be manufactured as a cut tobacco sheet. Furthermore, the tobacco rod (21) can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can evenly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod (21) to improve the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. Furthermore, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (21) can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not illustrated in the drawing, the tobacco rod (21) may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the exterior.

[0141] The filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (22). For example, the filter rod (22) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. In addition, the filter rod (22) may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod (22) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0142] The first segment of the filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure including a hollow space therein. When the heater (13) is inserted through the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod (21) may be prevented from being pushed back, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may also be generated. The diameter of the hollow space included in the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0143] The length of the first segment may be any length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0144] The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by adjusting the content of the plasticizer during the manufacturing of the first segment. In addition, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure, such as a film or tube, of the same or different material into the interior (e.g., hollow).

[0145] The second segment of the filter rod (22) cools the aerosol generated by the heater (13) heating the tobacco rod (21). Accordingly, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0146] The length or diameter of the second segment may vary depending on the shape of the cigarette (2). For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately selected within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be approximately 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0147] The second segment can be manufactured by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, a flavoring agent may be applied to the polymer fibers. Alternatively, the second segment can be manufactured by weaving together a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent and a polymer fiber. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

[0148] For example, the polymer may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0149] As the second segment is formed by a woven polymer fiber or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels. Here, a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or an aerosol) passes.

[0150] For example, the second segment made of a compressed polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Furthermore, the total surface area of ​​the second segment can be between about 300 mm2 / mm and about 1000 mm2 / mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area of ​​between about 10 mm2 / mg and about 100 mm2 / mg.

[0151] Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavoring component. Here, the volatile flavoring component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be filled with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide the second segment with at least 1.5 mg of menthol.

[0152] The third segment of the filter rod (22) may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be suitably selected within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be approximately 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0153] During the manufacturing process of the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured to generate a flavor by spraying a flavoring agent onto the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated from the tobacco rod (21) is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod (22), and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of enhancing the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be produced.

[0154] Additionally, the filter rod (22) may include at least one capsule (23). Here, the capsule (23) may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule (23) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is wrapped in a film. The capsule (23) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 5, the cigarette (3) may further include a shear plug (33). The shear plug (33) may be positioned on one side of the tobacco rod (31) facing the filter rod (32). The shear plug (33) may prevent the tobacco rod (31) from escaping to the outside, and may prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod (31) from flowing into the aerosol generating device (1 of FIGS. 1 to 3) during smoking.

[0156] The filter load (32) may include a first segment (321) and a second segment (322). Here, the first segment (321) may correspond to the first segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 4, and the second segment (322) may correspond to the third segment of the filter load (22) of FIG. 4.

[0157] The diameter and overall length of the cigarette (3) may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette (2) of Fig. 4. For example, the length of the shear plug (33) may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod (31) may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment (321) may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment (322) may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0158] The cigarette (3) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (35). The wrapper (35) may have at least one hole formed therein through which external air may flow in or internal gas may flow out. For example, the shear plug (33) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (351), the tobacco rod (31) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (352), the first segment (321) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (353), and the second segment (322) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (354). In addition, the entire cigarette (3) may be repackaged by a fifth wrapper (355).

[0159] Additionally, at least one perforation (36) may be formed in the fifth wrapper (355). For example, the perforation (36) may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod (31), but is not limited thereto. The perforation (36) may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater (13) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the interior of the tobacco rod (31).

[0160] Additionally, the second segment (322) may include at least one capsule (34). Here, the capsule (34) may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule (34) may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavor is encapsulated in a film. The capsule (34) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] The first wrapper (351) may be a general filter paper combined with a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper (351) may be within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper (351) may be within a range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the first wrapper (351) may be within a range of 50 g / m2 to 55 g / m2, and preferably 53 g / m2.

[0162] The second wrapper (352) and the third wrapper (353) can be made of general filter paper. For example, the second wrapper (352) and the third wrapper (353) can be porous paper or non-porous paper.

[0163] For example, the porosity of the second wrapper (352) may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper (352) may be within the range of 70 um to 80 um, and preferably may be 78 um. In addition, the basis weight of the second wrapper (352) may be within the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2, and preferably may be 23.5 g / m2.

[0164] For example, the porosity of the third wrapper (353) may be, but is not limited to, 24000 CU. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper (353) may be within the range of 60 um to 70 um, and preferably may be 68 um. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper (353) may be within the range of 20 g / m2 to 25 g / m2, and preferably may be 21 g / m2.

[0165] The fourth wrapper (354) may be made of PLA paper. Here, the PLA paper refers to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (354) may be within the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably 110 μm. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (354) may be within the range of 80 g / m2 to 100 g / m2, and preferably 88 g / m2.

[0166] The fifth wrapper (355) may be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to paper specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc. compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper (355) may be within the range of 57 g / m2 to 63 g / m2, and preferably 60 g / m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (355) may be within the range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

[0167] The fifth wrapper (355) may be coated with a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicone, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicone has properties such as heat resistance with little change depending on temperature, oxidation resistance without oxidation, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicone, any material having the aforementioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper (355) without limitation.

[0168] The shear plug (33) may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the shear plug (33) may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be within a range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within a range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug (33) may be 5.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments constituting the shear plug (33) may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug (33) may be within a range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably within a range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug (33) may be 28000.

[0169] Additionally, if necessary, the shear plug (33) may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various ways.

[0170] The tobacco rod (31) may correspond to the tobacco rod (21) described above with reference to FIG. 4. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod (31) is omitted below.

[0171] The first segment (321) may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment (321) may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment (321) may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug (33).

[0172] The second segment (322) may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment (322) may be within a range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within a range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment (322) may be 9.0. In addition, the cross-section of the filaments of the second segment (322) may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment (322) may be within a range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

[0173] FIGS. 6A to 6C are schematic diagrams for explaining a cartridge according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between a common electrode and a plurality of level electrodes and a liquid level detection method according to one embodiment. In this case, the cartridge (20) illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C may correspond to the cartridge (20) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Hereinafter, overlapping content will be omitted, and the description will focus on the common electrode (CE) and level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3).

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 6a to 6c, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may include a housing (10) and a cartridge (20).

[0175] A cartridge (20) may include a chamber (C0), a common electrode (CE), level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3), a liquid delivery means (25), and a cartridge heater (240). At this time, the common electrode (CE) and the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3) are components of a sensor unit (not shown) for measuring the liquid level in the chamber (CO).

[0176] The chamber (C0) can store a liquid aerosol generating substance therein. The chamber (C0) can be detachably coupled to the housing (10) of the aerosol generating device (100) or can be formed integrally within the housing (10) of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0177] The liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) can be heated by a cartridge heater (240). A liquid delivery means (25) can be connected to the chamber (C0). The liquid delivery means (25) can receive liquid from the chamber (C0). The liquid aerosol generating material can be impregnated within the liquid delivery means (25). The cartridge heater (240) can be electrically connected to a power source (110) and / or a control unit (120). The cartridge heater (240) can heat the liquid aerosol generating material within the liquid delivery means (25).

[0178] The chamber (C0) may include a common electrode (CE) on its inner side and a plurality of level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3). In one embodiment, the common electrode (CE) and the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3) may be made of titanium to enhance corrosion resistance.

[0179] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 7, the common electrode (CE) and the plurality of level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3) may be arranged on one side of the chamber (C0) so that they face each other, while the common electrode (CE) is arranged on the other side of the chamber (C0).

[0180] The common electrode (CE) is a rod-shaped electrode extending from the bottom surface (20B) of the chamber (C0) toward the top surface (20T) of the chamber (C0), and can be placed on one side within the chamber (C0).

[0181] However, this is merely an example, and the shape and size of the cross-section of the common electrode (CE) and the length can be varied. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the common electrode (CE) is an electrode having the same shape and size as the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3), and can be placed in an area on the bottom surface (20B) of the chamber (C0).

[0182] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6c, the common electrode (CE) may be placed on the entire area on the bottom surface (20B) of the chamber (C0) except for the portion overlapping with the liquid delivery means (25).

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7, each of the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, and LE3) is an electrode that is spaced apart from each other and can be spaced apart from each other at a certain interval on the other side of the chamber (C0) along the longitudinal direction of the chamber (C0). For example, the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, and LE3) can be sequentially arranged as a first level electrode (LE1), a second level electrode (LE2), and a third level electrode (LE3) from the bottom surface (20B) of the chamber (C0) toward the top surface (20T) of the chamber (C0). At this time, the shortest distance between the bottom of the common electrode (CE) and the bottom surface (20B) of the chamber (C0) can be substantially the same as the shortest distance between the bottom of the first level electrode (LE1) and the bottom surface (20B) of the chamber (C0).

[0184] The cross-sectional shape of the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3) may have a rectangular shape having a short side in the longitudinal direction of the chamber (C0) and a long side in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber (C0). However, this is merely exemplary, and the shape, size, and length of each cross-section of the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3) may be variously modified. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3) may also have a circular shape.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 6c, as another example, when the common electrode (CE) is arranged on at least one area on the bottom surface (20B) of the chamber (C0), the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3) may be arranged in a ring shape (not shown) along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber (C0) on the side surface within the chamber (C0).

[0186] Referring again to FIGS. 6A and 7, the cartridge (20) may be provided with a second connection terminal (E2) on one side of the surface where it is coupled with the housing (10). The second connection terminal (E2) may be electrically connected to the common electrode (CE) and the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3). At this time, the common electrode (CE) and the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3) are mutually insulated. When the cartridge (20) is coupled with the housing (10), the second connection terminal (E2) may be electrically connected to the first connection terminal (E1) of the housing (10). The first connection terminal (E1) may be provided on one side of the surface where the housing (10) is coupled with the cartridge (20). The sensor unit (or common electrode (CE) and level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3)) can be electrically connected to the control unit (120) via the first connection terminal (E1) and the second connection terminal (E2).

[0187] The control unit (120) can activate the sensor unit (or the common electrode (CE) and the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3)) and receive a signal output from the sensor unit (or the common electrode (CE) and the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3)). The signal output from the sensor unit (or the common electrode (CE) and the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3)) can be an analog signal or a digital signal. The control unit (120) can calculate whether there is conduction between the common electrode (CE) and at least one of the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3) based on the signal received from the sensor unit (or the common electrode (CE) and the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3)).

[0188] The control unit (120) can detect the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) based on whether there is electrical connection between the common electrode (CE) and at least one of the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3). The control unit (120) can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater (240) based on the amount of liquid aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating device (100) can supply power to the heater (240) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (170).

[0189] The control unit (120) can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater (240) based on the amount of aerosol generating material detected.

[0190] The control unit (120) can compare the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) with a set value, and control power to be supplied to the cartridge heater (240) based on whether the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) is greater than or equal to the set value. If the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) is less than the set value, the control unit (120) can determine that an amount of aerosol sufficient for the user to inhale cannot be generated or that the aerosol generating material has been exhausted.

[0191] The control unit (120) can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater (240) to be cut off based on the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) being less than a set value. In addition, the control unit (120) can output a replacement alarm for the cartridge (20) through the output unit (140) when there is no electrical connection between the common electrode (CE) and the first level electrode (LE1).

[0192] The control unit (120) can control to output information corresponding to the amount of the detected aerosol generating substance through the output unit (140). For example, the control unit (120) can control to express the amount of the aerosol generating substance as a number through the output unit (140). For example, the control unit (120) can control to express the amount of the aerosol generating substance as a percentage (%) value compared to the total capacity of the chamber (C0) through the output unit (140). The method of outputting the amount of the aerosol generating substance is not limited thereto.

[0193] The power source (110) can supply power to the cartridge heater (240) based on the control of the control unit (120).

[0194] Referring to Fig. 7, a sensor unit including a common electrode (CE) and level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3) can detect which of the level ranges WL0, WL1, WL2, and WL3 the level of a liquid aerosol generating substance in a chamber (C0) belongs to. This detection can be performed by detecting whether there is conduction between the common electrode (CE) and each of the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3). A state in which there is conduction between any two electrodes is referred to as a conduction state, and a state in which there is no conduction between any two electrodes is referred to as a non-conduction state.

[0195] With respect to a target level electrode, which is any one of the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3), a state of electrical connection between the common electrode (CE) and the target level electrode refers to a state in which the value of the electrical resistance between the common electrode (CE) and the target level electrode is lower than or equal to a predetermined reference resistance value, and a state of non-conduction between the common electrode (CE) and the target level electrode refers to a state in which the value of the electrical resistance between the common electrode (CE) and the target level electrode exceeds a predetermined reference resistance value. The electrical connection between the common electrode (CE) and the target level electrode is realized by electrically connecting the common electrode (CE) and the target level electrode via a liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber (C0).

[0196] The water level of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber (C0) refers to the height of the water surface of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber (C0) as viewed from the bottom surface (10B). The water level range WL3 is a range in which the water surface height is greater than or equal to a distance d3. The water level range WL2 is a range in which the water surface height is greater than or equal to a distance d2 and less than or equal to a distance d3. The water level range WL1 is a range in which the water surface height is greater than or equal to a distance d1 and less than or equal to a distance d2. The water level range WL0 is a range in which the water surface height is less than or equal to a distance d1.

[0197] When the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber (C0) falls within the level range WL3, a part of the common electrode (CE) and a part of the third level electrode (LE3) are immersed in the liquid aerosol generating substance, thereby establishing a conductive state between the common electrode (CE) and the third level electrode (LE3) through the liquid aerosol generating substance. When the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber (C0) falls within the level range WL2, the third level electrode (LE3) does not touch the liquid aerosol generating substance, thereby establishing a non-conductive state between the common electrode (CE) and the third level electrode (LE3), while a part of the common electrode (CE) and a part of the second level electrode (LE2) are immersed in the liquid aerosol generating substance, thereby establishing a conductive state between the common electrode (CE) and the second level electrode (LE2) through the liquid aerosol generating substance. When the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance in the chamber (C0) falls within the level range WL1, the second level electrode (LE2) and the third level electrode (LE3) do not come into contact with the liquid aerosol generating substance, so that the common electrode (CE) and the second level electrode (LE2) and the common electrode (CE) and the third level electrode (LE3) become non-conductive, while a part of the common electrode (CE) and a part of the first level electrode (LE1) are immersed in the liquid aerosol generating substance, so that the common electrode (CE) and the first level electrode (LE1) become conductive through the liquid aerosol generating substance. When the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance in the chamber (C0) falls within the level range WL0, the first level electrode (LE1), the second level electrode (LE2), and the third level electrode (LE3) do not come into contact with the liquid aerosol generating substance, so that the connection between the common electrode (CE) and the first level electrode (LE1), the second level electrode (LE2), and the third level electrode (LE3) becomes non-conductive.

[0198] Accordingly, the control unit (120) can detect the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance in the chamber (C0) in four stages by detecting the presence or absence of conduction between the common electrode (CE) and each of the level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3). That is, the control unit (120) determines that the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance belongs to the level range WL3 when the common electrode (CE) and the third level electrode (LE3) are in a conductive state. The control unit (120) determines that the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance belongs to the level range WL2 when the common electrode (CE) and the third level electrode (LE3) are in a non-conductive state and the common electrode (CE) and the second level electrode (LE2) are in a conductive state. The control unit (120) determines that the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance is within the level range WL1 when the common electrode (CE) and the second level electrode (LE2) are in a non-conductive state and also when the common electrode (CE) and the first level electrode (LE1) are in a conductive state. The control unit (120) determines that the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance is within the level range WL0 when the common electrode (CE) and the first level electrode (LE1) are in a non-conductive state.

[0199] The aerosol generating device (100) can calculate the amount of liquid aerosol generating material when the angle at which the aerosol generating device (100) is tilted is less than a certain angle.

[0200] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (100) (or sensor unit (130)) may include at least one sensor (hereinafter, motion sensor) that detects movement of the housing (10) and / or cartridge (20) of the aerosol generating device (100). At this time, the motion sensor may be implemented by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor may be placed in at least one of the housing (10) and the cartridge (20).

[0201] The aerosol generating device (100) can calculate the angle of the chamber (C0). The angle of the chamber (C0) can be defined as the angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the chamber (C0) with respect to a vertical line perpendicular to the ground. The motion sensor can measure motion information including the movement state, posture, degree of inclination, etc. of the aerosol generating device (100), and output a signal corresponding to the measured information. The aerosol generating device (100) can calculate the angle of the chamber (C0) based on the signal received from the motion sensor.

[0202] The aerosol generating device (100) can compare the angle of the generated chamber (C0) with a preset threshold value. The aerosol generating device (100) can determine whether the generated angle is less than the preset threshold value. For example, the preset threshold value may be 15 degrees or 30 degrees. However, the preset threshold value is not limited thereto.

[0203] The aerosol generating device (100) can output a warning through the output unit (140) based on the calculated angle being greater than or equal to a preset threshold value. For example, the aerosol generating device (100) can output information through the output unit (140) indicating that the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) cannot be measured because the chamber (C0) is tilted. For example, the aerosol generating device (100) can output information through the output unit (140) indicating that the device should be aligned in a direction perpendicular to the ground because the chamber (C0) is tilted.

[0204] The aerosol generating device (100) can receive a measurement signal again from the motion sensor after outputting a warning.

[0205] The aerosol generating device (100) can activate the sensor unit (or the common electrode (CE), level electrodes (LE1, LE2, LE3)) based on the calculated angle being less than a preset threshold value. The aerosol generating device (100) can activate the sensor unit by transmitting an activation signal to the sensor unit.

[0206] The aerosol generating device (100) can calculate the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) based on a signal received from the activated sensor unit.

[0207] Below, other embodiments are described. In the following embodiments, descriptions of the same configurations as those in the previously described embodiments are omitted or simplified, and the differences are primarily described.

[0208] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing one aspect of a sensor unit including a strain gauge according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing another aspect of a sensor unit including a strain gauge according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cartridge according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a positional relationship of a plurality of strain gauges and a liquid level detection method according to one embodiment. In this case, the cartridge (20) illustrated in FIG. 7 may correspond to the cartridge (20) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Hereinafter, overlapping content will be omitted, and the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, and ST3) will be described as the center.

[0209] Referring to FIGS. 1, 8a, and 8b, the strain gauge (ST) of the sensor unit (130) may be implemented, for example, as a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The Wheatstone bridge circuit can relatively precisely and accurately measure a change in resistance (i.e., a change in piezoresistance) corresponding to bending deformation, and thus, as a resistor, may be a desirable sensing means for easily detecting the remaining amount of a liquid aerosol generating substance within the cartridge (20).

[0210] The sensor unit (130) may include a strain gauge (ST) and a base (BS) on which the strain gauge (ST) is placed. Here, the base (BS) may be deformed by an external force (e.g., deformation of the chamber (C0)), and the resistance of the strain gauge (ST) may change in response to the deformation of the base (BS). Although not shown, the sensor unit (130) may be connected to a control unit (see 120 of FIG. 1) to transmit and receive electrical signals, or may be connected to a power source (see 110 of FIG. 1) to receive power.

[0211] Here, the meaning of 'a strain gauge is placed on the base' may include that a strain gauge (ST) is placed on the base (BS) so that the resistance of the strain gauge (ST) changes in response to deformation of the base (BS). For example, the strain gauge (ST) may be mounted on the surface of the base (BS) or embedded in the interior of the base (BS).

[0212] The base (BS) may be manufactured from a material with low rigidity that can be deformed by external force, or may be manufactured in a shape with low rigidity. For example, the base (BS) may be manufactured to have a thin thickness or cross-sectional area.

[0213] A strain gauge (ST) may comprise a metal material through which an electric current can flow. For example, the metal material may include, but is not limited to, copper, aluminum, nickel, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, or alloys thereof.

[0214] The strain gauge (ST) may also include materials such as carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, or graphene.

[0215] The strain gauge (ST) can be placed on the base (BS) by a coating method including, for example, plating, deposit or spraying, or by a printing method.

[0216] Strain gages contain thin resistance wires arranged in a meandering pattern, allowing the change in length of a strain gage to be a multiple (e.g., a factor of 10) compared to the change in length of a simple resistance wire. Consequently, strain gages (STs) can exhibit relatively large resistance changes even with small strains.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 8a, the length of a portion of the strain gauge (ST) in the undeformed sensor portion (130) (or base (BS)) may be the initial length (L0), and referring to FIG. 8b, the length of a portion of the strain gauge (ST) in the sensor portion (130) deformed by the first external force may be the first length (L1).

[0218] At this time, the first length (L1) may be longer than the initial length (L0). That is, when an external force is applied to the base (BS), deformation of the sensor unit (130) occurs, and accordingly, deformation of the strain gauge (ST) included in the sensor unit (130) also occurs, so that a change in the resistance of the sensor unit (130) can be detected. In other words, since the size of the resistance value is proportional to the length of the resistor (or strain gauge (ST)) and inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area, the resistance of the strain gauge (ST) in the sensor unit (130) deformed by the first external force may be greater than the resistance of the strain gauge (ST) in the non-deformed sensor unit (130) (or base (BS)).

[0219] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 7, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may include a housing (10) and a cartridge (20).

[0220] A cartridge (20) may include a chamber (C0), strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3), a liquid transfer means (25), and a cartridge heater (240). At this time, the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3) illustrated in FIG. 9 are illustrated without a base (BS) for convenience of explanation.

[0221] The chamber (C0) can store a liquid aerosol generating substance therein. The chamber (C0) can be detachably coupled to the housing (10) of the aerosol generating device (100) or can be formed integrally within the housing (10) of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0222] The liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) can be heated by a cartridge heater (240). A liquid delivery means (25) can be connected to the chamber (C0). The liquid delivery means (25) can receive liquid from the chamber (C0). The liquid aerosol generating material can be impregnated within the liquid delivery means (25). The cartridge heater (240) can be electrically connected to a power source (110) and / or a control unit (120). The cartridge heater (240) can heat the liquid aerosol generating material within the liquid delivery means (25).

[0223] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the chamber (C0) may include a plurality of strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3) on the outer wall. The plurality of strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3) may be arranged on one side of the outer wall of the chamber (C0).

[0224] Each of the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3) may be arranged at a constant interval from each other on one side of the outer wall of the chamber (C0) along the longitudinal direction of the chamber (C0). For example, the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3) may be arranged sequentially from the bottom surface (20B) of the chamber (C0) toward the top surface (20T) of the chamber (C0) as a first strain gauge (ST1), a second strain gauge (ST2), and a third strain gauge (ST3). At this time, the outer wall of the chamber (C0) (or the cartridge (20)) includes one or more flexible members that provide flexibility so that the liquid aerosol generating material applies pressure to each of the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3), and the pressure may be at least partially a function of the fluid volume of the liquid aerosol generating material.

[0225] Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10, the cartridge (20) may be provided with a second connection terminal (E2) on one side of the surface coupled with the housing (10). The second connection terminal (E2) may be electrically connected to each of the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3). When the cartridge (20) is coupled with the housing (10), the second connection terminal (E2) may be electrically connected to the first connection terminal (E1) of the housing (10). The first connection terminal (E1) may be provided on one side of the surface coupled with the cartridge (20). The sensor unit (or strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3)) may be electrically connected to the control unit (120) via the first connection terminal (E1) and the second connection terminal (E2).

[0226] The control unit (120) can activate the sensor unit (or the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3)) and receive a signal output from the sensor unit (or the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3)). The signal output from the sensor unit (or the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3)) can be an analog signal or a digital signal. The control unit (120) can calculate a changed resistance value of at least one of the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3) based on the signal received from the sensor unit (or the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3)).

[0227] The control unit (120) can detect the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) based on the changed resistance value of at least one of the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3). The control unit (120) can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater (240) based on the amount of liquid aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating device (100) can supply power to the cartridge heater (240) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (170).

[0228] The control unit (120) can control the power supplied to the cartridge heater (240) based on the amount of aerosol generating material detected.

[0229] The control unit (120) can compare the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) with a set value, and control power to be supplied to the cartridge heater (240) based on whether the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) is greater than or equal to the set value. If the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) is less than the set value, the control unit (120) can determine that an amount of aerosol sufficient for the user to inhale cannot be generated or that the aerosol generating material has been exhausted.

[0230] The control unit (120) can control the supply of power to the cartridge heater (240) to be cut off based on the amount of liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber (C0) being less than a set value. In addition, the control unit (120) can output a replacement alarm for the cartridge (20) through the output unit (140) when a change in resistance value is detected in all of the first strain gauge (ST1), the second strain gauge (ST2), and the third strain gauge (ST3).

[0231] The control unit (120) can control to output information corresponding to the amount of the detected aerosol generating substance through the output unit (140). For example, the control unit (120) can control to express the amount of the aerosol generating substance as a number through the output unit (140). For example, the control unit (120) can control to express the amount of the aerosol generating substance as a percentage (%) value compared to the total capacity of the chamber (C0) through the output unit (140). The method of outputting the amount of the aerosol generating substance is not limited thereto.

[0232] The power source (110) can supply power to the cartridge heater (240) based on the control of the control unit (120).

[0233] Referring to Fig. 10, a sensor unit including strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3) can detect whether the level of a liquid aerosol generating substance in a chamber (C0) falls within one of the level ranges WL0, WL1, WL2, and WL3. This detection can be performed by detecting whether there is a change in the resistance value (e.g., a decrease in the resistance value) of the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3).

[0234] Regarding a target strain gauge, which is any one of the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3), a change in the resistance value of the target strain gauge refers to a state where the change is less than a predetermined reference resistance value. The reference resistance value can be experimentally and statistically calculated, and for example, the reference resistance value can be determined by measuring the resistance value of the strain gauge in a state where a liquid aerosol generating substance is filled at each level in the chamber (C0). At this time, the reference resistance value can mean a specific value or a specific range.

[0235] The water level of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber (C0) refers to the height of the water surface of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber (C0) as viewed from the bottom surface (10B). The water level range WL3 is a range in which the water surface height is greater than or equal to a distance d3. The water level range WL2 is a range in which the water surface height is greater than or equal to a distance d2 and less than or equal to a distance d3. The water level range WL1 is a range in which the water surface height is greater than or equal to a distance d1 and less than or equal to a distance d2. The water level range WL0 is a range in which the water surface height is less than or equal to a distance d1.

[0236] When the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber (C0) falls within the level range WL3, there may be no change in the resistance values ​​of the first strain gauge (ST1), the second strain gauge (ST2), and the third strain gauge (ST3). When the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber (C0) falls within the level range WL2, there may be a change in the resistance value of only the third strain gauge (ST3) excluding the first strain gauge (ST1) and the second strain gauge (ST2). When the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber (C0) falls within the level range WL1, there may be a change in the resistance value of the second strain gauge (ST2) excluding the first strain gauge (ST2) and the resistance value of the third strain gauge (ST3). When the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance in the chamber (C0) falls within the level range WL0, it may be the case that the resistance values ​​of all of the first strain gauge (ST1), the second strain gauge (ST2), and the third strain gauge (ST3) change.

[0237] Accordingly, the control unit (120) can detect the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance in the chamber (C0) in four stages by detecting whether or not there is a change in the resistance value of each of the strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3). That is, the control unit (120) determines that the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance is within the level range WL3 when there is no change in the resistance value of all of the first strain gauge (ST1), the second strain gauge (ST2), and the third strain gauge (ST3). The control unit (120) determines that the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance is within the level range WL2 when there is a change in the resistance value of only the third strain gauge (ST3). The control unit (120) determines that the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance is within the level range WL1 when the resistance values ​​of the second strain gauge (ST2) and the third strain gauge (ST3) excluding the first strain gauge (ST1) change. The control unit (120) determines that the level of the liquid aerosol generating substance is within the level range WL0 when the resistance values ​​of all of the first strain gauge (ST1), the second strain gauge (ST2), and the third strain gauge (ST3) change.

[0238] The aerosol generating device (100) can calculate the amount of liquid aerosol generating material when the angle at which the aerosol generating device (100) is tilted is less than a certain angle.

[0239] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (100) (or sensor unit (130)) may include at least one sensor (hereinafter, motion sensor) that detects movement of the housing (10) and / or cartridge (20) of the aerosol generating device (100). At this time, the motion sensor may be implemented by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor may be placed in at least one of the housing (10) and the cartridge (20).

[0240] The aerosol generating device (100) can calculate the angle of the chamber (C0). The angle of the chamber (C0) can be defined as the angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the chamber (C0) with respect to a vertical line perpendicular to the ground. The motion sensor can measure motion information including the movement state, posture, degree of inclination, etc. of the aerosol generating device (100), and output a signal corresponding to the measured information. The aerosol generating device (100) can calculate the angle of the chamber (C0) based on the signal received from the motion sensor.

[0241] The aerosol generating device (100) can compare the angle of the generated chamber (C0) with a preset threshold value. The aerosol generating device (100) can determine whether the generated angle is less than the preset threshold value. For example, the preset threshold value may be 15 degrees or 30 degrees. However, the preset threshold value is not limited thereto.

[0242] The aerosol generating device (100) can output a warning through the output unit (140) based on the calculated angle being greater than or equal to a preset threshold value. For example, the aerosol generating device (100) can output information through the output unit (140) indicating that the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) cannot be measured because the chamber (C0) is tilted. For example, the aerosol generating device (100) can output information through the output unit (140) indicating that the device should be aligned in a direction perpendicular to the ground because the chamber (C0) is tilted.

[0243] The aerosol generating device (100) can receive a measurement signal again from the motion sensor after outputting a warning.

[0244] The aerosol generating device (100) can activate the sensor unit (or strain gauges (ST1, ST2, ST3)) based on the calculated angle being less than a preset threshold value. The aerosol generating device (100) can activate the sensor unit by transmitting an activation signal to the sensor unit.

[0245] The aerosol generating device (100) can calculate the amount of liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber (C0) based on a signal received from the activated sensor unit.

[0246] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0247] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0248] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A cartridge comprising a chamber for storing a liquid aerosol generating substance; A sensor unit disposed on the inner side of the chamber and including a common electrode and at least one level electrode; and An aerosol generating device comprising a control unit that calculates the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material within the chamber based on whether there is electrical connection between the common electrode and the detection electrodes. In the first paragraph, The common electrode is integrally formed along the length of the chamber on one side of the chamber, An aerosol generating device in which the above level electrodes are arranged at regular intervals along the length direction of the chamber on the other side of the chamber. In the second paragraph, An aerosol generating device in which the level electrodes are sequentially arranged as a first level electrode, a second level electrode, and a third level electrode from the bottom surface of the chamber toward the top surface of the chamber. In the third paragraph, An aerosol generating device wherein the shortest distance between the lower end of the common electrode and the bottom surface of the chamber is substantially the same as the shortest distance between the lower end of the first level electrode and the bottom surface of the chamber. In paragraph 4, An aerosol generating device in which the control unit outputs a replacement alarm for the cartridge through the output unit when there is no conductivity between the common electrode and the first level electrode. In the first paragraph, motion sensor; and Including an output section; The above control unit, Based on the signal received from the motion sensor, the angle formed by the chamber with respect to the direction perpendicular to the ground is determined, Based on the above angle being greater than or equal to a preset threshold value, a warning is output through the output unit, An aerosol generating device that activates the sensor unit based on the angle being less than the threshold value, thereby calculating the amount of the liquid aerosol generating substance within the chamber. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device wherein the common electrode has the same shape and size as the at least one level electrode and is arranged in an area on the bottom surface of the chamber. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device, wherein the cartridge includes an atomizing portion that vaporizes the aerosol generating material. In paragraph 8, The above-mentioned atomizing unit includes a liquid delivery means for impregnating an aerosol generating material supplied from the chamber, and a heater for heating the aerosol generating material. An aerosol generating device wherein the common electrode is disposed over the entire area on the bottom surface of the chamber except for the portion overlapping with the liquid delivery means. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device further comprising a housing including an insertion space into which a cigarette is inserted, wherein the insertion space is in fluid communication with the cartridge.

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