Aerosol-generating device comprising airflow path

Abstract

This aerosol-generating device comprises: a heater module comprising a sleeve for accommodating an aerosol-generating article; and a plurality of pipes configured to guide air from the outside to the sleeve, wherein the plurality of pipes are mechanically engaged with one-another, and at least one of the plurality of pipes is mechanically engaged with the heater module.

Description

Aerosol generating device including an airflow path

[0001] The disclosure generally relates to an aerosol generating device, for example, to an aerosol generating device including an airflow path.

[0002] Technology is being developed to introduce airflow into an aerosol-generating article to achieve atomization performance. For example, an aerosol generating device of a type that generates aerosols from an aerosol-generating article by a non-combustion method is being developed. The aforementioned background technology was possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the present disclosure and cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present disclosure.

[0003] One aspect of the disclosure may provide an aerosol generating device that introduces an airflow into an aerosol generating article.

[0004] An aerosol generating device comprises a heater module including a sleeve configured to receive an aerosol generating article, and a plurality of pipes configured to guide air from the outside into said sleeve, wherein the plurality of pipes are configured to be mechanically interlocked with each other, and at least one of said pipes may be configured to be mechanically interlocked with said heater module.

[0005] The plurality of pipes above include a first pipe connected to the sleeve, and the first pipe may be configured to guide air flowing into the first pipe in a first direction in which the first pipe extends to a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0006] The plurality of pipes above include a second pipe configured to be mechanically engaged with the first pipe, and the second pipe may be configured to guide air flowing into the second pipe in a third direction substantially opposite to the second direction in the first direction.

[0007] The plurality of pipes above include a third pipe configured to be mechanically engaged with the second pipe, and the third pipe may be configured to guide air flowing into the third pipe in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction in the third direction.

[0008] The heater module includes a first heater flange configured to be coupled to one end of the sleeve, and the first pipe may be configured to be coupled to the first heater flange.

[0009] The heater module includes a second heater flange configured to be coupled to the other end opposite to the end of the sleeve, and the third pipe may be configured to be coupled to the second heater flange.

[0010] The heater module may include a first heater cover configured to at least partially surround the outside of the sleeve.

[0011] The first heater cover above may include an insulating material.

[0012] The heater module may include a second heater cover configured to at least partially surround the outside of the sleeve and to be coupled with the first heater cover.

[0013] The first heater cover or the second heater cover may be configured to be coupled with the first heater flange or the second heater flange.

[0014] The second pipe above may be configured to be combined with the first heater cover.

[0015] The second pipe above may be configured to be mechanically engaged with the first heater cover.

[0016] The aerosol generating device includes a housing that accommodates the heater module and a plurality of pipes, and the housing may include an internal space through which air introduced from the outside flows.

[0017] An aerosol generating device comprises a slot disposed in the housing and a cap configured to slide about the slot, and the slot may be connected to the internal space.

[0018] The aerosol generating device may include puff sensors configured to detect a user's puff and positioned around the plurality of pipes.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can guide an airflow into an aerosol generating article. According to one embodiment, the air can flow along the airflow path. The effects of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0020] The above-described and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 2a illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to line 4-4 of Figure 3.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heater and a pipe according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a heater and a pipe according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a heater and a first pipe according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a fluid flow diagram according to one embodiment.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference number regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0031] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. "Module" or "unit" may be a component formed as a whole, or the smallest unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0032] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0033] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0034] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0035] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory (17)) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., control unit (12)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0037] In the present disclosure, the direction of the aerosol generating device (1) can be defined based on an orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generating device (1). The z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and / or a heater (18, 24). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) can detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). For example, the sensor unit (13) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit (13) may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the water immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0041] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature at which the heater (18, 24) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (18, 24), or the heater (18, 24) itself may act as a temperature sensor. For example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure the impedance of the heater (18). The impedance of the heater (18) may be correlated with the temperature of the heater (18). The temperature sensor may measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater (18) (or induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance of the heater (18) may be calculated. The control unit (12) may estimate the temperature of the heater (18) based on the calculated impedance.

[0042] For example, the temperature sensor may include a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance value changes in response to a temperature change of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0043] As another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater (18, 24). The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater (18, 24), and the control unit (12) may detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heater (18, 24) based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (11). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (11) (e.g., battery) or / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (11) together with the protection circuit module.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0047] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generating device (1) in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0048] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space where the aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, the insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0049] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit (12) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0050] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or a flow of aerosol may occur within the insertion space of the aerosol generating article, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0051] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be installed around the insertion space. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0053] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0054] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. The control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the control unit (12) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0055] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch, etc., for detecting pressure caused by an aerosol-generating article.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol-generating article is reused. As an example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on the light reflected from the wrapper. When the control unit (12) detects a change in color in a part of the wrapper, it may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the control unit (12) can determine the level range in which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the amount of moisture for the aerosol generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or detect the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0059] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific wavelength band based on the irradiated light. The control unit (12) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0060] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0061] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The control unit (12) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0062] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or for detecting the type of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the control unit (12) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer or a gyro sensor.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor in addition to the aforementioned sensors. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the output unit (14) may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (14) may include a display, a haptic unit, and / or a sound output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating state of the heater (18, 24), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. The display can also be used as an input unit (15) if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user tactilely. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the power source (11) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (11) may include one or more batteries. The power source (11) can supply power so that the heaters (18, 24) can be heated. Additionally, the power source (11) may supply power required for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the control unit (12), sensor unit (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), memory (17), etc. The power source (11) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (11) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (11) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may also be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) can heat the aerosol generating article and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may include a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article and / or a cartridge heater (24) for heating the cartridge (i.e., solid and / or liquid medium).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material such as a metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The electric resistive heater may be implemented as a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate with an electric conductive track, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the heater (18, 24) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the induction heating type heater may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated from the induction coil by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The generated magnetic field penetrates the heater, and eddy currents may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on the generation of eddy currents. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be contained within an aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium). In this case as well, the susceptor contained within the aerosol-generating article may be heated by the induction coil.

[0072] The heater (18, 24) is not limited to the examples described above and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, components, etc. for heating an aerosol generating article and / or cartridge.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the input unit (15) can receive information input from a user. For example, the input unit (15) may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the memory (17) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the control unit (12) and data to be processed. For example, the memory (17) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory (17) can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit (16) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) may include at least one processor. The control unit (12) may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the heater (18, 24). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on the temperature of the heater (18, 24) detected using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and / or the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in the memory (17).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater (18, 24) and the power source (11). For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / DC converter (e.g., buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heater (18, 24), and a DC / AC converter (e.g., inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can adjust the frequency and / or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of a power conversion circuit (not shown) to adjust the current and / or voltage supplied to the heater (18, 24). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply (11).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using at least one of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method and a Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) method. For example, the control unit (12) can control the supply of a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to the heater (18, 24) by using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse. For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of the control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using the difference value between the temperature of the heater (18, 24) and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can determine a target power that is the target of control based on a power profile. The control unit (12) may also control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) to correspond to a preset target power over time.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can detect the user's puff by detecting the power supplied to the heater (18, 24). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18, 24) using a PID method. When the user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space where the aerosol generating article is inserted (hereinafter, insertion space), the heater (18, 24), etc. Accordingly, a change may occur in the power (or current) supplied to the heater (18, 24) during the power control of the PID method. The control unit (12) can detect the user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can prevent the heater (18, 24) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) or stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the fact that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the charging of the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a first limit temperature. The control unit (12) can stop the use (e.g., discharge) of the power stored in the power source (11) if the temperature of the power source (11) is above a second limit temperature. The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (11) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (11).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) may also determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater (18, 24) is above a limit temperature or the slope of the temperature change of the heater (18, 24) is above a set slope.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the heater (18, 24) based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the control unit (12) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the heater (18, 24) if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, if the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol-generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is connected and / or removed. For example, the control unit (12) can use a cartridge detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, the power supply to the heater (18, 24) is stopped or the power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the heater (18, 24) exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the heater (18, 24) (i.e., during the preheating period). If it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the control unit (12) may cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in the memory (17), the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set in the cartridge. Alternatively, the control unit (12) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the heater (18, 24) is heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heater (18, 24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit (12) may stop the power supply to the heater (18, 24) or control it so that power is not supplied to the heater (18, 24).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on the user's puff. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). The control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24) if the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or if no puff is detected for more than a preset time. The control unit (12) may also control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) when a puff is detected.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a specific type. For example, the control unit (12) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a specific type using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, it can cut off the power supply to the heater (18, 24). If the control unit (12) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, it can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heater (18, 24). For another example, the control unit (12) can control the power supply to the heater (18, 24) differently depending on the specific type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the control unit (12) can control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when it is detected that the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and control the temperature and / or power of the heater (18, 24) based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when it is detected that the second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)) reaches a preset number. For example, the control unit (12) can also control the output unit (14) to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the heater (18, 24).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed in the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article, puff detection, puff termination, detection of overheating of the heater (18, 24), detection of overvoltage application to the heater (18, 24), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power source (11), detection of overcharging of the power source (11), termination of charging of the power source (11), etc. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of insertion of an aerosol-generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (e.g., sensor unit (13)). For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of a heater (18, 24), the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the heater (18, 24), the voltage applied to the heater (18, 24), the current flowing through the heater (18, 24), etc.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can control the communication unit (16) to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0097] According to one embodiment, when the control unit (12) receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it may release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, whether the user's authentication is complete, etc.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (11), operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0099] According to one embodiment, when a location search request for an aerosol generating device (1) is received from an external device via a communication link, the control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit (12) can control the haptic unit to generate vibrations or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the control unit (12) transmits data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit (13) to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The control unit (12) can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile using the learning model received from the server.

[0102] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may include at least one switching element and may cut off the power supply (11) in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging of the power supply (11). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and may transmit and receive information or charge the power supply (11) by connecting to another external device through the connection interface.

[0103] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. A heater (18) may be positioned to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a non-tobacco substance in a liquid state (e.g., an aerosol generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a tobacco substance in a solid state (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco substance may be included in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may include a basic substance. Based on the basic substance, the nicotine in the tobacco substance included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco substance and / or a non-tobacco substance.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0104] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. The cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0105] FIG. 2a illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. FIG. 2b illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power supply (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and / or a heater (182, 183) (e.g., heater (18) of FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that the components included in the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b, and that some of the components may be omitted or new configurations may be added. The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 2a may be referred to as an "internal heating type" aerosol generating device that heats the inside of an aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating device (1) shown in FIG. 2b may be referred to as an "external heating type" aerosol generating device that heats the outside of an aerosol generating article (2). In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may provide a space that is open upward to allow an aerosol generating article (2) to be inserted. In the present disclosure, the space that is open upward may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the housing (10) so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space may be greater than the length of the area containing the aerosol generating substance and / or medium in the aerosol generating article (2). The lower end of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (10), and the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) may protrude outside the housing (10). A user may take the upper end of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside into their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the heater (182, 183) can heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 2a, the heater (182) may be an internal heating type heater.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may extend upward in a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the internal heating type heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as illustrated, but may also include various heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internal heating type heater may be inserted through the lower part of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0112] For example, an electric resistive heater may contain an electric resistive material on the inside (e.g., inner hollow or inner surface) or on the outside (e.g., outer surface) and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. In this case, the electric resistive heater may be electrically connected to a power source (11) and may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11). Additionally, the induction coil (181) may be omitted.

[0113] For example, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of an internal heating type heater (e.g., is placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator, etc., may be further included outside the induction coil (181) to increase the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heating type heater may include a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (181). According to one embodiment, the induction heating type heater (e.g., susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be disposed so as to be detachable from the housing (10).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the heater (182) may be a multiple heater. The multiple heater may include a first heater and a second heater and may be inserted into an aerosol generating article (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 electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single aerosol generating rod. Meanwhile, if the heater (182) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively placed at positions corresponding to longitudinal positions of a first part and a second part of a single heater (182). In addition, the heater and / or induction coil may include three or more.

[0115] According to one embodiment, a susceptor may be placed (or included) inside an aerosol generating article (2) (e.g., a medium part), and the susceptor included inside the aerosol generating article (2) may be implemented to generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from an induction coil (181).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 2b, the heater (183) may be an external heating type heater.

[0117] According to one embodiment, an external heating type heater may extend upwardly around a space (i.e., an insertion space) into which an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the external heating type heater may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the external heating type heater may include a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) containing a hollow inside. The external heating type heater may also include a shape containing a hollow inside and surrounding said hollow. In this case, the external heating type heater may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating type heater may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating type heater may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into said hollow.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the external heating type heater may include an electric resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and a description redundant with FIG. 2a will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an external heating type heater implemented as a tube-shaped susceptor and may include an induction coil (181) that surrounds at least a portion of the external heating type heater (e.g., placed externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). Additionally, the induction coil (181) may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, if the external heating type heater is an electric resistance heater, a separate induction coil (181) may be omitted because heat generation is possible through the flow of current on the tube-shaped electric resistance heater (e.g., film heater). Meanwhile, an insulating material may be placed on the outside of the external heating type heater. This reduces the heat radiating outward from the heater (183) and applied to the outside of the housing (10).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the heater (183) may be a multiple heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction to each surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, if the heater (183) is an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first part and the second part of a single heater (183).

[0120] Unlike as depicted in FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b, the heater (182) of FIG. 2a and the heater (183) of FIG. 2b may be included together in the aerosol generating device (1). In this case, the heater (182) may heat the inside of the aerosol generating article (2), and the heater (183) may heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing (10) may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air from the outside can be introduced into the housing (10). The air introduced into the housing (10) may be introduced into the aerosol generating article (2) through the bottom (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inhaled into the user's mouth through the top (i.e., downstream side) of the aerosol generating article (2) together with the introduced air.

[0122] In this document, terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “about” used to refer to a given parameter, attribute, or condition may include the extent to which a person skilled in the art can understand that the given parameter, attribute, or condition is satisfied with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, any specific parameter that is substantially satisfied may be satisfied by at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%.

[0123] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heater and a pipe according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a heater and a pipe according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a heater and a first pipe according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a fluid flow diagram according to one embodiment.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 8, the aerosol generating device (300) may be configured to allow air to be introduced from the outside. The air introduced from the outside may be delivered to the aerosol generating article (2) along an airflow path (P). The air may flow from the outside along the airflow path (P) leading to the cavity (340) (or the aerosol generating article (2)) through the internal space (318) of the housing (310) and a plurality of pipes (380). The aerosol generating device (300) may enable the air introduced from the outside to be efficiently delivered to the aerosol generating article (2). A user of the aerosol generating device (300) may efficiently inhale the aerosol.

[0125] The aerosol generating device (300) may include a housing (310). The housing (310) may be configured to accommodate at least one component (e.g., a heater module (330)) associated with the aerosol generating device (300). The housing (310) may include a first housing surface (312), a second housing surface (314) opposite to the first housing surface (312), and a housing side surface (316) located between the first housing surface (312) and the second housing surface (314). The housing side surface (316) may be formed as a single surface or as a plurality of surfaces.

[0126] The housing (310) may include an internal space (318) in which at least one component is placed. The internal space (318) may be defined by walls defining the housing (310) (e.g., a first housing surface (312), a second housing surface (314), a housing side surface (316)). At least some of the space in the internal space (318) where the component(s) are not placed may be part of an airflow path (P). In order to form an airflow path (P) for guiding air to an aerosol generating article (2) in the internal space (318), the components may be placed at various locations within the housing (310). The path of the airflow path (P) formed in the internal space (318) may be changed depending on the shape or arrangement of the heater module (330) or a plurality of pipes (380), etc.

[0127] The aerosol generating device (300) may include a cap (320) and a slot (322) disposed in a housing (310). The cap (320) may be configured to slide against the slot (322). The cap (320) may slide against the slot (322) to open or close the cavity (340). Air outside the aerosol generating device (300) may be introduced into the internal space (318) through the slot (322). In an embodiment not illustrated, the air entering the internal space (318) may be introduced through another part of the housing (310) instead of the slot (322). For example, there may be a gap in the housing (310) (e.g., housing side face (316)) that connects to the internal space (318), and air may be introduced into the internal space (318) from the outside through said gap.

[0128] The aerosol generating device (300) may include a heater module (330) configured to heat an aerosol generating article (2). The method of heat generation by the heater module (330) is not limited. For example, the heater module (330) may be an induction heating method. The heater module (330) may include a sleeve (331) configured to receive an aerosol generating article. The sleeve (331) may be configured to heat the aerosol generating article (2). The heater module (330) may include a cavity (340) disposed inside the sleeve (331) and configured to receive the aerosol generating article (2). The cavity (340) may be defined as the internal space of the sleeve (331). Heat generated in the sleeve (331) may be transferred to the cavity (340) and the aerosol generating article (2).

[0129] The sleeve (331) may include an airflow channel (332) configured to guide air introduced from the outside (e.g., air in a plurality of pipes (380)) into the cavity (340). The airflow channel (332) may be positioned at one end of the sleeve (331) (e.g., the -Z direction end). The airflow channel (332) may be formed to penetrate one side of the sleeve (331) (e.g., the -Z direction side). A portion of the airflow path (P) may be formed in the airflow channel (332). The airflow channel (332) may be formed to guide air to the end (e.g., the -Z direction end) of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the cavity (340). In an embodiment not illustrated, the airflow channel (332) may be formed to guide air to a different part (e.g., the middle part) of the aerosol generating article (2) from the said end.

[0130] The heater module (330) may include a first heater flange (350) coupled to one end (e.g., the -Z direction end) of the sleeve (331). The first heater flange (350) may be configured to be coupled to at least one pipe (e.g., the first pipe (382)) among a plurality of pipes (380). The first heater flange (350) and at least one pipe among the plurality of pipes (380) may be configured to be mechanically coupled. For example, the first heater flange (350) and the first pipe (382) may be configured to be mechanically interlocked with each other, such as by being coupled in a snap-fit ​​manner, by being coupled in a screw manner, or by being coupled in a hook manner. The first heater flange (350) and at least one pipe among the plurality of pipes (380) may also be configured to be magnetically coupled. At least one of the first heater flange (350) and the plurality of pipes (380) may be joined using a chemical substance. For example, the first heater flange (350) and the first pipe (382) may be joined using an adhesive containing a component that is not dangerous if inhaled by the human body. The first heater flange (350) and at least one of the plurality of pipes (380) may be joined using two or more of the joining methods described above. Although the plurality of pipes (380) are described herein as being joined to the first heater flange (350) instead of the sleeve (331), the sleeve (331) or at least one of the plurality of pipes (380) may be configured to be directly joined to each other.

[0131] The first heater flange (350) may include a flange hole (350A) positioned at a location corresponding to the airflow channel (332). The first heater flange (350) may include a flange hole edge (350B) positioned around the flange hole (350A) and configured to be coupled with a portion of a plurality of pipes (380) (e.g., an end portion of the first pipe (382)).

[0132] The first heater flange (350) may be configured to be coupled with other components of the heater module (330) (e.g., the first heater cover (360) and / or the second heater cover (370)). The first heater flange (350) may include a groove (350C) disposed along the outer surface of the first heater flange (350). The groove (350C) may be configured to be mechanically engaged with at least one other component of the heater module (330).

[0133] The heater module (330) may include a second heater flange (352) that is coupled to the other end (e.g., the end in the +Z direction) of the sleeve (331). Multiple pipes (380) may be simultaneously coupled to the first heater flange (350) and the second heater flange (352) and fixed in place. For example, one of the multiple pipes (380) (e.g., the first pipe (382)) may be coupled to the first heater flange (350), and another pipe (e.g., the third pipe (386)) may be coupled to the second heater flange (352). At least one of the multiple pipes (380) (e.g., the third pipe (386)) and the second heater flange (352) may be coupled mechanically, magnetically, or using a chemical agent. For example, at least one of the plurality of pipes (380) may be configured to be mechanically engaged with the second heater flange (352). For example, the plurality of pipes (380) may be fitted between the first heater flange (350) and the second heater flange (352).

[0134] The second heater flange (352) may be configured to be coupled with other components of the heater module (330) (e.g., the first heater cover (360) and / or the second heater cover (370)) and / or at least one of the plurality of pipes (380) (e.g., the third pipe (386)). The second heater flange (352) may include a flange extension (352A) that extends from one side of the second heater flange (352) in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the -X direction) and is configured to be coupled with at least one of the plurality of pipes (e.g., the third pipe (386)). For example, the second heater flange (352) can be joined to the third pipe (386) by including a joint configured such that one side of the flange extension (352A) (e.g., the -Z direction side) is joined to one side of the third pipe (386) (e.g., the +Z direction side).

[0135] The second heater flange (352) may include a flange protrusion (352B) protruding from the outer surface of the second heater flange (352). The flange protrusion (352B) may be configured to mechanically engage with other components of the heater module (330), such as the first heater cover protrusions (366) or the second heater cover protrusions (376).

[0136] The second heater flange (352) may include a flange extension (352C) that extends the outer surface of the second heater flange (352) in a third direction (e.g., +Z direction). The flange extension (352C) may be configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article (2) together with the sleeve (331). The flange extension (352C) may be configured to guide the aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted into the cavity (340).

[0137] The heater module (330) may include a first heater cover (360) configured to at least partially surround the sleeve (331). The first heater cover (360) may be configured to surround a portion of the outer surface of the sleeve (331) (e.g., a portion in the -X direction). The first heater cover (360) may be configured to at least partially surround the sleeve (331) between the plurality of pipes (380) and the sleeve (331). For example, the first heater cover (360) may surround a portion of the outer surface of the sleeve (331) that is positioned toward the plurality of pipes (380). For example, the area of ​​the portion of the sleeve (331) that the first heater cover (360) surrounds may be substantially half the area of ​​the outer surface of the sleeve (331). The first heater cover (360) may include an insulating material. The first heater cover (360) may include at least one first heater cover coupling portion (362) that allows the first heater cover (360) to be secured to the second heater cover (370). At least one first heater cover coupling portion (362) may be positioned at an end portion of the first heater cover (360) (e.g., the end in the +X direction). A plurality of first heater cover coupling portions (362) may be positioned at both ends of the first heater cover (360) so as to be spaced apart from each other in a direction substantially parallel to or intersecting therein (e.g., the + / -Y direction) the direction in which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (e.g., the -Z direction). For example, the first heater cover coupling portion (362) may be configured to be mechanically engaged with the second heater cover coupling portion (372). For example, the first heater cover coupling part (362) may include a hook configured to engage with the second heater cover coupling part (372) in the shape of a hole.

[0138] The first heater cover (360) may include at least one pipe coupling part (364) configured to be coupled with at least one pipe (e.g., the second pipe (384)) among the plurality of pipes (380). The at least one pipe coupling part (364) may be disposed on the outer surface of the first heater cover (360) (e.g., the -X direction surface, or one surface facing the plurality of pipes (380). The at least one pipe coupling part (364) may be formed as a hole penetrating the first heater cover (360). The at least one pipe coupling part (364) may be coupled mechanically, magnetically, or chemically with at least one pipe (e.g., the second pipe (384)) among the plurality of pipes (380). For example, the plurality of pipe coupling parts (364) may be configured to be mechanically engaged with the second pipe (384).

[0139] Multiple pipe joints (364) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, when there are a total of four pipe joints (364), two pipe joints (364) may be spaced apart in a direction (e.g., + / -Y direction) that intersects the direction (e.g., -Z direction) in which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, and each of the other two pipe joints (364) may be spaced apart in a direction opposite to the direction in which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted (e.g., +Z direction).

[0140] The first heater cover (360) may be configured to be coupled with other components of the heater module (330) (e.g., first heater flange (350), second heater flange (352), and / or second heater cover (370)). The first heater cover (360) may include at least one first heater cover protrusion (366) configured to be mechanically engaged with the flange protrusion (352B) and positioned on the inner surface of one end of the first heater cover (360) (e.g., the end in the +Z direction).

[0141] The first heater cover (360) may include a third pipe coupling part (368) configured to be coupled with at least one pipe (e.g., a third pipe (386)) among a plurality of pipes (380). For example, the third pipe coupling part (368) may be positioned on an outer surface (e.g., a -X direction surface) of one end (e.g., a +Z direction end) of the first heater cover (360) and configured to be mechanically engaged with one surface (e.g., a +X direction surface) of the third pipe coupling part (368).

[0142] The heater module (330) may include a second heater cover (370) configured to at least partially surround the sleeve (331) and to be coupled with the first heater cover (360). The second heater cover (370) may be configured to surround the portion of the outer surface of the sleeve (331) where the first heater cover (360) does not surround the sleeve (331) (e.g., the portion in the +X direction). The portion where the first heater cover (360) surrounds the sleeve (331) and the portion where the second heater cover (370) surrounds the sleeve (331) may partially overlap. The second heater cover (370) may include an insulating material. The second heater cover (370) may include at least one second heater cover coupling portion (372) configured to be coupled with the first heater cover (360). The number of at least one second heater cover coupling part (372) may correspond to the number of at least one first heater cover coupling part (362). Each of the at least one second heater cover coupling part (372) may be arranged to correspond to each of the at least one first heater cover coupling part (362). The first heater cover coupling part (362) and the second heater cover coupling part (372) may be joined mechanically, magnetically, or by using a chemical substance. For example, the second heater cover coupling part (372) may be configured to be mechanically engaged with the first heater cover coupling part (362). For example, the second heater cover coupling part (372) may include a hole into which the hook-shaped first heater cover coupling part (362) engages.

[0143] The second heater cover (370) may be configured to be coupled with other components of the heater module (330) (e.g., the first heater flange (350), the second heater flange (352), and / or the first heater cover (360)). The second heater cover (370) may include a first flange coupling portion (374) configured to be mechanically engaged with the first heater flange (350) and positioned on the inner surface of one end (e.g., the -Z direction end) of the second heater cover (370). The first flange coupling portion (374) may be configured to be mechanically engaged with the groove (350C). For example, the first flange coupling portion (374) may protrude from the second heater cover (370), and the portion protruding from the second heater cover (370) may be fitted into the groove (350C). The second heater cover (370) may include at least one second heater cover protrusion (376) configured to be mechanically engaged with the flange protrusion (352B) and positioned on the inner surface of one end of the second heater cover (370) (e.g., the end in the +Z direction).

[0144] The aerosol generating device (300) may include a plurality of pipes (380) that form part of an airflow path (P) through which air introduced from the outside flows into a cavity (340). The plurality of pipes (380) may be configured to guide the air introduced from the outside into the cavity (340). All air introduced from the internal space (318) into the plurality of pipes (380) along the airflow path (P) may be guided into the cavity (340) through the airflow channel (332). The plurality of pipes (380) may be configured so that substantially all or most of the air introduced from the outside into the internal space (318) is guided into the cavity (340) through the plurality of pipes (380). The aerosol generating device (300) can efficiently generate aerosols by preventing the air from substantially flowing through a route other than the airflow path (P).

[0145] Multiple pipes (380) can change the direction in which air flows. Air that flows into the multiple pipes (380) in one direction can flow out of the multiple pipes (380) in a direction different from the direction in which it flows. For example, air that flows into one of the multiple pipes (380) (e.g., the third pipe (386)) in a first direction (e.g., the +X direction) can flow out in a second direction (e.g., the +Z direction) that intersects the first direction. Air that flows into one of the multiple pipes (380) (e.g., the third pipe (386)) in the first direction can flow into another pipe (e.g., the second pipe (384)) in a third direction (e.g., the -Z direction) that is substantially opposite to the second direction. Air that flows into another pipe in the third direction can flow into another pipe (e.g., the first pipe (382)) in the first direction.

[0146] A plurality of pipes (380) may include a first pipe (382) configured to form a part of an airflow path (P) (e.g., the first airflow path (P1) in FIG. 4) and to be coupled to a heater module (330). The first pipe (382) may be connected to a sleeve (331). The first pipe (382) may be configured to be coupled to a first heater flange (350). The first heater flange (350) and the first pipe (382) may be configured to be mechanically coupled. For example, the first heater flange (350) and the first pipe (382) may be configured to be mechanically interlocked with each other, such as by fitting, screwing, or hooking. The first heater flange (350) and the first pipe (382) may also be configured to be magnetically coupled. The first heater flange (350) and the first pipe (382) may be joined using chemical substances. For example, the first heater flange (350) and the first pipe (382) may be joined using an adhesive containing components that are not dangerous even if inhaled by the human body. The first heater flange (350) and the first pipe (382) may also be joined using two or more of the joining methods described above.

[0147] The first pipe (382) may include a first pipe extension (382A) comprising a first end (382A1) of the first pipe (382) (e.g., the end in the +X direction in FIG. 6) and a second end (382A2) of the first pipe (382) opposite to the first end (382A1). The first pipe extension (382A) may extend in a first direction (e.g., the +X direction). The first end (382A1) of the first pipe (382) may be configured to be coupled with the first heater flange (350), and the second end (382A2) of the first pipe (382) may be configured to be coupled with the second pipe (384). The first pipe (382) may be positioned closer to the first end (382A1) than to the second end (382A2) and may include a flange coupling hole (382B) through which air passes, corresponding to the flange hole (350A). The first pipe (382) may include a first hole (382C) through which air (e.g., air from the second pipe (384)) entering the first pipe (382) passes. The first pipe (382) may be configured to guide the air passing through the first hole (382C) into the cavity (340). The flange hole (350A) and the flange coupling hole (382B) may be arranged with respect to an axis (e.g., Z-axis) into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted to guide the air to the end (e.g., Z-direction end) of the aerosol generating article (2). In an unillustrated embodiment, the direction and position in which the first pipe (382) guides the air may vary depending on the design of the heater module (330).

[0148] A plurality of pipes (380) may include a second pipe (384) configured to form part of an airflow path (P) (e.g., the second airflow path (P2) in FIG. 4) and to be coupled to a first pipe (382). The first pipe (382) and the second pipe (384) may be configured to be mechanically coupled. For example, the first pipe (382) and the second pipe (384) may be configured to be mechanically interlocked with each other, such as by fitting, screwing, or hooking. The first pipe (382) and the second pipe (384) may also be configured to be magnetically coupled. The first pipe (382) and the second pipe (384) may also be coupled using a chemical substance. For example, the first pipe (382) and the second pipe (384) may be bonded using an adhesive containing a component that is not dangerous if inhaled by the human body. The first pipe (382) and the second pipe (384) may be joined using two or more of the joining methods described above.

[0149] The second pipe (384) may include a second pipe extension (384A) comprising a first end (384A1) of the second pipe (384) (e.g., the -Z direction end in FIG. 6) and a second end (384A2) of the second pipe (384) opposite to the first end (384A1). The second pipe extension (384A) may extend in a third direction (e.g., the -Z direction). The first end (384A1) of the second pipe (384) may be configured to be coupled with the first pipe (382), and the second end (384A2) of the second pipe (384) may be configured to be coupled with the third pipe (386). The second pipe (384) may be positioned close to the first end (382A1) and may include a second hole (384B) through which air passes, corresponding to the first hole (382C). The second pipe (384) may include a third hole (384C) through which incoming air (e.g., air from the third pipe (386)) passes. The second pipe (384) may be configured to guide the air passing through the third hole (384C) to the first pipe (382). The second pipe (384), comprising the first hole (382C) and the second hole (384B), may guide the air entering the second pipe (384) in a third direction (e.g., -Z direction) parallel to the direction in which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, to a first direction (e.g., +X direction). In an embodiment not illustrated, the air flowing into the second pipe (384) may flow in from a different direction, or may guide the air into the first pipe (382) in a different direction.

[0150] The second pipe (384) may be configured to be coupled with the heater module (330). For example, the second pipe (384) may be configured to be coupled with the first heater cover (360). The second pipe (384) may include a cover coupling portion (384D) configured to be coupled with the pipe coupling portion (364) of the first heater cover (360). At least one cover coupling portion (384D) may be formed on one side (e.g., the +X direction side) of the second pipe extension portion (384A). At least one cover coupling portion (384D) may also be formed to face one side (e.g., the +X direction side) from the side side (e.g., the + / -Y direction side) of the second pipe extension portion (384A). Each of the at least one cover coupling portion (384D) may be positioned at a location corresponding to each of the at least one pipe coupling portion (364). For example, when four pipe joints (364) are formed as holes in the first heater cover (360), each of the four cover joints (384D) may be positioned to correspond to each hole and may include an interlocking part (e.g., a hook) that engages with each hole. At least one cover joint (384D) may be mechanically, magnetically, or chemically connected to at least one pipe joint (364). For example, each of the plurality of cover joints (384D) may be configured to be mechanically engaged with each of the plurality of pipe joints (364).

[0151] A plurality of pipes (380) may include a third pipe (386) configured to form part of an airflow path (P) (e.g., part of the third airflow path (P3) in FIG. 4) and to be coupled to a second pipe (384). The second pipe (384) and the third pipe (386) may be configured to be mechanically coupled. For example, the second pipe (384) and the third pipe (386) may be configured to be mechanically interlocked with each other, such as by fitting, screwing, or hooking. The second pipe (384) and the third pipe (386) may also be configured to be magnetically coupled. The second pipe (384) and the third pipe (386) may also be coupled using a chemical substance. For example, the second pipe (384) and the third pipe (386) may be bonded using an adhesive containing a component that is not dangerous if inhaled by the human body. The second pipe (384) and the third pipe (386) may be joined using two or more of the joining methods described above.

[0152] The third pipe (386) may include a third pipe extension (386A) comprising a first end (386A1) of the third pipe (386) (e.g., the -Z direction end in FIG. 6) and a second end (386A2) of the third pipe (386) opposite to the first end (386A1). The third pipe extension (386A) may extend in a first direction (e.g., the +X direction). The first end (386A1) of the third pipe (386) may be connected to the second pipe (384), and the second end (386A2) of the third pipe (386) may be configured to be open to the internal space (318). The third pipe (386) may be positioned at the first end (382A1) and may include a fourth hole (386B) through which air passes, corresponding to the third hole (384C). The third pipe (386) may include a fifth hole (386C) through which incoming air (e.g., air in the internal space (318) before entering the multiple pipes (380) on the airflow path (P)) passes. The third pipe (386) may be configured to guide air introduced into the internal space (318) through the slot (322) or the gap in the housing (310) into the multiple pipes (380) through the fifth hole (386C). The fifth hole (386C) may be positioned on one side of the third pipe extension (386A) (e.g., the -X direction side in FIG. 6). Thus, the fifth hole (386C) can be configured to guide air in the first direction. In an embodiment not illustrated, the fifth hole (386C) may be placed on the other side of the third pipe extension (386A).

[0153] Although the plurality of pipes (380) described herein include three pipes (e.g., first pipe (382), second pipe (384), and third pipe (386)), in an embodiment not illustrated, the plurality of pipes (380) may be a single piece, may include two pipes, or may include four or more pipes. The cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of pipes (380) may be appropriately selected. For example, in the drawings, the cross-sections of the first pipe (382), second pipe (384), and third pipe (386) are depicted as square, but are not limited thereto and may be circular or non-square polygonal.

[0154] The aerosol generating device (300) may include a puff sensor (390) configured to output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (300). The control unit (12) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. The internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (300) may correspond to the pressure of a part of the airflow path (P) (e.g., a first airflow path (P1), a second airflow path (P2), a third airflow path (P3), or other parts). Air introduced from the outside is guided by a plurality of pipes (380), and the puff sensor (390) can measure pressure changes in the internal space (318) with relatively high accuracy. The puff sensor (390) may be positioned corresponding to the airflow path (P). The puff sensor (390) may be positioned around the plurality of pipes (380). For example, the puff sensor (390) may be positioned around the fifth hole (386C) of the third pipe (386) and configured to sense the pressure of the internal space (318). In an embodiment not illustrated, the puff sensor (390) may be positioned corresponding to the first airflow path (P1), the second airflow path (P2), or the third airflow path (P3) to measure the pressure inside the plurality of pipes (380). For example, the puff sensor (390) may be positioned to measure the pressure inside the first pipe (382), the second pipe (384), or the third pipe (386).

[0155] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Any or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0156] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, it means that even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0157] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A heater module comprising a sleeve configured to receive an aerosol-generating article; and It includes a plurality of pipes configured to guide air from the outside to the sleeve, and The above plurality of pipes are configured to interlock mechanically with each other, and An aerosol generating device in which at least one of the plurality of pipes is configured to be mechanically engaged with the heater module.

2. In Paragraph 1, The plurality of pipes above include a first pipe connected to the sleeve, and The above-mentioned first pipe is an aerosol generating device configured to guide air flowing into the above-mentioned first pipe in a first direction extending from the above-mentioned first pipe into a second direction intersecting the first direction.

3. In Paragraph 2, The plurality of pipes further include a second pipe configured to mechanically engage with the first pipe, and An aerosol generating device configured such that the second pipe guides air flowing into the second pipe in a third direction substantially opposite to the second direction into the first direction.

4. In Paragraph 3, The plurality of pipes further include a third pipe configured to mechanically engage with the second pipe, and The above-mentioned third pipe is an aerosol generating device configured to guide air flowing into the above-mentioned third pipe in a direction substantially parallel to the above-mentioned first direction in the above-mentioned third direction.

5. In Paragraph 4, The heater module further includes a first heater flange configured to be coupled to one end of the sleeve, and The above-mentioned first pipe is an aerosol generating device configured to be coupled with the above-mentioned first heater flange.

6. In Paragraph 5, The heater module further includes a second heater flange configured to be coupled to the other end opposite to the end of the sleeve, and The above third pipe is an aerosol generating device configured to be coupled with the above second heater flange.

7. In Paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device comprising a first heater cover configured to at least partially surround the outside of the sleeve, wherein the heater module above further comprises 8. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned first heater cover is an aerosol generating device comprising an insulating material.

9. In Paragraph 7, An aerosol generating device comprising a second heater cover configured to at least partially surround the outside of the sleeve and to be coupled with the first heater cover.

10. In Paragraph 9, An aerosol generating device configured such that the first heater cover or the second heater cover is coupled to the first heater flange or the second heater flange.

11. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned second pipe is an aerosol generating device configured to be combined with the above-mentioned first heater cover.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned second pipe is an aerosol generating device configured to mechanically engage with the above-mentioned first heater cover.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above heater module and the housing accommodating the plurality of pipes are further included. The above housing is an aerosol generating device comprising an internal space through which air flowing in from the outside flows.

14. In Paragraph 13, An aerosol generating device further comprising a slot disposed in the housing and a cap configured to slide about the slot, wherein the slot is connected to the internal space.

15. In Paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device configured to detect a user's puff and further comprising a puff sensor disposed around the plurality of pipes.

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