Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing accommodating a heater module and a cartridge; and a control unit provided inside the housing. The heater module includes: a first structure having at least a partial area that is pressed by coupling with the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the heater module; and a second structure configured to be electrically connected to the at least a partial area of the first structure pressed by the cartridge. The housing includes a third structure connected to the control unit and configured to be connected to the first structure and the second structure of the heater module. The heater module may be electrically connected to the control unit through the third structure when the heater module is coupled to the housing and the cartridge is coupled to the heater module.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a technology for communicating with a heater module in an aerosol generating device.

[0002] Aerosol generating devices have a structure that generates aerosols by heating liquid or solid substances, allowing users to inhale them. In particular, various technologies are being developed to enhance the efficiency and convenience of aerosol generating devices, and replaceable cartridges and heater modules have recently been introduced.

[0003] This system offers advantages to users in terms of maintenance and hygiene, and the lifespan of the device can be extended by easily replacing heater modules or cartridges.

[0004] However, conventional aerosol generators employ a method of detecting the presence of a cartridge by supplying power to a heater. This approach, however, has a drawback: errors in cartridge recognition can occur if the cartridge is not properly installed or if the communication connection between the heater module and the aerosol generator is unstable. Such instability not only degrades device performance but also negatively impacts the user experience.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is devised to solve the aforementioned problem, and aims to provide a configuration in which a communication connection is established through the combination of a cartridge, a heater module, and an aerosol generating device to collect information from the heater module.

[0006] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing that accommodates a heater module and a cartridge, and a control unit provided inside the housing. The heater module comprises a first structure in which at least a portion of the area is pressurized by the coupling with the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the heater module, and a second structure configured to be electrically connected to the at least portion of the first structure pressed by the cartridge. The housing comprises a third structure configured to be connected to the control unit and connected to the first structure and the second structure of the heater module. When the heater module is coupled to the housing and the cartridge is coupled to the heater module, the heater module can be electrically connected to the control unit through the third structure.

[0008] A heater module according to one embodiment of the present invention is a heater module separable from a cartridge or a housing of an aerosol generating device, and comprises a memory storing information related to the heater module, a first structure in which at least a portion is pressurized by coupling with the cartridge, and a second structure configured to be electrically connected to the at least portion of the first structure pressed by the cartridge, and when the heater module is coupled with the cartridge and the housing of the aerosol generating device, a control unit inside the housing and the memory may be electrically connected to each other.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by connecting the communication between the heater module and the aerosol generating device based on the combination of the cartridge and the aerosol generating device, information regarding the combination of the cartridge and the heater module can be collected simultaneously.

[0010] In addition, the heater module is heated by the combination of the cartridge and the aerosol generating device, thereby preventing malfunction of the aerosol generating device.

[0011] The effects of the present invention 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.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIGS. 4, FIGS. 5, and FIGS. 6 are exemplary diagrams of a structure for illustrating a communication connection process of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is an example diagram of a structure for illustrating the communication connection process of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0092] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a housing (10), a power source (11), a control unit (12), and / or a sensor unit (13). 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. 2, and that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be added. In the following drawings, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 will be omitted.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) may include a structure for inserting or mounting a cartridge (19) on one side. In this case, the cartridge (19) may be detachably coupled to the housing (10).

[0094] Although not illustrated, the housing (10) and / or cartridge (19) may include a mouthpiece. The user may place the mouthpiece in their mouth and inhale the aerosol.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may include a chamber (C0) containing an aerosol generating material. The chamber (C0) may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the following states: liquid state, solid state, gaseous state, or 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.

[0096] According to one embodiment, a liquid delivery means (25) impregnated (containing) an aerosol generating material may be included in a cartridge (19). For example, the liquid delivery means (25) may impregnate an aerosol generating material supplied from a chamber (C0). Here, the liquid delivery means (25) may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics. Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a liquid delivery means. In this case, at least a portion of the first liquid delivery means of the cartridge (19) and at least a portion of the second liquid delivery means of the aerosol generating device (1) may be formed to be in contact. In this case, the first liquid delivery means and the second liquid delivery means may be implemented in different forms. For example, the first liquid delivery means may include cotton fibers, and the second liquid delivery means may include porous ceramics. Alternatively, the cartridge (19) may not include a liquid delivery means, and the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) may be transferred to the liquid delivery means of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the housing (10) and / or cartridge (19) may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows.

[0098] For example, the housing (1) may include a structure that allows outside air to flow into the interior of the housing (10) while the cartridge (19) is attached. As an example, an air inlet through which outside air can flow into the interior of the housing (10) may be formed on one side of the aerosol housing (10). The air inlet may also be formed on the bottom surface of the housing (10). Outside air introduced into the interior of the housing (10) through the air inlet may pass through the cartridge (19) and then flow in a direction toward the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN). Outside air introduced through this air inlet hole may pass through the cartridge (19) and flow toward the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0099] For example, an airflow channel (CN) may be included in the cartridge (19). The airflow channel (CN) may connect the outside of the housing (10) and / or the cartridge (19) to a chamber (e.g., atomizing chamber) in which the cartridge heater (24) or liquid delivery means (25) is placed. More specifically, one end of the airflow channel (CN) may open to the chamber (e.g., atomizing chamber) in which the cartridge heater (24) or liquid delivery means (25) is placed, and the other end may be in communication with the mouthpiece. The airflow channel (CN) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (19) from one side of the chamber (C0) of the cartridge (19). The airflow channel (CN) may also extend along the longitudinal direction of the cartridge (19) by penetrating the chamber (C0) of the cartridge (19). The airflow channel (CN) may also be in communication with a mouthpiece separately provided in the housing (10).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) can heat the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (19). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may include an electric resistive heater and / or an induction heating heater. In one example, the electric resistive heater may include an electric resistive material and may be heated as current flows through the electric resistive material. In another example, in the case of an induction heating heater, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an induction coil (not shown) around the induction heating heater. The induction heating heater may include a susceptor and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated from the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater (24) may be formed in a coil shape that surrounds (or wraps around) the liquid delivery means contained in the cartridge (19) and / or the aerosol generating device (1) and / or in a shape that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means (e.g., a pattern shape).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in the cartridge (19). If the cartridge (19) is in a form that is separable from the housing (10), the cartridge heater (24) may be separable from the aerosol generating device (1) together with the cartridge (19). Unlike what is illustrated, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cartridge heater (24) may be included inside the housing (10). Meanwhile, the cartridge heater (24) may be included in a form that is separable from the housing (10) separately (i.e., independently) from the cartridge (19). In other words, the cartridge heater (24) may or may not be separated from the housing (10) regardless of whether the cartridge (19) is separated.

[0102] According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on the heat generated by the cartridge heater (24). As the liquid delivery means (25) is heated by the cartridge heater (24), an aerosol may be generated. For example, as the aerosol generating material impregnated in the liquid delivery means (25) is heated by the cartridge heater (24), vapor may be generated from the aerosol generating material, and as the generated vapor is mixed with the outside air introduced into the cartridge (19), an aerosol may be generated. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater (24) may be inhaled into the user's mouth through the airflow channel (CN).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (19) may be formed integrally with the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., housing (10)). The cartridge (19) may be formed so that it cannot be separated from the aerosol generating device (1) by a user. Even in this case, the cartridge (19) and / or the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one liquid delivery means, and an aerosol is generated based on a cartridge heater (24) included in the aerosol generating device (1) or the cartridge (19) heating the liquid delivery means (25), and the generated aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through an airflow channel (CN).

[0104] The communication connection method between the heater module (200) and the aerosol generating device (1) will be explained through the following drawings.

[0105] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (100), a heater module (200) for an aerosol generating device, and a housing (300) of an aerosol generating device.

[0107] The cartridge (100) disclosed in FIG. 3 is separable from the heater module (200) or the housing (300) of the aerosol generating device (1) and may include at least some components of the cartridge (19) of FIG. 2.

[0108] An aerosol generating material may be stored inside the cartridge (100), and the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge (100) may be supplied to a heater module (200) placed at the bottom of the cartridge (100) (e.g., the part facing the -z direction).

[0109] The cartridge (100) may include a mouthpiece (100m) for supplying aerosol to a user. For example, the mouthpiece (100m) may connect or fluidly connect the inside of the heater module (200) and the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), and the aerosol generated inside the heater module (200) may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the mouthpiece (100m). At this time, the user may contact their mouth with the mouthpiece (100m) and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0110] The heater module (200) in FIG. 3 is separable from the cartridge (100) or the housing (300) of the aerosol generating device and may include at least some components of the cartridge (19) in FIG. 2.

[0111] The heater module (200) is located between the cartridge (100) and the housing (300) and can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of the aerosol generating material into a gaseous phase.

[0112] The heater module (200) includes a built-in memory (230), and when the cartridge (100) and the housing (300) of the aerosol generating device (1) are combined, a communication connection is established with the housing (300) so that information of the heater module (200) can be transmitted to the control unit (12) of the housing (300).

[0113] The heater module (200) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge (100). For example, the heater module (200) can generate steam from the aerosol generating material supplied from the cartridge (100), and the generated steam can be mixed with external air introduced from the outside of the heater module (200) into the inside of the heater module (200). Accordingly, an aerosol can be generated. In the present disclosure, 'aerosol' may refer to particles generated by mixing air with steam generated by heating the aerosol generating material, and the expression may be used with the same meaning below.

[0114] The heater module (200) may be configured to include at least a heater (24) and a liquid delivery means (25).

[0115] The housing (300) is located at the bottom of the heater module (200) (e.g., the part facing the -z direction) and can support the heater module (200), and components for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged inside the housing (300). For example, at least some of the components of FIG. 1 may be included inside the aerosol generating device housing (300).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cover (310) for protecting the components of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0117] The cover (310) is positioned to surround at least one area of ​​the cartridge (100), heater module (200), and housing (300) to fix the position of the cartridge (100), heater module (200), and housing (300), and to protect the cartridge (100), heater module (200), and housing (300) from external impact or the ingress of foreign matter. The cover (310) may be formed integrally with the housing (300), but may also be detachably coupled to the housing (300).

[0118] FIGS. 4 to 6 are exemplary diagrams of a structure for illustrating a communication connection process of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge (100), heater module (200), and housing (300) of FIG. 3 are shown separated from each other. Accordingly, in FIG. 4, the communication line may be disconnected and the communication function may be disabled.

[0120] The cartridge (100) may be detachably coupled to the heater module (200). According to one embodiment, the cartridge (100) may include a pressure portion (110) protruding in the direction of coupling with the heater module (200) to press at least a portion of the heater module (200).

[0121] The heater module (200) may be detachably coupled to the housing (300) or cartridge (100). According to one embodiment, the heater module (200) may include a first structure in which at least a portion of the area is pressurized by coupling with the cartridge (100), and a second structure electrically connected to at least a portion of the pressurized first structure.

[0122] Specifically, a heater module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first structure and a second structure, which can be responsible for physical coupling and electrical connection between the cartridge (100), the heater module (200), and the housing (300).

[0123] The first structure is a component that is physically pressed when combined with the cartridge (100) and can perform the role of initiating an electrical connection when combined with the cartridge. According to one embodiment, the first structure may include at least one of a first contact terminal (210), a first communication terminal (T2), and a first connection part (215).

[0124] The first contact terminal (210) may be a terminal that is physically pressed by the pressurizing part (110) of the cartridge (100). When the cartridge (100) is coupled to the heater module (200), the first contact terminal (210) may move or be elastically bent inside the heater module (200) to be electrically connected to the second structure.

[0125] The first communication terminal (T2) may be included in the first structure and may be a terminal that transmits an electrical signal for communication connection with the housing (300). When the first contact terminal (210) is pressed, communication may be established by electrically connecting to the second communication terminal (T6) of the housing (300) through the first communication terminal (T2).

[0126] The first connecting part (215) is a component that electrically connects the first contact terminal (210) and the first communication terminal (T2), and may be composed of a conductive material in a predetermined length. The first connecting part (215) may have elasticity or be composed in the form of a wire.

[0127] The second structure is responsible for transmitting electrical signals and power within the heater module (200) and is electrically connected to the first structure to perform the role of managing information or power flow of the heater module (200). According to one embodiment, the second structure may include at least one of a second contact terminal (220), a memory (230), a second connection part (235), and a first ground terminal (T3).

[0128] The second contact terminal (220) may be a terminal that is electrically connected to the first contact terminal (210) of the first structure. When the first structure is pressurized, the second contact terminal (220) is electrically connected so that communication or power can flow inside the heater module (200).

[0129] The memory (230) may be included in the second structure, but is not limited thereto, and may also be included in the first structure. Information related to the heater module (200) (e.g., power characteristics, heater status, etc.) may be stored in the memory (230).

[0130] The second connection part (235) is a component that connects the second contact terminal (220) or memory (230) to the first ground terminal (T3) and can connect electrical signals and power flow. The second connection part (235) may have elasticity or be configured in the form of a wire, and can establish an electrical connection while moving according to the pressure applied by the first structure.

[0131] The heater module (200) may further include one or more power terminals (T1, T4) for power transmission. The power terminals (T1, T4) of the heater module may be electrically connected by contacting the power terminals (T5, T8) of the housing (300) at a position opposite to them. By doing so, the heater module (200) can receive power from the power source (11) of the housing (300).

[0132] As described above, a heater module (200) including at least a first structure and a second structure can be combined with a housing (300) of an aerosol generating device (1).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the housing (300) may include a third structure that is electrically connected to the first and second structures of the heater module (200).

[0134] The third structure may be provided in the housing (300) and may be configured to include at least one of one or more power terminals (T5, T8), a second communication terminal (T6), and a second ground terminal (T8).

[0135] In FIG. 4, a communication connection between the heater module (200) and the housing (300) can be established by combining the cartridge (100), the heater module (200), and the housing (300). The details of this communication connection will be explained in more detail below through FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

[0136] In FIG. 5, the heater module (200) of FIG. 4 is shown moved in the Z-axis direction and coupled with the housing (300). For example, the heater module (200) may be coupled by being guided so as not to be detached by the cover (310) and fitted into the housing (300), but is not limited thereto.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 5, the heater module (200) and the housing (300) are combined so that the power terminals (T1, T4) of the heater module (200) can each be in contact with the power terminals (T5, T8) of the housing (300). The first communication terminal (T2) of the heater module (200) can be in contact with the second communication terminal (T6) of the housing (300). The first ground terminal (T3) of the heater module (200) can be in contact with the second ground terminal (T7) of the housing (300).

[0138] In FIG. 5, the heater module (200) is combined with the housing (300), but since the first structure and the second structure of the heater module (200) are not electrically connected, the communication connection between the heater module (200) and the housing (300) is not established.

[0139] In other words, when the cartridge (100) is not connected, communication between the heater module (200) and the housing (300) is not yet fully established. Although the heater module (200) and the housing (300) are connected by power, the communication line is activated only when the cartridge (100) is connected.

[0140] In detail, when only the heater module (200) and the housing (300) are combined, the circuit of the first structure of the heater module (200) and the circuit of the third structure inside the housing (300) are connected, and the circuit of the second structure of the heater module (200) and the circuit of the third structure inside the housing (300) are connected. However, the circuit of the first structure of the heater module (200) and the circuit of the second structure of the heater module (200) are open so that a communication connection between the heater module (200) and the control unit (12) is not established.

[0141] According to one embodiment, when the heater module (200) and the housing (300) are combined, the power terminals (T1, T4) of the heater module (200) and the power terminals (T5, T8) inside the housing can be configured to be connected regardless of the combination between the cartridge (100) and the heater module (200). In this case, the control unit (12) can control the power supply (11) so that power is transmitted from the power supply (11) to the heater module (200) only when the cartridge (100), the heater module (200), and the housing (300) are all combined.

[0142] In contrast, the power connection between the cartridge (100), the heater module (200), and the housing (300) may also be configured such that power is transmitted only when the cartridge (100), the heater module (200), and the housing (300) are all connected, similar to the communication connection according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this case, since a closed circuit for power connection is not formed merely by connecting the heater module (200) and the housing (300), power is not transmitted between the heater module (200) and the housing (300).

[0143] In FIG. 6, the state in which the cartridge (100) is coupled to the heater module (200) is shown.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 6, as the cartridge (100) is coupled to the heater module (200), the pressurizing part (110) of the cartridge (100) can pressurize at least a portion of the first structure of the heater module (200). For example, the pressurizing part (110) can pressurize the first contact terminal (210) of the heater module (200).

[0145] Due to this pressure, the first contact terminal (210) moves inside the heater module (200) and is electrically connected to the second contact terminal (220), and at the same time, the first communication terminal (T2) comes into contact with the second communication terminal (T6) of the housing. As a result, communication between the heater module (200) and the housing (300) is fully established, and information stored in the memory (230) is transmitted to the control unit (12) of the housing.

[0146] The pressurized first contact terminal (210) can be moved in the Z-axis direction inside the heater module (200) to come into contact with the second contact terminal (220) and be electrically connected. In this case, although not illustrated, the first connecting part (215) can also be moved along with the movement of the first contact terminal (210) or bent with a predetermined elastic force.

[0147] The second contact terminal (220) is electrically connected to the memory (230), and the memory (230) can be connected to the second connection part (235). The second connection part (235) can electrically connect the second contact terminal (220) or the memory (230) to the first ground terminal (T3).

[0148] The memory (230) is depicted as being included in the second structure on the heater module (200), but is not limited thereto. For example, the memory (230) may be located in any area of ​​the first structure.

[0149] The first communication terminal (T2) can electrically connect the first structure of the heater module (200) and at least a portion of the housing (300). For example, the first communication terminal (T2) can be electrically connected to the first connection part (215) and can be electrically connected to the second communication terminal (T6) of the housing (300) by contacting it.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the first structure of the heater module (200) may be electrically connected to the second structure by moving at least a portion of the area into the interior of the heater module (200) by the pressurizing part (110) of the cartridge (100).

[0151] For example, the first contact terminal (210) of the first structure can be moved by the pressurizing part (110) to come into contact with the second contact terminal (220) of the second structure.

[0152] With the heater module (200) and the housing (300) combined, as shown in FIG. 6, a cartridge (100) is additionally combined, so that a closed circuit based on the first structure, the second structure, and the third structure can be created.

[0153] In detail, when the heater module (200), cartridge (100), and housing (300) are all combined, the circuit of the first structure of the heater module (200), the circuit of the second structure of the heater module (200), and the circuit of the third structure inside the housing (300) are connected as a closed circuit, so that a communication connection can be established between the heater module (200) or the memory (230) of the heater module (200) and the control unit (12).

[0154] For example, depending on the combination of the cartridge (100), heater module (200), and housing (300), a closed circuit may be formed consisting of a first contact terminal (210), a first connection part (215), a second contact terminal (220), a memory (230), a first communication terminal (T2), a second communication terminal (T6), a first ground terminal (T3), and a second ground terminal (T7). Through this closed circuit, a communication connection between the heater module (200) and the housing (300) may be established.

[0155] Additionally, the first contact terminal (210), the first connection part (215), the second contact terminal (220), the first communication terminal (T2), the second communication terminal (T6), the first ground terminal (T3), and the second ground terminal (T7) may be made of a metal material having electrical conductivity or a conductive wire.

[0156] When a communication connection is established, information related to the heater module (200) can be transmitted from the memory (230) included in the heater module (200) to the housing (300) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, information such as the type and power characteristics of the heater module (200) can be transmitted to the control unit (12) of the housing (300), thereby allowing the control unit (12) to recognize and verify the heater module (200).

[0157] According to one embodiment, when a communication connection is established between the heater module (200) and the housing (300), the control unit (12) can apply power to the heater module (200). For example, the control unit (12) can supply power to a heater (24) included in the heater module (200), and the heater (24) can heat the liquid delivery means (25). By doing so, the aerosol generating material delivered from the chamber (C0) can be atomized in the liquid delivery means (25) or in an area adjacent thereto, and the generated aerosol can flow in a direction toward the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0158] FIG. 7 is an example diagram of a structure for showing the communication connection process of an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment.

[0159] In FIG. 7, a first contact terminal (217) of a different form from the first contact terminal (215) of FIG. 4 to 6 is shown.

[0160] The first contact terminal (217) of FIG. 7 is formed such that at least a portion of it has elasticity, so that it can be electrically connected to the second structure by the pressure of the pressure member (110). For example, the first contact terminal (217) may include a curved region such that one end faces the Z-axis direction. This curved region is formed of a material having a certain elasticity and can be bent by the pressure member (110) to come into contact with the second contact terminal (220).

[0161] Additionally, the first contact terminal (217) may be a configuration in which the first contact terminal (210) disclosed in FIGS. 4 to 6 and the first connecting part (215) are formed as a single unit.

[0162] As with the embodiments of the drawings described above, a communication connection between the heater module (200) and the housing (300) of the aerosol generating device (1) can be established by combining the cartridge (100), the heater module (200), and the housing (300) of the aerosol generating device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. This process ensures stable communication between the heater module (200) and the housing (300) and is designed so that communication occurs only when the cartridge (100) is properly mounted.

[0163] By doing so, information of the replaceable heater module (200) in the aerosol generating device (1) using the detachable heater module (200) can be recognized more efficiently, and power consumption can be minimized.

[0164] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing that accommodates a heater module and a cartridge, and a control unit provided inside the housing. The heater module comprises a first structure in which at least a portion of the area is pressurized by the coupling with the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the heater module, and a second structure configured to be electrically connected to the at least portion of the first structure pressed by the cartridge. The housing comprises a third structure configured to be connected to the control unit and connected to the first structure and the second structure of the heater module. When the heater module is coupled to the housing and the cartridge is coupled to the heater module, the heater module can be electrically connected to the control unit through the third structure.

[0165] In an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments, when only the heater module and the housing are combined, the first structure of the heater module and the third structure inside the housing are electrically connected, and the second structure of the heater module and the third structure inside the housing are electrically connected, and the first structure may not be electrically connected to the second structure.

[0166] In an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments, when the heater module, the cartridge, and the housing are all combined, the first structure of the heater module, the second structure of the heater module, and the third structure inside the housing are connected in a closed circuit, and the heater module and the control unit can be electrically connected through the first structure, the second structure, and the third structure.

[0167] An aerosol generating device according to some embodiments may include, in the first structure, a first contact terminal configured to be pressurized by the cartridge, and a first communication terminal configured to electrically connect the first structure and the third structure.

[0168] In an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments, the control unit may be configured such that power is supplied from a power source inside the housing to the heater module by combining the heater module, the cartridge, and the housing.

[0169] An aerosol generating device according to some embodiments may further include a first connecting part configured to electrically connect the first contact terminal and the first communication terminal in the first structure.

[0170] An aerosol generating device according to some embodiments may include a second contact terminal configured to be electrically connected to at least a portion of the first structure pressurized by the cartridge, and a first ground terminal configured to ground the second structure.

[0171] An aerosol generating device according to some embodiments may further include a second connecting part configured to electrically connect the second contact terminal and the first ground terminal in the second structure.

[0172] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may include a cartridge that includes a pressurizing portion protruding toward the first structure of the heater module to pressurize at least a portion of the first structure of the heater module.

[0173] In an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments, the first structure may be electrically connected to the second structure by having at least a portion of its area moved into the interior of the heater module by the pressurizing part.

[0174] In an aerosol generating device according to some embodiments, the first structure is formed such that at least a portion thereof has elasticity and can be pressed by the pressurizing part and electrically connected to the second structure.

[0175] An aerosol generating device according to some embodiments may further include a memory in which the heater module contains information related to the heater module, and when a communication connection is established between the heater module and the control unit, information related to the heater module may be transmitted from the memory to the control unit.

[0176] An aerosol generating device according to some embodiments may be configured to apply power to the heater module when a communication connection is established between the heater module and the control unit.

[0177] An aerosol generating device according to some embodiments may include, in the third structure, a second communication terminal configured to be electrically connected to a first communication terminal of the first structure when the heater module and the housing are coupled together, and a second ground terminal configured to be connected to a first ground terminal of the second structure when the heater module and the housing are coupled together.

[0178] A heater module according to one embodiment of the present invention is a heater module separable from the cartridge or the housing of the aerosol generating device, and comprises a memory storing information related to the heater module, a first structure in which at least a portion is pressurized by coupling with the cartridge, and a second structure configured to be electrically connected to the at least portion of the first structure pressed by the cartridge, and when the heater module is coupled with the cartridge and the housing of the aerosol generating device, a control unit inside the housing and the memory may be electrically connected to each other.

[0179] In a heater module according to some embodiments, at least one of the first structure and the second structure includes a power terminal configured to be electrically connected to a power terminal inside the housing, regardless of the coupling between the cartridge and the heater module when the heater module is coupled to the housing, and the heater module may be configured to receive power from a power source inside the housing by the coupling of the heater module, the cartridge and the housing.

[0180] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0181] 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, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible, except where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0182] 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 housing for accommodating a heater module and a cartridge; and It includes a control unit provided inside the above housing, and The above heater module is, A first structure in which at least a portion of the area is pressurized by coupling with the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the heater module; and It includes a second structure configured to be electrically connected to at least a portion of the first structure pressurized by the cartridge, and The above housing includes a third structure configured to be connected to the control unit and connected to the first structure and the second structure of the heater module, and An aerosol generating device in which the heater module is coupled to the housing and the cartridge is coupled to the heater module, and the heater module is electrically connected to the control unit through the third structure.

2. In Paragraph 1, When only the heater module and the housing are combined: The first structure of the heater module and the third structure inside the housing are electrically connected, and The second structure of the heater module and the third structure inside the housing are electrically connected, The above-mentioned first structure is an aerosol generating device that is not electrically connected to the above-mentioned second structure.

3. In Paragraph 2, When the heater module, the cartridge, and the housing are all combined: The first structure of the heater module, the second structure of the heater module, and the third structure inside the housing are connected in a closed circuit, and An aerosol generating device in which the heater module and the control unit are electrically connected through the first structure, the second structure, and the third structure.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first structure is, A first contact terminal configured to be pressurized by the above cartridge; and An aerosol generating device comprising a first communication terminal configured to electrically connect the first structure and the third structure.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned first structure is, An aerosol generating device further comprising a first connecting part configured to electrically connect the first contact terminal and the first communication terminal.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above second structure is, A second contact terminal configured to be electrically connected to at least a portion of the first structure pressed by the cartridge; and An aerosol generating device comprising a first grounding terminal configured to ground the second structure.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above second structure is, An aerosol generating device further comprising a second connecting part configured to electrically connect the second contact terminal and the first ground terminal.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above cartridge is, An aerosol generating device comprising a pressurizing portion protruding toward the first structure of the heater module to pressurize at least a portion of the first structure of the heater module.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned first structure is, An aerosol generating device in which at least a portion of the area is moved into the interior of the heater module by the above-mentioned pressurizing part and electrically connected to the second structure.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned first structure is, An aerosol generating device formed such that at least a portion has elasticity and is pressurized by the pressurizing part and electrically connected to the second structure.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above heater module is, It further includes a memory containing information related to the above heater module, and An aerosol generating device in which, when a communication connection is established between the heater module and the control unit, information related to the heater module is transmitted from the memory to the control unit.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, An aerosol generating device configured to apply power to the heater module when a communication connection is established between the heater module and the control unit.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above third structure is, A second communication terminal configured to be electrically connected to a first communication terminal of the first structure when the heater module and the housing are combined with each other; and An aerosol generating device comprising a second ground terminal configured to be connected to a first ground terminal of the second structure when the heater module and the housing are combined with each other.

14. A heater module detachable from the housing of a cartridge or aerosol generating device, A memory storing information related to the above heater module; A first structure in which at least a portion is pressurized by coupling with the cartridge; and It includes a second structure configured to be electrically connected to at least a portion of the first structure pressed by the cartridge, and A heater module in which, when the heater module is combined with the housing of the cartridge and the aerosol generating device, the control unit and the memory inside the housing are electrically connected to each other.

15. In Paragraph 14, At least one of the first structure and the second structure is, When the heater module is coupled to the housing, it includes a power terminal configured to be electrically connected to a power terminal inside the housing, regardless of the coupling between the cartridge and the heater module. The above heater module is, A heater module configured to receive power from a power source inside the housing by combining the heater module, the cartridge, and the housing.

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