JP7704956B2 - Aerosol Generator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to provide an aerosol generating device that can improve the overall aesthetics of the aerosol generating device while making it easy to disassemble the separation member by making the separation guide hole for attaching and detaching the separation member of the aerosol generating device invisible from the outside.

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating substances using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to generate aerosols.

The components constituting the aerosol generating device, such as the heater and the user interface (e.g., USB interface), may need to be replaced or repaired due to repeated use of the aerosol generating device. For this reason, a process of separating the separation member that is detachably connected to the main body of the aerosol generating device must be performed first.

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to improve the overall aesthetics of the aerosol generating device while ensuring the ease of separation of the separating member through an aerosol generating device in which the separation guide hole for separating the separating member from the main body is arranged so as not to be visible from the outside.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment includes a main body; a separation member detachably connected to the main body; a storage hole that penetrates the separation member and stores an external device electrically connected to the aerosol generating device; and a separation guide hole that is connected to the storage hole, extends in a direction different from the extension direction of the storage hole, and into which a separation tool that separates the separation member from the main body is inserted.

The means for solving the problem are not limited to those described above, but may include any matter that can be inferred by a person of ordinary skill in the art throughout this specification.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can provide a structure that allows the separating member and the main body to be easily separated without damaging the overall aesthetics of the device.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. 2 is a view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed in the y-axis direction. 1 is a view showing a structure in which a separation inducing hole is arranged to be exposed to the outside of a separation member. 1 is a view of a separation member of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, viewed from a first direction. 5 is a view of the separating member of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 4 viewed in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 1 is a view showing a shape in which a separation member of an aerosol generating device is coupled to a main body according to an embodiment. 2 is an xy plane cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1 with a separation tool inserted therein; 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a cigarette. FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a main body; a separation member detachably connected to the main body; a storage hole that penetrates the separation member and stores an external device electrically connected to the aerosol generating device; and a separation guide hole that is connected to the storage hole, extends in a direction different from the extension direction of the storage hole, and into which a separation tool that separates the separation member from the main body is inserted.

The separation guide hole extends in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the storage hole.

The separation induction hole may be formed in an area where the extensions of the long axes of the cross sections of the separation member and the storage hole meet.

The separation member may include a coupling portion that is coupled to the main body, and may include a barrier disposed between the separation-inducing hole and the coupling portion.

The first distance from the separation induction hole to the barrier and the second distance from the separation induction hole to the coupling portion have a length ratio of 1:3 to 1:15.

The open end of the separation induction hole has a length of 0.3 mm to 3 mm along the extension direction of the storage hole.

The device may further include a protective member disposed inside the storage hole and surrounding at least a portion of a side surface of the storage hole, the protective member blocking a portion of the open end of the separation induction hole.

The accommodation hole can accommodate an interface terminal that receives power from the external device.

The terms used in the examples are currently commonly used terms, and are selected as far as possible while taking into consideration their functions in this disclosure. However, this may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, legal precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure must be defined based on the meanings that the terms have and the overall content of this disclosure, not simply the names of the terms.

Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, this does not mean to exclude other components, but means that it may further include other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary. Furthermore, terms such as "- unit" and "- module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an array of components, it modifies the entire array of components and not each individual component of the array. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" are used in this specification to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component.

Throughout the specification, an "aerosol generating device" is also a device that generates an aerosol using an aerosol generating substance to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the user's mouth.

Throughout the specification, "cigarette" means an article used for smoking. For example, a cigarette can be a combustion cigarette that is used in a manner in which it is lit and burned, or a heat-not-burn cigarette that is used in a manner in which it is heated by an aerosol generating device.

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can easily implement the embodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 1 as viewed in the y-axis direction.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a main body 110, a separation member 120 detachably connected to the main body 110, and a receiving hole 121.

The main body 110 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 100, and the components of the aerosol generating device 100 may be arranged inside the main body 110. For example, the main body 110 may be arranged with a storage space into which a cigarette is inserted, a heater for heating the cigarette, and a user interface (e.g., a USB interface) for electrically connecting the aerosol generating device 100 to an external device, but is not limited thereto.

The separation member 120 may be detachably coupled to a region of the main body 110 and protect the components of the aerosol generating device 100 disposed in the main body 110. For example, the separation member 120 may protect other components of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., a processor, a memory, etc.) while exposing to the outside the receiving hole 121 into which an external device electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 100 is inserted, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 100, a separation guide hole (not shown) for separating or disassembling the separating member 120 from the main body 110 is arranged so that it is not exposed to the outside, thereby ensuring ease of disassembly of the separating member 120 of the aerosol generating device 100 while also ensuring the aesthetics of the aerosol generating device 100.

Figure 3 is a drawing showing a structure in which a separation induction hole is arranged to be exposed to the outside of the separation member. Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating device 101 in which a separation induction hole 122a for separating the separation member 120a from the main body 110a is arranged to be exposed to the outside.

Referring to FIG. 3, if the separation induction hole 122a for separating the separating member 120a from the main body 110a is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 101, the separation induction hole 122a may reduce the aesthetics of the aerosol generating device 101, and a gap may occur between the main body 110a and the separating member 120a due to tolerances.

In contrast, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 in FIG. 1) ensures both aesthetics and ease of disassembly by preventing the separation induction hole from being exposed to the outside, and a detailed description of this will be given later.

Figure 4 is a view of a separation member of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, viewed from a first direction, and Figure 5 is a view of the separation member of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 4, viewed from a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the separation member 120 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a receiving hole 121, a separation induction hole 122, a barrier 123, and a coupling portion 124.

The accommodating hole 121 can accommodate an external device that penetrates the separating member 120 and is electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 100. The accommodating hole 121 can also be formed in a shape that is recessed toward the main body 110 when the separating member 120 and the main body 110 are combined. The accommodating hole 121 can be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 when the main body 110 and the separating member 120 are combined. The external device is a charger terminal that charges a battery provided in the aerosol generating device 100, and the charger can be, but is not limited to, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) type.

The separation induction hole 122 is connected to the storage hole 121 and extends in a direction different from the extension direction of the storage hole 121. Here, the extension direction of the storage hole 121 means the extension direction of the empty space. For example, the separation induction hole 122 extends along a direction crossing the extension direction of the storage hole 121.

A separation tool for separating the separation member 120 when the separation member 120 and the main body 110 are combined may be inserted into the separation guide hole 122. For example, a user may insert a separation tool (e.g., a screwdriver) into the separation guide hole 122 and separate the separation member 120 from the main body 110 using the lever principle.

In this case, since the separation induction hole 122 extends in a direction different from the extension direction of the storage hole 121, when the separation member 120 is viewed from the extension direction of the storage hole 121, the separation induction hole 122 is concealed. As a result, the ease of disassembly of the separation member 120 is maintained, while the aesthetics of the aerosol generating device 100 as a whole are not damaged.

The separation induction hole 122 may be formed in an area where the extensions of the long axis L of the cross sections of the separating member 120 and the receiving hole 121 meet. Here, the cross section of the receiving hole 121 may refer to a cross section in a direction crossing the extension direction of the receiving hole 121. Also, the long axis L refers to an axis having the maximum length in the cross section of the receiving hole 121. Since the separation induction hole 122 is formed in an area where the extensions of the long axis L of the cross section of the receiving hole 121 meet, the concealment power of the separation induction hole 122 may be further improved. Also, since the operating range of the separation tool inserted into the separation induction hole 122 is increased, the ease of disassembly of the separating member 120 may be improved.

The separation member 120 may include a coupling portion 124 that is coupled to the main body 110, and may include a barrier 123 disposed between the separation induction hole 122 and the coupling portion 124.

The coupling part 124 may be coupled to the main body 110 by at least one of a snap-fit method, a magnetic coupling method, or a fitting method, but the coupling method between the coupling part 124 and the main body 110 is not limited to the above examples.

The barrier 123 has a shape extending in the extension direction of the receiving hole 121. The barrier 123 can prevent external foreign matter from entering the inside of the main body 110 through the separation induction hole 122. The barrier 123 can also prevent the separation tool D, which is inserted in the extension direction of the separation induction hole 122, from being inserted any further. Thus, the barrier 123 can come into contact with an end of the separation tool D and correspond to the point of action based on the principle of a lever using the separation tool D as a lever. The barrier 123 can be disposed between the separation induction hole 122 and the connecting portion 124, so that the force generated by the separation tool D can be effectively transmitted to the connecting portion 124.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the shape of a separation member of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment when it is connected to a main body.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 100, when viewed from the direction toward the receiving hole 121 of the separating member 120, the separation induction hole 122 is positioned so as not to be exposed, thereby preventing the aesthetics of the aerosol generating device 100 from being impaired by the separation induction hole 122.

In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment has an aesthetic appearance, but is also provided with a separation guide hole 122, allowing the user to separate the separation member 120 from the main body 110 when necessary without damaging it.

In addition, since the main body 110 and the separation member 120 can be easily separated, the user can easily replace the components of the aerosol generating device 100, which may even improve the convenience of maintaining and/or repairing the aerosol generating device 100.

Figure 7 is an x-y cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 1 with a separation tool inserted.

Referring to FIG. 7, a separation tool D can be inserted into the separation guide hole 122. The separation guide hole 122 extends in a direction crossing the extension direction of the receiving hole 121. The separation tool D (e.g., a driver) is inserted along the region where the separation guide hole 122 extends, and the separation tool D inserted into the separation guide hole 122 is pressed in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 7, so that the separation member 120 can be separated from the main body 110 according to the lever principle.

The first distance d1 from the separation induction hole 122 to the barrier 123 and the second distance d2 from the separation induction hole 122 to the connecting portion 124 have a length ratio of about 1:3 to about 1:15. Since the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 have the above-mentioned length ratio, the separation member 120 can be easily disassembled from the main body 110 using the separation tool D. In addition, the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 have a length ratio of about 1:5 to about 1:12.

The open end of the separation induction hole 122 has a length of about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm along the extension direction of the storage hole 121. Here, the open end of the separation induction hole 122 refers to the entrance of the separation induction hole 122 into which the separation tool D is inserted. In addition, the separation induction hole 122 has a length of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm along the direction toward the main body 110.

The aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a protective member 131 disposed inside the storage hole 121 and surrounding at least a portion of the side of the storage hole 121. The protective member 131 may protect components housed in the storage hole 121 that are exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

The protective member 131 can block a portion of the open end of the separation guide hole 122. By blocking a portion of the separation guide hole 122, the protective member 131 can come into contact with a separation tool D inserted into the separation guide hole 122. The portion where the protective member 131 comes into contact with the separation tool D can correspond to a fulcrum in the principle of a lever in which the separation tool D is used as a lever.

The receiving hole 121 can receive an interface terminal 130 that receives power from an external device. The aerosol generating device can be electrically connected to the external device through the interface terminal 130. The interface terminal 130 can also be connected to the external device to transmit and receive information.

The interface terminal 130 may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal. The USB terminal may be, for example, but is not limited to, a micro USB 5-pin terminal, a USB C type terminal, a USB B type terminal, or a USB A type terminal.

The following describes an example of an aerosol generating device.

Figures 8 to 10 show an example of a cigarette being inserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a battery 140, a control unit 150, and a heater 160. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes a vaporizer 170. In addition, a cigarette 200 can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 100.

The aerosol generating device 100 shown in Figures 8 to 10 shows the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment would understand that the aerosol generating device 100 further includes other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in Figures 8 to 10.

In addition, although FIGS. 9 and 10 show the aerosol generating device 100 as including a heater 160, the heater 160 may be omitted if necessary.

In FIG. 8, the battery 140, the control unit 150, and the heater 160 are illustrated as being arranged in a row. Also, in FIG. 9, the battery 140, the control unit 150, the vaporizer 170, and the heater 160 are illustrated as being arranged in a row. Also, in FIG. 10, the vaporizer 170 and the heater 160 are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10. That is, the arrangement of the battery 140, the control unit 150, the heater 160, and the vaporizer 170 may be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100.

When the cigarette 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating device 100 may activate the heater 160 and/or the vaporizer 170 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 160 and/or the vaporizer 170 passes through the cigarette 200 and is delivered to the user.

If necessary, the aerosol generating device 100 can heat the heater 160 even when the cigarette 200 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

The battery 140 supplies the power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the battery 140 can supply power so that the heater 160 or the vaporizer 170 can be heated, and can supply the power necessary for the operation of the control unit 150. The battery 140 can also supply the power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 100.

The control unit 150 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Specifically, the control unit 150 controls the operation of not only the battery 140, the heater 160, and the vaporizer 170, but also the other components included in the aerosol generating device 100. The control unit 150 can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device 100 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state.

The control unit 150 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Those having ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains will understand that the processor may also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

The heater 160 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 140. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, the heater 160 may be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 160 may increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material within the cigarette.

The heater 160 may also be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 160 may include a conductive track, and the heater 160 may be heated by passing a current through the conductive track. However, the heater 160 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device 100, or may be set to a desired temperature by a user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 160 may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater 160 may include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating manner, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that is heated by the induction heating heater.

For example, the heater 160 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette 200 depending on the shape of the heating element.

In addition, a plurality of heaters 160 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 100. In this case, the plurality of heaters 160 may be arranged to be inserted inside the cigarette 200, and may be arranged outside the cigarette 200. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 160 may be arranged to be inserted inside the cigarette 200, and the rest may be arranged outside the cigarette 200. In addition, the shape of the heater 160 is not limited to the shapes illustrated in Figures 8 to 10, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer 170 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette 200. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 170 moves along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 100, and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 170 passes through the cigarette and is delivered to the user.

For example, the vaporizer 170 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device 100 as separate modules.

The liquid storage portion may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco flavor components, and may also be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances. The liquid storage portion may be fabricated to be detachable/attachable to/from the vaporizer 170, and may be fabricated integrally with the vaporizer 170.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, botanical extracts, fragrances, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. Flavorings include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit aromas, and the like. Flavorings may include ingredients that provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. Vitamin mixtures may include, but are not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition in the liquid storage portion to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element can be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, etc. The heating element can also be configured with a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by a current supply and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

For example, the vaporizer 170 may also be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited to these.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes general-purpose components in addition to the battery 140, the control unit 150, the heater 160, and the vaporizer 170. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generating device 100 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, or a cigarette insertion detection sensor). The aerosol generating device 100 may also be structured such that external air flows in or internal gas flows out even when the cigarette 200 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the aerosol generating device 100 may form a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 140 of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, the heater 160 may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device 100 are combined.

The cigarette 200 may be similar to a typical combustion cigarette. For example, the cigarette 200 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 200 may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material made in granular or capsule form may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100, and the entire first part and a portion of the second part may be inserted. A user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part to their mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part, and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part.

As an example, external air may flow in through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100 and/or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. This allows the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. to be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may flow in through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 200.

Figure 11 shows another example of an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a heater 160, a coil 161, a battery 140, and a control unit 150. However, the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited thereto, and may further include other general-purpose elements in addition to the elements illustrated in FIG. 11.

The aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device 100 using an induction heating method. The induction heating method refers to a method of applying an alternating magnetic field, the direction of which changes periodically, to a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field to generate heat.

When an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic body, energy loss occurs in the magnetic body due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss, and the lost energy is released from the magnetic body as thermal energy. The greater the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field applied to the magnetic body, the more thermal energy can be released from the magnetic body. The aerosol generating device 100 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body to cause the magnetic body to release thermal energy and transfer the thermal energy released from the magnetic body to the aerosol product.

The magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field is also called a susceptor. The susceptor may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100 in the form of a piece, a flake, a strip, or the like. For example, at least a portion of the heater 160 disposed inside the aerosol generating device 100 may be made of a susceptor material.

At least a portion of the susceptor material may be made of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the susceptor material may include a metal or carbon. The susceptor material may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). The susceptor material may also include at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, ceramic such as zirconia, transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and semimetal such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

The aerosol generating device 100 can accommodate an aerosol product. A space for accommodating the aerosol product can be formed in the aerosol generating device 100. A heater 160 can be disposed in the space for accommodating the aerosol product. For example, the heater 160 can have a cylindrical accommodating space for accommodating the aerosol product therein. Therefore, when an aerosol product is accommodated in the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol product can be accommodated in the accommodating space of the heater 160.

The heater 160 surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the heater 160 surrounds the tobacco medium contained in the aerosol product. This allows heat to be transferred from the heater 160 to the tobacco medium more efficiently.

The heater 160 can heat the aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device 100. As described above, the heater 160 can heat the aerosol product using an induction heating method. The heater 160 includes a susceptor material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field, and the aerosol generating device 100 can apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 160.

The coil 161 may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100. The coil 161 may apply an alternating magnetic field to the heater 160. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device 100 to the coil 161, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil 161. When an alternating current is applied to the coil 161, the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil 161 may change continuously. When the heater 160 is located inside the coil 161 and exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the heater 160 generates heat, and the aerosol product contained in the containing space of the heater 160 may be heated.

The coil 161 may be wound along the outer surface of the heater 160. The coil 161 may also be wound along the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generating device 100. The heater 160 may be located in an internal space formed by the winding of the coil 161. When power is supplied to the coil 161, an alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 161 may be applied to the heater 160.

The coil 161 extends in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100. The coil 161 extends an appropriate length along the longitudinal direction. For example, the coil 161 may extend a length corresponding to the length of the heater 160, or may extend longer than the length of the heater 160.

The coil 161 may be disposed in a position suitable for applying an alternating magnetic field to the heater 160. For example, the coil 161 may be disposed in a position corresponding to the heater 160. Depending on the size and arrangement of the coil 161, the efficiency with which the alternating magnetic field of the coil 161 is applied to the heater 160 may be improved.

When the amplitude or frequency of the alternating magnetic field generated by coil 161 is changed, the degree to which heater 160 heats the aerosol product can also be changed. Because the amplitude or frequency of the magnetic field generated by coil 161 is changed by the power applied to coil 161, aerosol generation device 100 can control the heating of the aerosol product by adjusting the power applied to coil 161. For example, aerosol generation device 100 can control the amplitude and frequency of the alternating current applied to coil 161.

As an example, the coil 161 may be embodied as a solenoid. The coil 161 is a solenoid wound around the inner surface of the outer housing of the aerosol generating device 100, and the heater 160 and the aerosol product may be located in the internal space of the solenoid. The material of the conductor constituting the solenoid may be copper (Cu). However, without being limited thereto, the material of the conductor constituting the solenoid may be any one of silver (Ag), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), or an alloy containing at least one of them.

The battery 140 supplies power to the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 supplies power to the coil 161. The battery 140 may include a battery that supplies direct current to the aerosol generating device 100, and a conversion unit that converts the direct current supplied from the battery into alternating current that is supplied to the coil 161.

The battery 140 supplies direct current to the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 140 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO ₄ ) battery. For example, the battery may be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO ₂ ) battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, etc.

The conversion unit may include a low-pass filter that performs filtering on the direct current supplied from the battery and outputs the alternating current supplied to the coil 161. The conversion unit may further include an amplifier for amplifying the direct current supplied from the battery. For example, the conversion unit may be embodied through a low-pass filter that constitutes a load network of a class-D amplifier.

The control unit 150 can control the power supplied to the coil 161. The control unit 150 can control the battery 140 so that the power supplied to the coil 161 is adjusted. For example, the control unit 150 performs control to maintain a constant temperature at which the heater 160 heats the aerosol product based on the temperature of the heater 160.

Below, an example of a cigarette will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14.

Figures 12 and 13 are drawings showing examples of cigarettes.

Referring to FIG. 12, the cigarette 200 includes a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220. The cigarette 200 is also a heated cigarette that is not burned but is heated by an aerosol generating device including a heater.

Although FIG. 12 illustrates the filter rod 220 as a single segment, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the filter rod 220 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a segment that cools the aerosol and a segment that filters certain components contained in the aerosol. If necessary, the filter rod 220 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

The diameter of the cigarette 200 is within the range of 5 mm to 9 mm, and the length is about 48 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 210 is about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 220 is about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 220 is about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod 220 is about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The cigarette 200 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 240. The wrapper 240 may have at least one hole through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. As an example, the cigarette 200 may be wrapped by one wrapper 240. As another example, the cigarette 200 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 240 in a stacked manner. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 241, and the filter rod 220 may be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244. Then, the entire cigarette 200 may be rewrapped by the fifth wrapper 245. If the filter rod 220 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by the wrappers 242, 243, and 244.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper. The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 can also be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminated paper wrapping material.

The third wrapper 243 can be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 is in the range of 88 g/m ² to 96 g/m ² , preferably in the range of 90 g/m ² to 94 g/m ^2. The thickness of the third wrapper 243 is in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm, preferably 125 μm.

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

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 is within a range of 57 g/m ² to 63 g/m ² , and preferably 60 g/m ^2. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 is within a range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

A specific substance may be added to the fifth trumpet 245. An example of the specific substance is silicon, but is not limited to this. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change due to temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 245 without restrictions.

The fifth trumpet 245 can prevent the cigarette 200 from being burned. For example, if the tobacco rod 210 is heated by a heater, the cigarette 200 may be burned. Specifically, if the temperature of any one of the substances contained in the tobacco rod 310 rises above the ignition point, the cigarette 200 may be burned. Even in such a case, the fifth trumpet 245 contains a non-flammable substance, so the cigarette 200 may be prevented from being burned.

The fifth wrapper 245 may also prevent the aerosol generating device from being contaminated by the substance generated in the cigarette 200. A liquid substance may be generated in the cigarette 200 by the user's puff. For example, the aerosol generated in the cigarette 200 may be cooled by external air to generate a liquid substance (e.g., moisture, etc.). The fifth wrapper 245 may wrap the cigarette 200, thereby preventing the liquid substance generated in the cigarette 200 from leaking outside the cigarette 200.

The tobacco rod 210 includes an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 210 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod 210 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 210.

The tobacco rod 210 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be manufactured in the form of a sheet or a strand. The tobacco rod 210 may be manufactured from tobacco shreds obtained by cutting a tobacco sheet into small pieces. The tobacco rod 210 may also be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210 to improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the tobacco taste. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may also function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 210 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 220 is also a cellulose acetate filter. However, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 220. For example, the filter rod 220 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow interior. The filter rod 220 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 220 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be made to have a different shape.

The first segment of the filter rod 220 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment is a tubular structure having a hollow inside. When a heater is inserted through the first segment, it prevents the internal material of the tobacco rod 210 from being pushed backward, and may also have a cooling effect on the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow inside the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

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

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

The second segment of the filter rod 220 cools the aerosol generated by the heater heating the tobacco rod 210. Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol that has been cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the cigarette 200. For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment is about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the scented liquid may be applied to the fibers made from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be made by weaving together separate fibers to which the scented liquid has been applied and fibers made from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

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

When the second segment is formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel refers to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) may pass.

For example, the second segment of crimped polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, such as between about 10 μm and about 250 μm, and the total surface area of the second segment can be between about 300 mm ² /mm and about 1000 mm ² /m, and the aerosol cooling element can be formed from a material having a non-surface area between about 10 mm ² /mg and about 100 mm ² /mg.

Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, which may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

The third segment of the filter rod 220 is also a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be suitably within the range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

In the process of preparing the third segment, the third segment can be prepared to generate a flavor by spraying a flavoring liquid onto the third segment. Alternatively, separate fibers coated with a flavoring liquid can be inserted inside the third segment. The aerosol generated in the tobacco rod 210 is cooled by passing through the second segment of the filter rod 220, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user via the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of improving the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user can be achieved.

The filter rod 220 may also include at least one capsule 230. Here, the capsule 230 may perform a function of generating a flavor and may also perform a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 230 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is covered with a coating. The capsule 230 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 13, the cigarette 300 may further include a front end plug 330. The front end plug 330 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 310 opposite the filter rod 320. The front end plug 330 may prevent the tobacco rod 310 from detaching to the outside and may prevent aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 310 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device.

The filter rod 320 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 220 of FIG. 12, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 220 of FIG. 12.

The diameter and overall length of the cigarette 300 may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the cigarette 200 of FIG. 12. For example, but not limited to, the length of the front end plug 330 may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 310 may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 may be about 14 mm.

The cigarette 300 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 350. The wrapper 350 may have at least one hole through which external air flows in or internal gas flows out. For example, the front end plug 330 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 310 may be wrapped by the second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped by the third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Then, the entire cigarette 300 may be rewrapped by the fifth wrapper 355.

In addition, at least one perforation 360 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355. For example, the perforation 360 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 310, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 360 may serve to transfer heat generated by a heater of the aerosol generating device to the inside of the tobacco rod 310.

The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 340. Here, the capsule 340 may perform a function of generating a flavor and a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 340 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is covered with a coating. The capsule 340 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be a combination of a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, with a general filter paper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 is within a range of 45 μm to 55 μm, and preferably 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 is within a range of 6 μm to 7 μm, and preferably 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 is within a range of 50 g/m ² to 55 g/m ² , and preferably 53 g/m ² .

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be made of a general filter wrapping paper. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 can be a porous wrapping paper or a non-porous wrapping paper.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 is 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 is in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm, and preferably 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 is in the range of 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² , and preferably 23.5 g/m ² .

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 is 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 is within a range of 60 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 is within a range of 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ² , and preferably 21 g/m ² .

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper means a triple layer of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 is in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm, and preferably is 110 μm. Moreover, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 is in the range of 80 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , and preferably is 88 g/m ² .

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of a sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) refers to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 is within a range of 57 g/m ² to 63 g/m ² , and preferably 60 g/m ^2. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 is within a range of 64 μm to 70 μm, and preferably 67 μm.

A specific substance may be added to the fifth trumpet 355. An example of the specific substance is silicon, but is not limited to this. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance, which is less susceptible to change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any substance having the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth trumpet 355 without restrictions.

The front end plug 330 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the front end plug 330 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The monodenier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the monodenier of the filaments of the front end plug 330 may be 5.0. The cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 330 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 330 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the front end plug 330 may be 28,000.

If desired, the front end plug 330 may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be made in a variety of ways.

The tobacco rod 310 may correspond to the tobacco rod 210 described above with reference to FIG. 12. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 310 will be omitted below.

The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tubular structure having a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate tow with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin). For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the front end plug 330.

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The monodenier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the monodenier of the filaments of the second segment 322 is 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may also be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably 25,000.

Figure 14 shows another example of a cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 14, the cigarette 400 may include an aerosol-generating rod 410, a tobacco rod 420, a cooling rod 430, and a filter rod 440. Specifically, the aerosol-generating rod 410, the tobacco rod 420, the cooling rod 430, and the filter rod 440 may each include an aerosol-generating material, tobacco granules, a cooling material, and a filter material.

Referring to FIG. 14, the aerosol-generating rod 410, the tobacco rod 420, the cooling rod 430, and the filter rod 440 may be aligned in sequence along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 400. Here, the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 400 is also the direction in which the length of the cigarette 400 extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 400 is also the direction from the aerosol-generating rod 410 toward the filter rod 440. As a result, the aerosol generated from at least one of the aerosol-generating rod 410 and the tobacco rod 420 passes through the aerosol-generating rod 410, the tobacco rod 420, the cooling rod 430, and the filter rod 440 in sequence to form an airflow, whereby the smoker can inhale the aerosol from the filter rod 440.

The aerosol generating rod 410 may include an aerosol generating material. It may also include other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids, and may include a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer. Here, the aerosol generating material may include, for example, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

The aerosol-generating rod 410 may include an aerosol-generating substrate impregnated with an aerosol-generating substance. An example of an aerosol-generating substrate is a rolled sheet, and the aerosol-generating substance may be included in the aerosol-generating rod 410 in a state in which it is impregnated in the rolled sheet. In addition, other additives such as flavorings, humectants, and/or organic acids and flavoring liquids may be included in the aerosol-generating rod 410 in a state in which they are absorbed in the rolled sheet.

The crimped sheet may be a sheet made of a polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not emit an unpleasant odor due to heat even when heated to a high temperature. However, the crimped sheet is not limited thereto.

The aerosol-generating rod 410 extends from about 7 mm to about 20 mm from the end of the cigarette 400, and the tobacco rod 420 extends from about 7 mm to about 20 mm from the end of the aerosol-generating rod 410. However, these numerical ranges are not necessarily limited, and the extension lengths of the aerosol-generating rod 410 and the tobacco rod 420 can be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by a skilled artisan.

The tobacco rod 420 may include a plurality of tobacco granules. The plurality of tobacco granules may be embedded between filter material. The filter material may include, for example, a fiber bundle that is a collection of cellulose acetate fiber strands. The plurality of tobacco granules may be disposed in a uniformly distributed form between the plurality of cellulose fibers.

As another example, the filter material may include a paper sheet. The paper sheet may be disposed within the tobacco rod 420 in a rolled state. The central axis of the rolled paper sheet is also parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 400. A plurality of tobacco granules may be uniformly distributed within the rolled paper sheet.

The cooling rod 430 can cool the airflow passing through the aerosol generating rod 410 and the tobacco rod 420. The cooling rod 430 is made of a polymeric material or a biodegradable polymeric material and has a cooling function. For example, the cooling rod 430 can be made of polylactic acid (PLA) fiber, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling rod 430 can be made of a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes formed therein. However, the cooling rod 430 is not limited to the above examples, and any material that performs the function of cooling the aerosol can be used without limitation. For example, the cooling rod 430 can be a tube filter or a paper tube including a hollow space.

The filter rod 440 may include a filter material. For example, the filter rod 440 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The shape of the filter rod 440 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 440 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow interior. The filter rod 440 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 440 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be made to have a different shape.

The filter rod 440 may be manufactured to generate a flavor. For example, a flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 440, and separate fibers coated with the flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 440.

The filter rod 440 may also include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule may be a structure that encases a liquid containing a flavoring agent with a coating. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The cigarette 400 may include a wrapper 450 that encases at least a portion of the aerosol-generating rod 410 to the filter rod 440. The cigarette 400 may also include a wrapper 450 that encases all of the aerosol-generating rod 410 to the filter rod 440. The wrapper 450 is located at the outermost edge of the cigarette 400, and the wrapper 450 may be a single wrapper or a combination of multiple wrappers.

Figure 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1500 may include a control unit 1510, a sensing unit 1520, an output unit 1530, a battery 1540, a heater 1550, a user input unit 1560, a memory 1570, and a communication unit 1580. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1500 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 15. In other words, a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in FIG. 15 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1500.

The sensing unit 1520 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1500 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1500, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1510. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1510 can control the aerosol generating device 1500 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1550, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.), and displaying notifications.

The sensing unit 1520 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1522, an insertion detection sensor 1524, and a puff sensor 1526, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 1522 can sense the temperature to which the heater 1550 (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1500 can include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1550, or the heater 1550 itself can function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1522 can be disposed around the battery 1540 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1540.

The insertion detection sensor 1524 can detect the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol product. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1524 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol product.

The puff sensor 1526 can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1526 can detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

In addition to the above-mentioned sensors 1522 to 1526, the sensing unit 1520 further includes at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). The function and structure of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a skilled artisan from its name, so a detailed description may be omitted.

The output unit 1530 may output information related to the status of the aerosol generating device 1500 and provide it to a user. The output unit 1530 may include at least one of a display unit 1532, a haptic unit 1534, and an audio output unit 1536, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1532 and the touchpad are configured as a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1532 may be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 1532 visually provides information related to the aerosol generating device 1500 to the user. For example, the information related to the aerosol generating device 1500 means various information such as the charge/discharge status of the battery 1540 of the aerosol generating device 1500, the preheating status of the heater 1550, the insertion/removal status of the aerosol product, or a status in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1500 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 1532 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 1532 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), etc. The display unit 1532 can also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

The haptic unit 1534 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus to provide a user with tactile information related to the aerosol generating device 1500. For example, the haptic unit 1534 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit 1536 provides audible information related to the aerosol generating device 1500 to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit 1536 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery 1540 can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1500. The battery 1540 can supply power so that the heater 1550 is heated. The battery 1540 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 1520, the output unit 1530, the user input unit 1560, the memory 1570, and the communication unit 1580) provided in the aerosol generating device 1500. The battery 1540 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1540 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 1550 receives power from the battery 1540 and heats the aerosol generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 1500 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1540 and supplies it to the heater 1550. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1500 generates aerosol using an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1500 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts the DC power source of the battery 1540 into an AC source.

The control unit 1510, the sensing unit 1520, the output unit 1530, the user input unit 1560, the memory 1570, and the communication unit 1580 perform their functions by receiving power from the battery 1540. Although not shown in FIG. 15, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low output) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1540 and supplies it to each component.

In one embodiment, the heater 1550 may be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. The heater 160 may also be embodied by, but not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate having a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

In another embodiment, the heater 1550 is an induction heater. For example, the heater 1550 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol generating material.

The user input unit 1560 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1560 may be a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., a touchpad using a contact-type capacitance method, a pressure-type resistive film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral type tension measurement method, a piezoelectric effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 1500 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, and may connect to other external devices through a connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 1540.

The memory 1570 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1500, and can store data processed by the control unit 1510 and data to be processed. The memory 1570 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (such as SD or XD memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The memory 1570 may include at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a memory, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 1570 may store data related to the operation time of the aerosol generating device 1500, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the smoking pattern of the user.

The communication unit 1580 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1580 may include a short-range communication unit 1582 and a wireless communication unit 1584.

The short-range wireless communication unit 1182 may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee (registered trademark) communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like.

The wireless communication unit 1584 may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1584 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1500 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

The control unit 1510 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1500. In one embodiment, the control unit 1510 can include at least one processor. The processor can be realized by an array of a number of logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. A person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment pertains can understand that the processor can also be realized by other forms of hardware.

The control unit 1510 can control the temperature of the heater 1550 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1540 to the heater 1550. For example, the control unit 1510 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1540 and the heater 1550. In another example, the heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 1550 by a control command from the control unit 1510.

The control unit 1510 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1520 and control the subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 1510 may control the power supplied to the heater 1550 so that the operation of the heater 1550 is started or stopped based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1520. In another example, the control unit 1510 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 1550 and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater 1550 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1520.

The control unit 1510 can control the output unit 1530 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1520. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1526 reaches a preset number, the control unit 1510 notifies the user through at least one of the display unit 1532, the haptic unit 1534, and the audio output unit 1536 that the aerosol generating device 1500 will soon be shut down.

Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed method should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present disclosure is set forth in the claims, not the above description, and all differences within the scope of the equivalents thereto should be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims (7)

In the aerosol generating device,
The main body,
a separation member detachably coupled to the body;
a receiving hole for receiving an external device electrically connected to the aerosol generating device, the receiving hole penetrating the separating member;
a separation guide hole that is connected to the receiving hole, extends in a direction different from the extension direction of the receiving hole, and receives a separation tool that separates the separation member from the main body,
An aerosol generating device , wherein the separation induction hole is a recess formed on the inner wall surface of the separation member that forms the storage hole, and extends along a direction transverse to the extension direction of the space of the storage hole . The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the separation induction hole is formed in a region where the extensions of the long axes of the cross sections of the separation member and the storage hole meet. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the separation member includes a connecting portion that is connected to the main body, and includes a barrier disposed between the separation induction hole and the connecting portion. The aerosol generating device of claim 3 , wherein a first distance from the separation inducing hole to the barrier and a second distance from the separation inducing hole to the coupling portion have a length ratio of 1:3 to 1:15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the open end of the separation induction hole has a length of 0.3 mm to 3 mm along the extension direction of the storage hole. The receiving hole further includes a protective member disposed inside the receiving hole and surrounding at least a portion of a side surface of the receiving hole,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the protective member blocks a part of an open end of the separation induction hole. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the storage hole stores an interface terminal to which power is supplied from the external device.