RU2844758C1 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generating devices.

SUBSTANCE: aerosol generating device comprises a housing, a first printed circuit board located along one surface of the housing and a second printed circuit board that is located in the housing and on which a processor configured to generate a control signal is mounted, wherein second printed-circuit board is oriented in direction crossing direction of one surface of housing, at least one bracket resting on the other surface of the housing and supporting the position of the second printed circuit board, an introduction part located on the outer side surface, wherein the input part is configured to receive a user input, in which the input part is electrically connected to the second printed circuit board by means of a flexible printed circuit board located in the housing.

EFFECT: reduced level of internal heating, increased stability of the position of the second printed-circuit board on the first printed-circuit board and minimization of arbitrary change in the fixation state of the second printed-circuit board.

12 cl, 8 dwg, 2 tbl

Description

Field of technology

[1] One or more embodiments of the invention relate to an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by means of ultrasonic vibrations.

Prior art

[2] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternatives to the well-known combustible cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material rather than by burning it in a cigarette. In this regard, there has been extensive research into heating-type cigarettes or heating-type aerosol generating devices.

[3] An aerosol generating device using ultrasonic vibrations according to the prior art generates an aerosol by finely splitting a liquefied material under the action of ultrasonic vibrations, when the viscosity of the liquefied material in contact with the ultrasonic vibration source is reduced under the action of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the ultrasonic vibration source to which an alternating current is supplied. In order to atomize the liquefied material using ultrasonic vibrations, it is necessary to increase the voltage of the battery, as a result of which, due to the high voltage, strong heating may occur in the device used in the circuit.

The essence of the invention

Technical task

[4] The technical problem solved by the embodiments of the invention is the development of a device for generating an aerosol with a reduced level of internal heating.

[5] The technical disadvantages eliminated by the embodiments of the invention are not limited to the above-described objectives, and objectives not mentioned in this description will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the present description and the accompanying drawings.

Technical solution

[6] An aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the invention comprises: a housing; a first printed circuit board located along one surface of the housing; a second printed circuit board, which is located in the housing and on which a processor is installed, configured to generate a control signal, wherein the second printed circuit board is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction of one surface of the housing.

Beneficial effects of the invention

[7] According to embodiments of the invention, the number of printed circuit boards housed in the main body can be increased to several, and the arrangement of various modules can be optimized by increasing the number of printed circuit boards, which can prevent a phenomenon in which the temperature inside the aerosol generating device rises to an extremely high level, which can lead to a malfunction of the device with low thermal resistance.

[8] The beneficial effects according to one embodiment of the invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned herein will be obvious to a person skilled in the art from the present description and the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

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

[10] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[11] FIG. 3 shows an example for describing the temperatures of the main devices of the printed circuit board, wherein the temperatures are constantly increasing since tightening operations are continuously performed through the aerosol generating device.

[12] FIG. 4 shows another example for describing the temperatures of the main devices of the printed circuit board, wherein the temperatures are constantly increasing since tightening operations are continuously performed through the aerosol generating device.

[13] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the internal structure of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the invention.

[14] FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board.

[15] FIG. 7 shows in detail the bracket shown in FIG. 5.

[16] FIG. 8 shows an example of a pressure sensor according to embodiments of the invention.

The best embodiment of the invention

[17] An aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the invention comprises: a housing; a first printed circuit board located along one surface of the housing; a second printed circuit board, which is located in the housing, on which a processor is installed, configured to generate a control signal, and which is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction of one surface of the housing.

Principle of the invention

[18] The general terms used to describe various embodiments of the invention and widely used at present are selected taking into account the function of the structural elements used in the various embodiments of the present invention. However, the meanings of the terms may be changed in accordance with the intention, legal precedent, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in some cases, a term that is not commonly used may be applied. The meaning of such terms is described in detail in the relevant part of the description of the present invention. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present invention should be understood in accordance with the meanings and explanations given in the description of the present invention.

[19] In this case, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the word "comprise" and its forms such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood as implying the inclusion of the specified elements in the composition of something, but not as the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms denoting "block", "part" and "module" presented in the description of the invention mean units for processing at least one function and operation and can be implemented by hardware or software components, as well as combinations thereof.

[20] Expressions used herein such as "at least one of," when preceding a list of elements, define the entire list of elements and do not define individual elements of the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" shall be understood to include only a, only b, only c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[21] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown in such a way that a person skilled in the art can easily understand the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be considered as limited to the embodiments of the invention set forth herein.

[22] The terms, in particular "first" and "second", may be used to describe different components without, however, limiting the components. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[23] In addition, some components in the drawings may be shown in exaggerated sizes or proportions. In addition, components shown in one figure may not be shown in another figure.

[24] In addition, in the present description, the “longitudinal direction” of a component is understood to mean the direction in which the component extends along one axis of the component, wherein one axis of the component may correspond to the direction in which the length of the component is greater than along another axis intersecting one axis.

[25] Throughout the text, "puffing" refers to inhalation by the user, and inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user draws air into the mouth, nasal cavity, or lungs through the user's mouth or nose.

[26] Since the various embodiments of the invention described in the description are arbitrarily classified only for the purpose of explaining the invention, the embodiments of the invention cannot be interpreted as mutually exclusive. For example, some features described in one embodiment of the invention may be applied or implemented in other embodiments of the invention. In the present description, the singular form implies the plural form, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[27] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in such a way that one skilled in the art can easily understand the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be considered as limited to the embodiments of the invention set forth herein.

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

[29] As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 10000 may comprise a battery 11000, a nebulizer 12000, a sensor 13000, a user interface 14000, a memory 15000, and a processor 16000. However, the aerosol generating device 10000 is not limited to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. Depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 10000, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that some of the hardware elements shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted, or other components may be added.

[30] As an example, an aerosol generating device 10000 may be provided that includes a housing, in which case the hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 10000 are located in the main housing.

[31] In another embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device 10000 may comprise a main body and a cartridge, and the hardware elements of the aerosol generating device 10000 may be separated and located in the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively or additionally, at least some hardware elements of the aerosol generating device 10000 may be located in both the main body and the cartridge.

[32] From here on, the operation of each element is described without spatial limitations for each element included in the aerosol generating device 10000.

[33] The battery 11000 provides the power necessary for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10000. That is, the battery 11000 can supply power so that the nebulizer 12000 can spray the material for generating the aerosol. In addition, the battery 11000 can supply power for the operation of other hardware elements of the aerosol generating device 10000, such as the sensor 13000, the user interface 14000, the memory 15000 and the processor 16000. In addition, the battery 11000 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[34] For example, the battery 11000 may be a nickel battery (e.g., a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery) or a lithium battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium ion battery, or a lithium polymer battery). However, the types of batteries 11000 used in the aerosol generating device 10000 are not limited to these options. For example, the battery 11000 may be an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

[35] The atomizer 12000 is powered by the battery 11000 under the control of the processor 16000. The atomizer 12000 may be powered by the battery 11000 and atomize the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating device 10000.

[36] The atomizer 12000 may be located in the main body of the device 10000 for generating an aerosol. In an alternative device, in which the device 10000 for generating an aerosol comprises a main body and a cartridge, the atomizer 12000 may be located in one of the cartridges and in the main body or may extend from the main body to the cartridge or vice versa. If the atomizer 12000 is located in the cartridge, the atomizer 12000 may be powered by the battery 11000 located in the main body and/or the cartridge. In addition, if the atomizer 12000 is separated and located in the main body and the cartridge, the components of the atomizer 12000 requiring power may be powered by the battery 11000 located in the main body and/or the cartridge.

[37] The nebulizer 12000 generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge. The aerosol may be understood as a suspension in which liquid and/or solid fine particles are dispersed in a gas. Accordingly, the aerosol generated by the nebulizer 12000 may be a mixture of vaporized particles of the aerosol-generating material and air. For example, the nebulizer 12000 may convert the aerosol-generating material into a gas phase by evaporation and/or sublimation. The nebulizer 12000 may also generate an aerosol by dispersing the aerosol-generating material in a liquid and/or solid phase.

[38] For example, the atomizer 12000 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material by an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method may be understood to mean a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material by ultrasonic vibrations generated by an vibration source.

[39] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the atomizer 12000 may further comprise a heater capable of heating the aerosol generating material by generating heat. The aerosol generating material may be heated by the heater, which enables the aerosol to be generated.

[40] The heater may be made of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, a suitable electrically resistive material may be 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., as well as other metals or alloys. In addition, the heater may be made in the form of a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electrically conductive track is placed, or a ceramic heating element, etc., as well as in the form of other elements.

[41] For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the heater may be included in the cartridge 2000. In addition, the cartridge 2000 may comprise a liquid supply unit and a liquid storage unit, which will be described below. The aerosol generating material housed in the liquid storage unit is moved to the liquid supply unit, and the heater may heat the aerosol generating material sucked in by the liquid supply unit to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater may be wound around the liquid supply unit or located near the liquid supply unit.

[42] In another example, the aerosol generating device 10000 may comprise a receiving space in which a cigarette may be placed, and a heater may heat a cigarette inserted into the receiving space of the aerosol generating device 10000. Since the cigarette is placed in the receiving space of the aerosol generating device 10000, the heater may be located inside and/or outside the cigarette. Thus, the heater may heat an aerosol generating material in the cigarette, generating an aerosol.

[43] Alternatively, the heater may be an induction type heater. The heater may comprise an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette or cartridge inductively, and the cigarette or cartridge may comprise a current collector that can be heated by the induction type heater.

[44] The aerosol generating device 10000 may comprise at least one sensor 13000. A result obtained by the at least one sensor 13000 may be transmitted to the processor 16000, and depending on the result, the processor 16000 may control the aerosol generating device 10000 to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the atomizer 12000, restricting smoking, determining the presence of a cartridge (or cigarette), displaying a notification, etc.

[45] For example, at least one sensor 13000 may be a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may determine a puff of a user based on a change in the flow rate of external air and/or a change in pressure and/or detection of sound. The puff detection sensor may determine a start time and an end time of a puff, and the processor 16000 may determine the duration of a puff and a period of no puff depending on the detected start time and end time of a puff.

[46] In addition, at least one sensor 13000 may be a user command sensor. The user command sensor may be a device capable of receiving a user command, such as a switch, a button, or a touch sensor. For example, when a user touches a predetermined area formed from a metal material, a change in capacitance occurs, and the touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor capable of determining a user input by detecting a change in capacitance. The processor 16000 may determine whether a user command has occurred by comparing the capacitance values before and after its change, received from the capacitive sensor. When the capacitance value before and after its change exceeds a predetermined threshold, the processor 16000 may determine that a user command has occurred.

[47] In addition, at least one sensor 13000 may be a motion sensor. The motion sensor allows obtaining information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 10000, such as the tilt, the speed of movement and the acceleration of the aerosol generating device 10000. For example, the motion sensor may obtain information about the state of movement of the aerosol generating device 10000, the state of immobility of the aerosol generating device 10000, the state of tilting of the aerosol generating device 10000 at an angle within a predetermined range for a puff, and the angle of tilt of the aerosol generating device 10000 between each puffing movement. The motion sensor may obtain information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 10000 using various methods. For example, a motion sensor may be an acceleration sensor that can measure acceleration in three directions, that is, in the X, Y, and Z directions, and a gyroscopic sensor that can measure angular velocity in three directions.

[48] In addition, at least one sensor 13000 may be a proximity sensor. A proximity sensor is a sensor that detects an approaching object, the presence of, or the distance to a nearby object without mechanical contact, using the force of an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, etc. The proximity sensor can determine whether a user is approaching the aerosol generating device 10000.

[49] In addition, at least one sensor 13000 may be an image sensor. The image sensor may comprise, for example, a camera for obtaining an image of an object. The image sensor may recognize the object based on the image obtained by the camera. The processor 16000 may analyze the image obtained by the image sensor to determine whether the user is using the aerosol generating device 10000. For example, when the user brings the aerosol generating device 10000 to his lips in order to use the aerosol generating device 10000, the image sensor may obtain an image of the lips. The processor 16000 may analyze the obtained image and determine that the user is using the aerosol generating device 10000 when the obtained image is determined to be lips. Based on this determination, the aerosol generating device 10000 may turn on the nebulizer 12000 in advance or preheat the heater.

[50] In addition, at least one sensor 13000 may be a consumable detachment sensor capable of detecting the installation or removal of consumables (for example, a cartridge, a cigarette, etc.) that may be used in the aerosol generating device 10000. For example, the consumable detachment sensor may determine whether the consumable was in contact with the aerosol generating device 10000, or determine whether the consumable has been detached using an image sensor. In addition, the consumable detachment sensor may also be an inductance sensor that detects a change in the inductance value of a coil that may interact with a consumable marker, or a capacitance sensor that detects a change in the capacitance value of a capacitor that may interact with a consumable marker.

[51] In addition, at least one sensor 13000 may be a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect the temperature to which the heater (or aerosol generating material) of the nebulizer 12000 is heated. The aerosol generating device 10000 may comprise a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater, or the heater itself may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device 10000 may further include a separate temperature sensor if the heater itself serves as a temperature sensor. In addition, the temperature sensor may detect the temperature of internal components, such as a printed circuit board and a battery of the aerosol generating device 10000, as well as the heater.

[52] In addition, at least one sensor 13000 may be various sensors that receive information about the environment of the aerosol generating device 10000. For example, at least one sensor 13000 may be a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the environment, a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the environment, and an atmospheric pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the environment.

[53] The types of sensors 13000 that may be provided in the aerosol generating device 10000 are not limited to those described above; other types of sensors may also be used. For example, the aerosol generating device 10000 may comprise a fingerprint sensor for obtaining fingerprint information of a user for the purposes of user authentication and security, an iris recognition sensor for analyzing an iris pattern, a vein recognition sensor for determining an infrared absorption value of reduced hemoglobin in veins from an image of a palm, a face recognition sensor that recognizes characteristic features of a face such as eyes, a nose, a mouth, and facial contours in a two- or three-dimensional representation, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor.

[54] In the device 10000 for generating an aerosol, only one or some of the examples of the various sensors 13000 listed above may be selected and implemented. In other words, the device 10000 for generating an aerosol may combine and use information obtained from at least one of the sensors listed above.

[55] The user interface 14000 may provide the user with information about the state of the aerosol generating device 10000. The user interface 14000 may comprise various coupling means, such as a display or lamp for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting audio information, terminals for exchanging data with input/output means (for example, a button or a touch screen) that receive information from the user or output information to the user, or for receiving charging energy, and an coupling module for implementing wireless communication with external devices (for example, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication (NFC), etc.).

[56] However, in the aerosol generating device 10000, only one or some of the various examples of the user interface 14000 presented above may be selected and implemented.

[57] The memory 15000 is hardware that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device 10000 and can store data to be processed and data processed by the processor 16000. The memory 15000 can be implemented in various forms, in particular, random access memory (RAM), including dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable memory accessible only for reading (EEPROM).

[58] The memory 15000 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature characteristic, data on the user's smoking habits, etc.

[59] The processor 16000 controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 10000 as a whole. The processor 16000 may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic elements or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, one skilled in the art may understand that the processor 16000 may be implemented as another type of hardware.

[60] The processor 16000 analyzes the result obtained by at least one sensor 13000 and controls the processes performed subsequently.

[61] The processor 16000 may control the supply of power to the nebulizer 12000 to start or stop the nebulizer 12000 based on the result obtained from the at least one sensor 13000. In addition, the processor 16000 may control the amount of power supplied to the nebulizer 12000 and the time of supplying the power so that the nebulizer 12000 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol, based on the result obtained from the at least one sensor 13000. For example, the processor 16000 may control the electrical energy (e.g., current or voltage) supplied to the oscillation source so that the oscillation source of the nebulizer 12000 generates oscillations of a given frequency.

[62] In one embodiment of the invention, the processor 16000 may start the atomizer 12000 after receiving a command from the user by the device 10000 for generating an aerosol. In addition, the processor 16000 may start the atomizer 12000 after detecting a puff made by the user using the puff sensor. In addition, after counting the number of puffs using the puff detection sensor, the processor 16000 may stop supplying power to the atomizer 12000 if the number of puffs has reached a predetermined number.

[63] The processor 16000 may control the user interface 14000 based on a result obtained by the at least one sensor 13000. For example, if after counting the number of puffs using the puff detection sensor, the number of puffs reaches a predetermined number, the processor 16000 may use a lamp and/or a motor and/or a speaker to inform the user that the operation of the aerosol generating device 10000 will soon be stopped.

[64] On the other hand, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 10000 may be included in the aerosol generating system together with a separate stand. For example, the stand may be used to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol generating device 10000. For example, the aerosol generating device 10000 may be powered by the battery of the stand to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol generating device 10000 when it is placed in the placement space inside the stand.

[65] One or more embodiments of the invention may also be implemented in the form of a storage medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executable by a computer. A computer-readable medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both non-retentive and non-retentive media, and removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium may be both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. A computer storage device is volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media implemented in any way or method of storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. A communication medium may be computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in non-volatile data signals, such as program modules.

[66] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[67] An aerosol generating device 10000 according to one embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 2, comprises a cartridge 2000 containing an aerosol generating material, and a main body 1000 for supporting the cartridge 2000.

[68] The cartridge 2000 may be connected to the main body 1000 in a state in which the aerosol generating material is located inside it. For example, a part of the cartridge 2000 may be inserted into the main body 1000, or a part of the main body 1000 may be inserted into the cartridge 2000, so that the cartridge 2000 can be mounted on the main body 1000. In this case, the permanent connection of the main body 1000 with the cartridge 2000 may be realized by a snap-fitting method, a screw connection, a magnetic connection, a friction fit, and the like, but the method of connecting the main body 1000 with the cartridge 2000 is not limited to the above description.

[69] The cartridge 2000 may comprise a mouthpiece 2100. The mouthpiece 2100 may be formed on a side opposite to the portion connected to the main body 1000 and may be a portion that is inserted into the user's oral cavity. The mouthpiece 2100 may comprise a discharge opening 2110 for discharging an aerosol generated from an aerosol generating material inside the cartridge 2000 to the outside.

[70] The cartridge 2000 may contain an aerosol generating material that is, for example, in a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state. The aerosol generating material may be a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco material that includes a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

[71] The liquid composition may contain, for example, water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, spices, an aromatic substance, a vitamin mixture, or a mixture of the above. Spices may be menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various ingredients with fruity aromas, etc., as well as other spices. Aromatic substances may be ingredients capable of providing the user with various aromas or tastes. Vitamin mixtures may be a mixture of at least one of vitamins: A, B, C and E, as well as other vitamins. In addition, the liquid composition may contain an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[72] For example, the liquid composition may comprise a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which nicotine salts are added. The liquid composition may comprise two or more types of nicotine salts. The nicotine salts may be formed by adding acids, including organic or inorganic acids, to nicotine. The nicotine may be nicotine from a natural source or synthetic nicotine and may have any weight concentration relative to the total weight of the liquid composition.

[73] The acid for forming nicotine salts may be appropriately selected taking into account the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 10000, the flavoring agent or taste additive, solubility, and the like. For example, the acid for forming nicotine salts may be one selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid and malic acid, or a mixture of two or more acids selected from this group, as well as other acids.

[74] The cartridge 2000 may comprise a liquid storage unit 2200 for housing an aerosol generating material. The liquid storage unit 2200 housing an aerosol generating material may mean that the liquid storage unit 2200 has a function of housing an aerosol generating material, such as a container, and the liquid storage unit 2200 may comprise an element that impregnates (or contains) an aerosol generating material, such as a sponge, cotton or fabric, or porous ceramic structures.

[75] The aerosol generating material stored in the liquid accumulator 2000 is a liquid. In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating material may be in the form of a gel, and according to the phase of the aerosol generating material, the liquid accumulator 2000 may also be called an accumulator.

[76] The aerosol generating device 10000 may comprise a nebulizer that changes the state of the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating cartridge 2000.

[77] For example, the atomizer of the aerosol generating device 10000 may change the state of the aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method, wherein the aerosol generating material is atomized by the ultrasonic vibration. The atomizer may comprise a vibration source 1300 generating ultrasonic vibrations, a liquid supply unit 2400 absorbing the aerosol and maintaining the absorbed aerosol in a state optimal for converting into an aerosol, and a vibration receiving unit 2300 for generating the aerosol by transmitting ultrasonic vibrations to the aerosol generating material in the liquid supply unit.

[78] The vibration source 1300 may generate vibrations for a short period of time. The vibrations generated by the vibration source 1300 may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, for example, from 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz. Under the action of the short-period vibrations generated by the vibration source 1300, the material for generating an aerosol may evaporate and/or disperse with conversion into an aerosol.

[79] The vibration source 1300 may comprise, for example, a piezoelectric ceramic, which is a functional material capable of converting an electric voltage into a mechanical force by generating an electric voltage when a physical force (pressure) is applied and generating oscillations (mechanical force) when an electric voltage is applied. Thus, oscillations (physical force) are generated by an electric voltage applied to the vibration source 1300, and such small physical oscillations can split the aerosol-generating material into small particles and atomize the aerosol-generating material to convert it into an aerosol.

[80] The oscillation source 1300 may be electrically connected to the electrical circuit by means of a spring contact or a C-shaped clamp. Accordingly, the oscillation source 1300 may generate oscillations by receiving current or voltage from the spring contact or the C-shaped clamp. However, the type of element connected to supply current or voltage to the oscillation source 1300 is not limited to the above description.

[81] The vibration receiving unit 2300 may receive the vibrations generated by the vibration source 1300 and convert the aerosol generating material transmitted from the liquid storage unit 2200 into an aerosol.

[82] The liquid moving unit 2400 may move the liquid composition of the liquid storing unit 2200 to the vibration receiving unit 2300. For example, the liquid supply unit 2400 may be a wick containing cotton fiber and/or ceramic fiber and/or glass fiber and/or porous ceramic; other options are also possible.

[83] In another embodiment of the invention, the liquid transfer device 2400 may also be referred to as a material transfer portion if the aerosol generating material is not in a liquid state.

[84] In addition, the atomizer can be designed as an oscillation receiving unit in the form of a mesh or plate, serving to absorb and maintain the aerosol generating material in a state optimal for conversion into an aerosol without using a separate liquid transfer means, and also for generating an aerosol by transmitting oscillations to the aerosol generating material.

[85] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 2, the atomizer vibration source 1300 is located in the main body 1000, and the vibration receiving unit 2300 and the liquid supply unit 2400 are located in the cartridge 2000, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[86] For example, the cartridge 2000 may comprise a vibration source 1300, a vibration receiving unit 2300, and a liquid supply unit 2400, and when a portion of the cartridge 2000 is inserted into the main body 1000, the main body 1000 may supply power to the cartridge 2000 through a terminal (not shown in the figure) or supply a signal to the cartridge 2000 related to the operation of the cartridge 2000 and allowing the operation of the vibration source 1300 to be controlled.

[87] In addition, in one embodiment of the invention, the vibration receiver 2300 may be absent in the aerosol generating device 10000 according to some embodiments of the invention. In this case, the cartridge 2000 may comprise the vibration source 1300, the liquid accumulator 2200, and the liquid transfer device 2400. Since the aerosol generating device 10000 according to the above-described embodiment of the invention may not comprise the vibration receiver 2300, the aerosol generating device 10000 may be different from the aerosol generating device 10000 shown in FIG. 2, and the vibrations generated by the vibration source 1300 can be directly transferred to the aerosol generating material (liquid) in the liquid transfer device 2400.

[88] The liquid storage unit 2200 in the cartridge 2000 may at least partially comprise a transparent material so that the aerosol generating material located in the cartridge 2000 is visible from the outside. The mouthpiece 2100 and the liquid storage unit 2200 may be completely made of transparent plastic or glass, and only a portion of the liquid storage unit 2200 may be made of a transparent material.

[89] The cartridge 2000 of the aerosol generating device 10000 may comprise an aerosol discharge channel 2500 and an air flow channel 2600.

[90] The aerosol discharge channel 2500 may be formed in the liquid storage unit 2200 and communicate with the discharge opening 2110 of the mouthpiece 2100. In this way, the aerosol generated by the nebulizer may move along the aerosol discharge channel 2500 and be supplied to the user through the discharge opening 2110 of the mouthpiece 2100.

[91] The air flow channel 2600 is a channel through which external air can be supplied to the aerosol generating device 10000. The external air supplied through the channel 2600 can be supplied to the aerosol discharge channel 2500 or to the space in which the aerosol is generated. Accordingly, the supplied external air can be mixed with the evaporated particles of the aerosol generating material to generate the aerosol.

[92] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the air flow path 2600 may be formed so as to surround the aerosol discharge path 2500 from the outside. Therefore, the aerosol discharge path 2500 and the air flow path 2600 may have the form of a double tube, in which the aerosol discharge path 2500 is located inside and the air flow path 2600 is located outside the aerosol discharge path 2500. In this way, the outside air can flow in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the aerosol in the aerosol discharge path 2500.

[93] However, the structure of the air flow passage 2600 is not limited to the above description. For example, the air flow passage may be a space formed between the main body 1000 and the cartridge 2000 when the main body 1000 and the cartridge 2000 are combined and communicate with the atomizer so as to transmit liquid.

[94] In the aerosol generating device 10000 according to the above-described embodiment of the invention, the cross-sectional shape in the direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the main body 1000 and the cartridge 2000 may be approximately a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, or a polygon of various shapes. However, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 10000 is not limited to the above description, and the aerosol generating device 10000 is not necessarily limited to a rectilinear structure oriented in the longitudinal direction. For example, the aerosol generating device 10000 may have a streamlined cross-sectional shape so that the user can easily hold it with his hand, or may be curved at a predetermined angle in a certain region and extended in length, and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device 10000 may vary in the longitudinal direction.

[95] FIG. 3 shows an example for describing the temperatures of the main devices of the printed circuit board, wherein the temperatures are constantly increasing since tightening operations are continuously performed through the aerosol generating device.

[96] More specifically, FIG. 3 schematically shows some components of the aerosol generating device 300, in which the cartridge 310 and the main body 330 are connected to each other. The aerosol generating device according to FIG. 3 includes the cartridge 310 and the main body 330. The cartridge 310 includes the first temperature measuring portion 315, and the main body 330 includes the second temperature measuring portion 331 and the third temperature measuring portion 333. It is considered that the aerosol generating device 300, the cartridge 310 and the main body 330 in FIG. 3 correspond to the aerosol generating device 10000, the cartridge 2000 and the main body 1000 in FIG. 2.

[97] In FIG. 3, the first temperature measuring portion 315, the second temperature measuring portion 331, and the third temperature measuring portion 333 clearly designate temperature measuring locations in the aerosol generating device 300 and do not designate specific modules that are detachable from the aerosol generating device 300.

[98] In addition, specific modules may be disposed in the first to third temperature measuring portions 315, 331 and 333. For example, if the aerosol generating device 300 is an ultrasonic vibration aerosol generating device, the vibration receiver configured to receive vibrations from the ultrasonic vibration source of the main body 330 and transmit vibrations to the liquid substrate may be disposed in the first temperature measuring portion 315, and the second temperature measuring portion 331 and the third temperature measuring portion 333 may correspond to positions on a printed circuit board on which a field-effect transistor configured to perform a function of a switch for supplying power is mounted.

[99] More specifically, the first temperature measuring portion 315 denotes a location adjacent to the connecting portion at which the cartridge 310 and the main body 330 are connected to each other. When the user turns on the aerosol generating device 300 and continues to puff, the temperature of the first temperature measuring portion 315 may increase from 31.6 °C to 108.0 °C. In this case, the end point of the smoking session of the aerosol generating device 300 may be 14 puffs or 4.30 minutes after the puffing operation.

[100] The second and third temperature measuring portions 331 and 333 may designate two locations offset in the positive x-axis direction from the center of the printed circuit board included in the main body 330. As shown in FIG. 3, if the second temperature measuring portion 331 and the third temperature measuring portion 333 are designated by three-dimensional spatial coordinates, the second and third temperature measuring portions 331 and 333 may have the same coordinate values along the x-axis and differ only in the coordinate values along the y-axis. As described above, for example, a field-effect transistor configured to perform a switching function based on an electric signal and to participate in the power supply may be disposed in the second and third temperature measuring portions 331 and 333.

[101] Table 1

Temperature 315 331 333 Number of tightening operations The first part of temperature measurement The second part of temperature measurement The third part of temperature measurement 1 31.6 47.3 49.4 2 35.8 53.1 54.8 3 42.8 60.6 62.0 4 50.4 63.3 65.4 5 56.8 67.3 67.4 6 63.2 71.2 70.2 7 69.6 75.4 74.4 8 76.5 79.1 77.2 9 82.0 86.3 82.6 10 87.8 84.4 80.7 11 94.2 83.1 78.4 12 98.8 77.0 72.7 13 104.0 78.6 73.9 14 108.0 81.7 76.5

[102] Table 1 shows the temperature values of the first to third temperature measuring portions 315, 331, and 333, wherein the temperature values change as the tightening operations in FIG. 3 are continuously performed. According to Table 1, in the first temperature measuring portion 315, the temperature may increase to 108 °C as the tightening operations are performed, in the second temperature measuring portion 331, the temperature may increase to 86.3 °C, and in the third temperature measuring portion 333, the temperature may increase to 82.6 °C.

[103] If Table 1 is interpreted assuming that the aerosol generating device 300 is an ultrasonic vibration aerosol generating device, the temperature increase rate of the first temperature measuring portion 315, in which the vibration receiver configured to heat the liquid substrate of the cartridge 310 by receiving vibrations from the ultrasonic vibration source is located, will be the highest, and the temperature increase rates of the second temperature measuring portion 331 and the third temperature measuring portion 333, located at a relatively large predetermined distance from the location of the ultrasonic vibration source or the vibration receiver, will be relatively low.

[104] In addition, as follows from Table 1, the second temperature measurement portion 331 and the third temperature measurement portion 333 are removed from the first temperature measurement portion 315 by the same distance along the x-axis. However, it is shown that the temperature increase rates of the second and third temperature measurement portions 331 and 333 differ from each other due to the influence of the surrounding devices installed on the printed circuit board of the main body 330.

[105] Among the sensors (modules) mounted on the printed circuit board of the aerosol generating device or not mounted directly on the printed circuit board and electrically connected thereto, there may be a sensor (module) that detects a malfunction at a temperature of about 100 °C. For example, the recommended temperature range of some models of pressure sensors configured to detect a change in pressure in the device is from -40 °C to 85 °C, and such a pressure sensor may fail if the temperature inside the aerosol generating device 300 exceeds 85 °C or approaches 85 °C, as shown in Table 1. The temperature values and temperature range described above are given by way of example. The temperature values and temperature range may depend on the type of sensor or sensor model used and are not limited to a specified value or range.

[106] FIG. 4 shows another example for describing the temperatures of the main devices of the printed circuit board, wherein the temperatures are constantly increasing since tightening operations are continuously performed through the aerosol generating device.

[107] More specifically, FIG. 4 schematically illustrates some components of the aerosol generating device 400, in which the cartridge 410 and the main body 430 are connected to each other. The aerosol generating device 400 according to FIG. 4 includes the cartridge 410 and the main body 430, and the main body 430 includes a fourth temperature measuring portion 431, a fifth temperature measuring portion 433, and a sixth temperature measuring portion 435. It is considered that the aerosol generating device 400, the cartridge 410, and the main body 430 in FIG. 4 correspond to the aerosol generating device 10000, the cartridge 2000, and the main body 1000 in FIG. 2.

[108] In FIG. 4, the fourth through sixth temperature measuring portions 431, 433, and 435, like the first through third temperature measuring portions 315, 331, and 333 in FIG. 3, clearly indicate positions of the aerosol generating device 400 in which the temperature is measured, and do not indicate specific modules that are detachable from the aerosol generating device 400.

[109] More specifically, the fourth temperature measurement portion 431 denotes a location offset in the positive x-axis direction from the center of the printed circuit board included in the main body 430, the fifth temperature measurement portion 433 denotes a central location of the main body 430, and the sixth temperature measurement portion 435 denotes a location offset in the negative x-axis direction from the center of the main body 430.

[110] If the aerosol generating device 400 according to FIG. 4 is an ultrasonic vibration aerosol generating device, the temperature of the fourth to sixth temperature measuring portions 431, 433 and 435 may continuously increase since the total vibration time of the ultrasonic vibration source increases with repeated puffing operations.

[111] Table 2

Temperature 431 433 435 Number of tightening operations The fourth part of temperature measurement Fifth part of temperature measurement The sixth part of temperature measurement 1 34.8 32.8 28.6 2 39.5 36.1 31.1 3 44.7 38.4 32.9 4 49.1 41.7 35.1 5 53.3 44.0 37.1 6 57.2 46.3 39.0 7 60.0 48.0 40.6 8 62.1 49.6 42.1 9 63.0 51.5 43.6 10 65.7 52.9 45.0 11 73.9 53.7 46.3 12 79.3 55.1 47.4 13 88.2 57.1 48.6 14 93.1 59.5 50.8

[112] Table 2 shows the temperature values of the fourth through sixth temperature measuring portions 413, 433, and 435, wherein the temperature values change as the tightening operations in FIG. 4 are continuously performed. According to Table 2, in the fourth temperature measuring portion 413, the temperature may increase to 93.1 °C as the tightening operations are performed, in the fifth temperature measuring portion 433, the temperature may increase to 59.5 °C, and in the sixth temperature measuring portion 435, the temperature may increase to 50.8 °C.

[113] For example, a processor configured to control various modules of the aerosol generating device 400 may be installed in the fifth temperature measuring portion 433. In another example, even if a pressure sensor having a recommended temperature range, the upper limit of which is 85 (the recommended temperature range is described in Table 1), is installed in the fifth temperature measuring portion 433 and the sixth temperature measuring portion 435, the pressure sensor may operate normally regardless of the number of puffing operations.

[114] Thus, if Table 2 is interpreted, assuming that the aerosol generating device 400 is an ultrasonic vibration aerosol generating device, the temperature increase rate of the fourth temperature measurement portion 431 located closest to the ultrasonic vibration source generating vibrations of a predetermined frequency will be the highest, and the temperature increase rates of the fifth temperature measurement portion 433 and the sixth temperature measurement portion 435 located at a relatively large predetermined distance from the location of the ultrasonic vibration source will be relatively low. In particular, since the sixth temperature measurement portion 435 is the farthest from the fourth temperature measurement portion 431 in the negative x-axis direction, the temperature increase of the sixth temperature measurement portion 435 will be the smallest as the puffing operations are performed.

[115] When interpreting FIGS. 3 and 4 together, it is seen that the rate of temperature increase depending on the increase in the number of puffs increases as the position in the device for generating an aerosol with ultrasonic vibrations approaches the ultrasonic vibration source or the vibration receiver receiving vibrations from the ultrasonic vibration source. For example, the rate of temperature increase of the first temperature measuring portion 315 will be the greatest, and the rate of temperature increase of the sixth temperature measuring portion 435 will be the least.

[116] In addition, even at the same distance from the location where the oscillations occur, the rate of temperature increase in these positions may differ depending on the characteristics of the device installed in the corresponding positions or the influence of other devices installed on the printed circuit board. For example, with reference to Table 1 above, although the second and third temperature measurement portions 331 and 333 are removed from the first temperature measurement portion 315 by the same distance, the rate of temperature increase in the second and third portions differs.

[117] Based on the above-described experimental and empirical resources, embodiments of the invention provide an aerosol generating device characterized by an arrangement that allows the devices to operate normally with a recommended temperature range, the upper limit of which is from 50 °C to 100 °C. According to embodiments of the invention, the probability of malfunctions due to overheating is significantly reduced compared to the previous aerosol generating device operating with a single printed circuit board, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[118] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the internal structure of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the invention.

[119] An aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the invention may comprise a housing 500 shown in FIG. 5 and a cartridge that are connected to each other. The cartridge may be connected to the end of the housing 500 in FIG. 5 or, in one embodiment of the invention, may be included in the housing 500 in FIG. 5. For example, FIG. 5 shows in detail an aerosol generating device without a cartridge.

[120] The housing 500 has an external shape that allows various modules to be installed inside or outside the housing 500. A cavity may be formed in the housing 500 into which various modules necessary for the operation of the aerosol generating device may be installed. At least two printed circuit boards may be installed in the housing 500.

[121] The first printed circuit board 510 may be mounted on the inner surface of the housing 500. As shown in FIG. 5, the first printed circuit board 510 may be mounted on the inner surface 500a of the housing 500, wherein the inner surface 500a is oriented parallel to the plane formed by the x and y axes. In FIG. 5, the inner surface 500a of the housing 500 may correspond to a surface facing another inner surface 500b of the housing 500, wherein the other inner surface 500b is shown as a cover of the housing 500.

[122] The second printed circuit board 520 may be installed so that it is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction of the surface of the housing 500 on which the first printed circuit board 510 is installed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the second printed circuit board 520 may be installed so that it projects in the positive direction of the z-axis, as a direction perpendicular to the surface of the housing 500 on which the first printed circuit board 510 is installed. In one embodiment of the invention, if the surface on which the first printed circuit board 510 is installed is a plane oriented in a direction different from the direction of the plane in FIG. 5, the orientation direction of the second printed circuit board 520 may be different from the direction shown in FIG. 5.

[123] A processor 521 may be mounted on the second printed circuit board 520 and configured to generate a control signal and transmit it to various modules in the housing 500.

[124] As shown in FIG. 5, when the first printed circuit board 510 and the second printed circuit board 520 are installed in mutually perpendicular directions, the effects of conductive, convective and radiant heat generation in the first printed circuit board 510 and the second printed circuit board 520 may not accumulate exponentially but be distributed, which prevents a radical increase in the temperature inside the housing 500 and the temperature of the devices installed on the printed circuit boards in the housing 500.

[125] In addition, by appropriately limiting the types of devices installed on the first printed circuit board 510 and the second printed circuit board 520 in accordance with the characteristics of the devices installed on the first printed circuit board 510 and the second printed circuit board 520, or by effectively arranging various modules around the first and second printed circuit boards 510 and 520, it is possible to prevent a radical increase in the temperature inside the housing 500 and the temperature of the devices installed on the printed circuit boards in the housing 500.

[126] Further, the bracket 530 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second printed circuit board 520 with support on another inner surface of the housing 500, which makes it possible to maintain the position of the second printed circuit board 520 in the housing 500.

[127] In this case, the surface on which the bracket rests denotes a surface different from the surface on which the first printed circuit board 510 is mounted. For example, if the housing 500 has the shape of a cube, the surface on which the bracket 530 rests may be any of the remaining five surfaces except the surface 500a on which the first printed circuit board 510 is mounted.

[128] In one embodiment of the invention, the bracket 530 may include at least one bracket. In addition, the bracket 530 may include a support connected to an end of the second printed circuit board 520, and in one embodiment of the invention, the support may be a part including a concave part formed in the bracket 530 or the second printed circuit board 520. The second printed circuit board 520 or the bracket 530 may be inserted into the concave part, and FIG. 5 shows an example in which the concave part 530a is included in the bracket 530, that is, the end of the second printed circuit board 520 is connected to the concave part 530a. Although this is not shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the invention, the concave portion may be included in the second printed circuit board 520, and the bracket 530 may be connected to the concave portion formed in the second printed circuit board 520. The concave portion 530a formed in the bracket 530 is described with reference to FIG. 7.

[129] The microphone 540, sensitive to air movement, may be installed on the outer side surface of the housing 500 and may be configured to detect a change in the air flow outside or inside the housing 500 and transmit the detection result to the processor of the second printed circuit board 520. As shown in FIG. 5, the microphone 540, sensitive to air movement, may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board 520, while being at a predetermined distance from the second printed circuit board 520.

[130] FIG. 5 shows a connector 561 that electrically connects the air motion sensitive microphone 540 to the second printed circuit board 520. However, the device that electrically connects the air motion sensitive microphone 540 to the second printed circuit board 520 is not limited to this embodiment. Maintaining a predetermined distance between the air motion sensitive microphone 540 and the second printed circuit board 520 makes it possible to prevent the air motion sensitive microphone 540 from malfunctioning due to heat generated by the second printed circuit board 520.

[131] In another embodiment of the invention, not shown in FIG. 5, a heat pipe made of a heat-conducting material with a coolant therein may be installed in the housing 500. The heat pipe may be implemented by introducing a small amount of water or a Freon-based coolant into a hollow tube made of a heat-conducting material and in a vacuum state. The heat pipe may be installed between the air motion-sensitive microphone 540 and the second printed circuit board 520 and prevent heat from being transmitted to the air motion-sensitive microphone 540.

[132] The charging module 550 may be mounted on the first printed circuit board 510 and may charge the battery 570 of the housing 500. When the external charging connector 550a is connected to the charging module 550, the charging module 550 may perform the function of charging the battery 570 mounted in the housing 500, wherein the charging connector 550a may be one of various types, such as a universal serial bus (USB), C, micro 5, etc. FIG. 5 shows the location of the battery 570 in one embodiment of the invention, and the location of the housing 500 in which the battery 570 is placed is not limited to a specific position.

[133] In one embodiment of the invention, in which the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments of the invention is implemented as an ultrasonic vibration aerosol generating device, the charging module 550 and the processor 521 may be located on the first printed circuit board 510 and the second printed circuit board 520, respectively, and the first printed circuit board 510 and the second printed circuit board 520 may be installed perpendicular to each other, which makes it possible to realize heat distribution effects. In particular, the heat distribution effects described above make it possible to prevent damage to the ultrasonic vibration source, which is powered through the spring contact and generates vibrations, from excessive heat acting on the ultrasonic vibration source.

[134] If the housing 500 comprises an input portion 590 configured to receive user input, one end of the flexible printed circuit board 560 is connected to the input portion 590, and the other end of the flexible printed circuit board 560 is bent to connect to the second printed circuit board 520. The flexible printed circuit board 560 can be extended from one end of the flexible printed circuit board 560 to the other end of the flexible printed circuit board 560 such that the flexible printed circuit board faces the inner surface 500a of the housing 500. In FIG. 5, the input portion 590 can be mounted on a surface opposite (or facing) the surface of the main housing on which the microphone 540 sensitive to air movement is mounted.

[135] The flexible printed circuit board 560 can electrically connect the input portion 590 to the second printed circuit board 520, and also maintain a stable position of the bracket 530. That is, since the bracket 530 serves to fix the second printed circuit board 520, the flexible printed circuit board 560, which maintains the stability of the position of the bracket 530, can indirectly contribute to the stability of the position of the second printed circuit board 520.

[136] The substrate support 580 is a member configured to stably support the second printed circuit board 520 installed in the positive z-axis direction in FIG. 5, and may have various shapes. The purpose of the substrate support 580 is described with reference to FIG. 6.

[137] An opening 599 may be formed in the side portion of the housing 500. Although not shown in FIG. 5, a cartridge connected to the housing 500 may be connected to the housing 500 through the opening 599 in such a way as to realize an electrical connection with the processor and the battery in the housing 500.

[138] FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board.

[139] FIG. 6 describes in detail the characteristics of the relative position of the first printed circuit board 510 and the second printed circuit board 520 described with reference to FIG. 5. For convenience of explanation, some modules installed in the housing 500 are omitted, and FIG. 6 will be described further with reference to FIG. 5.

[140] The first printed circuit board 510 may be mounted on the inner surface 500a of the housing 500.

[141] The second printed circuit board 520 may be installed such that it is oriented (or protrudes) in a direction intersecting the direction of the surface of the housing 500 on which the first printed circuit board 510 is installed. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the second printed circuit board 520 may be installed such that it is oriented in a positive direction of the z-axis, perpendicular to a plane formed by the x- and y-axes.

[142] In FIG. 6, the first printed circuit board 510 and the second printed circuit board 520 are shown in physical contact with each other. However, in one embodiment of the invention, the second printed circuit board 520 may be installed at a predetermined distance from the first printed circuit board 510. Furthermore, in FIG. 6, an embodiment of the invention is shown in which the second printed circuit board 520 contacts the surface 500b facing the inner surface 500a of the housing 500. However, in one embodiment of the invention, the second printed circuit board 520 may not contact the surface 500b facing the inner surface 500a of the housing 500.

[143] In FIG. 6, the bracket 530 may fix the end of the second printed circuit board 520 installed in the positive z-axis direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the x and y axes, to improve the stability of the installed position of the second printed circuit board 520. The bracket 530 may include a concave portion for receiving the end of the second printed circuit board 620, and this concave portion is described below with reference to FIG. 7.

[144] The substrate support 580 is a member for supporting the second printed circuit board 520 when the second printed circuit board 520 is installed in a direction perpendicular to the installation direction of the first printed circuit board 510. In one embodiment of the invention, the substrate 580 can be installed on the first printed circuit board 510 and electrically connected to the charging module 550.

[145] Although not shown in FIG. 6, the substrate 580 may further comprise a terminal (socket) that may be electrically connected to the charging module 550 and may serve as a carrier configured to transmit power from the charging module 550 to the battery located in the housing 500 to charge the battery.

[146] The substrate 580 may be mounted on the first printed circuit board 510 to physically support the second printed circuit board 520 and simultaneously serve as a multifunctional element, being organizationally connected to the charging module 550 to participate in charging the battery.

[147] FIG. 7 shows in detail the bracket shown in FIG. 5.

[148] In FIG. 7, for clarity, the components of the various modules included in the housing 500 of FIG. 5 are omitted, except for the bracket 530 and the flexible printed circuit board 560. FIG. 7 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5.

[149] The bracket 530 may comprise a concave portion 530a configured to effectively support the end of the second printed circuit board 520. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the concave portion 530a may designate a portion of the bracket 530, wherein this portion has a concave recess for receiving at least a portion of the end of the second printed circuit board 520.

[150] While the first printed circuit board 510 is mounted on the surface of the housing 500 and is thus stable, the second printed circuit board 520 is mounted at a certain distance in the vertical direction from the surface of the housing 500 on which the first printed circuit board 510 is mounted, to ensure heat distribution, and is not fixed to the inner wall of the housing 500. Thus, the second printed circuit board 520 is relatively unstable compared to the first printed circuit board 510.

[151] In order to improve the positional stability of the second printed circuit board 520, the substrate support 580 described with reference to FIG. 6 may be installed on the first printed circuit board 510, or, as another method, the bracket 530 may further comprise a concave portion 530a. The concave portion 530a may be adjacent to the end of the second printed circuit board 520 in order to minimize an arbitrary change in the fixing state of the second printed circuit board 520.

[152] The bracket 530 may be supported on the other inner surface of the housing 500 by the support 530b. The bracket support 530b designates a part of the upper end of the bracket 530, and this part has a predetermined width. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, in order for the bracket 530 to be supported on the other inner surface of the housing 500, the bracket support 530b may have a length having a predetermined ratio with the length of the other inner surface in the x-axis direction. In this case, the other inner surface of the housing 500 designates a surface different from the inner surface 500a of the housing 500, on which the first printed circuit board 510 is mounted.

[153] The flexible printed circuit board 560 serves to electrically connect the input portion 590, installed outside the housing 500, to the second printed circuit board 520. The flexible printed circuit board 560 can contact at least a part of the bracket 530 and electrically connect the input portion 590 to the second printed circuit board 520, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[154] FIG. 8 shows an example of a pressure sensor.

[155] For convenience, FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[156] According to embodiments of the invention, the housing 500 may contain a microphone 540 sensitive to air movement for detecting a change in air flow, and also replace the microphone 540 sensitive to air movement, or additionally contain a separate pressure sensor regardless of the presence of the microphone 540 sensitive to air movement. The pressure sensor may detect a change in pressure and transmit the detection result to a processor mounted on the second printed circuit board 520.

[157] The pressure sensor has a relatively lower upper limit of the recommended temperature range compared to other modules and can operate while mounted on the first printed circuit board 510. In another example, the pressure sensor 810 may comprise a first portion 811 comprising one set of chips and a second portion 812 comprising several passive devices, wherein the first portion 811 and the second portion 812 can operate while mounted on different printed circuit boards.

[158] In particular, FIG. 8 shows an example of a pressure sensor 810 comprising a first portion 811 and a second portion 812.

[159] In FIG. 8, the pressure sensor 810 may comprise a first portion 811 comprising one set of chips (or a system on a set of chips (SoC)), and a remaining portion (the second portion) excluding the first portion. The characteristics of the first portion 811 of the pressure sensor 810 allow the first portion 811 to operate normally at a relatively low temperature. The second portion 812 comprises passive devices, including a resistor, a capacitor, etc., and has characteristics that allow the second portion 812 to operate normally at a relatively higher temperature compared to the first portion 811.

[160] As shown in FIG. 8, the first part 811 of the pressure sensor 810 can be mounted on the first printed circuit board 510, and the second part 812 can be mounted on the second printed circuit board 520. Since the first part 811 of the pressure sensor 810, which is relatively sensitive to heat, can be mounted on the first printed circuit board 510, and the second part 812 of the pressure sensor 810, which has high heat resistance, can be mounted on the second printed circuit board 520, it is possible to prevent the pressure sensor 810 from failing due to overheating.

[161] According to embodiments of the invention, the number of printed circuit boards housed in the main body can be increased to several, and the arrangement of various modules can be optimized by increasing the number of printed circuit boards, which can prevent a phenomenon in which the temperature inside the aerosol generating device rises to an extremely high level, which can lead to a malfunction of the device with low thermal resistance.

[162] Those skilled in the art, having become familiar with this embodiment, will understand that it can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essence of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention should be considered only illustrative of the essence of the invention and not limiting the protected scope of the invention. The scope of the present invention is described in the claims, and not in the preceding description, and any modifications, substitutions and improvements of the embodiments of the description should be considered included in the present invention.

Claims (34)

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: frame; a first printed circuit board located along one surface of the housing; and a second printed circuit board which is located in the housing and on which a processor is installed, configured to generate a control signal, wherein the second printed circuit board is oriented in a direction intersecting the direction of one surface of the housing; at least one bracket resting on another surface of the housing and supporting the location of the second printed circuit board; an input portion located on the outer side surface, wherein the input portion is configured to receive user input, in which the input portion is electrically connected to the second printed circuit board by means of a flexible printed circuit board located in the housing. 2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least one bracket comprises a bracket support resting on the inner surface of the housing. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least one bracket comprises a support connected to the end of the second printed circuit board. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the support comprises a concave portion formed on at least one bracket or the second printed circuit board, and the second printed circuit board or at least one bracket is inserted into the concave portion. 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least one bracket extends in the longitudinal direction of the second printed circuit board. 6. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein one end of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the input part, the other end of the flexible printed circuit board is bent to connect to the second printed circuit board, and the flexible printed circuit board is extended from one end of the flexible printed circuit board to the other end of the flexible printed circuit board such that the flexible printed circuit board faces one surface of the housing. 7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a microphone sensitive to air movement and located in the housing, wherein the microphone, sensitive to air movement, is electrically connected to the second printed circuit board. 8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, in which a charging module is installed on the first printed circuit board, configured to charge the battery using an external power supply. 9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor mounted on the first printed circuit board and configured to detect a change in pressure. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor separately mounted on the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board and configured to detect a change in pressure, in which the pressure sensor comprises: a first part mounted on the first printed circuit board and containing one microcircuit; and a second part mounted on the second printed circuit board and containing at least one passive device. 11. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a source of ultrasonic vibrations installed in the housing and designed with the possibility of generating vibrations of a given frequency in accordance with a control signal of the processor; and cartridge connected to the body, in which the cartridge contains: a storage device configured to store a material for generating an aerosol; and a material transfer portion configured to absorb the aerosol generating material from the accumulator and receive vibrations generated by the ultrasonic vibration source to convert the aerosol generating material into an aerosol. 12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a cartridge connected to the housing, in which the cartridge contains: a source of ultrasonic vibrations installed in the cartridge and designed with the ability to generate vibrations of a given frequency in accordance with the control signal of the processor; a storage device configured to store a material for generating an aerosol; and a material transfer portion configured to absorb the aerosol generating material from the accumulator and receive vibrations generated by the ultrasonic vibration source to convert the aerosol generating material into an aerosol.