WO2024185976A1 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device comprises: a storage part for storing an aerosol generating material; a generating part for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material; an inlet part for fluidly connecting the storage part and the generating part; and a vibration part that generates vibration so as to transmit vibration to the inlet part.

Description

Aerosol generating device

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device capable of removing bubbles generated during the process of generating an aerosol.

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods that overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol generating materials using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to generate aerosols. Accordingly, research on heated aerosol generating devices is being actively conducted.

In the field of aerosol generating devices that use liquid-state aerosol generating substances, research on smooth supply of liquid is actively being conducted.

A cartridge of an aerosol generating device generally includes a storage unit for storing a liquid substance (hereinafter, the liquid substance may be used interchangeably with the term “aerosol generating substance” and is abbreviated as “liquid”), and a generation unit for generating an aerosol from the liquid. The liquid stored in the storage unit is transferred to the generation unit, and the liquid can be atomized into an aerosol by the generation unit.

In a structure where liquid is transferred from a storage unit to a production unit, bubbles may be generated in the inlet that fluidly connects the storage unit and the production unit. This may cause the liquid to not be supplied smoothly to the production unit, thereby reducing the amount of vaporization.

Embodiments provide an improved aerosol generating device for eliminating bubbles that form in the inlet.

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

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a storage unit for storing an aerosol generating material, a generating unit for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material, an inlet unit for fluidly connecting the storage unit and the generating unit, and a vibration unit for generating vibration to transmit vibration to the inlet unit.

According to the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments, the transport of the aerosol generating material can be smoothly achieved by removing bubbles.

In addition, according to the aerosol generating device of the embodiments, the amount of atomized aerosol generating material can be improved.

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

Figures 1 to 3 are drawings showing examples of aerosol generating devices.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a cartridge.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a cartridge for explaining a vibrating section applicable to a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling operation of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10a is a cross-sectional view of a main body of an aerosol generating device and a cartridge separated therefrom according to another embodiment.

Figure 10b is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the aerosol generating device illustrated in Figure 10a and the cartridge coupled thereto.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Figure 14 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments are selected from the most widely used general terms possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention of engineers working in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall contents of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated. In addition, terms such as "-unit", "-module", etc. described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements rather than each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that electrically heats a cigarette accommodated in an internal space to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include electrically conductive tracks, and when current flows through the electrically conductive tracks, the heater may be heated.

The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette.

The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, may be made of a strand, or may be made of chopped tobacco sheets. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with or assembled to the body, and may be fixed so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be mounted to the body while containing an aerosol generating substance therein. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

The cartridge can contain an aerosol generating material in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, a gel state, etc. The aerosol generating material can comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or it can be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

The cartridge can perform the function of generating an aerosol by converting the phase of an aerosol generating substance inside the cartridge into a gas phase by operating with an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body. The aerosol can mean a gas in a mixed state of vaporized particles and air generated from the aerosol generating substance.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to a user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition can travel along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage can be configured such that the aerosol can pass through the cigarette and be delivered to a user.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and may generate short-cycle vibrations through the vibrator to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibration generated from the vibrator may be an ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be, but is not limited to, a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating material. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the vibrator or may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the vibrator.

When a voltage (e.g., an alternating current voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to an aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the viscosity of an aerosol generating substance absorbed into a wick may be lowered by heat generated from a vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated by the aerosol generating substance having a lowered viscosity being broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibration generated from the vibrator, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat by an external magnetic field. As the susceptor is positioned inside the coil and the magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

The aerosol generating device may be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge the battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated while the cradle and aerosol generating device are combined.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figures 1 to 3 are drawings showing examples of aerosol generating devices.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a battery (11), a control unit (12), a heater (13), and a vaporizer (14).

The aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2 may include a housing including a receiving space in which an aerosol generating article (2) is received. The aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), and thus the aerosol generating article (2) may be received in the receiving space of the housing. In addition, although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate that the aerosol generating device (1) includes a heater (13), the heater (13) may be omitted if necessary.

The aerosol generating device (1) of Fig. 3 has no space into which an aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted, and therefore, a heater (13) for heating the aerosol generating article (2) is not arranged.

The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, other components may be further included in the aerosol generating device (1).

In Fig. 1, the battery (11), the control unit (12), the vaporizer (14), and the heater (13) are illustrated as being arranged in a row. In addition, in Fig. 2, the vaporizer (14) and the heater (13) are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), the arrangement of the battery (11), the control unit (12), the vaporizer (14), and the heater (13) may be changed.

The battery (11) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery (11) can supply power so that the heater (13) or the vaporizer (14) can be heated, and can supply power required for the control unit (12) to operate. In addition, the battery (11) can supply power required for the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1) to operate.

The control unit (12) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). Specifically, the control unit (12) controls the operation of the battery (11), the heater (13), and the vaporizer (14), as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). In addition, the control unit (12) can check the status of each of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

The control unit (12) includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs that the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

The heater (13) can be heated by power supplied from the battery (11). For example, when the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the heater (13) can be located outside the aerosol generating article (2). Accordingly, the heated heater (13) can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article (2).

The heater (13) may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater (13) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (13) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater (13) is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applied without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device (1), or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater (13) may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater (13) may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol generating article in an induction heating manner, and the aerosol generating article may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

Although the heater (13) is depicted as being positioned on the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is not limited thereto. For example, the heater (13) 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 the outside of the aerosol generating article (2) depending on the shape of the heating element.

In addition, a plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article (2), or may be arranged on the exterior of the aerosol generating article (2). In addition, some of the plurality of heaters (13) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article (2), and the rest may be arranged on the exterior of the aerosol generating article (2). In addition, the shape of the heater (13) is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer (14) is configured to store an aerosol generating material and generate vaporized aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material.

The vaporizer (14) may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and an atomizing element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the atomizing element may be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as independent modules.

The liquid reservoir can store an aerosol generating substance. For example, the aerosol generating substance can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or can be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid reservoir can be constructed to be detachable from/attachable to the vaporizer (14), or can be constructed integrally with the vaporizer (14).

For example, the aerosol generating material may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit-flavored ingredients, and the like. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Additionally, the aerosol generating material may include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery means can receive an aerosol generating substance from a liquid storage unit and absorb the aerosol generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery means can be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics.

The liquid transfer means may have an elongated shape. For example, the liquid transfer means may have a columnar shape extending in one direction. Specifically, the liquid transfer means may have a polygonal columnar shape such as a cylinder, a square column, a triangular column, etc., but is not limited to the above examples, and the liquid transfer means may also have a roughly rod-shaped or needle-shaped shape.

An aerosol generating material absorbed into a portion of the liquid delivery means can travel to another portion of the liquid delivery means by capillary action. Accordingly, the liquid delivery means can deliver the aerosol generating material to the atomizing element.

The atomizing element can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material absorbed by the liquid delivery vehicle. For example, the atomizing element can be a heating element that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat. When the aerosol generating material in contact with the heating element is heated by the heating element, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating material.

The heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc. The heating element may include a resistor having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR).

The heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be heated by an electric current supply. Alternatively, the heating element may be composed of a susceptor material that is heated by an induced magnetic field and may be heated by an induced magnetic field generated by an induction coil that is arranged separately from the heating element.

As another example, the atomizing element may be an ultrasonic vibrator that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material by utilizing an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator.

The method of generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating element is not limited to the examples described above, and may include various methods of generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material.

The atomizing element can be disposed on the liquid delivery means by being permanently or reversibly attached to the liquid delivery means, such as by being wound around the liquid delivery means, or by being applied, sprayed, deposited, plated, immersed, painted, printed, 3D printed, or used as a tool, in addition to being combined with the structural features, such as by being wound around the liquid delivery means. In addition, the atomizing element can be disposed on the liquid delivery means by a method such as sintering the atomizing element together during the process of manufacturing the liquid delivery means.

The arrangement of the vaporizing elements is not limited to the examples described above, and may include various ways in which the vaporizing elements can be arranged in the liquid delivery means while maintaining their functionality.

The aerosol generated by the atomizing element can travel along the airflow path. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol that has traveled along the airflow path can pass through the aerosol generating article (2) and be delivered to the user. In FIG. 3, the aerosol that has traveled along the airflow path can be delivered to the user through the mouthpiece (18).

The vaporizer (14) may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

The vaporizer (14) may be a cartridge that can be inserted and removed into the main body of the aerosol generating device (1) or the aerosol generating device (1). When the aerosol generating material stored in the vaporizer (14) is all consumed, the aerosol generating material may be newly replenished or replaced with another vaporizer (14) that stores the aerosol generating material.

Hereinafter, the configuration corresponding to the vaporizer (14) is referred to as a cartridge, and the cartridge and aerosol generating device are described in detail.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a cartridge.

Referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge (100) may include a storage unit (110), a generation unit (120), a connection unit (130), and an inlet unit (135).

The storage unit (110) can store an aerosol generating substance. The storage unit (110) can be the same as the liquid storage unit included in the vaporizer (14) of FIGS. 1 to 3.

The generating unit (120) can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Specifically, when an aerosol generating material is supplied from the storage unit (110) to the generating unit (120), the aerosol generating material can be atomized into an aerosol by the generating unit (120).

Aerosol refers to a gas such as air in which suspended matter such as liquid and/or solid fine particles are dispersed. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the generating unit (120) may refer to a state in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material and air are mixed.

The generating unit (120) can convert the phase of an aerosol generating material into a gaseous phase through vaporization and/or sublimation. That is, the generating unit (120) can generate an aerosol by emitting an aerosol generating material in a liquid, solid, or gel state or a combination thereof by dividing it into fine particles.

Although not specifically shown in FIG. 4, the generation unit (120) may include a liquid delivery means and an atomizing element included in the vaporizer (14) of FIGS. 1 to 3. The generation unit (120) may include a generation space (125) in which the liquid delivery means and the atomizing element are arranged.

The connecting portion (130) is arranged between the storage portion (110) and the generating portion (120) and can be coupled with the storage portion (110) and the generating portion (120). The storage portion (110) and the generating portion (120) can be connected by the connecting portion (130). The connecting portion (130) can seal at least a portion of the storage portion (110) and/or the generating portion (120) to prevent unintentional leakage of aerosol generating material or aerosol from the storage portion (110) and/or the generating portion (120).

The connecting portion (130) may be a component included in the storage portion (110). For example, the connecting portion (130) may be a bottom wall of the storage portion (110) positioned at the bottom (e.g., in the -z direction) of the storage portion (110). In this case, even if there is no separate connecting portion (130), the storage portion (110) and the generating portion (120) may be coupled and connected to each other.

The connecting portion (130) may be a component included in the generating portion (120). For example, the connecting portion (130) may be an upper wall of the generating portion (120) positioned at the upper portion (e.g., in the +z direction) of the generating portion (120). In this case, even if there is no separate connecting portion (130), the storage portion (110) and the generating portion (120) may be coupled and connected to each other.

The connection unit (130) may include an inlet (135) that fluidly connects the storage unit (110) and the generation unit (120). The aerosol generating material may move from the storage unit (110) to the generation unit (120) through the inlet (135). The inlet (135) may include various shapes such as holes or passages through which the aerosol generating material may move, and a plurality of inlets (135) may be arranged.

The storage unit (110) and the generation unit (120) may each include an opening positioned corresponding to the inlet unit (135). When the connection unit (130) is the bottom wall of the storage unit (110), the inlet unit (135) may be the opening (110h) of the storage unit (110). Similarly, when the connection unit (130) is the upper wall of the generation unit (120), the inlet unit (135) may be the opening (120h) of the generation unit. That is, even when there is no separate connection unit (130), the opening (110h) of the storage unit and the opening (120h) of the inlet unit may each be the inlet unit (135).

Hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, the connection part (130) may be described as a configuration included in the storage part (110) or the generation part (120). In addition, the inlet part (135) may mean all openings and passages that fluidly connect the storage part (110) and the generation part (120) so that an aerosol generating material can move from the storage part (110) to the generation part (120).

The cartridge (100) may further include a case (not shown). The case forms the exterior of the cartridge (100) and may perform the function of accommodating and protecting components of the cartridge (100). A storage unit (110), a generating unit (120), a connecting unit (130), etc. may be accommodated inside the case, but is not limited thereto.

The cartridge (100) may further include an airflow path (not shown). The airflow path may serve as a passage for air and/or aerosol to travel. Outside air may be drawn into the interior of the cartridge and may reach the generating unit (120) through a portion of the airflow path. The air reaching the generating unit (120) may be mixed with vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material. The mixed aerosol may travel along another portion of the airflow path and may travel from the generating unit (120) to the exterior of the cartridge (100).

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the bubbles generated in the inlet (135) and the vibrating unit for removing them will be described.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a cartridge for explaining a vibrating section applicable to a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a cartridge (100), a storage unit (110), a generating unit (120), an inlet unit (135), and a vibrating unit (140). In this case, the storage unit (110), the generating unit (120), the inlet unit (135), and the vibrating unit (140) may be components included in the cartridge (100).

At least one of the components of the cartridge (100) illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge (100) illustrated in FIG. 4b, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

As described above, a liquid delivery means and an atomizing element may be arranged inside the production space (125). When the cartridge (100) is atomized, an aerosol generating material that has moved from the storage unit (110) through the inlet unit (135) may be atomized inside the production space (125) to generate an aerosol.

Referring to FIG. 5a, in the process of atomizing an aerosol generating material by an atomizing element, bubbles may be generated inside the generation space (125) due to the atomized gas in some cases. An example of bubbles being generated inside the generation space (125) may be a case where the aerosol atomized by the atomizing element is not fully inhaled by the user. Other examples may include a case where the atomizing element has strong power during the atomizing operation, resulting in a large amount of atomized gas, or a case where the user tilts the cartridge. Bubbles generated inside the generation space (125) may move to the inlet (135).

In some cases, bubbles may also be generated in the inlet (135). When the aerosol generating material stored in the storage (110) moves to the generation space (125) through the inlet (135), a pressure difference may occur between the storage (110) and the generation space (125). Some of the outside air that has flowed into the generation space (125) may flow in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the aerosol generating material to compensate for the pressure difference. As a result, some of the outside air may move to the inlet (135), and unintended bubbles may be formed in the inlet (135). However, the reasons for the generation of bubbles are not limited to the cases described above.

Bubbles present in the inlet (135) may narrow or close the inlet (135), thereby inhibiting the inflow of aerosol generating material from the storage (110) into the interior of the production space (125). If the inflow of aerosol generating material is inhibited by bubbles, the delivery of aerosol generating material to the liquid delivery means inside the production space (125) may not be smooth.

Due to this, the liquid delivery means may be carbonized by the atomizing element during the atomizing operation. 'Carbonization' can mean a state where the color changes to black due to high temperature heat. If the liquid delivery means is carbonized, harmful substances may be generated and transmitted to the user, and the user may experience a burnt taste when inhaling the aerosol, causing discomfort to the user.

In addition, since the amount of aerosol generating material to be atomized is temporarily reduced by the atomizing element, a problem may arise in which a smaller amount of atomized material is generated than when no bubbles are generated during the atomizing operation. Accordingly, a component is required to prevent the inlet (135) from being blocked by bubbles.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a vibrating unit (140). The vibrating unit (140) may generate vibration to transmit the vibration to the inlet unit (135).

Referring to FIG. 5b, the vibration of the vibrating unit (140) can vibrate the cartridge (100). When the cartridge (100) vibrates, the vibration is transmitted to the inlet unit (135), so that air bubbles present in the inlet unit (135) can be removed. As a result, the movement of the aerosol generating material through the inlet unit (135) can be made smooth.

The placement of the vibrating part (140) is not limited to a specific part. Since the vibrating part (140) must remove air bubbles present in the inlet part (135), the closer the vibrating part (140) is placed to the inlet part (135), the more advantageous it may be for removing air bubbles. Similarly, when the vibrating part (140) is placed on the outside of the cartridge, the closer the vibrating part (140) is placed to the cartridge (100), the more advantageous it may be for transmitting vibration power to the cartridge (100).

The vibrating unit (140) may be arranged on the outer surface of the cartridge (100). At this time, the outer surface of the cartridge (100) may mean not only the outer surface of the case of the cartridge (100), but also the outer surface of the structure in which the storage unit (110), the generating unit (120), and the connecting unit (130) are combined. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the vibrating unit (140) is illustrated as being arranged on the side of the connecting unit (130), but the arrangement of the vibrating unit (140) is not limited to the embodiment.

The vibrating unit (140) includes various components that can generate vibrations, and can generate vibrations mechanically or electrically. For example, the vibrating unit (140) may include actuators such as motors, piezoelectric elements, and switches.

The vibrating member may be arranged to vibrate in the up-down direction of the cartridge (100) (e.g., the length direction of the cartridge and the z-axis direction of FIGS. 5A and 5B). This vibration direction may be effective in removing air bubbles in the inlet (135). However, the vibration direction by the vibrating member is not limited to the examples described above. The vibration direction by the vibrating member (140) may include all directions, and the vibrating member (140) may be arranged regardless of the vibration direction.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge showing a vibrating unit positioned at a different location from the vibrating unit illustrated in Fig. 5a.

Referring to FIG. 6, the vibrating unit (140) may be placed inside the cartridge (100). At this time, the inside of the cartridge (100) may mean not only the inside of the case of the cartridge (100), but also the inside of the structure in which the storage unit (110), the generating unit (120), and the connecting unit (130) are combined.

As an example, the vibrating member (140) may be placed on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the connecting member (130). In other words, the inlet member (135) may be placed on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the storage member (110), and the vibrating member (140) may be placed adjacent to the inlet member (135) on one side of the storage member (110). In this case, the vibrating member (140) may be placed at a location that does not impede the movement of the aerosol generating material through the inlet member (135).

However, the arrangement of the vibrating part (140) is not limited to the structure of the embodiment. Even when the vibrating part is arranged inside the inlet part (135), if the size of the inlet part (135) is large enough to allow the aerosol generating material to pass through smoothly, the vibrating part may be arranged inside the inlet part (135).

When the vibrating part (140) is placed inside the cartridge (100), especially when the vibrating part (140) is placed adjacent to the inlet part (135), the bubble removal efficiency of the vibrating part (140) can be improved.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, respectively.

The aerosol generating device (1) of Fig. 7a may be the same as the aerosol generating device (1) of Fig. 3. The aerosol generating device (1) of Fig. 7b may be the same as the aerosol generating device (1) of Fig. 2. In describing Figs. 7a and 7b below, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3.

Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, an aerosol generating device (1) according to an embodiment may include a cartridge (100) and a main body (200). At this time, at least one of the components of the cartridge (100) illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the cartridge (100) illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

The main body (200) may refer to the remaining components of the aerosol generating device (1) excluding the cartridge (100). That is, the main body (200) may include the battery (11), the control unit (12), and the heater (13) of FIGS. 1 to 3.

The main body (200) forms a part of the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1) and can perform the function of accommodating and protecting components of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, a battery (11) and a control unit (12) can be accommodated inside the main body (200), but are not limited thereto.

The cartridge (100) can be combined with a part of the main body (200) to form the appearance of the aerosol generating device (1) together with the main body (200). The cartridge (100) can be combined with the main body (200) to be applied as a component of the aerosol generating device (1).

Referring to FIG. 7b, the main body (200) may include a housing (201), a receiving space (202), a heater (203), and an airflow path (204).

The housing (201) forms the exterior of the main body (200) and may include a receiving space (202) in which an aerosol generating article (2) is received. The receiving space (202) may receive an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into an aerosol generating device (1).

The heater (203) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space (202), and can be the same as or similar to the heater (13) of FIG. 2.

The airflow pass (204) is connected to the airflow pass of the cartridge and can deliver the aerosol generated in the generating unit (120) to the receiving space (202).

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the vibrating unit (140) may be positioned outside the cartridge. As an example, the vibrating unit (140) may be positioned as a component included in the cartridge (100) and may transmit vibration to the cartridge by being positioned outside the cartridge (100). As another example, the vibrating unit (140) may be positioned as a component included in the main body (200) and may be positioned in a portion of the main body (200) adjacent to the cartridge (100) and may transmit vibration to the cartridge (100).

The main body (200) may include a support member (210) that supports the cartridge (100). The support member (210) may refer to a part of the main body that comes into contact with the cartridge (100) and can restrict movement of the cartridge (100) in one direction with respect to the main body. For example, the support member (210) may support the lower end of the cartridge (100) in the z-axis direction. At this time, the vibrating member (140) may be arranged on the support member (210) to transmit vibration to the lower end of the cartridge (100).

The main body (200) may include a groove (220) that can accommodate a vibrating member (140) positioned on the outside of the cartridge (100). The groove (220) may be formed at a position adjacent to the cartridge (100). For example, the groove (220) may be formed in the support member (210). The vibrating member (140) positioned in the groove (220) may transmit vibration to the cartridge (100) without interfering with the coupling between the main body (200) and the cartridge (100).

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling operation of a cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 8 may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 7b, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 8, the main body (200) of the aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment may include an extension portion (230) extending toward the cartridge (100) to form a mounting space (235) for accommodating the cartridge (100).

The extension (230) may extend to face the support (e.g., the support (220) of FIG. 7b). A mounting space (235) for the cartridge (100) may be formed between the extension (230) and the support (210). When the aerosol generating device (1) is disassembled into the main body (200) and the cartridge (100), the mounting space (235) located in the main body (200) may be revealed. When the cartridge (100) is coupled to the main body (200), the cartridge (100) may be accommodated between the extension (230) and the support (210) to close the mounting space (235).

The vibrating part (140) is arranged in the extension part (230) and can transmit vibration to the upper part of the cartridge (100) when the cartridge is accommodated in the mounting space (235). At this time, the vibrating part (140) can be arranged in a groove formed in the extension part (230) (e.g., groove (220) of FIG. 7b).

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 9 may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 7b, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

Referring to Fig. 9, the cartridge (100) of the aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment can be detachably coupled to one side of the main body (200). At this time, the cartridge (100) is electrically connected to the main body (200) and receives power from a battery, and the power supply can be controlled by the control unit.

The main body (200) may include a coupling member (240) for coupling with the cartridge (100) and/or for maintaining or releasing a coupling state. For example, the coupling member (240) may include a coupling member that is used for direct coupling with the cartridge (100) by engaging with a coupling groove of the cartridge (100), and a moving member for moving the coupling member for coupling and disengagement. However, the coupling member is not limited to the examples described above.

Due to the arrangement of the coupling member (240) between the main body (200) and the cartridge (100), a free space can be secured around the coupling member (240). For example, since the coupling member (240) protrudes from the main body (200) toward the cartridge (100), the periphery of the protruding coupling member (240) can be an empty space. At this time, the vibrating part (140) can be arranged around the periphery of the coupling member (240).

The vibrating member (140) positioned adjacent to the coupling member (240) can be positioned adjacent to the cartridge (100) while being located in an empty space that does not interfere with the coupling of the main body (200) and the cartridge (100).

Fig. 10a is a cross-sectional view of a body of an aerosol generating device and a cartridge separated therefrom according to another embodiment. Fig. 10b is a cross-sectional view of a body of an aerosol generating device and a cartridge coupled thereto as shown in Fig. 10a.

At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 9, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the cartridge (100) of the aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment may be coupled to the main body (200) by approaching from the side of the main body (200) (e.g., in the x-axis direction). However, the direction in which the cartridge (100) is coupled is not limited thereto.

When the cartridge (100) is coupled to the main body (200), if the size of the space where the vibrating part (140) is placed is larger than the vibrating part (140), the vibrating part (140) may not contact the cartridge (100). In this case, the vibration generated in the vibrating part (140) may be transmitted to the cartridge (100) through other components of the main body (200). If there are many other components that the vibration must pass through in the process of transmitting the vibration, the vibration energy may be significantly lost before the vibration is transmitted to the cartridge (100).

Accordingly, in cases where the vibrating part (140) does not directly contact the cartridge (100), a configuration is required that can transmit vibration without a large loss of vibration energy by being directly connected to the vibrating part (140) and the cartridge (100) without interfering with the coupling of the cartridge (100) to the main body (200).

An aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment may include a compression pad (150). The compression pad (150) may mean a pad that can be compressed when pressurized. The compression pad (150) is coupled to a vibrating unit (140) and can transmit vibration generated from the vibrating unit (140) to another component in contact with the compression pad (150) without loss of vibration energy. For example, when a cartridge (100) is coupled to a main body (200), the compression pad (150) can contact the cartridge (100) and transmit vibration of the vibrating unit (140) to the cartridge (100).

The meaning of the expression 'no loss of vibration energy' may include not only the meaning that the vibration energy is preserved during the vibration transmission process through the compression pad (150), but also the meaning that the amount of vibration energy lost is small. In this case, the compression pad may include various materials that are easy to compress and have small loss of vibration energy when transmitting vibration.

Referring to FIG. 10a, the cartridge (100) is separated from the main body (200), and the compression pad (150) is not compressed. Referring to FIG. 10b, the cartridge (100) is coupled to the main body (200), and the compression pad (150) is pressed in the +x direction by the cartridge.

In the absence of the compression pad (150), the vibrating unit (140) cannot directly contact the cartridge (100), but due to the presence of the compression pad (150), the vibrating unit (140) and the cartridge (100) can be connected with the compression pad (150) therebetween, so that vibration can be easily transmitted from the vibrating unit (140) to the cartridge (100).

In addition, the compression pad can be applied not only when the vibrating member (140) is positioned on the periphery of the connecting member (240), but also when the vibrating member (140) is positioned in a groove (e.g., groove (220) of FIG. 7b) and does not directly contact the cartridge (100).

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 9, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 11, the main body (200) of the aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment may include a sealing portion (205) arranged at a portion where the generating portion (120) of the cartridge (100) and the airflow path (204) of the main body (200) are connected.

The part where the generating unit (120) of the cartridge and the airflow path (204) of the main body (200) are connected can be sealed by the sealing unit (205). The sealing unit (205) can prevent the aerosol from leaking into a space other than the airflow path (204) during the process of moving the aerosol from the generating unit (120) to the airflow path (204) of the main body (200).

At this time, due to the size of the sealing portion (205), a free space may be created between the main body (200) and the cartridge (100). The vibrating portion (140) may be placed around the sealing portion (205). The vibrating portion (140) placed adjacent to the sealing portion (205) may be placed adjacent to the cartridge (100) while being located in an empty space that does not interfere with the coupling between the main body (200) and the cartridge (100).

Meanwhile, the vibration of the vibrating unit (140) may affect the sealing structure that prevents leakage and seepage. For example, if the sealing unit (205) shakes due to the vibration, the bonding between the airflow path (204) and the generating unit (120) and the sealing unit (205) may be weakened. Accordingly, leakage and seepage problems may occur.

An aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment may include an elastic member (160). The elastic member (160) may connect the main body (200) and the cartridge (100). The elastic member (160) may buffer vibrations, thereby preventing the problem of weakening the bond of the sealing structure, and may connect the main body (200) in which the vibrating part (140) is arranged and the cartridge (100), thereby ensuring stable vibration of the cartridge (100).

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 12 may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 9, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 12, the cartridge (100) of the aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment can be rotatably coupled to the main body (200) within a preset range. The rotatably coupled may include various methods. For example, the cartridge (100) can rotate relative to the main body (200) by rotating a link member connected to the cartridge (100) around a rotational axis included in the main body (200).

The vibrating unit (not shown) can rotate the cartridge (100) relative to the main body (200) within a preset range. In this case, the ‘preset range’ may mean a range of angles at which the cartridge (100) rotates with the y-axis as the center of rotation.

It is desirable to prevent components of the main body (200) from being damaged by pressure due to the rotational movement of the cartridge (100) relative to the main body (200). An elastic member (160) for absorbing pressure due to vibration and protecting the components may be placed between the main body (200) and the cartridge (100). The elastic member (160) may support the cartridge (100) in the z-axis direction, which is the vibration direction due to the rotation of the cartridge (100).

By rotating the cartridge relative to the main body within a preset range, the cartridge (100) can vibrate in an up-and-down direction (e.g., the length direction of the cartridge and the z-axis direction of FIG. 12). Through the up-and-down vibration of the cartridge (100), air bubbles in the inlet (135) can be effectively removed.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a generating unit (310), a vibrating unit (320), a control unit (330), a sensing unit (340), a memory (350), and a user interface (360).

The generating unit (310) and vibrating unit (320) illustrated in Fig. 13 may be the same as the generating unit (120) and vibrating unit (140) illustrated in Figs. 5a to 12, and any duplicate description will be omitted below.

The control unit (330) can control the operation of the vibrating unit (320). The control unit (330) can control the vibrating unit (320) in various aspects related to vibration, such as the generation of vibration as well as the intensity of vibration.

The control unit can control the vibrating unit to generate vibration in certain situations so as to provide a satisfactory smoking sensation to the user. As an example, the control unit (330) can control the vibrating unit (320) so that the vibrating unit (320) generates vibration after the preheating of the generating unit (310) is completed. Accordingly, before the user starts smoking, the bubbles in the inlet unit (135) can be removed so as to ensure the amount of vaporization.

Here, as an example of a method of determining 'after preheating is complete', when the temperature of the generation unit (310) rises to a preset temperature, the temperature sensor of the sensing unit (340) generates a signal, and the control unit (330) can determine through the signal that preheating of the generation unit (310) is complete. In addition, when power is supplied to the generation unit (310) for a preset period of time, the control unit (330) can determine that preheating of the generation unit (310) is complete.

As another example, the control unit (330) can control the vibrating unit (320) to vibrate for each preset number of puffs. Accordingly, even while the user is smoking, bubbles in the inlet unit (135) can be removed to ensure the amount of vaporization. At this time, when the puff detection sensor of the sensing unit (340) detects the user's puff, a signal is generated, and the control unit (330) can count the number of puffs through the signal.

As another example, the control unit (330) can control the vibrating unit (320) to generate vibration after smoking is completed. Accordingly, the bubbles generated in the inlet unit (135) during one smoking can be finally removed and the next smoking can be prepared. At this time, the criteria for determining the 'completion of smoking' can include the number of puffs, the operating time of the generating unit, etc., but are not limited to the above-described examples.

The user can manually control the operation of the vibrating unit (320). For example, the aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may further include a switch (not shown). The switch may be exposed on the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) so that the user can operate it, and may be a component included in the user interface (360).

The user can operate the control unit (330) to control the operation of the vibrating unit (320) by operating the switch electrically connected to the control unit (330). Accordingly, if the user thinks that the amount of vapor has decreased during smoking, the user can operate the switch to generate vibration and remove air bubbles present in the inlet unit (135). In this case, the user can also adjust the intensity of the vibration by operating the switch.

Meanwhile, the cause of the problem of a decrease in the amount of aerosol may include various causes, such as when bubbles are generated in the inlet (135) and impede the movement of aerosol generating substances, or when the aerosol generating substances stored in the storage (110) are depleted and there is a shortage of aerosol generating substances flowing into the generating portion (310).

If the generation of bubbles is the cause of the problem of reduced atomization, the problem can be solved by vibration by the vibrating unit. However, if the depletion of aerosol generating substances is the cause of reduced atomization, the problem cannot be solved even if the vibrating unit generates vibration.

To distinguish between the two situations, the aerosol generating device (1) can detect the presence or absence of an aerosol generating substance present in the generating unit (310) by the sensing unit (340). The sensing unit (340) can generate a signal according to a change in the amount of the aerosol generating substance present in the generating unit (310).

For example, the sensing unit (340) can generate a signal whose size changes linearly as the amount of aerosol generating material present in the generating unit (310) changes. In addition, the sensing unit (340) can generate a signal when the aerosol generating material present in the generating unit (310) decreases below a predetermined value. In this case, the 'predetermined value' is a reference value for determining that the aerosol generating material does not exist in the generating unit (310), and may be a value preset in the memory (350).

As an example of a specific method of detecting the presence or absence of an aerosol generating material, the sensing unit (340) can generate a signal depending on the temperature of the atomizing element of the generating unit (310). When the aerosol generating material is exhausted and the generating unit (310) is heated to a high temperature, the control unit (330) can detect the presence or absence of the aerosol generating material based on the signal of the sensing unit (340).

As another example, the presence or absence of an aerosol generating material can be detected using a sensing unit (340) including a fixed resistor arranged in parallel with the atomizing element. In this case, the fixed resistor has a resistance value that does not change depending on the temperature of the atomizing element, and can be arranged solely for the purpose of detecting the presence or absence of an aerosol generating material.

Depending on the presence or absence of an aerosol generating substance absorbed in the liquid delivery means of the generating unit (310), the temperature of the atomizing element placed in the liquid delivery means may vary. At this time, if the atomizing element includes a resistor having a temperature coefficient of resistance, the size of the resistance of the resistor may vary as the temperature of the atomizing element varies. Accordingly, the voltage difference between the two terminals of the resistor may vary as the temperature of the atomizing element varies.

Based on the sensing unit (340) that generates a signal based on the voltage difference between the two terminals of the resistor of the atomizing element or the two terminals of the fixed resistor, the control unit (330) can determine the presence or absence of an aerosol generating substance present in the generating unit (310).

Specifically, the control unit (330) can analyze a result value corresponding to the voltage difference between both ends of the resistor by referring to a lookup table stored in the memory (350) and determine the presence or absence of an aerosol generating substance.

The method for detecting the presence or absence of an aerosol generating material is not limited to the examples described above, and may include various methods capable of detecting the presence or absence of an aerosol generating material present in the generating unit (310).

When the presence or absence of an aerosol generating material in the generating unit (310) is determined by the control unit (330), the control unit (330) can transmit a signal including a result value regarding the presence or absence of an aerosol generating material to the generating unit (310).

Additionally, the control unit (330) may control other configurations of the aerosol generating device (1) based on the results of the presence or absence of an aerosol generating material.

For example, the control unit (330) can control the atomization operation of the generation unit (310) based on the signal generated from the sensing unit (340). If the control unit (330) determines that there is no aerosol generating material in the generation unit (310), the control unit (330) can control the generation unit (310) to stop atomization by the generation unit (310). As a result, smoking can be stopped.

Additionally, the control unit (330) can transmit a notification signal to the user via the user interface (360) to inform the user that the aerosol generating material has been exhausted. This allows the user to recognize that the cause of the decrease in the amount of vaporization is the exhaustion of the aerosol generating material and replace the storage unit (110).

The memory (350) is a hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and the memory (350) can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (330). For example, preset data, etc. can be stored in the memory (350). Specifically, data related to the presence or absence of an aerosol generating material in the generating unit (the 'lookup table' described above) can be stored in the memory (350).

The user interface (360) can provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The user interface (360) can include various interfacing means, such as a display or lamp for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, input/output (I/O) interfacing means (e.g., a button or a touch screen) for receiving information input from a user or outputting information to the user, terminals for data communication or supplying charging power, and a communication interfacing module for performing wireless communication (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC (Near-Field Communication), etc.) with an external device.

Only some of the various user interface (360) examples exemplified above may be selectively implemented in the aerosol generating device (1).

An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a feedback generating unit (not shown) that vibrates the aerosol generating device (1) to provide feedback to a user regarding the use of the aerosol generating device (1). The feedback generating unit may include various components that generate vibrations, such as a motor. The feedback generating unit may be a component included in a user interface (360).

In addition to providing feedback to the user, the feedback generating unit can also perform the function of removing air bubbles present in the inlet unit (135) by replacing the vibrating unit (320).

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1400) according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device (1400) may include a control unit (1410), a sensing unit (1420), an output unit (1430), a battery (1440), a heater (1450), a user input unit (1460), a memory (1470), and a communication unit (1480). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1400) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 14. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 14 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1400).

The sensing unit (1420) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1400) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1400) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (1410). Based on the detected information, the control unit (1410) can control the aerosol generating device (1400) to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater (1450), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

The sensing unit (1420) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a temperature sensor (1422), an insertion detection sensor (1424), and a puff sensor (1426).

The temperature sensor (1422) can detect the temperature at which the heater (1450) (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1400) may include a separate temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the heater (1450), or the heater (1450) itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor (1422) may be placed around the battery (1440) to monitor the temperature of the battery (1440).

The insertion detection sensor (1424) can detect insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor (1424) 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 as an aerosol generating article is inserted and/or removed.

The puff sensor (1426) can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in an airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor (1426) 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 sensors (1422 to 1426) described above, the sensing unit (1420) may further include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by a person skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The output unit (1430) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1400) and provide it to the user. The output unit (1430) can include at least one of the display unit (1432), the haptic unit (1434), and the sound output unit (1436), but is not limited thereto. When the display unit (1432) and the touch pad form a layer structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (1432) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit (1432) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1400) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1400) can mean various information such as the charging/discharging status of the battery (1440) of the aerosol generating device (1400), the preheating status of the heater (1450), the insertion/removal status of the aerosol generating article, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1400) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit (1432) can output the information to the outside. The display unit (1432) can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. In addition, the display unit (1432) can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

The haptic component (1434) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1400) to the user. For example, the haptic component (1434) can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit (1436) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1400) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (1436) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery (1440) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1400). The battery (1440) can supply power so that the heater (1450) can be heated. In addition, the battery (1440) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1400) (e.g., the sensing unit (1420), the output unit (1430), the user input unit (1460), the memory (1470), and the communication unit (1480)). The battery (1440) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (1440) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater (1450) can receive power from the battery (1440) to heat the aerosol generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 14, the aerosol generating device (1400) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery (1440) and supplies it to the heater (1450). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (1400) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (1400) may further include a DC/AC converter that converts the direct current power of the battery (1440) into alternating current power.

The control unit (1410), the sensing unit (1420), the output unit (1430), the user input unit (1460), the memory (1470), and the communication unit (1480) can receive power from the battery (1440) and perform functions. Although not shown in FIG. 14, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts power from the battery (1440) and supplies it to each component.

In one embodiment, the heater (1450) may be formed 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. Additionally, the heater (1450) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal wire, a metal plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

In another embodiment, the heater (1450) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater (1450) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

The user input unit (1460) can receive information input by the user, or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit (1460) may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact electrostatic capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 14, the aerosol generating device (1400) further includes a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a battery (1440) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface, such as a USB interface.

The memory (1470) is a hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device (1400), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (1410). The memory (1470) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, an SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (random access memory), a SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (1470) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1400), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit (1480) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (1480) may include a short-range communication unit (1482) and a wireless communication unit (1484).

The short-range wireless communication unit (1482) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee 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, etc.

The wireless communication unit (1484) may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit (1484) may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device (1400) within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI).

The control unit (1410) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1400). In one embodiment, the control unit (1410) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs that the processor can be implemented as other types of hardware.

The control unit (1410) can control the temperature of the heater (1450) by controlling the supply of power from the battery (1440) to the heater (1450). For example, the control unit (1410) can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery (1440) and the heater (1450). In another example, the heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater (1450) according to the control command of the control unit (1410).

The control unit (1410) can analyze the results detected by the sensing unit (1420) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (1410) can control the power supplied to the heater (1450) so that the operation of the heater (1450) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensing unit (1420). As another example, the control unit (1410) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (1450) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (1450) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensing unit (1420).

The control unit (1410) can control the output unit (1430) based on the result detected by the sensing unit (1420). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (1426) reaches a preset number, the control unit (1410) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1400) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit (1432), the haptic unit (1434), and the sound output unit (1436).

An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, that are executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Additionally, computer-readable media can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data in a modulated data signal, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from this. Therefore, the true protection scope of the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents described in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the protection scope defined by the claims.

Claims (15)

A storage unit for storing an aerosol generating substance; A generating unit for generating an aerosol from the above aerosol generating material; An inlet for fluidly connecting the storage unit and the generating unit; and An aerosol generating device, comprising: a vibrating section that generates vibrations to transmit vibrations to the inlet section. In the first paragraph, The above inlet is arranged on at least one side of the storage unit, An aerosol generating device, wherein the vibrating portion is positioned adjacent to the inlet portion on the one side of the storage portion. In the first paragraph, It further includes a connecting portion disposed between the storage portion and the generating portion and including the inlet portion, An aerosol generating device, wherein the vibrating part is disposed in the connecting part. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a cartridge accommodating the storage portion, the inlet portion and the generating portion, An aerosol generating device, wherein the vibrating portion is disposed on the outer surface of the cartridge. In the first paragraph, A cartridge accommodating the storage portion, the inlet portion and the generating portion; and Further comprising a main body including the above vibrating part; An aerosol generating device, wherein the vibrating portion is positioned adjacent to the cartridge. In paragraph 5, The above body further includes a support member that supports the cartridge, An aerosol generating device, wherein the vibrating part is disposed on the support part. In paragraph 5, The above body further includes a mounting space extending toward the cartridge to accommodate the cartridge, An aerosol generating device, wherein the vibrating part is placed in the mounting space. In paragraph 5, The above cartridge is detachably connected to the above body, The above body further includes a joining member protruding toward the cartridge for joining with the cartridge, An aerosol generating device, wherein the vibrating member is positioned adjacent to the joining member. In paragraph 5, The above cartridge is detachably connected to the above body, An aerosol generating device further comprising a compression pad coupled to the vibrating unit and contacting the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the main body to transmit the vibration of the vibrating unit to the cartridge. In paragraph 5, The above cartridge is detachably connected to the above body, An aerosol generating device further comprising one or more elastic members connecting the main body and the cartridge. In paragraph 5, An aerosol generating device, wherein the cartridge is rotatably coupled to the main body within a preset range. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the above vibrating unit, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls the vibrating unit so that the vibrating unit generates vibration after the preheating of the generating unit is completed. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the above vibrating unit, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls the vibration unit so that the vibration unit generates vibration for each preset number of puffs. In the first paragraph, A sensing unit that generates a signal according to a change in the amount of the aerosol generating material present in the generating unit; and Further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the above generating unit; An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the generating unit based on the signal generated from the sensing unit. In the first paragraph, An aerosol generating device further comprising a feedback generating unit that vibrates the aerosol generating device by generating vibration to provide feedback to a user.

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