KR102636654B1 - Aerosol generating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a battery, a reservoir in which a first material containing nicotine and a second material containing an aerosol generating material are stored, and a hole for generating fine particles containing nicotine by converting the first material into fine particles; , when power is supplied from the battery, a structure for generating aerosol by heating the second material and an inlet through which external air flows into the interior of the aerosol generating device, and fine particles or aerosol containing generated nicotine are released into the outside of the aerosol generating device. It may include an airflow passage including an outlet discharged to and a connecting passage connecting the inlet and the outlet.

Description

Aerosol generating apparatus {Aerosol generating apparatus}

Embodiments relate to aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to aerosol generating devices that can operate in leaded and smokeless modes.

Recently, the demand for technology to replace the method of supplying aerosol by burning a typical cigarette is increasing. For example, an aerosol can be produced from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state or a solid state, or an aerosol with a flavor can be supplied by generating vapor from an aerosol-generating material in a liquid state and then passing the generated vapor through a solid-state scent medium. Research on methods such as these is in progress.

If the amount of aerosol or atomization generated by the aerosol generating device is large, a smooth smoking sensation and visual satisfaction may be provided to the user. On the other hand, when the amount of aerosol or atomization generated by the aerosol generating device is small, the user can be provided with the convenience of using the aerosol generating device without environmental restrictions.

Since the feeling of smoking or the convenience of smoking felt by the user may vary depending on the amount of the aerosol generating device, research on aerosol generating devices that can adjust the amount of aerosol according to the smoking environment has recently been gradually increasing.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure seek to provide an aerosol generating device that can operate in a smokeless mode that generates a visually invisible vapor or a flexible mode that generates a visually visible vapor depending on the user's smoking environment (e.g., smoking location). do.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and the problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the attached drawings. It could be.

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a battery, a storage tank in which a first material containing nicotine and a second material containing an aerosol generating material are stored, and a battery for generating fine particles containing nicotine by converting the first material into fine particles. A structure that heats the second material to generate an aerosol when power is supplied from the battery and an inlet through which external air flows into the aerosol generating device, and the generated fine particles or aerosol containing nicotine are It may include an airflow passage including an outlet discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device and a connecting passage connecting the inlet and the outlet.

Aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments may operate in a flexible mode that generates visually visible vapor and a smokeless mode that generates visually invisible vapor depending on the smoking environment.

Additionally, an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments may enable smoking regardless of the user's smoking location.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the storage tank, structure, and airflow passage of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operating the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device operating in a first smoking mode.
Figure 5b is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device operating in a second smoking mode.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation method of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 7.
Figure 9 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device and an external electronic device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the aerosol generating device of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the aerosol generating device of FIG. 9 according to another embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present disclosure, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply the name of the term.

In the present disclosure, when a part “includes” a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary. In addition, terms such as “-unit” and “-module” described in the present disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. .

As used in the present disclosure, when an expression such as “at least any one” precedes arranged elements, it modifies all of the arranged elements rather than each arranged 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. do.

In the present disclosure, 'aerosol' may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material are mixed with air.

Additionally, in the present disclosure, 'aerosol generating device' may refer to a device that generates vapor or aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are presented in various different forms. It may be implemented and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

At this time, Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view cut in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may include a housing 110, a reservoir 120, a structure 200, and an airflow passage 300. The components of the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and at least one component may be added or at least one component may be omitted depending on the embodiment.

The housing 110 includes an internal space in which the components of the aerosol generating device 100 can be placed, and can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 100.

In one example, the housing 110 may have an overall cylindrical shape, but the shape of the housing 110 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In another example, the housing 110 may be shaped like a polygonal pillar (eg, a square pillar).

According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a mouthpiece portion 110m protruding from one area of the housing 110. The user may contact the mouthpiece portion 110m with his or her mouth and inhale the vapor discharged from the outlet 302 of the airflow passage 300 penetrating the mouthpiece portion 110m.

In one example, the mouthpiece portion 110m may be formed to extend from one area of the housing 110 along the longitudinal direction of the housing 110 (e.g., the z direction in FIG. 1) as shown in FIG. 1. , the shape of the mouthpiece portion 110m is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In another example, the mouthpiece portion 110m may be formed in a curved shape at least in some areas.

The storage tank 120 may be located in the internal space of the housing 110, and steam generating materials for generating visually different vapors may be stored in the storage tank 120. The vapor generating material may be, for example, a liquid phase material, but is not limited thereto. In another example, the material for generating vapor may be in a gaseous state or in a gel state.

According to one embodiment, the vapor generating material may include a first material comprising nicotine and a second material comprising an aerosol generating material. Nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have a concentration of any suitable weight relative to the total weight of vapor generating material. An aerosol-generating material is a material that generates an aerosol by heating. The aerosol-generating material includes, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. It may include at least one, but is not limited thereto.

The structure 200 may include a plurality of micro-sized holes 200h through which only a portion of the vapor generating material stored in the storage tank 120 can pass. In the present disclosure, 'a plurality of fine-sized holes' may refer to holes having a diameter in micrometers (μm), but the shape of the plurality of holes 200h is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the structure 200 may be located between the storage tank 120 and the airflow passage 300, and the plurality of holes 200h are in the first area facing the storage tank 120 of the structure 200. It is formed to penetrate the second area facing the airflow passage 300 to connect or fluidly connect the storage tank 120 and the airflow passage 300.

When a user's puff motion occurs, a pressure drop may occur in the airflow passage 300, and a portion of the vapor generating material stored in the storage tank 120 may be caused by the pressure drop generated in the airflow passage 300. It can move in a direction toward the airflow passage 300 while passing through a plurality of holes 200h. At this time, a detailed explanation of the principle by which a part of the steam generating material moves in the direction toward the airflow passage 300 will be described later.

According to one embodiment, the first material containing nicotine stored in the storage tank 120 may pass through the plurality of holes 200h and move in the direction toward the airflow passage 300 when the user's puff action occurs, as described above. A first material may be converted into fine particles (or 'micro-drop') while passing through a plurality of holes 200h, and as a result, fine particles containing nicotine may be generated. Fine particles containing nicotine may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 along the airflow passage 300, and the user may inhale the fine particles containing nicotine through a puff motion.

According to another embodiment, when power is supplied from the battery 410, the structure 200 may generate heat to heat a portion of the vapor generating material stored in the storage tank 120. For example, when power is supplied, the structure 200 heats the first material containing nicotine stored in the storage tank 120 to lower the viscosity of the first material, or heats the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank 120. The aerosol may be generated by heating the second material comprising the aerosol.

That is, when the user's puff action occurs, the structure 200 generates fine particles containing nicotine by converting the first material stored in the reservoir 120 into fine particles, and when power is supplied from the battery 410. It may serve to generate an aerosol by heating the second material stored in the storage tank 120.

The aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may provide only fine particles containing nicotine or both fine particles containing nicotine and aerosol depending on the user's smoking environment through the above-described structure 200. , a detailed explanation of this will be provided later.

The airflow passage 300 includes an inlet 301, an outlet 302, and a connection passage 303, and air introduced into the aerosol generating device 100 from the outside and/or the inside of the aerosol generating device 100 It can provide a movement path or flow path through which the vapor generated can move.

According to one embodiment, the inlet 301 may be disposed in an area of the housing 110, and external air may flow into the aerosol generating device 100 or the interior of the housing 110 through the inlet 301. You can.

According to another embodiment, the outlet 302 may be disposed in the mouthpiece portion 110m, and air introduced into the interior of the aerosol generating device 100 through the outlet 302 and/or the aerosol generating device 100 Fine particles and/or aerosol containing nicotine generated inside may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. At this time, the user may contact the mouthpiece portion 110m with the mouth and inhale air, fine particles containing nicotine, and/or aerosol discharged to the outside through the outlet 302.

According to another embodiment, the connection passage 303 may connect or fluidly connect the inlet 301 and the outlet 302. Accordingly, the external air introduced into the aerosol generating device 100 through the inlet 301 may move along the connection passage 303 and toward the outlet 302.

In addition, the connection passage 303 may be arranged adjacent to the structure 200, and the nicotine finely divided by the structure 200 or the aerosol generated by the structure 200 passes through the plurality of holes 200h. After flowing into the connection passage 303, it may move along the connection passage 303 toward the outlet 302.

According to one embodiment, the connection passage 303 may be formed in a shape in which at least one area is bent as shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the connecting passage 303 may be formed in a “┘” shape, but the shape of the connecting passage 303 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In another embodiment, the connection passage 303 may be formed in a curved shape at least in one area.

The aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may further include a battery 410, a processor 420, and a user interface 430.

The battery 410 may supply power required for operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In one example, the battery 410 may be electrically connected to the structure 200 to supply power to the structure 200, and the structure 200 may be stored in the storage tank 120 through the power supplied from the battery 410. An aerosol can be generated by heating a second material comprising an aerosol-generating substance. In another example, the battery 410 may be electrically connected to the processor 420 to supply power necessary for the operation of the processor 420. In another example, the battery 410 may be electrically connected to other components (e.g., sensors, antennas) of the aerosol generating device 100 in addition to the components described above to supply power required for operation.

The processor 420 may be electrically or operationally connected to the components of the aerosol generating device 100 to control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In the present disclosure, the expression 'operatively connected' may mean a state in which components are connected so that they can exchange signals through wireless communication, or exchange electrical signals, optical signals, and/or magnetic signals. And the expression may be used with the same meaning below.

According to one embodiment, the processor 420 may control the power supplied from the battery 410 to the structure 200 according to the smoking mode. At this time, the smoking mode may include a first smoking mode in which visually visible aerosol is discharged and a second smoking mode in which fine particles containing visually invisible nicotine are discharged.

In the present disclosure, the expression 'visually invisible' may mean a state in which discharge cannot be confirmed with the naked eye, and the expression may be used with the same meaning hereinafter.

In one example, the processor 420 may supply designated power to the structure 200 through the battery 410 so that a visually visible aerosol can be emitted from the aerosol generating device 100 in the first smoking mode. In the present disclosure, 'designated power' may mean a power value that allows the temperature of the structure 200 to reach a temperature that can heat the aerosol-generating material.

When power is supplied from the battery 410, the structure 200 can generate heat to heat the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 120, and as a result, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating material. That is, in the first smoking mode, as aerosol is generated, the user can inhale the visually visible aerosol discharged from the aerosol generating device 100. In another example, the processor 420 may stop supplying power to the structure 200 so that visually invisible fine particles containing nicotine can be emitted from the aerosol generating device 100 in the second smoking mode. .

Accordingly, the aerosol generating material stored in the storage tank 120 is not heated, and when the user's puff operation occurs, only the first material stored in the storage tank 120 passes through the plurality of holes 200h and can be converted into fine particles. . That is, in the second smoking mode, aerosol is not generated and only fine particles containing nicotine are generated, so the user can inhale visually invisible fine particles emitted from the aerosol generating device 100.

The user interface 430 is electrically or operationally connected to the processor 420 and can receive user input. For example, the user interface 430 may include a button capable of receiving user input, and the processor 420 may detect the user input through the user interface 430.

According to one embodiment, the processor 420 selects the smoking mode of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the user input input through the user interface 430, and generates a structure in the battery 410 according to the selected smoking mode ( 200) can control the power supplied.

For example, when a user input is input, the processor 420 may select the smoking mode of the aerosol generating device 100 as the first smoking mode. As another example, when a user input is additionally input while the user input is input, the processor 420 may switch the smoking mode of the aerosol generating device 100 from the first smoking mode to the second smoking mode.

The aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment has a first smoking mode in which aerosol that is visually visible to the user is discharged through the operation of the processor 420 described above and a second smoking mode in which fine particles containing nicotine that are visually invisible are discharged. 2 Smoking modes can be provided together. The user can smoke regardless of the smoking environment by selecting the first smoking mode or the second smoking mode depending on the smoking environment (eg, smoking place). For example, the user inhales visually visible aerosol through the first smoking mode when smoking outdoors, and inhales visually invisible fine particles containing nicotine through the second smoking mode when smoking indoors, thereby creating a smoking environment. You can smoke without restrictions.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the shape and function of the structure 200 of the aerosol generating device 100 will be examined in detail.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the storage tank, structure, and airflow passage of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. At this time, in FIG. 2, the solid arrow may represent the movement path of air, and the dashed-dotted arrow may represent the movement path of the first material containing nicotine.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may include a housing 110, a reservoir 120, a structure 200, and an airflow passage 300. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below. Let's do it.

The structure 200 is disposed adjacent to at least one area of the connection passage 303 of the airflow passage 300, and the plurality of holes 200h of the structure 200 connect the storage tank 120 and the connection passage 303. Or you can make a fluid connection. Accordingly, at least a portion of the vapor generating material (eg, first material containing nicotine) stored in the storage tank 120 may move from the storage tank 120 to the connection passage 303 through the plurality of holes 200h.

According to one embodiment, the width of the connection passage 303 of the airflow passage 300 may be narrower than the width of the inlet 301 of the airflow passage 300. For example, the inlet 301 may be formed as a circle with a cross-section having a first diameter (d ₁ ), and the connecting passage 303 may be formed as a circle with a cross-section having a second diameter (d ₂ ) smaller than the first diameter. can be formed. The area adjacent to the inlet 301 of the airflow passage 300 may be formed in a shape whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases as it moves away from the inlet 301, but the shape of the airflow passage 300 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. .

As the width of the connecting passage 303 is narrower than the width of the inlet 301, the pressure of the air moving along the connecting passage 303 is transferred to the aerosol generating device through the inlet 301 by the venturi effect. It may be lower than the pressure when flowing into the interior of (100).

In the present disclosure, the 'Venturi effect' may refer to the effect of lowering the pressure of the fluid when the fluid passes through a part with a relatively narrow diameter or width, and the air flowing in through the inlet 301 has a relatively narrow width. As the connection passage 303 moves, the pressure of the air moving through the connection passage 303 may become lower than the pressure at the inlet 301.

That is, when the user's puff action occurs, a pressure drop may occur in the connecting passage 303 due to the venturi effect, and accordingly, at least a portion of the vapor generating material stored in the storage tank 120 is stored in the plurality of holes 200h. ) can move in the direction toward the connection passage 303.

For example, when a user's puff motion occurs, the first material containing nicotine stored in the reservoir 120 may move in a direction toward the connection passage 303 through the plurality of holes 200h. As the plurality of holes 200h are formed in a fine size, the first material passing through the plurality of holes 200h may be converted into fine particles, and as a result, fine particles containing nicotine may be generated. Fine particles containing nicotine may flow into the connection passage 303 adjacent to the structure 200. Fine particles containing nicotine move along the connection passage 303 with the air introduced into the connection passage 303 through the inlet 301 and then to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 through the outlet 302. may be discharged.

According to one embodiment, the structure 200 can generate an aerosol by heating a portion of the vapor generating material stored in the reservoir 120 when specified power is supplied from a battery (e.g., battery 410 in FIG. 1). there is. For example, the structure 200 may generate an aerosol by heating the second material containing the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir 120 as designated power is supplied from the battery, and the generated aerosol may be generated through a plurality of holes. It may flow into the connection passage 303 through (200h). The aerosol introduced into the connection passage 303 moves along the connection passage 303 together with fine particles containing air and/or nicotine introduced through the inlet 301, and then passes through the outlet 302 to the aerosol generating device. It can be discharged to the outside of (100).

Structure 200 may include a material capable of generating heat when power is supplied while at least a portion of the vapor generating material is finely divided. For example, the structure 200 may include at least one of stainless steel (SUS: steel use stainless), ceramic, and metal alloy (e.g., iron-chromium-aluminum alloy), but the material of the structure 200 is as described above. It is not limited to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the structure 200 according to one embodiment may be formed in a plate shape. As the structure 200 is formed in a plate shape, the contact area between the structure 200 and the vapor generating material stored in the reservoir 120 can be expanded, and as a result, the fine particles containing nicotine generated by the structure 200 can be expanded. The amount of particles and/or aerosols may increase. However, the shape of the structure 200 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and depending on the embodiment, the structure 200 may be formed in a different shape (eg, a cylinder, a polygonal pillar, or a sphere).

Additionally, the plurality of holes 200h may pass through the structure 200 and be arranged at designated intervals, but the arrangement structure of the plurality of holes 200h is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the plurality of holes 200h may be arranged at irregular intervals.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 5B, we will look in detail at the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 to control the power supplied to the structure 200 according to the smoking mode.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a method of operating the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment, FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device operating in the first smoking mode, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device operating in the second smoking mode. This is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device in operation.

Hereinafter, in describing the operating method of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 4, the components of the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B will be referred to. At this time, at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1, and as follows: Redundant explanations should be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4 , in step 401, the processor 420 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment may select a smoking mode based on user input input through the user interface 430. In one example, when a user input is input through the user interface 430 while the processor 420 is in the first smoking mode (or 'soft mode'), the processor 420 changes the first smoking mode to the second smoking mode (or 'non-smoking mode'). mode'). In another example, when a user input is input through the user interface 430 while in the second smoking mode, the processor 420 may change the second smoking mode to the first smoking mode.

In step 402, the processor 420 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may determine whether the current smoking mode selected in step 401 is the first smoking mode.

If it is determined in step 402 that the current smoking mode is not the first smoking mode, the processor of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may determine whether the current smoking mode is the second smoking mode in step 403. . If it is determined in step 402 that the current smoking mode is not the first smoking mode, and if it is determined in step 403 that the current smoking mode is not the second smoking mode, the processor 420 determines that an error has occurred, and performs steps 402 to 403. Step 403 can be performed again.

In step 404, if the processor 420 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment determines that the current smoking mode is the first smoking mode in step 402, the processor 420 determines that the current smoking mode is the first smoking mode. Power can be supplied.

Referring to FIG. 5A, as designated power is supplied to the structure 200, the structure 200 may generate heat, resulting in a second aerosol-generating material containing the aerosol-generating material in the reservoir 120 in contact with the structure 200. The material may be heated to create an aerosol.

When a user's puff motion occurs, the aerosol generated by the structure 200 may flow into the airflow passage 300 through the plurality of holes 200h. The aerosol flowing into the airflow passage 300 is a first material containing nicotine in the storage tank 120 passing through a plurality of holes 200h, and the aerosol generating device 100 contains fine particles containing nicotine and/or After being mixed with air introduced into the airflow passage 300 from the outside, it may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

That is, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol by supplying power to the structure 200 in the first smoking mode through step 403 described above, and as a result, in the first smoking mode, the aerosol generating device 100 may generate an aerosol. A visible aerosol (A) may be emitted.

In step 405, the processor 420 of the aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may stop supplying power to the structure 200 when it is determined that the current smoking mode is the second smoking mode in step 403. there is.

Referring to Figure 5b, when the power supply to the structure 200 is stopped, the aerosol generating material is not heated by the structure 200, and only the first material containing nicotine stored in the reservoir 120 is heated through the plurality of holes. It can be converted into fine particles by passing through (200h). For example, when the user's puff action occurs, the first material passes through the plurality of holes (200h) and fine particles containing nicotine may be generated, and the fine particles containing nicotine are generated by the aerosol generating device (100) ) may be mixed with the air introduced into the airflow passage 300 from the outside and then discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

That is, the aerosol generating device 100 may not generate an aerosol in the second smoking mode through step 405 described above, and as the aerosol is not generated, it may not be visually visible from the aerosol generating device 100 in the second smoking mode. Fine particles (P) containing nicotine may be emitted.

The aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment may operate in the first smoking mode or the second smoking mode based on the user's input through steps 401 to 405 described above, and the user uses the user interface 430. By changing the smoking mode, you can smoke regardless of the smoking environment. For example, when smoking outdoors, the user can improve the feeling of smoking by selecting the first smoking mode and inhaling aerosol. As another example, when smoking indoors, the user can select the second smoking mode to emit fine particles containing visually invisible nicotine, thereby allowing the user to inhale nicotine indoors. In the present disclosure, 'smoking sensation' may refer to the satisfaction felt by the user during the smoking process, and as the amount of aerosol increases, the user's smoking sensation may improve.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, in step 601, a processor (e.g., processor 420 of FIG. 1) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1) according to another embodiment creates a user interface (e.g., A smoking mode can be selected based on user input input through the user interface 430 of FIG. 1. Step 601 may be substantially the same or similar to step 401 of FIG. 4, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

In step 602, the processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may determine whether the current smoking mode selected in step 601 is the first smoking mode.

If it is determined in step 602 that the current smoking mode is not the first smoking mode, the processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may determine whether the current smoking mode is the second smoking mode in step 603. If it is determined in step 602 that the current smoking mode is not the first smoking mode, and if it is determined in step 603 that the current smoking mode is not the second smoking mode, the processor determines that an error has occurred and performs steps 602 to 603. You can do it again.

In step 604, if it is determined in step 602 that the current smoking mode is the first smoking mode, the processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment generates a structure (e.g., battery 410 of FIG. 1) through a battery (e.g., battery 410 of FIG. 1). First power may be supplied to the structure 200 of FIG. 1. In the present disclosure, 'first power' may mean the power value for reaching the temperature of the structure to a temperature capable of heating the aerosol-generating material.

As first power is applied to the structure, a second material comprising an aerosol-generating material in contact with the structure may be heated by the structure, resulting in the generation of an aerosol. When a user's puff motion occurs, the aerosol generated by the structure flows through a plurality of holes (e.g., a plurality of holes 200h in FIGS. 1 and 3) of the structure into an airflow passage (e.g., an airflow passage in FIG. 1). 300)). The aerosol flowing into the airflow passage passes through a plurality of holes and is mixed with fine particles containing nicotine and/or air flowing into the airflow passage from the outside of the aerosol generating device, and then may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

That is, the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may generate an aerosol by supplying first power to the structure in step 604, and as a result, in the first smoking mode, an aerosol that is visually visible from the aerosol generating device (e.g., in FIG. 5A) Visible aerosols (A)) may be emitted.

In step 605, if it is determined in step 603 that the current smoking mode is the second smoking mode, the processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may supply second power less than the first power to the structure through the battery. In the present disclosure, 'second power' refers to a power value for reaching the temperature of the structure to a temperature capable of lowering the viscosity of the first material containing nicotine without heating the second material containing the aerosol-generating material. can do.

As the second power is supplied to the structure, the second material including the aerosol-generating material may not be heated by the structure, and only the viscosity of the first material including nicotine may be lowered. As the viscosity of the first material decreases, fine particles of the first material can be smoothly achieved. For example, when a user's puff motion occurs, the first material stored in the storage tank may be converted into fine particles while passing through a plurality of holes. At this time, when the viscosity of the first material is lowered by the structure, the first material is separated from the first material. The amount of fine particles containing nicotine produced may increase.

By the user's puff action, fine particles containing nicotine may be mixed with air introduced into the airflow passage from the outside of the aerosol generating device and then discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

That is, the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may supply second power to the structure in step 605 to lower the viscosity of the first material containing nicotine without generating an aerosol. In the second smoking mode, as aerosol is not generated, fine particles containing visually invisible nicotine (e.g., fine particles P containing visually invisible nicotine in FIG. 5B) may be emitted from the aerosol generating device. there is.

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

Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 100 according to another embodiment includes a housing 110, a reservoir 120, a structure 200, an airflow passage 300, a battery 410, a processor 420, and a sensor. It may include (440). The aerosol generating device 100 according to another embodiment may be an aerosol generating device to which a sensor 440 is added to the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1, and redundant description will be omitted below. In addition, FIG. 7 only shows the aerosol generating device 100 without a user interface (e.g., the user interface 430 of FIG. 1), but a user interface may be added depending on the embodiment.

The sensor 440 is electrically or operationally connected to the processor 420 and can obtain data for determining the location of the aerosol generating device 100. The processor 420 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is located outdoors or indoors based on data obtained from the sensor 440.

The sensor 440 may include, for example, at least one of a GPS sensor, a visible light sensor, and a light quantity sensor, and the processor 420 generates an aerosol based on location data and/or light quantity data obtained from the sensor 440. It may be determined whether the device 100 is located outdoors or indoors. However, a detailed description of the process of determining the location of the aerosol generating device 100 of the processor 420 will be described later.

The processor 420 may control the power supplied from the battery 410 to the structure 200 based on the location of the aerosol generating device 100.

In one example, if the processor 420 determines that the aerosol generating device 100 is located outdoors, the processor 420 may operate in the first smoking mode and supply designated power to the structure 200 through the battery 410. The structure 200 may generate heat as designated power is supplied from the battery 410 to heat the second material containing the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 120, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated. That is, in the first smoking mode, as aerosol is generated, a visually visible aerosol (eg, a visually visible aerosol (A) in FIG. 5A) may be discharged from the aerosol generating device 100.

In another example, if the processor 420 determines that the aerosol generating device 100 is located indoors, the processor 420 may operate in the second smoking mode and stop supplying power to the structure 200. Accordingly, the second material containing the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 120 is not heated, and when the user's puff action occurs, only the first material containing nicotine stored in the storage tank 120 is stored in the plurality of holes (200h). ), fine particles containing nicotine may be generated. That is, in the second smoking mode, aerosol is not generated, but only fine particles containing nicotine are generated, and thus fine particles containing nicotine that are not visually visible from the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., visually invisible in FIG. 5B) are generated. Fine particles (P) containing undesirable nicotine may be emitted.

The aerosol generating device 100 according to another embodiment may determine the current location of the aerosol generating device 100 based on data acquired from the sensor 440 and automatically change the smoking mode based on the determined location. . For example, even in situations where there is no user operation, the aerosol generating device 100 operates in the first smoking mode outdoors to emit visually visible aerosol, and operates in the second smoking mode indoors to emit visually invisible nicotine. It may emit fine particles containing

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, we will look in detail at the operating method of the aerosol generating device 100 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation method of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 8, a processor (e.g., processor 420 of FIG. 7) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 7) according to an embodiment may use a sensor (e.g., sensor of FIG. 7). The location of the aerosol generating device can be detected based on the data obtained from 440)).

In one example, the sensor may include a global positioning system (GPS) sensor for obtaining location data regarding the current location of the aerosol-generating device, and the processor may determine the current location of the aerosol-generating device based on the location data obtained from the GPS sensor. It is possible to determine whether the location is indoors or outdoors.

In another example, the sensor may include a visible light sensor for acquiring data regarding the intensity and/or amount of visible light having a wavelength of about 380 to 780 nm, and the processor may be configured to obtain data regarding the intensity and/or amount of visible light having a wavelength of about 380 to 780 nm. Based on data regarding intensity and/or amount, it may be determined whether the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors or outdoors. In one example, the processor may determine the current location of the aerosol generating device to be outdoors when the intensity and/or amount of visible light is greater than or equal to a specified value. In another example, the processor may determine the current location of the aerosol generating device to be indoors if the intensity and/or amount of visible light is below a specified value.

In another example, the sensor may include an illuminance sensor (or 'illuminance sensor') to obtain data on illuminance, and the processor generates an aerosol based on the data on illuminance obtained from the illuminance sensor. The current location of the device can be detected. In one example, the processor may determine the current location of the aerosol generating device to be outdoors when the amount of light is greater than or equal to a specified value. In another example, the processor may determine the current location of the aerosol generating device to be indoors if the amount of light is below a specified value.

In step 802, the processor of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may determine whether the current location of the aerosol generating device is outdoors in order to control the amount of power supplied to the structure.

In step 803, if the processor of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment determines that the current location of the aerosol generating device is outdoors in step 802, the aerosol generating device is configured to operate the aerosol generating device through a battery (e.g., the battery 410 in FIG. 7). Designated power can be supplied to the structure (e.g., structure 200 in FIG. 7) to operate it in a first smoking mode that emits a visually visible aerosol.

As the structure is supplied with designated electrical power, a second material comprising an aerosol-generating material stored in a reservoir (e.g., reservoir 120 of FIG. 7) may be heated by the structure, resulting in the generation of an aerosol. When the user's puff motion occurs, the aerosol generated by the structure flows through an airflow passage (e.g., the airflow passage 300 in FIG. 7) through a plurality of holes in the structure (e.g., the plurality of holes 200h in FIG. 7). may flow into. The aerosol flowing into the airflow passage may pass through a plurality of holes and be mixed with fine particles containing nicotine generated and/or the air flowing into the airflow passage from the outside of the aerosol generating device and then discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device. there is. That is, the user may inhale a visually visible aerosol (eg, a visually visible aerosol (A) in FIG. 5A) emitted from the aerosol generating device in the first smoking mode.

In step 804, if the processor of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment determines in step 802 that the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors rather than outdoors, the processor performs a second smoking operation to stop supplying power to the aerosol generating device to the structure. It can be operated in mode.

As the power supply to the structure is stopped, the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank is not heated by the structure, and only the first material containing nicotine stored in the storage tank may pass through the plurality of holes and be converted into fine particles. When the user's puff action occurs, the first material passes through a plurality of holes and fine particles containing nicotine may be generated, and the generated fine particles containing nicotine flow into the airflow passage from the outside of the aerosol generating device. After mixing with the air, it can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device. In other words, in the second smoking mode, as no aerosol is generated, visually invisible nicotine-containing microparticles (e.g., visually invisible nicotine-containing microparticles (P) in Figure 5b) may be generated; , users can inhale microparticles containing nicotine that are visually invisible.

Although not shown in the drawing, according to another embodiment, when the processor of the aerosol generating device determines in step 802 that the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors rather than outdoors, the processor of the aerosol generating device sets the aerosol generating device to a smaller amount than the first smoking mode. It can be operated in a second smoking mode that supplies power to the structure.

As a lower amount of power is supplied to the structure in the second smoking mode compared to the first smoking mode, the second material containing the aerosol-generating substance is not heated by the structure, and only the viscosity of the first material containing nicotine is lowered. You can. That is, when the processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment determines that the aerosol generating device is indoors, the viscosity of the first material can be lowered without generating an aerosol by supplying a relatively small amount of power to the structure. . As a result, the amount of fine particles containing nicotine supplied to the user increases, allowing the user to inhale abundant amounts of nicotine even indoors.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device and an external electronic device according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device 100 according to another embodiment includes a housing 110, a reservoir 120, a structure 200, an airflow passage 300, a battery 410, a processor 420, and It may include an antenna 450. The aerosol generating device 100 according to another embodiment may be an aerosol generating device to which an antenna 450 is added to the aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 1, and redundant description will be omitted below. In addition, FIG. 9 shows only the aerosol generating device 100 that does not include a user interface (eg, the user interface 430 of FIG. 1), but a user interface may be added depending on the embodiment.

The antenna 450 may transmit and/or receive a wireless signal (or 'RF signal (radio frequency signal)') with the external electronic devices 10 and 11, and the processor 420 may transmit and/or receive a radio frequency signal (RF signal) with the external electronic devices 10 and 11. It is possible to transmit and/or receive a wireless signal containing data with external electronic devices 10 and 11. For example, the antenna 450 is connected to the mobile electronic device 10 and/or an access point (AP: It is possible to transmit and/or receive wireless signals with an access point (11), but the type of external electronic device is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, the antenna 450 is an antenna (or 'Wi-Fi antenna') for transmitting and/or receiving a wireless signal in a frequency band of about 2.4 GHz or about 5 GHz and about 2.4 GHz to about 2.5 GHz. It may include, but is not limited to, at least one antenna (or 'Bluetooth antenna') for transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals in the frequency band.

According to one embodiment, the processor 420 determines the current location of the aerosol generating device 100 based on wireless signals transmitted and/or received between the antenna 450 and the external electronic devices 10 and 11. You can.

In one example, the processor 420 determines whether the current location of the aerosol generating device 100 is indoors or outdoors based on whether wireless communication is performed between the antenna 450 and the external electronic devices 10 and 11. can be judged. In another example, the processor 420 determines whether the current location of the aerosol generating device 100 is indoors based on the strength of the wireless signal transmitted and/or received between the antenna 450 and the external electronic devices 10 and 11. Alternatively, it can be determined whether it is outdoors.

According to another embodiment, the processor 420 receives a wireless signal containing location information of the aerosol generating device 100 from the external electronic devices 10 and 11 through the antenna 450, and The current location of the aerosol generating device 100 may be determined based on the location information of the aerosol generating device 100 received from 11).

For example, the processor 420 may receive a wireless signal including location information of the aerosol generating device 100 from the mobile electronic device 10 through the antenna 450, and the location information included in the wireless signal may be Based on this, it can be determined whether the current location of the aerosol generating device 100 is indoors or outdoors.

The processor 420 may control the power supplied from the battery 410 to the structure 200 based on the current location of the aerosol generating device 100.

In one example, if the processor 420 determines that the aerosol generating device 100 is located outdoors, the processor 420 may operate in the first smoking mode and supply designated power to the structure 200 through the battery 410. The structure 200 may generate heat as designated power is supplied from the battery 410 to heat the second material containing the aerosol-generating material stored in the storage tank 120, and as a result, an aerosol may be generated. That is, in the first smoking mode, as an aerosol is generated, a visually visible aerosol (eg, a visually visible aerosol (A) in FIG. 5A) may be discharged from the aerosol generating device 100.

In another example, if the processor 420 determines that the aerosol generating device 100 is located indoors, the processor 420 may operate in the second smoking mode and stop supplying power to the structure 200. Accordingly, the second material stored in the storage tank 120 is not heated, and when the user's puff operation occurs, only the first material containing nicotine stored in the storage tank 120 passes through the plurality of holes 200h and fine particles You can get angry. That is, in the second smoking mode, aerosol is not generated, but only fine particles containing nicotine are generated, and thus fine particles containing nicotine that are visually invisible from the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., visually invisible particles of 5b) are generated. Fine particles (P) containing nicotine may be released.

The aerosol generating device 100 according to another embodiment is a wireless signal transmitted and received between the antenna 450 and the external electronic devices 10 and 11 and/or an aerosol generating device received from the external electronic devices 10 and 11. The current location of the aerosol generating device 100 may be determined based on the location information of 100, and the smoking mode may be automatically changed based on the determined location. For example, even in situations where there is no user operation, the aerosol generating device 100 operates in the first smoking mode outdoors to emit visually visible aerosol, and operates in the second smoking mode indoors to emit visually invisible nicotine. It may emit fine particles containing

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the aerosol generating device of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, in step 1001, a processor (e.g., processor 420 of FIG. 9) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 9) according to an embodiment uses an antenna (e.g., FIG. The current location of the aerosol generating device can be determined based on the wireless signal transmitted and/or received between the antenna 450 of Figure 9) and an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices 10 and 11 of Figure 9). there is.

According to one embodiment, the processor may determine the current location of the aerosol generating device based on whether a wireless signal is received from an external electronic device or whether wireless communication is performed between the antenna and the external electronic device.

For example, when a wireless signal is received from an external electronic device located indoors or wireless communication is performed between an antenna and an external electronic device, the processor may determine that the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors. As another example, if a wireless signal is not received from an external electronic device located indoors or wireless communication is not performed between the antenna and the external electronic device, the processor may determine that the current location of the aerosol generating device is outdoors.

According to another embodiment, the processor may determine the current location of the aerosol generating device based on the strength of a wireless signal received from an external electronic device.

For example, if the strength of a wireless signal received from an external electronic device located indoors is greater than a specified level, the processor may determine that the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors adjacent to the external electronic device. As another example, if the strength of a wireless signal received from an external electronic device located indoors is less than a specified size, the processor may determine that the current location of the aerosol generating device is outdoors and away from the external electronic device.

According to another embodiment, the processor may determine the current location of the aerosol generating device based on the number of external electronic devices that perform wireless communication with the antenna. For example, if the number of external electronic devices that perform wireless communication with the antenna is greater than or equal to a specified number, the processor may determine that the current location of the aerosol generating device is outdoors. As another example, if the number of external electronic devices that perform wireless communication with the antenna is less than a specified number, the processor may determine that the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors.

The operation of the processor to determine the current location of the aerosol generating device is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and depending on the embodiment, the processor may determine the current location of the aerosol generating device in a different manner.

In step 1002, the processor of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may determine whether the current location of the aerosol generating device is outdoors in order to control the amount of power supplied to the structure.

In step 1003, if the processor of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment determines that the current location of the aerosol generating device is outdoors in step 1002, the aerosol generating device is configured to operate the aerosol generating device through a battery (e.g., the battery 410 in FIG. 9). Designated power can be supplied to the structure (e.g., structure 200 in FIG. 9) to operate it in a first smoking mode that emits a visually visible aerosol.

As the structure is supplied with designated electrical power, a second material comprising an aerosol-generating material stored in a reservoir (e.g., reservoir 120 in Figure 9) may be heated by the structure, resulting in the generation of an aerosol. When a user's puff motion occurs, the aerosol generated by the structure flows through an airflow passage (e.g., the airflow passage 300 in FIG. 7) through a plurality of holes in the structure (e.g., the plurality of holes 200h in FIG. 9). may flow into. The aerosol flowing into the airflow passage is mixed with fine particles containing nicotine generated in the process of the first material passing through the plurality of holes and/or the air flowing into the airflow passage from the outside of the aerosol generating device, and then mixed with the aerosol generating device. may be discharged to the outside. That is, the user may inhale a visually visible aerosol (eg, a visually visible aerosol (A) in FIG. 5A) emitted from the aerosol generating device in the first smoking mode.

In step 1004, if the processor of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment determines in step 1002 that the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors rather than outdoors, the processor performs a second smoking operation to stop supplying power to the aerosol generating device to the structure. It can be operated in mode.

As the power supply to the structure is stopped, the second material stored in the storage tank is not heated by the structure, and only the first material containing nicotine stored in the storage tank may pass through the plurality of holes and be converted into fine particles. When the user's puff action occurs, the first material passes through a plurality of holes and fine particles containing nicotine may be generated, and the generated fine particles containing nicotine are mixed with the air introduced into the airflow passage. , may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device. In other words, in the second smoking mode, as no aerosol is generated, visually invisible fine particles containing nicotine (e.g., visually invisible fine particles (P) in FIG. 5B) may be generated, and the user may produce visual You can inhale tiny particles containing invisible nicotine.

Although not shown in the drawing, according to another embodiment, if the processor of the aerosol generating device determines in step 1002 that the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors rather than outdoors, the processor of the aerosol generating device sets the aerosol generating device to a smaller amount than the first smoking mode. It can be operated in a second smoking mode that supplies power to the structure.

As a lower amount of power is supplied to the structure in the second smoking mode compared to the first smoking mode, the second material containing the aerosol-generating substance is not heated by the structure, and only the viscosity of the first material containing nicotine is lowered. You can. That is, when the processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment determines that the aerosol generating device is indoors, the processor supplies a relatively small amount of power to the structure to increase the viscosity of the first material containing nicotine without generating an aerosol. can be lowered. As a result, the amount of fine particles containing nicotine supplied to the user increases, allowing the user to inhale abundant amounts of nicotine even indoors.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the aerosol generating device of FIG. 9 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, in step 1101, a processor (e.g., processor 420 of FIG. 9) of an aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 of FIG. 9) according to another embodiment may use an antenna (e.g., FIG. A wireless signal containing location information of the aerosol generating device may be received from an external electronic device (e.g., a mobile electronic device or an external server) through the antenna 450 of 9.

According to one embodiment, the external electronic device may generate location information regarding the current location of the aerosol generating device through a GPS sensor, and the generated location information may be included in the wireless signal transmitted from the external electronic device to the antenna of the aerosol generating device. It may be included, but is not limited to this. At this time, the processor may determine whether the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors or outdoors based on the location information of the aerosol generating device included in the wireless signal.

In step 1102, the processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may determine whether the current location of the aerosol generating device is outdoors in order to control the amount of power supplied to the structure.

In step 1103, if the processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment determines in step 1102 that the current location of the aerosol generating device is outdoors, the processor operates the aerosol generating device through a battery (e.g., the battery 410 in FIG. 9). Designated power can be supplied to the structure (e.g., structure 200 in FIG. 9) to operate it in a first smoking mode that emits a visually visible aerosol.

As the structure is supplied with designated electrical power, a second material comprising an aerosol-generating material stored in a reservoir (e.g., reservoir 120 in Figure 9) may be heated by the structure, resulting in the generation of an aerosol. When a user's puff motion occurs, the aerosol generated by the structure flows through an airflow passage (e.g., the airflow passage 300 in FIG. 7) through a plurality of holes in the structure (e.g., the plurality of holes 200h in FIG. 9). may flow into. The aerosol flowing into the airflow passage may pass through a plurality of holes and be mixed with fine particles containing nicotine generated and/or the air flowing into the airflow passage from the outside of the aerosol generating device, and then be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device. there is. That is, the user may inhale a visually visible aerosol (eg, a visually visible aerosol (A) in FIG. 5A) emitted from the aerosol generating device in the first smoking mode.

In step 1104, if the processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment determines in step 1102 that the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors rather than outdoors, the processor performs a second smoking operation to stop supplying power to the aerosol generating device to the structure. It can be operated in mode.

As the power supply to the structure is stopped, the second material stored in the storage tank is not heated by the structure, and only the first material containing nicotine stored in the storage tank may pass through the plurality of holes and be converted into fine particles. When the user's puff action occurs, the fine particles containing nicotine generated as the first material passes through the plurality of holes are mixed with the air introduced into the airflow passage from the outside of the aerosol generating device, and then the first material passes through the plurality of holes. can be discharged as In other words, in the second smoking mode, as no aerosol is generated, visually invisible nicotine-containing microparticles (e.g., visually invisible nicotine-containing microparticles (P) in Figure 5b) may be generated; , users can inhale microparticles containing nicotine that are visually invisible.

Although not shown in the drawing, according to another embodiment, when the processor of the aerosol generating device determines in step 1102 that the current location of the aerosol generating device is indoors rather than outdoors, the processor of the aerosol generating device sets the aerosol generating device to a smaller amount than the first smoking mode. It can be operated in a second smoking mode that supplies power to the structure.

As a smaller amount of power is supplied to the structure in the second smoking mode compared to the first smoking mode, the second material is not heated by the structure, and only the viscosity of the first material containing nicotine may be lowered. That is, when the processor of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment determines that the aerosol generating device is indoors, the processor can supply a relatively small amount of power to the structure to lower the viscosity of the first material without generating an aerosol. . As a result, the amount of fine particles containing nicotine supplied to the user increases, allowing the user to inhale abundant amounts of nicotine even indoors.

Those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that the above-described substrate can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered from an explanatory rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

100: Aerosol generating device 110: Housing
120: storage tank 200: structure
200h: Hall 300: Airflow passage
301: inlet 302: outlet
303: Connection passage 410: Battery
420: Processor 430: User Interface
440: Sensor 450: Antenna

Claims (15)

In the aerosol generating device,
housing;
a battery disposed inside the housing;
a reservoir disposed inside the housing and storing a first material containing nicotine and a second material containing an aerosol-generating substance;
An airflow passage including an inlet through which external air flows into the interior of the housing, an outlet through which fine particles or aerosols generated inside the housing are discharged to the outside of the housing, and a connection passage connecting the inlet and the outlet; and
It is located between the airflow passage and the storage tank inside the housing and includes a hole for fine particles of the first material to generate fine particles containing nicotine, and when power is supplied from the battery, It includes a structure that generates an aerosol by heating the second material,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the reservoir and the airflow passage are fluidly connected through the hole in the structure. According to paragraph 1,
The structure is disposed adjacent to the connecting passage of the airflow passage,
The width of the connecting passage is narrower than the width of the inlet. According to paragraph 2,
The first material passes through the hole and becomes fine particles due to a change in pressure in the airflow passage that occurs as external air flowing into the airflow passage moves along the connecting passage when the user's puff action occurs. Aerosol generating device. According to paragraph 1,
The structure is located between the reservoir and the airflow passage and is formed in a plate shape. According to paragraph 1,
An aerosol generating device further comprising a processor for controlling power supplied from the battery to the structure according to the smoking mode. According to clause 5,
The processor,
supplying power to the structure through the battery in a first smoking mode,
An aerosol generating device that disables power supply to the structure in a second smoking mode. According to clause 6,
Exhaling a visually visible aerosol in the first smoking mode,
An aerosol generating device that emits fine particles containing nicotine that are visually invisible in the second smoking mode. According to clause 5,
The processor,
supplying first power to the structure through the battery in a first smoking mode,
The aerosol generating device supplies a second power lower than the first power to the structure via the battery in a second smoking mode. According to clause 5,
It further includes a user interface electrically connected to the processor,
The processor controls power supplied from the battery to the structure based on user input input through the user interface. According to clause 5,
It further includes a sensor electrically connected to the processor and acquiring data for determining the location of the aerosol generating device,
The processor,
An aerosol generating device that controls power supplied from the battery to the structure based on the location of the aerosol generating device identified through data acquired through the sensor. According to clause 10,
The processor,
When the aerosol generating device is located outdoors, power is supplied to the structure through the battery,
An aerosol-generating device that discontinues the power supply to the structure when the aerosol-generating device is located indoors. According to clause 10,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a GPS sensor, a visible light sensor, and a light quantity sensor. According to clause 5,
An aerosol generating device further comprising at least one antenna for performing wireless communication with an external electronic device. According to clause 13,
The processor,
An aerosol generating device that controls power supplied from the battery to the structure based on the location of the aerosol generating device identified through a wireless signal transmitted and received between the at least one antenna and the external electronic device. According to clause 13,
The processor,
Receiving location information of the aerosol generating device from the external electronic device,
An aerosol generating device that controls power supplied from the battery to the structure based on the received location information of the aerosol generating device.

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