KR20220066734A - Aerosol generating device including cartridge tray - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an aerosol generating device accommodating a cartridge, which includes: a cartridge tray accommodating a cartridge and movable between a first position inside the aerosol generating device and a second position projecting from the aerosol generating device to receive the cartridge; and a driving unit which moves the cartridge tray. Accordingly, the possibility of incomplete coupling of the cartridge during mounting and dismounting of the cartridge to and from the aerosol generating device is reduced, and user convenience can be increased.

Description

Aerosol generating device comprising cartridge tray

Embodiments relate to an aerosol-generating device comprising a cartridge tray, more particularly a cartridge receiving a cartridge, the cartridge being movable between a first position that is inside the aerosol-generating device and a second position that protrudes outside the aerosol-generating device It relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a tray.

There is an increasing demand for an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol in a non-combustible manner by replacing the method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. An aerosol-generating device is, for example, a device that performs the function of generating and supplying an aerosol to a user in a non-combustible manner from an aerosol-generating material, or generating an aerosol having a flavor by passing a vapor generated from an aerosol-generating material through a fragrance medium to be.

The aerosol-generating material used in the aerosol-generating device may be in a solid state such as a cigarette, as well as in a flowing liquid state or a gel state. The cartridge containing the aerosol-generating material may be used while being mounted on the main body of the aerosol-generating device, and when the aerosol-generating material is exhausted, it may be separated from the body of the aerosol-generating device and replaced with a new cartridge.

Embodiments provide an aerosol-generating device capable of easily and accurately mounting and dismounting a cartridge from the aerosol-generating device.

Embodiments also provide an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge having an aesthetic appearance.

The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and the problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings. will be.

An aerosol-generating device receiving a cartridge according to one embodiment receives the cartridge and moves between a first position that is internal to the aerosol-generating device and a second position that protrudes outside the aerosol-generating device to receive the cartridge It may include a possible cartridge tray and a driving unit for moving the cartridge tray.

According to the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiment, the possibility of incomplete coupling of the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted and detached from the aerosol generating device is reduced, and user convenience can be increased.

In addition, the cartridge tray accommodating the cartridge itself may be a part of the exterior of the aerosol-generating device, thereby providing an aerosol-generating device having an elegant appearance.

The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the above-described effects, and the effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2 are views showing examples in which cigarettes are inserted into the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette.
4A is a perspective view illustrating an aspect of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
Figure 4b is an enlarged view showing the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which the cartridge is inserted.
4C is a perspective view showing another aspect of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
5A is a perspective view showing an aspect of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
5B is a perspective view showing another aspect of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
6A is a view showing the positional relationship between the cartridge tray and the cigarette receiving unit of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
6B is a view showing a positional relationship between the cartridge tray and the cigarette receiving unit of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
7A and 7B are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the cigarette insertion regulator included in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.
8 is a view for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Terms used in the embodiments are selected as currently widely used general terms as possible while considering functions in the present invention, but may vary depending on intentions or precedents of those of ordinary skill in the art, emergence of new technologies, and the like. In addition, in a specific case, there is a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the corresponding invention. Therefore, the term used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than the name of a simple term.

In the entire specification, when a part "includes" a certain element, this means that other elements may be further included, rather than excluding other elements, unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as “…unit” and “…module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be embodied in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Also, terms including an ordinal number such as 'first' or 'second' used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

In addition, some of the components in the drawings may have been shown with a somewhat exaggerated size or ratio. In addition, components shown in some drawings may not be shown in other drawings.

In addition, throughout the specification, the “longitudinal direction” of a component may be a direction in which the component extends along one axis of the component, in which case, one axis of the component has more components than the other axis transverse to the one axis. It may mean a direction extending long. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device may refer to a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the cigarette shown in FIG. 7A .

In addition, throughout the specification, "puff" refers to the user's inhalation, and the inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user's mouth or nose is drawn into the user's mouth, nasal cavity, or lungs.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily implement them. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms, and are not limited to the embodiments described in the present disclosure.

Throughout the specification, an 'embodiment' is an arbitrary division for easily describing the invention in the present disclosure, and each of the embodiments is not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, configurations disclosed in one embodiment may be applied and/or implemented in other embodiments, and may be modified and applied and/or implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In addition, the terminology used in the present disclosure is for describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the present embodiments. In the present disclosure, the singular also includes the plural unless otherwise specified.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 are views showing examples in which cigarettes are inserted into an aerosol generating device.

1 and 2 , the aerosol generating device 100 includes a battery 110 , a processor 120 , a heater 130 , and a vaporizer 140 . In addition, the cigarette 200 may be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 100 .

Although the aerosol-generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a vaporizer 140 , embodiments are not limited by the implementation manner of such an aerosol-generating device 100 and in the aerosol-generating device 100 . Vaporizer 140 may be omitted. If the vaporizer is omitted from the aerosol-generating device 100 , the cigarette 200 may generate an aerosol when the cigarette 200 is heated by the heater 130 by including an aerosol-generating material.

Conversely, the heater 130 and/or the cigarette 200 may be omitted from the aerosol generating device 100 . In this case, the aerosol generating material included in the vaporizer 140 may be atomized by a heating element or vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated from the vaporizer 140 .

The aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 shows components related to the present embodiment. Therefore, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be further included in the aerosol generating device 100 . .

In addition, although it is illustrated that the heater 130 is included in the aerosol generating device 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the heater 130 may be omitted if necessary.

1 illustrates that the battery 110, the processor 120, the vaporizer 140, and the heater 130 are arranged in a line. In addition, FIG. 2 shows that the vaporizer 140 and the heater 130 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 . In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 100 , the arrangement of the battery 110 , the processor 120 , the vaporizer 140 , and the heater 130 may be changed.

When the cigarette 200 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 , the aerosol generating device 100 may operate the vaporizer 140 to generate an aerosol from the vaporizer 140 . The aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 passes through the cigarette 200 and is delivered to the user. A description of the vaporizer 140 will be given in more detail below.

The battery 110 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100 . For example, the battery 110 may supply power to the heater 130 or the vaporizer 140 to be heated, and may supply power necessary for the processor 120 to operate. In addition, the battery 110 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, a motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device 100 .

The processor 120 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100 . Specifically, the processor 120 controls the operation of the battery 110 , the heater 130 , and the vaporizer 140 , as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device 100 . In addition, the processor 120 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 100 is in an operable state by checking the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 .

The processor 120 may be implemented with at least one configuration. For example, it 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 in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The heater 130 may be heated by power supplied from the battery 110 . For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 , the heater 130 may be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 130 may raise the temperature of the aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

The heater 130 may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 130 may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 130 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applicable 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 100 or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 130 may be an induction heating type heater. Specifically, the heater 130 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor capable of being heated by the induction heating heater.

1 and 2, the heater 130 is illustrated as being disposed outside the cigarette 200, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 130 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may be heated inside or outside the cigarette 200 depending on the shape of the heating element. can be heated

In addition, a plurality of heaters 130 may be disposed in the aerosol generating device 100 . In this case, the plurality of heaters 130 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 200 or may be disposed outside the cigarette 200 . In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 130 may be disposed to be inserted into the cigarette 200 , and the rest may be disposed outside the cigarette 200 . In addition, the shape of the heater 130 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , and may be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer 140 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be passed through the cigarette 200 and delivered to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 may move along the airflow path of the aerosol generating device 100 , and the airflow path passes through the cigarette and the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 140 is delivered to the user It can be configured to be

For example, the vaporizer 140 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means, a heating element, and a vibrator. For example, the liquid reservoir, liquid delivery means, heating element and vibrator may be included in the aerosol generating device 100 as independent modules.

The liquid reservoir may store a liquid composition, which is a kind of aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachably/attached from the vaporizer 140 , or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 140 .

For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring, flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavoring ingredients, and the like. Flavoring agents may include ingredients capable of providing a user with a variety of flavors or flavors. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. Liquid compositions may also include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery means may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element and/or the vibrator. For example, the liquid delivery means may be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged to be wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by supplying an electrical current, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 140 may be referred to as a cartridge, a cartomizer, or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 110 , the processor 120 , and the heater 130 . For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information.

The cigarette 200 may be similar to a general combustion type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 200 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter and the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the cigarette 200 may also contain an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol-generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 , and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 , and a part of the first part and the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while biting the second part with the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the outside air through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100 . For example, the opening and closing of the air passage and/or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 100 may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization, the feeling of smoking, and the like can be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may be introduced into the cigarette 200 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 200 .

Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the cigarette 200 includes a tobacco rod 210 and a filter rod 220 . The first part described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a tobacco rod 210 , and the second part includes a filter rod 220 .

Although the filter rod 220 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 3 , it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 220 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 220 may include a first segment for cooling the aerosol and a second segment for filtering certain components contained in the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 220 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

The cigarette 200 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 240 . At least one hole through which external air flows or internal gas flows may be formed in the wrapper 240 . As an example, the cigarette 200 may be wrapped by one wrapper 240 . As another example, the cigarette 200 may be overlapped by two or more wrappers 240 . For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be packaged by the first wrapper, and the filter rod 220 may be packaged by the second wrapper. Then, the tobacco rod 210 and the filter rod 220 wrapped by an individual wrapper may be combined, and the entire cigarette 200 may be repackaged by the third wrapper. If each of the tobacco rod 210 or the filter rod 220 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by an individual wrapper. In addition, the entire cigarette 200 in which segments wrapped by individual wrappers are combined may be repackaged by another wrapper.

Tobacco rod 210 contains an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 210 may also contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizing agent may be added to the tobacco rod 210 by being sprayed onto the tobacco rod 210 .

Tobacco rod 210 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 210 may be manufactured as a sheet or as a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 210 may be made of cut filler from which the tobacco sheet is chopped. In addition, the tobacco rod 210 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. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly distributing the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 210, thereby improving the tobacco taste. . In addition, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 210 may function as a susceptor that is heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the tobacco rod 210 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 220 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter rod 220 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 220 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tube-type rod including a hollow therein. Also, the filter rod 220 may be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 220 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The filter rod 220 may be manufactured to generate flavor. As an example, the flavoring solution may be sprayed onto the filter rod 220 , and a separate fiber coated with the flavoring solution may be inserted into the filter rod 220 .

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

If the filter rod 220 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may be made only of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter perforated with a plurality of holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described example, and as long as the aerosol can perform a function of cooling, it may be applied without limitation.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 3 , the cigarette 200 according to an embodiment may further include a front-end filter. The front-end filter may be located on one side opposite to the filter rod 220 in the tobacco rod 210 . The shear filter can prevent the tobacco rod 210 from escaping to the outside, and it is possible to prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 210 from flowing into the aerosol generating device (100 in FIGS. 1 and 2) during smoking. have.

4A is a perspective view showing an aspect of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, FIG. 4B is an enlarged view showing an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment in which a cartridge is inserted, and FIG. 4C is an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment It is a perspective view which shows another aspect of a generating apparatus.

4A, 4B and 4C , the aerosol generating device 1000 according to an embodiment includes a cartridge tray 1100 , a driving unit 1200 , a housing 1300 , and a mouthpiece 1500 .

Those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment may understand that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1000 . For better understanding, FIGS. 4A and 4C are perspective views of some components inside the aerosol generating device 1000 .

The cartridge tray 1100 accommodates a cartridge 2000 having an aerosol-generating material stored therein, and is movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the aerosol-generating device 1000 .

Here, the cartridge 2000 includes an aerosol-generating material, an atomizer 2300 (eg, a heater, a vibrator) that atomizes the aerosol-generating material, and an electrode 2100 that can be electrically connected to the aerosol-generating device 1000 . And the aerosol generated in the cartridge (2000) may include a discharge hole (2200) that can move to the outside of the cartridge (2000). Also, the cartridge 2000 may have the same configuration as the vaporizer described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .

In the drawings, the cartridge 2000 is shown in a substantially hexahedral shape, but the shape of the cartridge 2000 is not limited thereto, and it is noted that the cartridge 2000 may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, an elliptical sphere shape, and a triangular prism shape. It can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge tray 1100 accommodates the cartridge 2000 and outside the aerosol-generating device 1000 to receive the cartridge 2000 and a first position P1 that is inside the aerosol-generating device 1000 . It can move between the second positions P2 protruding to the

Referring to FIG. 4A , the cartridge tray 1100 protrudes with respect to the body of the aerosol generating device 1000 . At this time, the cartridge 2000 may be inserted into the cartridge tray 1100 or removed from the cartridge tray 1100 .

According to one embodiment, the cartridge tray 1100 may include an outer wall 1120 for protecting the receiving space 1110 in which the cartridge 2000 is accommodated and the cartridge 2000 accommodated in the cartridge tray 1100 on the inside. have. Specifically, the outer wall 1120 is a side wall 1121 located inside the body of the aerosol generating device 1000 when the cartridge tray 1100 is in the first position P1 and the cartridge tray 1100 is in the first position ( and a door 1123 that closes the opening 1310 formed in the housing 1300 of the aerosol generating device 1000 when in P1).

The cartridge tray 1100 includes a door 1123, whereby the aerosol generating device 1000 is in the first position P1 when the cartridge tray 1100 is in the first position P1, without a separate case or component. and the outside, and the cartridge 2000 can be conveniently replaced when in the second position P2.

Also, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a sealing member 1124 for sealing the gap between the cartridge tray 1100 and the opening 1310 of the aerosol generating device 1000 . For example, at least a portion of the outer surface of the door 1123 of the cartridge tray 1100 may be surrounded by a sealing member 1124 made of a rubber material.

Conversely, at least a portion of the opening 1310 of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be surrounded by a sealing member 1124 made of a silicone material. Accordingly, the gap between the cartridge tray 1100 and the main body of the aerosol generating device 1000 is sealed, so that the aerosol generating device 1000 can be more effectively isolated from the outside, so that the waterproof and/or dustproof performance is improved. can

On the other hand, the operation of removing the cartridge 2000 inserted into the cartridge tray 1100 from the cartridge tray 1100 may provide inconvenience to the user when replacing the cartridge 2000 .

According to one embodiment, a groove 1122 recessed to a predetermined length may be formed in the sidewall 1121 of the cartridge tray 1100 . The groove 1122 may be formed in at least a portion of the sidewall 1121 of the cartridge tray 1100 .

Specifically, the groove 1122 may be formed on one side or both sides of the side wall 1121 of the cartridge tray 1100 . The groove 1122 allows the cartridge 2000 to be fixed in the receiving space 1110 , and at the same time, the user may hold it and dig it to a depth that is easy to remove the cartridge 2000 . For example, the groove 1122 may be filled with a length of about 1/3 of the depth of the receiving space 1110 of the cartridge tray 1100 . As the groove 1122 is included in the cartridge tray 1100 , the convenience for the user to remove the cartridge 2000 inserted into the cartridge tray 1100 can be improved.

The cartridge tray 1100 is at least partially opened by protruding from the main body of the aerosol generating device 1000 when the user presses at least one surface (eg, a door) of the cartridge tray 1100, and the opened cartridge tray 1100 of When one side is pressed again, the cartridge tray 1100 can be closed.

In this way, by using the push-push method, which is a method in which the object is withdrawn when pressing once and retracted when pressed once more, the user can use the door of the cartridge tray 1100 in the first position P1. It can be moved to the first position (P1) by pressing (1123) to move it to the second position (P2), and by pressing the door (1123) of the cartridge tray (1100) in the second position (P2) again. .

The driving unit 1200 may apply a force to the cartridge tray 1100 so that the cartridge tray 1100 moves. Here, the meaning of force includes not only an external force due to physical contact between the driving unit 1200 and the cartridge 2000, but also an external force due to a non-contact method such as magnetic force or air pressure. The cartridge tray 1100 may not only move linearly by the force applied by the driving unit 1200, but may also move rotationally.

Specifically, the cartridge tray 1100 may move along a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 . For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the cartridge tray 1100 is along a line connecting the first position P1 and the second position P2 that are approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 . can move

However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cartridge tray 1100 may move along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 . A detailed description thereof will be described later with reference to FIG. 6B .

According to an embodiment, the driving unit 1200 may linearly move the cartridge tray 1100 using electric power. Here, the driving unit 1200 may be a hydraulic actuator as well as a motor, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to Figure 4b, the driving unit 1200 is a rack (rack) 1230 disposed on the cartridge tray 1100, a pinion (pinion) 1220 and the pinion 1220 for linearly moving the rack 1230 rotates. It may include a motor 1210.

Specifically, the rack 1230 moving linearly by the pinion 1220 to one surface of the cartridge tray 1100 may be coupled or adhered. In addition, teeth that can be engaged by the pinion 1220 may be formed on one surface of the cartridge tray 1100 . The rack 1230 converts the rotational motion of the pinion 1220 rotated by the motor 1210 into a linear motion so that the cartridge tray 1100 moves between the first position P1 and the second position P2. can

As another example, the driving unit 1200 may include a belt and a pulley. The belt may be coupled to or attached to at least a portion of the cartridge tray 1100 to move the cartridge tray 1100 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 according to the rotation of the pulley.

As another example, the driving unit 1200 includes an electromagnet that pushes or pulls a magnet included in the cartridge tray 1100 using a magnetic force, or a pump that pushes or pulls the cartridge tray 1100 using air pressure. may include

As such, the driving unit 1200 is not limited to a method of moving directly in contact with the cartridge tray 1100, but it is common in the art that it can be implemented in various ways of moving the cartridge tray 1100 in a non-contact manner. Technicians can understand.

As described above, the cartridge 2000 can be inserted into the receiving space 1110 when the cartridge tray 1100 is in the second position P2, and after the cartridge 2000 is inserted, the cartridge tray 1100 is The cartridge 2000 may be mounted in the aerosol generating device 1000 by moving into the aerosol generating device 1000 .

When the cartridge 2000 is inserted into the cartridge tray 1100 at the second position P2, the driving unit 1200 for moving the cartridge tray 1100 by a user manipulation method or an insertion detection method of the cartridge 2000 is operated. can

Here, the user's operation is to press the cartridge tray 1100 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 direction, or to press a switch (eg, user interface) included in the aerosol generating device 1000 . can For example, the driving unit 1200 senses a predetermined pressing force applied to the cartridge tray 1100, and operates to move the cartridge tray 1100 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 in response thereto. can be

On the other hand, the insertion detection method of the cartridge 2000 is that the cartridge tray 1100 is operated by detecting whether the cartridge 2000 is inserted, the details of which will be described later with reference to FIG. 8 .

When the cartridge tray 1100 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the cartridge 2000 inserted into the cartridge tray 1100 is electrically and/or physically connected to the aerosol generating device 1000. can For example, the electrode 2100 included in the cartridge 2000 at the first position P1 includes a body electrode 1622 that can receive power from a battery (not shown) included in the aerosol generating device 1000 and can be contacted In addition, the airflow passage 1621 and the discharge hole 2200 are connected so that the aerosol flowing out through the discharge hole 2200 formed in the cartridge 2000 can be discharged through the mouthpiece 1500 of the aerosol generating device 1000. can

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include an interface 1400 for receiving a user manipulation in the housing 1300 . The interface 1400 may be, for example, a switch, a touch pad, or a fingerprint recognition sensor.

Specifically, when the user presses the switch once, the cartridge tray 1100 moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), and when the user presses the switch once more, it moves from the second position (P2) to the first position ( You can move to P1). In this way, the cartridge tray 1100 can be opened or closed with respect to the main body of the aerosol generating device 1000 through a simple operation, so that the replacement of the cartridge 2000 is improved and the cartridge 2000 due to a user's mistake coupling error The probability of occurrence, etc. can be minimized.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a mouthpiece 1500 . The mouthpiece 1500 may have a shape in which at least a part protrudes from the main body housing 1300 of the aerosol generating device 1000 so that the user can inhale the aerosol generating device 1000 . In addition, the mouthpiece 1500 is connected to the airflow passage 1621 connected to the discharge hole 2200 of the cartridge 2000, so that the aerosol generated in the cartridge 2000 moves to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000. have.

According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a cigarette receiving unit 1600 . A cigarette 1500 may be inserted into the cigarette receiving unit 1600 , and the inserted cigarette 1500 may serve as the aforementioned mouthpiece 1500 . Here, the cigarette 1500 may have the same meaning as the cigarette 200 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 .

The cigarette receiving unit 1600 is a portion 1610 into which at least a portion of the cigarette 1500 can be inserted and the aerosol generated in the cartridge 2000 when the cartridge tray 1100 is in the first position P1 is a cigarette. It may include another portion 1620 connected to the cartridge 2000 so as to be delivered into the receiving portion 1600 .

Specifically, the other portion 1620 of the cigarette receiving unit 1600 may include an airflow passage 1621 that can be connected to the aerosol discharge hole 2200 formed in the cartridge 2000. The aerosol generated in the cartridge 2000 is through the discharge hole 2200 of the cartridge 2000 to the airflow passage 1621 of the cigarette receiving unit 1600, from the airflow passage 1621 to one end of the cigarette 1500, It may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 by continuously moving from one end of the cigarette 1500 to the other end of the cigarette 1500 that the user's mouth touches.

The aerosol generating device 1000 according to an embodiment may include a heater (not shown) for heating the inserted cigarette 1500 . Here, the heater may have the same meaning as the heater described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .

The aerosol generated in the cartridge 2000 is mixed with other aerosols generated in the cigarette 1500 heated by the heater in the cigarette receiving unit 1600 and/or the cigarette 1500 to be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000. can

5A is a perspective view showing an aspect of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing another aspect of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

5A and 5B, the aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment is a cartridge tray 1100, a driving unit 1200, a housing 1300 and a mouthpiece 1500 of a different form than the above-described form. may include Hereinafter, descriptions overlapping with those of FIGS. 4A to 4C will be omitted.

According to another embodiment, the driving unit 1200 may rotate and move the cartridge tray 1100 using electric power. Specifically, the driving unit 1200 may include a motor 1260 for rotationally moving the cartridge tray 1100 by driving the rotation shaft 1280 and the rotation shaft 1280 disposed on the cartridge tray 1100 . That is, the driving unit 1200 may rotate the cartridge tray 1100 between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).

The rotation shaft 1280 may be, for example, in the shape of a rod penetrating through at least a portion of the cartridge tray 1100 . In addition, the rotating shaft 1280 may be rotatably coupled to at least a portion of the housing 1300 of the aerosol generating device 1000 , and the rotating shaft 1280 may receive a rotational force directly from the motor 1260 or with the motor 1260 . The rotational force may be indirectly transmitted through the transmission gear 1270 interposed between the rotation shafts 1280 .

The rotating cartridge tray 1100, as described above in FIGS. 4a to 4c, may be implemented in a push-push manner. For example, the cartridge tray 1100 does not include a separate driving part, and opening and closing is controlled by a locking part (not shown) that is released by the user's action and a spring (not shown) combined with the rotation shaft 1280. can be

As shown in the figure, the cartridge tray 1100 of the rotating type may be implemented through the driving unit 1200 including components having relatively small volumes, and accordingly, the aerosol generating device 1000 can be miniaturized and , assembling may be improved.

6A is a view showing the positional relationship between the cartridge tray and the cigarette receiving unit of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a view showing the positional relationship between the cartridge tray and the cigarette receiving unit of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment to be.

Referring to FIG. 6A , in the aerosol generating device 1000 according to an embodiment, the cartridge tray 1100 protrudes in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 . That is, as described in FIGS. 4A to 4C , the cartridge tray 1100 may move in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 .

In addition, referring to Figure 6a, the cartridge tray 1100 and the cigarette receiving unit 1600 are arranged in parallel with respect to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000, the aerosol generated in the cartridge 2000 is a bent path It may move from the inside of the aerosol generating device 1000 to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 along an airflow path (eg, "L") of the . Here, the airflow path may mean a movement path of air and/or aerosol.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 6B , in the aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment, the cartridge tray 1100 protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 . That is, the cartridge tray 1100 may move along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 .

As the cartridge tray 1100 moves along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000, even when the user grips the side portion of the aerosol generating device 1000, opening and closing of the cartridge tray 1100 is possible, so that the user's Convenience may be improved.

In addition, referring to FIG. 6b , the cartridge tray 1100 and the cigarette accommodating part 1600 are arranged in series with respect to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1000 . Accordingly, the aerosol generated by the cartridge 2000 may move from the inside of the aerosol generating device 1000 to the outside of the aerosol generating device 1000 along an airflow path (eg, “I”) of a linear path.

The airflow path of the linear path may have a relatively low suction resistance compared to the airflow path of the bent path. That is, the suction resistance of the aerosol generating device 1000 may be adjusted according to the positional relationship between the cartridge tray 1100 and the cigarette receiving unit 1600 .

7A and 7B are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the cigarette insertion regulator included in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

7A and 7B , the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a cigarette insertion controller 1700 . The cigarette insertion regulator 1700 may be a configuration added to FIGS. 7A to 7C , and a redundant description will be omitted below.

According to one embodiment, the cigarette insertion regulator 1700 moves together with the cartridge tray 1100, so that when the cartridge tray 1100 is in a closed position (eg, the first position P1), the cigarette receiving unit 1600. The cigarette receiving unit 1600 is opened so that the cigarette 1500 can be inserted into the cigarette receiving unit 1600 when the cartridge tray 1100 is in the open position (eg, the second position P2). 1500) may be closed to prevent the cigarette receiving portion 1600 from being inserted.

The cigarette insertion regulator 1700 may be a separate component connected or attached to the cartridge tray 1100 or a portion 1610 formed in the cartridge tray 1100 . Specifically, the cigarette insertion controller 1700 may include a flexible material that can be bent in the inner space of the aerosol generating device 1000 , and may be formed extending from the cartridge tray 1100 . Here, the flexible material may be, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene, which is a porous polymer, but is not limited thereto.

At least a portion of the cigarette insertion regulator 1700 penetrates at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette receiving portion 1600, one portion 1610, into which the cigarette 1500 is inserted. , it may have a structure that can limit the insertion of the cigarette 1500 into the cigarette receiving unit 1600 .

For example, the cigarette insertion regulator 1700 includes an insertion hole 1710 into which the cigarette 1500 can be inserted, but when the cartridge tray 1100 is in the first position P1, the insertion hole 1710 is for cigarette water. Corresponding to the portion 1600 , when the cartridge tray 1100 is in the second position P2 , the insertion hole 1710 may be deviated from the cigarette receiving portion 1600 .

Specifically, when the cartridge tray 1100 is in the first position P1, the insertion hole 1710 is aligned with the center of the cigarette receiving portion 1600, one portion 1610, so that the cigarette 1500 inserts the insertion hole 1710. Pass through to be inserted into the cigarette receiving portion 1600, and when the cartridge tray 1100 is in the first position P1, the insertion hole 1710 is off the center of the cigarette receiving portion 1600, one portion 1610 This prevents the cigarette 1500 from passing through the insertion hole 1710, thereby limiting insertion into the cigarette receiving unit 1600.

In addition, the cigarette insertion regulator 1700 may limit the movement of the cartridge tray 1100 so that the cartridge tray 1100 is not opened when the cigarette 1500 is inserted into the cigarette receiving unit 1600 .

As another example, the cigarette insertion regulator 1700 is, as the cartridge tray 1100 moves, through at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette receiving portion 1600, one portion 1610 of the cigarette receiving portion 1600 of one portion 1610. It may be in the shape of an elongated rod that restricts insertion of the cigarette 1500 into the cigarette receiving unit 1600 while going in and out of the interior.

That is, the cigarette insertion regulator 1700 moves in response to the movement of the cartridge tray 1100, so that the cigarette 1500 cannot be inserted into the cigarette receiving unit 1600 at the position where the cartridge tray 1100 is opened, In the closed position of the cartridge tray 1100 , the cigarette 1500 may be inserted into the cigarette receiving unit 1600 .

In this way, the cigarette insertion regulator 1700 matches the insertion of the cigarette 1500 to the aerosol generating device 1000 and the mounting of the cartridge 2000 in time, so that the aerosol generating device 1000 is not ready for use. The aerosol-generating device 1000 and the cartridge 2000 are in a state in which the cigarette 1500 is inserted (eg, the cartridge tray is open) or the user uses the aerosol-generating device 1000 (eg, a cigarette is inserted). It is possible to prevent the bond from being released, so that the safety of use of the aerosol generating device 1000 can be enhanced.

8 is a view for explaining the operation of the aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

8, an aerosol generating device 1000 according to another embodiment is a pusher 3100, an insertion detection sensor 3200, a capacity detection sensor 3300, a processor 1800 and a battery 1900. may further include. Here, the pusher 3100 , the insertion detection sensor 3200 , and the capacity detection sensor 3300 may be electrically connected to the processor 1800 .

The pusher 3100, the insertion detection sensor 3200, the capacity detection sensor 3300, the processor 1800 and the battery 1900 shown in FIG. 8 may be a configuration added from the cartridge tray 1100 of FIGS. 4a to 4c and, redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

According to one embodiment, the pusher 3100 may push the cartridge 2000 in a direction opposite to the direction in which it is inserted into the cartridge tray 1100 . Specifically, the pusher 3100 is disposed in the receiving space 1110 of the cartridge tray 1100, and when the cartridge tray 1100 moves from the closed position to the open position, the cartridge 2000 is removed from the cartridge tray 1100. can be pushed in that direction.

For example, the pusher 3100 is compressed in a position where the cartridge tray 1100 is closed with respect to the body (eg, a first position P1), and then is opened with respect to the body (eg, a second position P2). ) may be an elastic body that pushes the cartridge 2000 from the cartridge tray 1100 while the compression is released.

Specifically, when the cartridge tray 1100 is in the first position P1, the cartridge 2000 and/or the elastic body is fixed by a fixing device (not shown), and the cartridge tray 1100 is moved to the second position. In response to moving to (P2), the fixing device is released, and in response thereto, the elastic body expands to push the cartridge 2000 from the cartridge tray 1100 .

As another example, the pusher 3100 is not magnetic when the cartridge tray 1100 is closed, but when the cartridge tray 1100 is moved to the open position, the cartridge 2000 has the same magnetism as the cartridge 2000 . It may also be an electromagnet that applies a repulsive force.

Specifically, the processor 1800 causes a current to flow in the pusher 3100 when the cartridge tray 1100 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, so that the pusher 3100 moves the cartridge 2000. It can be controlled to have the same magnetism as However, it can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that the pusher 3100 is not limited to these examples and may be implemented in various ways.

According to another embodiment, the insertion detection sensor 3200 may detect whether the cartridge 2000 is accommodated in the cartridge tray 1100. For example, the insertion detection sensor 3200 is located in the receiving space 1110 of the cartridge tray 1100, and when the cartridge 2000 is inserted, a pressure sensor (eg, a button, a switch) for detecting the reception of the cartridge 2000. ) can be

As another example, the insertion detection sensor 3200 may be a magnetic sensor (eg, a Hall sensor) that detects a magnetic field that changes as the cartridge 2000 containing a magnetic substance approaches the cartridge tray 1100. . However, the insertion detection sensor 3200 is not limited thereto, and any sensor that detects a change occurring as the cartridge 2000 is accommodated in the cartridge tray 1100 may be included therein.

The aerosol generating device 1000 according to the embodiment may be operated to close the cartridge tray 1100 when the insertion of the cartridge 2000 is detected in the open position of the cartridge tray 1100 with respect to the main body. Specifically, the processor 1800 may receive whether the cartridge 2000 is inserted from the insertion detection sensor 3200 and control the driving unit 1200 to move the cartridge tray 1100 in a closing direction.

As the insertion detection sensor 3200 is included in the aerosol generating device 1000, the cartridge tray 1100 can be closed only by inserting the cartridge 2000 without a user's additional manipulation, so that the replacement convenience of the cartridge 2000 will be improved. can

According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1000 may include a capacity detecting sensor 3300 for detecting the amount of the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge (2000). Here, the capacity sensor 3300 may be located in the main body or the cartridge tray 1100, as well as located in the cartridge (2000).

The processor 1800 receives the amount of the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge 2000 from the capacity detection sensor 3300, and when the aerosol-generating material is detected below a preset amount, controls the driving unit 1200 to control the cartridge tray 1100 ) can be moved to protrude slightly.

For example, the cartridge tray 1100 may include a sensor (eg, a scale) for detecting the weight of the cartridge 2000, and the processor 1800 may detect that the weight of the cartridge 2000 is less than or equal to a predetermined value. In this case, it is determined that the amount of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and the drive unit 1200 moves the cartridge tray 1100 to the third position P3 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 described above. ) can be controlled.

As such, the aerosol generating device 1000 according to the embodiment allows the cartridge tray 1100 to automatically move according to the amount of the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge 2000, thereby visually prompting the user to replace the cartridge 2000 It is possible to notify the necessity, so that the user's convenience can be improved.

The battery 1900 may supply power required for the aerosol generating device 1000 . For example, the battery 1900 may supply power required to operate the processor 1800 , the driving unit 1200 , and the insertion detection sensor 3200 . A more detailed description of a general-purpose configuration included in the aerosol generating device 1000 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 .

9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating device 900 may include a battery 910 , an atomizer 920 , a sensor 930 , a user interface 940 , a memory 950 , and a processor 960 . However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 9 . According to the design of the aerosol generating device 900, some of the hardware components shown in FIG. 9 may be omitted or a new configuration may be further added to those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment It can be understood .

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 900 may include a body, in which case the hardware elements included in the aerosol-generating device 900 are located on the body.

As another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 900 may include a body and a cartridge, and hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 900 may be located separately from the body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 900 may be located in the body and the cartridge, respectively.

Hereinafter, the operation of each element will be described without limiting the space in which each element included in the aerosol generating device 900 is located.

The battery 910 supplies the power used to operate the aerosol generating device 900 . That is, the battery 910 may supply power so that the atomizer 920 may atomize the aerosol generating material. In addition, the battery 910 may supply power required for the operation of other hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 900 , that is, the sensor 930 , the user interface 940 , the memory 950 , and the processor 960 . have. The battery 910 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

For example, battery 910 may be a nickel-based battery (eg, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (eg, a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-phosphate battery, lithium titanate battery, lithium-ion battery or lithium-polymer battery). However, the type of the battery 910 that can be used in the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited by the above description. If necessary, the battery 910 may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

The atomizer 920 receives power from the battery 910 under the control of the processor 960 . The atomizer 920 may receive power from the battery 910 to atomize the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating device 900 .

The atomizer 920 may be located in the body of the aerosol generating device 900 . Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 900 includes a main body and a cartridge, the atomizer 920 may be located in the cartridge or divided into the main body and the cartridge. When the atomizer 920 is located in the cartridge, the atomizer 920 may receive power from the battery 910 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

In addition, when the atomizer 920 is divided into the main body and the cartridge, the parts requiring power supply in the atomizer 920 may receive power from the battery 910 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

Atomizer 920 generates an aerosol from the aerosol generating material inside the cartridge. Aerosol means a suspension in which liquid and/or solid fine particles are dispersed in a gas. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the atomizer 920 may mean a state in which the vaporized particles generated from the aerosol generating material and air are mixed.

For example, atomizer 920 may convert a phase of aerosol-generating material into a phase of gas through vaporization and/or sublimation. In addition, the atomizer 920 may generate an aerosol by discharging an aerosol-generating material in a liquid and/or solid phase into fine particles.

For example, the atomizer 920 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by using 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 vibration generated by a vibrator.

Although not shown in FIG. 9 , the atomizer 920 may optionally include a heater capable of heating the aerosol generating material by generating heat. The aerosol generating material may be heated by the heater, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

The heater may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. It may be a metal or metal alloy including, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater may be implemented as a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating element, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

For example, in one embodiment the heater may be part of a cartridge, and the heater may be included in the body of the aerosol generating device. The cartridge may also include a reservoir and/or an absorbent body, and the body may include a receiver and/or an absorbent body.

For example, the aerosol-generating material accommodated in the receiving unit may move to the absorber, and the heater may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the absorber. For example, the heater may be wound around or disposed adjacent to the absorbent body.

Meanwhile, the heater may be an induction heating type heater. The heater may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the aerosol generating material in an induction heating manner, and the cartridge and/or body may include a susceptor capable of being heated by the induction heating heater.

The aerosol generating device 900 may include at least one sensor 930 . The result sensed by the at least one sensor 930 is transmitted to the processor 960, and according to the sensing result, the processor 960 controls the operation of the atomizer 920, restricts smoking, inserts a cartridge (or cigarette) The aerosol generating device 900 may be controlled to perform various functions, such as no determination and notification display.

For example, the at least one sensor 930 may include a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may detect the user's puff based on at least one of a change in flow rate of an externally introduced airflow, a change in pressure, and detection of a sound. The puff detection sensor may detect a start timing and an end timing of the user's puff, and the processor 960 may detect a puff period and a non-puff period according to the detected start timing and end timing of the puff. can be judged

Also, the at least one sensor 930 may include a user input sensor. The user input sensor may be a sensor capable of receiving a user's input, such as a switch, a physical button, or a touch sensor. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor that can detect a user's input by detecting a change in capacitance and generating a change in capacitance when the user touches a predetermined area formed of a metal material. have. The processor 960 may determine whether a user input has occurred by comparing values before and after the change in capacitance received from the capacitive sensor. When the value before and after the change of capacitance exceeds a preset threshold, the processor 960 may determine that the user's input has occurred.

Also, the at least one sensor 930 may include a motion sensor. Information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 900 such as inclination, moving speed, and acceleration of the aerosol generating device 900 may be acquired through the motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor may detect a state in which the aerosol generating device 900 is in motion, a stationary state of the aerosol generating device 900, a state in which the aerosol generating device 900 is tilted at an angle within a predetermined range for puff, and each puff action. In between, information regarding a state in which the aerosol generating device 900 is tilted at an angle different from that during the puff operation may be measured. The motion sensor may measure motion information of the aerosol generating device 900 using various methods known in the art. For example, the motion sensor may include an acceleration sensor capable of measuring acceleration in three directions, an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, and a gyro sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in three directions.

In addition, the at least one sensor 930 may include a consumable detachment sensor capable of detecting installation or removal of a consumable (eg, cartridge, cigarette, etc.) that can be used in the aerosol generating device 900 . For example, the consumables detachment sensor may detect whether the consumables are in contact with the aerosol generating device 900 or determine whether the consumables are detached by the image sensor. In addition, the consumable detachment sensor may be an inductance sensor that detects a change in the inductance value of the coil that may interact with the marker of the consumable, or a capacitance sensor that detects a change in the capacitance value of the capacitor that may interact with the marker of the consumable.

Also, the at least one sensor 930 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect a temperature at which the heater (or the aerosol generating material) of the atomizer 920 is heated. The aerosol generating device 900 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater, or the heater itself may serve as a temperature sensor instead of a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, a separate temperature sensor may be further included in the aerosol generating device 900 while the heater functions as a temperature sensor. In addition, the temperature sensor may sense the temperature of internal components such as a printed circuit board (PCB) and a battery of the aerosol generating device 900 as well as the heater.

In addition, the at least one sensor 930 may include various sensors that measure information on the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 900 . For example, the at least one sensor 930 may include a temperature sensor that can measure the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the surrounding environment, and an atmospheric pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the surrounding environment.

The sensor 930 that may be provided in the aerosol generating device 900 is not limited to the above-described type, and may further include various sensors.

In the aerosol generating device 900, only some of the examples of the various sensors 930 exemplified above may be selected and implemented. In other words, the aerosol generating device 900 may combine and utilize information sensed by at least one sensor among the aforementioned sensors.

The user interface 940 may provide information about the state of the aerosol generating device 900 to the user. The user interface 940 includes a display or lamp for outputting visual information, a motor for outputting tactile information, a speaker for outputting sound information, and input/output (I/O) for receiving information input from a user or outputting information to the user. ) Interfacing means (eg, button or touch screen) and terminals for data communication or receiving charging power, wireless communication with external devices (eg, WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC) (Near-Field Communication, etc.) may include various interfacing means such as a communication interfacing module for performing.

However, in the aerosol generating device 900, only some of the various examples of the user interface 940 exemplified above may be selected and implemented.

The memory 950 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 900 , and the memory 950 may store data processed by the processor 960 and data to be processed. The memory 950 may include a variety of random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like. It can be implemented in types.

The memory 950 may store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 900 , the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The processor 960 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 900 . The processor 960 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 in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. In addition, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor 960 may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The processor 960 analyzes a result sensed by the at least one sensor 930 and controls processes to be subsequently performed.

The processor 960 may control the power supplied to the atomizer 920 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 920 based on the result sensed by the at least one sensor 930 . In addition, the processor 960, based on the result sensed by the at least one sensor 930, the amount of power supplied to the atomizer 920 so that the atomizer 920 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol and You can control the time the power is supplied. For example, the processor 960 may control the current or voltage supplied to the vibrator so that the vibrator of the atomizer 920 vibrates at a predetermined frequency.

In an embodiment, the processor 960 may start the operation of the atomizer 920 after receiving a user input for the aerosol generating device 900 . In addition, the processor 960 may start the operation of the atomizer 920 after detecting the user's puff using the puff detection sensor. In addition, after counting the number of puffs using the puff detection sensor, the processor 960 may stop supplying power to the atomizer 920 when the number of puffs reaches a preset number.

The processor 960 may control the user interface 940 based on a result sensed by the at least one sensor 930 . For example, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number after counting the number of puffs using the puff detection sensor, the processor 960 provides the aerosol generating device 900 to the user using at least one of a lamp, a motor, and a speaker. ) can be foreshadowed soon.

In addition, the processor 960 may cause at least one component included in the aerosol generating device 900 to operate based on the user input sensed by the user input sensor. For example, the processor 960 may control the motor to move the cartridge tray accommodating the cartridge included in the aerosol generating device 900 according to an embodiment by sensing a user input.

In addition, the processor 960 may cause at least one component included in the aerosol generating device 900 to operate based on motion information of the aerosol generating device 900 sensed by the motion sensor. For example, the processor 960 controls the motor to close the cartridge tray accommodating the cartridge included in the aerosol generating device 900 when the detected inclination of the aerosol generating device 900 is 45 degrees or more with respect to the ground. or not open.

In addition, the processor 960 may close the opened cartridge tray based on the information whether the cartridge is accommodated or separated in the cartridge tray of the aerosol generating device 900 sensed by the consumable detachment sensor.

A person of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment will understand that it can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed methods are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention.

100: aerosol generating device 110: battery
120: processor 130: heater
140: vaporizer 200: cigarette
1000: aerosol generating device 1100: cartridge tray
1110: accommodation space 1120: cartridge outer wall
1121: cartridge sidewall 1122: groove
1123: cartridge door 1124: sealing member
1200: driving unit 1210: motor
1220: pinion 1230: rack
1260: motor 1270: gearbox
1280: axis of rotation 1300: housing
1310: opening 1400: user interface
1500: mouthpiece, cigarette 1600: cigarette receiving unit
1610: a portion of the cigarette accommodating portion 1620: the other portion of the cigarette accommodating portion
1621: airflow passage 1622: body electrode
1700: winding insertion regulator 1710: insertion hole
1800: processor 1900: battery
2000: cartridge 2100: cartridge electrode
2200: exhaust hole 2300: atomizer
3100: pusher 3200: insertion detection sensor
3300: capacity sensor 900: aerosol generating device
910: battery 920: atomizer
930: sensor 940: user interface
950: memory 960: processor

Claims (15)

An aerosol generating device containing a cartridge, comprising:
a cartridge tray receiving the cartridge and movable between a first position inside the aerosol-generating device and a second position projecting out of the aerosol-generating device to receive the cartridge; and
Aerosol generating device comprising a; a driving unit for moving the cartridge tray. The method of claim 1,
The driving unit uses electric power to linearly move the cartridge tray, an aerosol generating device. The method of claim 1,
The driving unit comprises a rack (rack) disposed on the cartridge tray, a pinion (pinion) for moving the rack linearly, and a motor for rotating the pinion, aerosol generating device. The method of claim 1,
The driving unit rotates and moves the cartridge tray using electric power, an aerosol generating device. The method of claim 1,
The driving unit includes a motor for rotating the cartridge tray by driving the rotation shaft and the rotation shaft disposed on the cartridge tray, the aerosol generating device. The method of claim 1,
wherein the cartridge tray moves along a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device. The method of claim 1,
Cigarette receiving unit; further comprising,
wherein the cartridge is connected with the cigarette receiver such that aerosol generated in the cartridge is delivered to the cigarette receiver when the cartridge tray is in the first position. 8. The method of claim 7,
The cigarette receiving unit and the cartridge are arranged in parallel with respect to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device. 8. The method of claim 7,
Cigarette insertion controller; further comprising,
The cigarette insertion regulator is moved together with the cartridge tray, thereby opening the cigarette receiving portion so that a cigarette can be inserted into the cigarette receiving portion when the cartridge tray is in the first position, and the cartridge tray is in the second position. closing the cigarette receiving portion to prevent insertion of a cigarette into the cigarette receiving portion when present. 10. The method of claim 9,
The cigarette insertion regulator includes an insertion port into which a cigarette is inserted,
wherein the insert corresponds to the cigarette receiving portion when the cartridge tray is in the first position, and the insert is disengaged from the cigarette receiving portion when the cartridge tray is in the second position. The method of claim 1,
A housing including an opening; further comprising:
and the cartridge tray moves through the opening between the first position and the second position, the door closing the opening in the first position. The method of claim 1,
The cartridge tray,
and a groove formed in at least a portion of a sidewall of the cartridge tray so that a user can grip the cartridge inserted into the cartridge tray. The method of claim 1,
The cartridge tray,
and a pusher for pushing the cartridge in a direction opposite to the direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge tray,
wherein the pusher pushes the cartridge out of the cartridge tray when the cartridge tray moves from the first position to the second position. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising; an insertion detection sensor for detecting whether the cartridge is inserted;
The cartridge tray is moved to the first position when the insertion of the cartridge is detected, an aerosol generating device. The method of claim 1,
a residual amount detection sensor for detecting the amount of the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge; and
Further comprising; a processor electrically connected to the remaining amount detection sensor;
The processor is
When the amount of the aerosol-generating material is detected to be less than a preset amount, controlling the driving unit to move the cartridge tray to a position partially protruding from the aerosol-generating device between the first position and the second position, an aerosol-generating device .

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