KR20230056546A - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed. The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure comprises: a chamber which is extended long, and stores a liquid aerosol generating material therein; and a level sensor which is disposed inside the chamber. The level sensor includes: an insulating substrate which is extended in the longitudinal direction of the chamber; and a plurality of sensing electrodes which are formed of a conductor extended in the longitudinal direction, and are positioned on the insulating substrate to be spaced apart from each other in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. At least a portion of the plurality of sensing electrodes may be in contact with the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

Aerosol generating devices are for extracting certain components from a medium or substance through an aerosol. The medium may contain materials of various components. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. For example, the substance included in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, many studies on these aerosol generating devices have been conducted.

The present disclosure aims to solve the foregoing and other problems.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of accurately determining the amount of aerosol generating material in a cartridge.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of adjusting power supplied to a heater when the aerosol generating material is exhausted.

Another object may be to provide an aerosol generating device capable of accurately recognizing to the user when the aerosol generating material is exhausted and when the cartridge is to be replaced.

An aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above object includes a chamber extending long and storing a liquid aerosol generating material therein; and a level sensor disposed inside the chamber, wherein the level sensor comprises: an insulator substrate extending in a longitudinal direction of the chamber; and a plurality of sensing electrodes formed of a conductor extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction on the insulator substrate, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of sensing electrodes is disposed in the chamber. may come into contact with the liquid aerosol-generating substance within the body.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the amount of aerosol generating material in the cartridge can be accurately determined.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, power supplied to the heater may be adjusted when the aerosol generating material is exhausted.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the exhaustion of the aerosol generating material and the replacement timing of the cartridge can be accurately recognized by the user.

Additional scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are given as examples only.

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 and 3 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
4 to 6 are views referenced in description of a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
7 is a diagram showing the structure of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
8 to 11 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
13 and 14 are views referenced for description of the operation of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, the same or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description may be given or used interchangeably in consideration of ease of writing the specification. "Module" and "unit" do not have meanings or roles distinct from each other by themselves.

In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiment disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents or substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components. However, the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When an element is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element. However, it should be understood that other components may exist in the middle. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a communication interface 11, an input/output interface 12, an aerosol generating module 13, a memory 14, a sensor module 15, a battery 16, and/or Alternatively, the controller 17 may be included.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of only the main body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located in the main body 100. In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may be composed of a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material and a main body 100. In this case, components included in the aerosol generating device 10 may be located on at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

The communication interface 11 may include at least one communication module for communication with an external device and/or network. For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wired communication such as universal serial bus (USB). For example, the communication interface 11 may include a communication module for wireless communication such as WiFi (wireless fidelity), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, and NFC (near field communication). can

The input/output interface 12 may include an input device for receiving commands from a user and/or an output device 122 for outputting information to the user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, physical buttons, and a microphone. For example, the output device 122 may include a display device for outputting visual information such as a display and a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device for outputting auditory information such as a speaker and a buzzer, and a tactile sensation such as a haptic effect. A motor for outputting information may be included.

The input/output interface 12 may transfer data corresponding to a command input from a user through an input device to other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 10 . The input/output interface 12 may output information corresponding to data received from the other component(s) of the aerosol generating device 10 through the output device 122.

The aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Here, the aerosol-generating material may refer to any one material or a combination of two or more materials in various states such as a liquid state, a solid state, and a gel state capable of generating an aerosol.

The liquid aerosol-generating material may be, according to one embodiment, a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor component. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material according to another embodiment. For example, liquid aerosol-generating substances may include water, solvents, nicotine, plant extracts, fragrances, flavoring agents, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

Solid-state aerosol-generating materials may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as leafy leaf sheets, cut fillers, and granules. In addition, the solid-state aerosol-generating material may include a solid material including a taste control agent, a flavoring material, and the like. For example, the taste control agent may include calcium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium oxide and the like. For example, the fragrance material may include natural materials such as herbal granules, or silica, zeolite, and dextrin including fragrance components.

In addition, the aerosol generating material may further include an aerosol former such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include at least one heater.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, an electrical resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track. An electrical resistive heater can be heated by a current flowing through an electrically conductive track. At this time, the aerosol generating material may be heated by the heated electrical resistive heater.

The electrically conductive track may include an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive track may be formed of a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive tracks may be formed of a ceramic material, carbon, a metal alloy, or a combination of a ceramic material and a metal.

The electrical resistive heater may include electrically conductive tracks formed in various shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tubular shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, a rod shape, and a coil shape.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heating type heater may include an electrically conductive coil. The induction heating type heater may generate an alternating magnetic field whose direction is periodically changed by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. In this case, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to the magnetic body, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic body. Also, as the energy lost is released as thermal energy, the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic body may be heated. Here, an object generating heat by a magnetic field may be referred to as a susceptor.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating module 13 may generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

The aerosol generating module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, an atomizer, a vaporizer, and the like.

When the aerosol generating device 10 is composed of the cartridge 200 holding the aerosol generating material and the main body 100, the aerosol generating module 13 may be located in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200. there is.

The memory 14 may store programs for processing and controlling each signal in the control unit 17 . The memory 14 may store data processed by the controller 17 and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 14 may store application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks processable by the control unit 17 . The memory 14 may selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of the control unit 17 .

For example, the memory 14 may include the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery 16 is charged, the number of times the battery 16 is discharged, at least one temperature profile, Data on the user's suction pattern, data on charging/discharging, and the like may be stored. Here, the puff may mean user's inhalation. Inhalation may refer to a situation in which the user draws into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

For example, the memory 14 may match and store the size of impedance between the plurality of sensing electrodes of the level sensor and the amount of liquid aerosol generating material in the cartridge.

The memory 14 includes volatile memory (eg, DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (eg, flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD)), solid state drive (Solid-state drive), and the like. state drive; SSD).

The memory 14 may be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 . The memory 14 may be disposed in the main body 100 and the cartridge 200, respectively. For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store information about components disposed inside the main body 100 , for example, information about the total capacity of the battery 190 . For example, the memory of the main body 100 may store cartridge information received from the cartridge 200 previously or currently coupled with the main body 100, and the memory of the cartridge 200 may store identification information of the cartridge. (ID information), cartridge information including cartridge type information, etc. may be stored.

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor for detecting a puff (hereinafter referred to as a puff sensor). In this case, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, and the like.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a temperature sensor) for sensing the temperature of a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 and the temperature of an aerosol generating material.

At this time, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13 may serve as a temperature sensor. For example. The electrical resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The sensor module 15 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which varies according to the temperature.

For example, when a stick can be inserted into the body of the aerosol generating device 10, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor) for detecting the insertion of the stick.

For example, when the aerosol generating device 10 includes the cartridge 200, the sensor module 15 is a sensor for detecting attachment/detachment, position, etc. , cartridge detection sensor) may be included.

At this time, the stick detection sensor and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor using a hall effect (hall IC), and the like. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge detection sensor may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal is provided on the main body 100, and as the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, it may be electrically connected to electrodes provided on the cartridge 200.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor for detecting voltage applied to a component (eg, battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and/or a current sensor for detecting current. can

For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor (hereinafter referred to as motion sensor 154) for detecting motion of the body 100 and/or the cartridge 200 of the aerosol generating device 10. . In this case, the motion sensor 154 may be implemented by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor 154 may be disposed on at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 .

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter, a level sensor 250) that detects an amount of liquid aerosol generating material present in the chamber C1 of the aerosol generating device 10. In this case, the level sensor 250 may include a plurality of sensing electrodes positioned spaced apart from each other on an insulator substrate. A plurality of sensing electrodes may be in contact with the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1. The magnitude of the impedance between the plurality of sensing electrodes of the level sensor 250 may have a different value depending on the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material present in the chamber C1.

The battery 16 may supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 under the control of the controller 17 . The battery 16 may supply power to other components included in the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the battery 16 may supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, a heater included in the aerosol generating module 13, and the like.

The battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 16 may be a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the battery 16 can be charged, the charge rate (C-rate) of the battery 16 may be 10C and the discharge rate (C-rate) may be 10C to 20C, but is not limited thereto. In addition, for stable use, the battery 16 may be manufactured so that 80% or more of the total capacity may be secured even when charging/discharging is performed 2000 times.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a battery protection module (PCM), which is a circuit for protecting the battery 16. The battery protection module (PCM) may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the battery 16 . For example, the battery protection module (PCM), in order to prevent overcharging and overdischarging of the battery 16, when a short circuit occurs in a circuit connected to the battery 16, when an overvoltage is applied to the battery 16 , in the case where an overcurrent flows through the battery 16, the electric path to the battery 16 can be cut off.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal into which power supplied from the outside is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the main body of the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through a charging terminal. At this time, the charging terminal may include a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, and the like.

The aerosol generating device 10 may wirelessly receive power supplied from the outside through the communication interface 11 . For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication. The aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied wirelessly.

The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 . The control unit 17 may be connected to each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10. The control unit 17 may transmit and/or receive signals between each component and control the overall operation of each component.

The controller 17 may include at least one processor. The controller 17 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 10 by using a processor. Here, the processor may be a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor.

The controller 17 may control voltage to be applied to a plurality of sensing electrodes of the level sensor 250 and measure impedance between the plurality of sensing electrodes. In this case, an AC voltage may be applied between the plurality of sensing electrodes. The controller 17 may calculate the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 based on the measured impedance.

The controller 17 may perform any one of a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 . For example, the control unit 17 may perform a plurality of functions of the aerosol generating device 10 ( Example: preheating function, heating function, charging function, cleaning function, etc.) may be performed.

The controller 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 based on data stored in the memory 14 . For example, the control unit 17 controls the supply of a predetermined power from the battery 16 to the aerosol generating module 13 for a predetermined period of time based on data on the temperature profile, the user's inhalation pattern, etc. stored in the memory 14. You can control it.

The control unit 17 may determine whether a puff is present through a puff sensor included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the controller 17 may check a temperature change, a flow change, a pressure change, a voltage change, and the like in the aerosol generating device 10 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor. The control unit 17 may determine whether or not a puff is present according to a result confirmed based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

The control unit 17 may control the operation of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10 according to whether or not puffs are puffed and/or the number of puffs. For example, the controller 17 may control the temperature of the heater to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14 .

The control unit 17 may control power supply to the heater to be cut off according to a predetermined condition. For example, when the stick is removed, when the cartridge 200 is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, and when the remaining capacity of the battery 16 is reached. In the case where this value is less than a predetermined value, the controller 17 can control power supply to the heater to be cut off.

The controller 17 may calculate the remaining capacity of power stored in the battery 16 . For example, the controller 17 may calculate the amount of remaining power of the battery 16 based on a sensing value of a voltage sensor and/or a current sensor included in the sensor module 15 .

The controller 17 controls power to be supplied to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method. can

For example, the control unit 17 may control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater using a PWM method. At this time, the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature serving as a control target based on the temperature profile. At this time, the control unit 17 uses a PID method, which is a feedback control method through a difference value between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time. By using it, it is possible to control the power supplied to the heater.

For example, the controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the temperature profile. The controller 17 may control the length of a heating section for heating the heater, the amount of power supplied to the heater during the heating section, and the like. The controller 17 may control power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

On the other hand, although the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a proportional-integral (PI) method, a proportional-derivative (Proportional-Integral) method, Differential, PD) method, etc. may be used in various control methods.

The controller 17 may determine the temperature of the heater and adjust power supplied to the heater according to the temperature of the heater. For example, the controller 17 may determine the temperature of the heater by checking a resistance value of the heater, a current flowing through the heater, and/or a voltage applied to the heater.

Meanwhile, the controller 17 may control power to be supplied to the heater according to preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning a space into which a stick is inserted is selected according to a command input from a user through the input/output interface 12, the controller 17 may control a predetermined power to be supplied to the heater.

2 and 3 are views referenced for description of an aerosol generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material.

The cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 100 according to one embodiment. The cartridge 200 may be integrally formed with the main body 100 according to another embodiment. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge 200 may be inserted into an inner space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100, and the cartridge 200 may be mounted on the main body 100.

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure in which external air may be introduced into the main body 100 in a state in which the cartridge 200 is inserted. At this time, outside air introduced into the main body 100 may flow into the user's mouth through the cartridge 200 .

The controller 17 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is mounted/detached through a cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15 . For example, the cartridge detection sensor may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200 . In this case, the cartridge detecting sensor may detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is connected based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal.

The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 that heats the aerosol generating material and/or a reservoir 220 that holds the aerosol generating material. For example, a liquid delivery means that impregnates (contains) an aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the reservoir 220 . The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed into a structure that winds the liquid delivery means. At this time, as the liquid delivery unit is heated by the heater 210, aerosol may be generated. Here, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 configured to allow the stick 20 to be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along a direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. At this time, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inner side of the inner wall vertically. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the stick 20 inserted into the insertion space. For example, when the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

When the stick 20 is inserted into the insertion space, the outer circumferential surface of the stick 20 is surrounded by an inner wall and may be in contact with the inner wall.

The stick 20 may be similar to a conventional combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating material and a second part including a filter. Alternatively, the aerosol generating material may also be included in the second part of the stick 20 . An aerosol generating material, eg in the form of granules or capsules, may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the insertion space 230, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion may be inserted into the insertion space 230, or portions of the first portion and the second portion may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while opening the second portion. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing the external air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second portion and be delivered to the user's mouth.

The user may inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in the mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 may pass through the stick 20 and be delivered to the user's mouth. At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the substance contained in the stick 20 may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the substance added may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20 there is.

The controller 17 may monitor the number of puffs based on a value sensed by the puff sensor from the time point when the stick 20 is inserted.

The controller 17 may initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14 when the inserted stick 20 is removed.

Referring to FIG. 3 , an aerosol generating device 10 according to an embodiment may include a main body 100 supporting a cartridge 200 and a cartridge 200 holding an aerosol generating material. The main body 100 may be configured such that the stick 20 can be inserted into the insertion space 130 .

The aerosol generating device 10 may include a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 . For example, when a user inhales one end of the stick 20 through the mouth, aerosol generated by the first heater may pass through the stick 20 . At this time, while the aerosol passes through the stick 20, a flavor may be added to the aerosol. The flavored aerosol may be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20 .

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a first heater for heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and a second heater for heating the stick 20 inserted into the main body 100. may include each. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material stored in the cartridge 200 and the stick 20 through the first heater and the second heater, respectively.

4 to 6 are views referenced in description of a stick according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of overlapping contents in FIGS. 4 to 6 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a cigarette 20 according to an embodiment may include a tobacco rod 21 and a filter rod 22 . The first part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include a tobacco rod 21 . The second part described above with reference to FIG. 2 may include the filter rod 22 .

Although filter rod 22 is shown as a single segment in FIG. 4, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment performing other functions.

The diameter of the stick 20 is within the range of 5mm to 9mm, and the length may be about 48mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the tobacco rod 21 is about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod 22 is about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod 22 is about 14 mm, the length of the filter rod 22 The length of the third segment of may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged may be formed in the wrapper 24 . As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24 . As another example, the stick 20 may be overlappingly wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 . For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by the first wrapper 241 . For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242 , 243 , and 244 . The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined. The entire stick 20 may be re-wrapped by the third wrapper 245 . When each of the filter rods 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be wrapped by individual wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20 in which segments wrapped by individual wrappers are combined may be re-wrapped by another wrapper.

The first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers. In addition, the first wrapper 241 and the second wrapper 242 may be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum laminate packaging material.

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 88 g/m 2 to 96 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be within a range of 90 g/m 2 to 94 g/m 2 . In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be included in the range of 120um to 130um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125um.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of oil-resistant hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 88 g/m 2 to 96 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be within a range of 90 g/m 2 to 94 g/m 2 . In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be included in the range of 120um to 130um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125um.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 57 g/m 2 to 63 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g/m 2 . Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be within a range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67um.

A predetermined material may be internally added to the fifth wrapper 245 . Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance without being oxidized, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above characteristics may be coated or coated on the fifth wrapper 245 without limitation.

The fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 110, there is a possibility that the stick 20 is burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may be burned. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper 245 includes an incombustible material, burning of the stick 20 can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper 245 may prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by substances produced in the stick 20 . Liquid substances may be created in the stick 20 by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (eg, moisture, etc.) may be generated by cooling the aerosol generated in the stick 20 by external air. As the fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20 , liquid substances generated in the stick 20 may be prevented from leaking out of the stick 20 .

The tobacco rod 21 may contain 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. In addition, the tobacco rod 21 may contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, humectants and/or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer can be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it to the tobacco rod 21 .

The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be made of a cut filler in which a tobacco sheet is chopped. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conducting material. For example, the thermal conduction material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can improve the thermal conductivity applied to the tobacco rod by evenly distributing the heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21 . This can improve the taste of tobacco. A heat conduction material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor to be heated by an induction heating type heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, the shape of the filter rod 22 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tubular rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The first segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. When the heater 110 is inserted by the first segment, the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 may be prevented from being pushed back, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may be generated. The diameter of the hollow included in the first segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment of the filter rod 22 cools the aerosol produced by the heater 110 heating the tobacco rod 21 . Thus, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

The length or diameter of the second segment may be variously determined according to the shape of the stick 20 . For example, the length of the second segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment may be fabricated by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, flavoring liquid may be applied to fibers made of polymer. Alternatively, the second segment may be manufactured by weaving a separate fiber coated with flavoring liquid and a fiber made of a polymer together. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

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

As the second segment is formed by woven polymer fibers or crimped polymer sheets, the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels. Here, the channel may refer to a passage through which gas (eg, air or aerosol) passes. .

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

Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be menthol, but is not limited thereto. For example, the thread may be loaded with sufficient menthol to provide at least 1.5 mg of menthol to the second segment.

The third segment of filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately employed within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The filter rod 22 may be manufactured to generate flavor. As an example, flavoring liquid may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22 . As an example, a separate fiber coated with flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22 .

In addition, at least one capsule 23 may be included in the filter rod 22 . Here, the capsule 23 may perform a function of generating flavor. The capsule 23 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the stick 30 according to one embodiment may further include a shear plug 33 . The front end plug 33 is located on one side opposite to the filter rod 32 in the tobacco rod 31 . The shear plug 33 can prevent the tobacco rod 31 from escaping to the outside. The shear plug 33 can prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 from flowing into the aerosol generating device 10 during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322 . The first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 4 . The second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 4 .

The diameter and total length of the stick 30 may correspond to the diameter and total length of the stick 20 of FIG. 4 . For example, the length of the shear plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm. may, but is not limited thereto.

The stick 30 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 35 . At least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal gas is discharged may be formed in the wrapper 35 . For example, the shear plug 33 is wrapped by the first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 is wrapped by the second wrapper 352, and the first segment by the third wrapper 353 ( 321) may be wrapped, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped by the fourth wrapper 354. Also, the entire stick 30 may be re-wrapped by the fifth wrapper 355 .

In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 355 . For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. For example, the perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 210 shown in FIG. 2 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

In addition, at least one capsule 34 may be included in the second segment 322 . Here, the capsule 34 may also perform a function of generating flavor. The capsule 34 may also perform the function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil coupled to a general filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be within a range of 45um to 55um. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3um. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be included in the range of 6um to 7um. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3um. In addition, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be included in the range of 50 g/m 2 to 55 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m2.

The second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be made of general filter wrappers. For example, the second wrapper 352 and the third wrapper 353 may be porous wrappers or non-porous wrappers.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be included in the range of 70um ~ 80um. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78um. In addition, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be within the range of 20 g/m 2 to 25 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be 24000 CU, but is not limited thereto. Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be within a range of 60um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68um. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be within the range of 20 g/m 2 to 25 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the 3 wrappers 353 may be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminate. Here, the PLA laminate may refer to three layers of paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 100um to 120um. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110um. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be included in the range of 80 g/m 2 to 100 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of sterile paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) may refer to paper specially manufactured to improve tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, and the like compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be within a range of 57 g/m 2 to 63 g/m 2 . For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be included in the range of 64um to 70um. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67um.

A predetermined material may be internally added to the fifth wrapper 355 . Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance with little change with temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above characteristics may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without limitation.

The shear plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the shear plug 33 may be fabricated by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the monodenier of the filament constituting the cellulose acetate tow may be included in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the shear plug 33 may be 5.0. In addition, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug 33 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be included in the range of 25000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the shear plug 33 may be 28000.

Also, if necessary, the front end plug 33 may include at least one channel. The shape of the cross section of the channel of the shear plug 330 can be manufactured in various ways.

The tobacco rod 31 may correspond to the tobacco rod 21 described above with reference to FIG. 4 . Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod 31 will be omitted below.

The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow therein. The first segment 321 may be manufactured by adding a plasticizer (eg, triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug 33 .

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filament of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. In addition, the cross section of the filament of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be included in the range of 20000 to 30000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25000.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the stick 40 may include a medium part 410 . The stick 40 may include a cooling unit 420 . The stick 40 may include a filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 . Stick 40 may include wrapper 440 . The wrapper 440 may cover the medium unit 410 . The wrapper 440 may cover the cooling unit 420 . The wrapper 440 may cover the filter unit 430 . The stick 40 may have a cylindrical shape.

The medium unit 410 may include a medium 411 . The medium unit 410 may include a first medium cover 413 . The medium unit 410 may include a second medium cover 415 . The medium 411 may be disposed between the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 . The first medium cover 413 may be disposed on one end of the stick 40 . The medium part 410 may have a length of 24 mm.

The medium 411 may include materials of various components. Substances included in the medium may be flavor substances of various components. Medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The medium 411 may be filled with about 70% of granules therein. The medium 411 may have a length L2 of 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 may be made of an acetate material. The second medium cover 415 may be made of an acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be made of a paper material. The second media cover 415 may be made of a paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 is made of a paper material and is gathered into a corrugated shape, and a plurality of gaps for air to flow may be formed therebetween. The gap may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 411 . The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L3 of the second medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 413 may be 7 mm.

Accordingly, each granule of the medium 411 may not be separated from the medium part 410 and the stick 40 .

The cooling unit 420 may have a cylindrical shape. The cooling unit 420 may have a hollow shape. The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be disposed between the second medium cover 415 and the filter unit 430 . The cooling unit 420 may be formed in a tubular shape surrounding an internal cooling path 424 . The cooling unit 420 may be thicker than the wrapper 440 . The cooling unit 420 may be made of a thicker paper material than the wrapper 440 . The length L4 of the cooling unit 420 may be the same as or similar to the length L2 of the medium 411 . The length L4 of the cooling part 420 and the cooling path 424 may be 10 mm. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, at least a portion of the cooling unit 420 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10.

Accordingly, the cooling unit 420 supports the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, and the rigidity of the stick 40 can be secured. In addition, the cooling unit 420 may support the wrapper 440 between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430 and secure an area to which the wrapper 440 may be adhered. In addition, the heated air and aerosol may be cooled while passing through the cooling path 424 inside the cooling unit 420 .

The filter unit 430 may be composed of a filter made of an acetate material. The filter unit 430 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 40. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the filter unit 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. A user may inhale air while holding the filter unit 430 in his/her mouth. The length L5 of the filter unit 430 may be 14 mm.

The wrapper 440 may surround or surround the medium unit 410 , the cooling unit 420 and the filter unit 430 . The wrapper 440 may configure the outer shape of the stick 40 . The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. The adhesive portion 441 may be formed on one edge of the wrapper 440 . The wrapper 440 surrounds the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430, and the adhesive unit 441 formed on one edge and the other edge may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 covering the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430 may not cover one end and the other end of the stick 40.

Accordingly, the wrapper 440 may fix the medium unit 410, the cooling unit 420, and the filter unit 430, and prevent separation from the stick 40.

The first thin film 443 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first medium cover 413 . The first thin film 443 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the first medium cover 413 or disposed outside the wrapper 440 . The first thin film 443 may surround the first medium cover 413 . The first thin film 443 may be made of a metal material. The first thin film 443 may be made of an aluminum material. The first thin film 443 may adhere to or be coated on the wrapper 440 .

The second thin film 445 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second medium cover 415 . The second thin film 445 may be disposed between the wrapper 440 and the second medium cover 415 or disposed outside the wrapper 440 . The second thin film 445 may be made of a metal material. The second thin film 445 may be made of aluminum. The second thin film 445 may adhere to or be coated on the wrapper 440 .

7 is a diagram showing the structure of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 8 to 11 are views referenced for description of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. .

Throughout this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" may be determined based on the direction of airflow flowing so that generated aerosol is drawn into the user's mouth or lungs when the user inhales using a stick. For example, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tobacco rods 21 and 31 are upstream of the filter rods 22 and 32 as the aerosols generated in the tobacco rods 21 and 31 are directed to the filter rods 22 and 32. , and the filter rods 22 and 32 are positioned downstream of the tobacco rods 21 and 31. “Upstream” and “downstream” may be determined relative to components.

Throughout this specification, the direction of the aerosol generating device 10 may be defined based on a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generating device 10. In this case, based on the origin, a direction toward +x may mean a right direction, and a direction toward -x may mean a left direction. The y-axis direction may be defined as a vertical direction of the aerosol generating device 10. In this case, a direction toward +y based on the origin may mean an upward direction, and a direction toward -y may mean a downward direction. The z-axis direction may be defined as the forward and backward directions of the aerosol generating device 10. A direction toward +z based on the origin may mean a forward direction, and a direction toward -z may mean a rearward direction.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the aerosol generating device 10 may include a body 100 and a cartridge 200. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a heater 210, a motion sensor 154, a level sensor 250, a connection terminal 155, a battery 16, and/or a controller 17.

The cartridge 200 may be detachable from the main body 100 . Inside the cartridge 200, a chamber C1 may be formed.

The cartridge 200 may include an outer wall and an inner wall. The chamber C1 may be constituted by a space between an outer wall and an inner wall. The chamber C1 may store a liquid aerosol generating material therein. The liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 may be heated by the heater 210 .

The cartridge 200 may include a wick (not shown). A wick may be connected to the chamber C1. The wick may be supplied with a liquid aerosol generating material stored in the chamber C1. The liquid aerosol generating material stored in the chamber C1 may be impregnated into the wick. When the wick is heated by the heater 210, an aerosol may be generated.

The heater 210 may be electrically connected to the battery 16 and/or the controller 17 . The heater 210 is positioned adjacent to the chamber C1 and may heat a wick impregnated with the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1. The heater 210 may heat the liquid aerosol generating material in the wick.

The cartridge 200 may be placed in contact with the main body 100 . The cartridge 200 may be coupled to the main body 100 or separated from the main body 100 . Among the outer walls of the cartridge 200, a lower wall may be in contact with the main body 100. A connection terminal 155 may be provided on a surface of the main body 100 in contact with the cartridge 200 . The connection terminals 155 may protrude to the outside of the main body 100 and may be disposed. In a state where the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, the connection terminal 155 may be electrically connected by contacting a plurality of terminals of the level sensor 250.

The level sensor 250 may be disposed inside the chamber C1. At least some of the plurality of sensing electrodes of the level sensor 250 may be disposed inside the chamber C1. At least some of the plurality of sensing electrodes may contact the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the level sensor 250 may include an insulator substrate 251, a plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253, a plurality of terminals 254 and 255, and connection patterns 256 and 257.

The insulator substrate 251 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1. The insulator substrate 251 may be in the form of a plate having an elongated shape. The insulator substrate 251 may be formed of an insulator.

The plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253 may be formed of a conductor extending in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1. The plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253 may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction on the insulator substrate 251 . For example, the plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253 may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals in a direction (left and right direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 on the insulator substrate 251 .

The plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253 may include a first electrode 252 and a second electrode 253 . The first electrode 252 may include at least one electrode extending in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1. The second electrode 253 may include at least one electrode that extends in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 and is spaced apart from the at least one first electrode 252 . 8 shows a structure in which the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 are each formed of two electrodes, but the number of the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 is not limited thereto. .

The first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may be alternately disposed in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1. For example, electrodes may be alternately disposed on the insulator substrate 251 in the order of the first electrode 252 , the second electrode 253 , the first electrode 252 , and the second electrode 253 .

At least one first electrode 252 and at least one second electrode 253 are alternately disposed so that at least one second electrode 253 is disposed adjacent to the first electrode 252, and At least one first electrode 252 may be disposed adjacent to the second electrode 253 . Compared to the case where the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 are not alternately disposed or only one first electrode 252 and one second electrode 253 exist, the first electrode 252 and Impedance between the second electrodes 253 can be more accurately measured.

The plurality of terminals 254 and 255 may include a first terminal 254 and a second terminal 255 . The first terminal 254 may be electrically connected to the first electrode 252 . The second terminal 255 may be electrically connected to the second electrode 253 . For example, the first terminal 254 is connected to the first electrode 252 through the first connection pattern 256, and the second terminal 255 is connected to the second electrode through the second connection pattern 257 ( 253) can be linked.

The first terminal 254 and the second terminal 255 may be spaced apart from each other. The first terminal 254 and the second terminal 255 may be spaced apart from each other at a lower end of the insulator substrate 251 . The first terminal 254 and the second terminal 255 may be disposed to be exposed on one side of the lower wall of the cartridge 200 . The first terminal 254 and the second terminal 255 come into contact with the connection terminal 155 of the main body 100 in a state where the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, and is connected to the connecting terminal 155. It may be electrically connected to each included terminal.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may extend from the bottom surface to the top surface of the chamber C1.

One end of the level sensor 250 may be fixed to one side of the lower surface of the chamber C1, and the other end may be fixed to one side of the upper surface of the chamber C1. For example, one end of the insulator substrate 251 may be fixed to one side of the lower surface of the chamber C1 and the other end may be fixed to one side of the upper surface of the chamber C1.

Since the plurality of electrodes 252 and 253 of the level sensor 250 have a structure extending from the bottom surface to the top surface of the chamber C1, the aerosol generating device 10 is filled with liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 From the cold state to the non-existent state (exhausted state), the amount of liquid aerosol generating material can be accurately determined.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may extend from the bottom surface of the chamber C1 to a predetermined height.

For example, one end of the level sensor 250 may be fixed to one side of the lower surface of the chamber C1, and the other end may be positioned within the chamber C1. At this time, the predetermined height may be 1/10 or less of the height from the bottom surface to the top surface of the chamber C1.

By having a structure in which the plurality of electrodes 252 and 253 of the level sensor 250 extend only from the bottom surface of the chamber C1 to a predetermined height, the aerosol generating device 10, the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 It can accurately determine the state where it does not exist or only exists in very small amounts (exhaustion state).

Meanwhile, the insulator substrate 251 of the level sensor 250 may be disposed so that the surface on which the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 are formed faces the top surface of the chamber C1. In this case, the insulator substrate 251, the first electrode 252, and the second electrode 253 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 (front and rear directions).

Referring to FIG. 11 , the level sensor 250 may be positioned at or adjacent to the center of the bottom surface of the chamber C1.

The insulator substrate 251 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 from the center of or adjacent to the lower surface of the chamber C1.

When the plurality of electrodes 252 and 253 of the level sensor 250 extend in the longitudinal direction from the center of the lower surface of the chamber C1, even if the chamber C1 is inclined at a certain level with respect to the ground, the level sensor 250 The height Ha at which the plurality of electrodes 252 and 253 of ) are immersed in the liquid aerosol generating material is the height Ha at which the plurality of electrodes 252 and 253 of the level sensor 250 are immersed in the liquid aerosol It can be equal to or very close to the height of immersion (Hb) in the product. Therefore, even if the chamber C1 is inclined at a certain level with respect to the ground, the aerosol generating device 10 can accurately determine the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material.

The motion sensor 154 may measure motion information including a motion state, posture, and degree of tilt of the aerosol generating device 10 and output a signal corresponding to the measured information. The motion sensor 154 may be implemented by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor 154 may be disposed on at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200 .

The controller 17 may measure impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 of the level sensor 250 . The controller 17 may calculate the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 based on the measured impedance.

The battery 16 may supply power to the heater 210 based on the control of the controller 17 .

12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 13 and 14 are referred to for description of the operation of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. it is a drawing

Referring to FIG. 12 , the aerosol generating device 10 may detect engagement of the cartridge 200 in operation S1210. The aerosol generating device 10 detects whether or not the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100 when an event such as turning on the device or receiving a user input through an input device occurs. can

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100 through one terminal of the body 100. The aerosol generating device 10 may transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. At this time, the aerosol generating device 10 may detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100 based on whether a pulse current is received through the other terminal. Here, one terminal of the main body 100 may be a connection terminal 155 .

The aerosol generating device 10 may receive a measurement signal from the motion sensor 154 in operation S1220.

The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the angle of the chamber C1 in operation S1230. The angle of the chamber C1 may be defined as an angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 with respect to a vertical line in a direction perpendicular to the ground. The motion sensor 154 may measure motion information including a motion state, posture, and degree of tilt of the aerosol generating device 10 and output a signal corresponding to the measured information. The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the angle of the chamber C1 based on the signal received from the motion sensor 154 .

For example, when the top surface of the chamber C1 faces upward, the inclination of the aerosol generating device 10 may be calculated as 0 degrees. For example, when the top surface of the chamber C1 faces the left direction, the inclination of the aerosol generating device 10 may be calculated as 90 degrees.

The aerosol generating device 10 may compare the calculated angle of the chamber C1 with the reference angle in operation S1240. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the calculated angle A is less than the reference angle. For example, the reference angle may be 15 degrees or 30 degrees. However, the reference angle is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device 10 may output a warning through the output device 122 based on the fact that the calculated angle is greater than or equal to the reference angle in operation S1250. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 outputs information indicating that it is impossible to determine the amount and/or exhaustion of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 due to the tilting of the chamber C1 ( 122) can be output. For example, since the chamber C1 is tilted, the aerosol generating device 10 may output information for guiding the alignment of the device in a direction perpendicular to the ground through the output device 122 .

After outputting the warning, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive the measurement signal from the motion sensor 154 again (Operation S1220).

When the chamber C1 is tilted with respect to the ground, it is impossible to accurately determine the amount and/or exhaustion of the liquid phase. As shown in FIG. 13, even when the liquid aerosol generating material remains in the chamber C1, due to the inclination of the chamber C1 in one direction, the first electrode 252 and the first electrode 252 of the level sensor 250 A liquid aerosol generating material may not contact the second electrode 253 . In this case, the aerosol generating device 10 may erroneously determine that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 is exhausted. Further, it may be erroneously determined that a smaller amount of liquid aerosol generating material remains than the amount of liquid aerosol generating material in chamber C1.

The aerosol generating device 10 determines the amount and/or exhaustion of the liquid only when the chamber C1 is positioned below a certain angle with respect to the direction perpendicular to the ground, thereby determining the amount and/or exhaustion of the liquid can be judged accurately.

The aerosol generating device 10 may measure impedance based on the fact that the calculated angle is less than the reference angle in operation S1260. The aerosol generating device 10 may control power to be supplied to the level sensor 250 and measure an impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 of the level sensor 250. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 applies an AC voltage between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 through the first terminal 255 and the second terminal 256, and Current flowing through the terminal 255 and the second terminal 256 may be measured. The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 based on the applied voltage and the measured current. On the other hand, the aerosol generating device 10 applies a DC voltage between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 through the first terminal 255 and the second terminal 256, and the first terminal ( 255) and the current flowing through the second terminal 256 may be measured to calculate impedance.

The aerosol generating device 10 may compare the calculated impedance size with a reference size in operation S1270. The aerosol generating device 10 may determine whether the calculated impedance is greater than or equal to a reference value.

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 is exhausted when the calculated impedance is equal to or greater than the reference value. The aerosol generating device 10 outputs information related to the exhaustion of the liquid aerosol generating material and/or the replacement of the cartridge 200 through the output device 122 in operation S1280 when the calculated impedance is greater than or equal to the reference size. can do.

The aerosol generating device 10 may control power supply to the heater 210 to be cut off based on the consumption of the liquid aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may control power supplied to the heater 210 to be cut off until the cartridge 200 is separated from the main body 100 .

The aerosol generating device 10 may determine that the liquid aerosol generating material is not exhausted in the chamber C1 when the calculated impedance is less than the reference size. When the calculated impedance size is less than the standard size, the aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 based on the calculated impedance size in operation S1291.

Referring to FIG. 14 , when a voltage is applied between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253, current may flow through the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253. Since the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 are spaced apart from each other on the insulator substrate 251, in a state in which no liquid aerosol generating material exists in the chamber C1, the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 252 are separated from each other. The magnitude of the impedance between the two electrodes 253 may have a very large value. When the liquid aerosol generating material exists in the chamber C1, parts of the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 are immersed in the liquid aerosol generating material. In this case, a relatively greater current may flow through a portion of the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 submerged in the liquid aerosol generating material than a portion that is not submerged. Since a portion between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 is immersed in the liquid aerosol generating material, compared to the case where the liquid aerosol generating material does not exist in the chamber C1, the first electrode 252 The magnitude of the impedance between the second electrode 253 and the second electrode 253 may have a relatively small value.

The size of the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may be reduced in proportion to the height of a portion of the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 submerged in the liquid aerosol generating material. . Among the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253, when the height of the part submerged in the liquid aerosol generating material is high (d1 in FIG. 14), compared to the case where the height is low (d2 in FIG. 14), the first electrode The magnitude of the impedance between 252 and the second electrode 253 may have a smaller value.

The amount of liquid aerosol generating material in chamber C1 may be proportional to the height of the liquid aerosol generating material. Accordingly, the magnitude of the impedance between the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 may be reduced in proportion to the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1.

The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 based on matching information stored in the memory 14 . The memory 14 may match and store information on the size of impedance between the plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253 of the level sensor 250 and the amount of liquid aerosol generating material in the cartridge 200 . The aerosol generating device 10 may compare the size of the impedance with matching information stored in the memory 14 and calculate amount information of the liquid aerosol generating material matched to the size of the impedance.

On the other hand, the matching information of the size of the impedance and the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material may be different depending on the type of the cartridge 200. The memory 14 may store ID information according to the type of cartridge 200 . In the memory 14, for each ID of the cartridge 200, the size of the impedance between the plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253 of the level sensor 250 and the amount of liquid aerosol generating material in the cartridge 200 are matched and stored. can When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the body 100, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive ID information of the cartridge 200 from the cartridge 200. The aerosol generating device 10 may compare matching information corresponding to the received ID information among the matching information stored in the memory 14 with the size of the impedance. The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate amount information of the liquid aerosol generating material that matches the size of the impedance.

The aerosol generating device 10 may output information related to the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material through the output device 122 in operation S1292.

The aerosol generating device 10 may control power to be supplied to the heater 210 based on the fact that the liquid aerosol generating material is not exhausted. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may preheat and/or heat the heater 210 by supplying power to the heater 210 until a puff is sensed through a puff sensor (not shown). For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may supply power to the heater 210 based on a preset temperature profile.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 calculates the angle and motion of the chamber C1 based on the signal received from the motion sensor 154 in operation S1230, and calculates the angle of the chamber C1 in operation S1240. It may be compared with the reference angle, and a value corresponding to the motion of the chamber C1 may be compared with the reference motion. The aerosol generating device 10, in operation S1260, the first electrode 252 and the second electrode 253 of the level sensor 250 based on the fact that the angle is less than the reference angle and the value corresponding to the motion is less than or equal to the reference motion Impedance between them can be measured. The aerosol generating device 10 may calculate the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 and/or determine whether the liquid aerosol generating material is exhausted based on the measured impedance.

The aerosol generating device 10 considers both the angle and the degree of movement of the chamber C1, and determines the amount and/or exhaustion of the liquid aerosol generating material only when both the angle and the degree of movement are below a certain level. It is possible to accurately determine the amount and/or exhaustion of the produced material.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the amount of aerosol generating material in the cartridge can be accurately determined.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, power supplied to the heater may be adjusted when the aerosol generating material is exhausted.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the exhaustion of the aerosol generating material and the replacement timing of the cartridge can be accurately recognized by the user.

1 to 14, an aerosol generating device 10 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a chamber C1 extending long and storing a liquid aerosol generating material therein; and a level sensor 250 disposed inside the chamber C1, wherein the level sensor 250 includes an insulator substrate 251 extending in a longitudinal direction of the chamber C1; And a plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253 formed of a conductor extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction on the insulator substrate 251; including, the plurality of sensing electrodes ( At least a portion of 252,253) may be in contact with the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1.

Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253 may extend from a lower surface to an upper surface of the chamber C1.

Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253 may extend from the bottom surface of the chamber C1 to a predetermined height.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the level sensor 250 is located in the center of or adjacent to the lower surface of the chamber C1, and the insulator substrate 251 is It may extend in the longitudinal direction of the chamber C1 from the center of the lower surface or a position adjacent thereto.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of sensing electrodes 252 and 253 may include at least one first electrode 252 extending in the longitudinal direction; and at least one second electrode 253 extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the at least one first electrode 252, wherein the at least one first electrode 252 and the at least one One second electrode 253 may be alternately disposed in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a control unit 17; including, the control unit 17, the at least one first electrode 252 and the at least one second electrode 253 The impedance between the chamber C1 is measured, and based on the measured impedance, the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 can be calculated.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit 17 compares the measured impedance with a reference impedance value, and when the measured impedance is greater than or equal to the reference impedance value, the control unit 17 compares the measured impedance with the reference impedance value. It can be determined that the liquid aerosol generating material in (C1) is exhausted.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the heater 210; and an output device 122, wherein the control unit 17 outputs information related to the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material or exhaustion of the liquid aerosol generating material through the output device 122, and Based on the exhaustion of the liquid aerosol generating material, the supply of electric power to the heater 210 may be controlled to be cut off.

Also, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a motion sensor 154; and an output device 122, wherein the control unit 17 determines an angle formed by the chamber C1 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the ground based on a signal received from the motion sensor 154 and outputs a warning through the output device 122 based on the fact that the angle is greater than or equal to the reference angle, and controls power to be supplied to the level sensor 250 based on the fact that the angle is less than the reference angle, Impedance between the at least one first electrode 252 and the at least one second electrode 253 may be measured.

Further, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the main body 100 including a connection terminal 155 protruding outwardly disposed; and a cartridge 200 coupled to the main body 100, wherein the cartridge 200 includes the chamber C1 and the level sensor 250, and the controller 17 includes the connection terminal In step 155, it is determined whether the cartridge 200 and the main body 100 are coupled, and when the cartridge 200 and the main body 100 are coupled, power is supplied to the level sensor 250. supply can be controlled.

Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Certain or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combination of respective components or functions.

For example, it means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the components is not directly explained, it means that the combination is possible except for the case where the combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

a chamber extending long and storing a liquid aerosol generating material therein; and
A level sensor disposed inside the chamber; includes,
The level sensor,
an insulator substrate extending in the longitudinal direction of the chamber; and
A plurality of sensing electrodes formed of a conductor extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction on the insulator substrate;
At least a portion of the plurality of sensing electrodes,
An aerosol generating device in contact with the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber.
According to claim 1,
The plurality of sensing electrodes,
An aerosol generating device extending from the bottom surface to the top surface of the chamber.
According to claim 1,
The plurality of sensing electrodes,
An aerosol generating device extending from the bottom surface of the chamber to a predetermined height.
According to claim 1,
The level sensor,
Located in the center of or adjacent to the lower surface of the chamber,
The insulator substrate,
An aerosol generating device extending in the longitudinal direction of the chamber from a center or a position adjacent to the lower surface of the chamber.
According to claim 1,
The plurality of sensing electrodes,
at least one first electrode extending in the longitudinal direction; and
At least one second electrode extending in the longitudinal direction and disposed spaced apart from the at least one first electrode; includes,
The at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode are alternately disposed in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction.
According to claim 5,
Including; control unit;
The control unit,
measuring an impedance between the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode;
An aerosol generating device for calculating an amount of liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber based on the measured impedance.
According to claim 6,
The control unit,
Comparing the magnitude of the measured impedance with a reference impedance value,
When the magnitude of the measured impedance is equal to or greater than the reference impedance value, the aerosol generating device determines that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber is exhausted.
According to claim 7,
heater; and
It further includes an output device;
The control unit,
Outputting information related to the amount of the liquid aerosol generating material or the consumption of the liquid aerosol generating material through the output device;
An aerosol generating device for controlling power supply to the heater to be cut off based on the exhaustion of the liquid aerosol generating material.
According to claim 6,
motion sensor; and
It further includes an output device;
The control unit,
Based on a signal received from the motion sensor, an angle formed by the chamber with respect to a direction perpendicular to the ground is determined;
Based on the fact that the angle is equal to or greater than the reference angle, outputting a warning through the output device;
Based on the fact that the angle is less than the reference angle, the level sensor is controlled to be supplied with power, and an impedance between the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode is measured.
According to claim 1,
A main body including a connection terminal protruding to the outside; and
A cartridge coupled to the main body; includes,
The cartridge includes the chamber and the level sensor,
The control unit,
Through the connection terminal, it is determined whether the cartridge and the main body are coupled,
When the cartridge and the main body are coupled, an aerosol generating device for controlling power to be supplied to the level sensor.

Images