AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0120318, filed on Sep. 4, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device capable of directly, quickly, and precisely detecting changes in the flow of air or aerosol flowing through a passage.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for an alternative method of overcoming the disadvantages of normal cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system for generating aerosols by heating an aerosol generating substrate by using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes.

In order to control the operation of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may include sensors. For example, when the aerosol generating device includes a temperature sensor, the aerosol generating device may detect changes in the temperature of a heater or the surroundings of the heater. As another example, when the aerosol generating device includes a puff sensor for detecting a user's puff action, the operation of the aerosol generating device may be controlled based on the user's puff action for inhaling the aerosol.

SUMMARY

An aerosol generating device including a temperature sensor or a puff sensor may utilize signal information related to temperature or a user's puff motion related to the operation of the aerosol generating device. However, the signal information related to the temperature or the user's puff motion is not information obtained by directly detecting the flow of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device and transmitted to the user.

It is important for the aerosol generating device to efficiently operate in response to various environments in which the aerosol generating device is used and various types of users using the aerosol generating device. For the efficient operation of an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device capable of directly detecting the flow of aerosol is required.

Embodiments provide an aerosol generating device that can operate based on signal information directly related to the flow of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device.

Technical goals to be achieved through embodiments are not limited thereto, and technical goals unmentioned above would be clearly understood to those skilled in the art based on the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

An aerosol generating device according to an aspect includes an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosol; a passage through which air to be supplied to the aerosol generator or aerosol generated from the aerosol generator flows; and a sensor arranged in the passage to close at least a portion of the passage and configured to generate a signal upon being at least partially deformed by a flow of air or aerosol in the passage.

The sensor may include a deformation portion capable of being deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage. The sensor may further include a resistance portion arranged at the deformation portion and having electrical resistance that changes as the resistance portion is deformed together with the deformation portion.

The deformation portion may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage, thereby opening the passage. The deformation portion may be restored such that the passage is closed.

The sensor may include a plurality of deformation portions deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage. The sensor may further include a resistance portion arranged at at least one of the plurality of deformation portions. The resistance portion may have electrical resistance that changes as the resistance portion is deformed together with the at least one of the plurality of deformation portions.

The sensor may include a terminal positioned on a wall of the passage. The sensor may further include a deformation portion. The deformation portion may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage. The deformation portion may be electrically connected to or electrically separated from the terminal.

The sensor may include a mesh portion. The mesh portion may be arranged in the passage. The mesh portion may have a plurality of holes through which air or aerosol passes. The mesh portion may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol.

The sensor may further include a resistance portion. The resistance portion may be arranged at the mesh portion. The resistance portion may have electrical resistance that changes as the resistance portion is deformed together with the mesh portion.

The sensor may include a mesh portion comprising an electrically conductive material. The mesh portion may be arranged in the passage. The sensor may further include a deformation portion. The deformation portion may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol. The deformation portion may be electrically connected to or electrically separated from the mesh portion.

The deformation portion may be configured to be electrically connected to the mesh portion to generate an electrical signal.

The sensor may further include a detector for detecting electrical resistance of the deformation portion. The electrical resistance of the deformation portion detected by the detector may change as the deformation portion is electrically connected to the mesh portion.

The sensor may include a deformation portion arranged at one area of the passage. The deformation portion may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol. The sensor may further include a terminal arranged in another area of the passage. The sensor may further include a connection terminal arranged at the deformation portion. The connection terminal may be electrically connected to or electrically separated from the terminal upon deformation of the deformation portion.

The sensor may include a moving portion arranged in the passage. The moving portion may be movable in the passage by the flow of air or aerosol in the passage. The sensor may further include a signal generating portion. The signal generating portion may be connected to the moving portion. The signal generating portion may be deformed by movement of the moving portion to generate a signal.

The aerosol generator may include a generation chamber in which an aerosol is generated. The aerosol generating device may further include a mouthpiece for discharging the aerosol to the outside. One end of the passage may be connected to the generation chamber. The other end of the passage may be connected to the mouthpiece.

At least a portion of the sensor may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol, thereby opening the passage. When the flow of air or aerosol in the passage stops, the at least a portion of the sensor may close the passage to block droplets from flowing into the generation chamber.

The aerosol generator may include a generation chamber in which an aerosol is generated. One end of the passage may be connected to the generation chamber, and the other end of the passage may be connected to the outside, such that external air is delivered to the generation chamber through the passage.

The aerosol generator may include a heater for heating an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating device may further include a controller for controlling operation of the heater. The controller may detect that an inhalation action has occurred, based on the signal generated by the sensor. The controller may initiate the operation of the heater when the inhalation action has occurred.

The aerosol generator may include a heater for heating an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating device may further include a controller for controlling operation of the heater, based on a predetermined temperature profile. The controller may change, based on the signal generated by the sensor, the predetermined temperature profile to control the operation of the heater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A illustrates an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 2B illustrates an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of some elements of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

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

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically illustrating some elements of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions. As used herein, the suffix “module” or “unit” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry. ” A “module” or a “unit” may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, the “module” or the “unit” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when the same may make the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that although the terms “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to another component, or intervening components may be present. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another component, there are no intervening components present.

As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., a memory 17) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1). For example, a processor (e.g., the controller 12) of the machine (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and may execute the same. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

In the present disclosure, the directions of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be defined based on the orthogonal coordinate system. In the orthogonal coordinate system, the x-axis direction may be defined as a leftward-rightward direction of the aerosol-generating device 1. The y-axis direction may be defined as a forward-backward direction of the aerosol-generating device 1. The z-axis direction may be defined as an upward-downward direction of the aerosol-generating device 1.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and/or a heater 18 and 24. However, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1.

That is, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be further included depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may detect the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol-generating device 1, and may transmit the detected information to the controller 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist state detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and/or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit 13 may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residual quantity sensor for detecting the residual quantity of liquid in the cartridge and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may detect a temperature to which the heater 18 and 24 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 18 and 24, or the heater 18 and 24 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. In an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure impedance for the heater 18. The impedance for the heater 18 may correlate with the temperature of the heater 18. The temperature sensor may measure current and/or voltage applied to the heater 18 (or an induction coil). The impedance for the heater 18 may be obtained based on the measured current and/or voltage. The controller 12 may estimate the temperature of the heater 18 based on the obtained impedance.

In an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor), the resistance value of which varies in response to changes in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the controller 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or a change in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

In another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 18 and 24, and the controller 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or a change in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and/or may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. In an example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power supply protection circuit module.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be disposed in a housing (not shown) of the aerosol-generating device 1 to detect the internal temperature of the housing (not shown).

According to one embodiment, the puff sensor may detect a user's puff.

In an example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be disposed corresponding to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol-generating device 1.

In another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user's puff occurs, temperature drop may temporarily occur in the airflow path, a space into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as an “insertion space”), and the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path output from the temperature sensor.

In still another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure temperature used to calibrate the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. In one example, the puff sensor may calibrate a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and may output the calibrated signal. In another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the controller 12 may receive the signals, and may calibrate the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

In still another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may also be called a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When the user's puff occurs, a temperature change and/or aerosol flow may occur in the insertion space of the aerosol-generating article, and accordingly, a dielectric constant in the insertion space may change. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting the user's puff.

According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may detect insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be mounted adjacent to the insertion space. In addition, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

In an example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, capacitance around the conductor may change. The controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

In another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, a change in magnetic field may occur around the coil through which current flows. The controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article including a conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, and an impedance value). Alternatively, a susceptor SUS or the like may be included in the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium portion of the aerosol-generating article). In this case, a change in magnetic field may also occur around the coil based on insertion or removal of the susceptor or the like into or from the insertion space, and the controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., a proximity sensor) for detecting insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressing by the aerosol-generating article.

According to one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is being reused. In an example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. If the aerosol-generating article is used by the user, a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper may occur due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on the light reflected from the wrapper. When a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

According to one embodiment, the overly moist state detection sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state. For example, the overly moist state detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant or the like output from the capacitance sensor. In an example, the controller 12 may check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and may determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may detect the type of the aerosol-generating article.

In an example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or an identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., the wrapper) of the aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may radiate light toward the identification material (or the identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article, and may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may detect the type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material (i.e., a luminous material) that emits light of a specific wavelength band based on the light radiated thereto. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

In another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant in the insertion space may vary depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant or the like in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

In still another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and/or inner portion (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, and an impedance value) may vary depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or detecting the type of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect mounting and/or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and/or an optical sensor.

According to one embodiment, the cap detection sensor may detect mounting and/or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and/or an optical sensor. The cap may cover at least a portion of the cartridge mounted in or inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 or may cover at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol-generating device 1. When the cap is mounted in or removed from the housing, the cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to mounting or removal, and the controller 12 may determine mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to mounting or removal.

According to one embodiment, the movement detection sensor may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device 1. The movement detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (global positioning system (GPS)), or a proximity sensor in addition to the sensors described above. The functions of the sensors can be intuitively deduced by those skilled in the art from the names thereof, and thus detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to provide the same to the user. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and/or a sound output unit. For example, information about the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a charging/discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18 and 24, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article and/or the cartridge, a mounting/removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol-generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object). The display may visually provide the information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), and an organic light-emitting diode panel (OLED). If the display includes a touchpad, the display may also be used as the input unit 15. The haptic unit may haptically provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, and an electrical stimulation device. The sound output unit may audibly provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and may output the acoustic signal to the outside.

According to one embodiment, the power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may include one or more batteries. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the heater 18 and 24 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components included in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the controller 12, the sensor unit 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery without being limited thereto. The power supply 11 may be a replaceable (separation-type) battery (hereinafter referred to as a “removable battery”). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery accommodation portion provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 or may be removed from the battery accommodation portion. The removable battery may be charged in a wired and/or wireless manner.

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a cigarette) and/or a medium and/or an aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a heater 18 for heating the aerosol-generating article and/or a cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., a solid and/or liquid medium).

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may be an electro-resistive heater. For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material such as a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. The electro-resistive heater may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, or a ceramic heating element.

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may be an induction heater. For example, the induction heater may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated by an induction coil by alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on generation of the eddy current. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be included in the inner portion (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article. In this case, the susceptor included in the inner portion of the aerosol-generating article may also be heated by the induction coil.

The heater 18 and 24 is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, and components for heating the aerosol-generating article and/or the cartridge.

According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 may receive information input from the user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, and a jog switch.

According to one embodiment, the memory 17 may be hardware storing various pieces of data processed in the aerosol-generating device 1. The memory 17 may store data processed and to be processed by the controller 12. For example, the memory 17 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type memory, a hard disk type memory, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disc. For example, the memory 17 may store data on an operation time of the aerosol-generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, and a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. The controller 12 may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller unit (MCU) (or a microprocessor) and a memory in which a program executable by the MCU is stored. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the controller may also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 and 24 to control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 based on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 detected by the temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 based on the temperature profile and/or the power profile stored in the memory 17.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater 18 and 24 and the power supply 11 to control power (e.g., voltage and/or current) supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC/DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, or a Zener diode) that converts power to be supplied to the heater 18 and 24 and a DC/AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to the induction coil (not shown). The DC/AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the frequency and/or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown) to control the current and/or the voltage supplied to the heater 18 and 24. The duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme or a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme. For example, the controller 12 may perform control using the PWM scheme such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse to control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 using the PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may determine, based on the power profile, target power to be controlled. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 so as to correspond to the preset target power over time.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may detect power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 to determine the user's puff. In more detail, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 using the proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme. When the user's puff occurs, temperature drop may temporarily occur in a space into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as an insertion space) and the heater 18 and 24. Accordingly, the power (or the current) supplied to the heater 18 and 24 may change during control of the power using the PID scheme. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on the change in the power controlled.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may prevent the heater 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature, operation of the power conversion circuit such that the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 is reduced or the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 is interrupted.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control charging/discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 using the temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11 (e.g., discharging). The controller 12 may calculate the remaining amount of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and/or current detection value of the power supply 11.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on a result of the detection by the sensor unit 13.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article into and/or from the insertion space. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater 18 and 24. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset slope.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control, based on the state of the aerosol-generating article, a power supply time and/or the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state using the overly moist state detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may increase a time during which power is supplied to the heater 18 and 24 (e.g., a preheating time).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article is being reused. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has already been used, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge has been coupled and/or removed. For example, upon determining that the cartridge has been removed using the cartridge detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may perform control such that power is not supplied to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, upon determining that the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during preheating of the heater 18 and 24 (i.e., in the preheating section), the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether use of the cartridge is possible. For example, upon determining, based on data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge is impossible. Alternatively, when a total time period during which the heater 18 and 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a preset maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge is impossible. In this case, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may perform control such that power is not supplied to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on the user's puff. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether a puff occurs and/or the intensity of a puff using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). When the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and/or when no puff is detected for a preset time period or longer, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. When a puff is detected, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is authentic and/or the type of the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge). For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article using the cigarette identification sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). In an example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is inauthentic, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is authentic, the controller 12 may control (e.g., commence) the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. In another example, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 differently depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge). In more detail, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is a first aerosol-generating article (or a first cartridge), the controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile), and upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is a second aerosol-generating article (or a second cartridge), the controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result of detection by the sensor unit 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to visually, haptically, and/or audibly provide information that operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 will end soon. For example, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to visually, haptically, and/or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, based on occurrence of a predetermined event, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. For example, the event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the aerosol-generating article, commencement of heating of the aerosol-generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater 18 and 24, detection of application of overvoltage to the heater 18 and 24, termination of heating of the aerosol-generating article, on/off operation of the aerosol-generating device 1, commencement of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and termination of charging of the power supply 11. For example, the history of the event may include the occurrence date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the aerosol-generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the heater 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24, the voltage applied to the heater 18 and 24, and the current flowing through the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving data on authentication from an external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function (e.g., a heating function) of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the data on authentication may include the user's birthday, an identification number uniquely identifying the user, and whether authentication is completed by the user.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply 11 and operation mode) to the external device via the communication link. The transmitted data may be output through a display or the like of the external device.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving a request to search for the location of the aerosol-generating device 1 from the external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to location search. For example, the controller 12 may perform control such that the haptic unit generates vibration or the display outputs objects corresponding to location search and termination of search.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving firmware data from the external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may perform firmware update.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may transmit data on a value detected by the at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication link, and may receive, from the server, and store a learning model generated by learning the detected value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform the operation of determining the user's puff pattern and the operation of generating the temperature profile using the learning model received from the server.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may include at least one switching element, and may block an electric path to the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and/or overdischarging of the power supply 11. The aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

The aerosol-generating article of the present disclosure may contain at least one aerosol-generating rod (e.g., medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may arranged to correspond to the at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed variously according to arrangement order and/or positions of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol-generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol-generating substance, and an additive. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and/or propylene glycol (PG) and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and/or an organic acid and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may include an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., an aerosol-generating substance and/or nicotine) and/or may contain a solid tobacco substance (e.g., leaf tobacco and reconstituted tobacco). The tobacco substance may be contained in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as shredded tobacco, granules, and powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, nicotine contained in the tobacco substance in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at a low temperature. According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, each of which may contain a tobacco substance and/or a non-tobacco substance. Meanwhile, although not shown, the at least one aerosol-generating rod and the at least one filter rod may individually and/or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating article may be referred to as a stick.

The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating substance having any one state among a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage part that contains the aerosol-generating substance and/or a liquid delivery part that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery part may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or wound around) the liquid delivery part or a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery part. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1, which is removable from the cartridge.

FIG. 2A illustrates an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment. FIG. 2B illustrates an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

According to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor unit 13, and/or a heater 182 and 183 (e.g., the heater 18 in FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B and that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be further included. The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIG. 2A may be referred to as an “internal heating-type” aerosol-generating device that heats the inner side of an aerosol-generating article 2. The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIG. 2B may be referred to as an “external heating-type” aerosol-generating device that heats the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2. In the drawings below, a description of configurations identical to those shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide a space that is open upwardly to allow the aerosol-generating article 2 to be inserted thereinto. In the present disclosure, the space that is open upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed so as to be depressed in the housing 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted thereinto. The depth of the insertion space may be equal to or greater than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article 2 in which an aerosol-generating substance and/or a medium is contained. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may protrude outside the housing 10. A user may inhale an aerosol while holding the externally exposed upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 in the mouth.

According to one embodiment, the heater 182 and 183 may heat the aerosol-generating article 2.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the heater 182 may be an internal heating type heater.

The heater 182 is an example of an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating article 2. The aerosol generator may include a receiving portion 102p including an insertion space for accommodating the aerosol generating article 2, and a heater 182 arranged in the receiving portion 102p to generate heat for heating the aerosol generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the internal heating-type heater may be elongated upwardly in the space into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, as shown in the drawings, the internal heating-type heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element. Alternatively, the internal heating-type heater may include various other heating elements, such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internal heating-type heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol-generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the internal heating-type heater may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, which is provided on the inner side (e.g., in the cavity or on the inner surface) or outer side (e.g., on the outer surface) thereof, and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In this case, the electro-resistive heater may be electrically connected to the power supply 11, and may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11. Meanwhile, an induction coil 181 may be omitted.

For example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the internal heating-type heater (e.g., disposed outside the heater so as to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator may be further provided outside the induction coil 181 in order to increase efficiency of induction heating. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil 181. According to one embodiment, the induction heater (e.g., the susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be disposed to be removable from the housing 10.

According to one embodiment, the heater 182 may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol-generating article 2. The first heater and the second heater may be disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of two or more aerosol-generating rods in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol-generating rod in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Meanwhile, if the heater 182 is an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of the first heater and the second heater in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one heater 182 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. In addition, three or more heaters and/or three or more induction coils may be included.

According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed on (or included in) the inner side (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article 2. The susceptor included inside the aerosol-generating article 2 may be implemented to be heated based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil 181.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the heater 183 may be an external heating-type heater.

The heater 183 is another example of an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the external heating-type heater may be elongated upwardly around the space into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating-type heater may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. In an example, the external heating-type heater may include a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) with a cavity formed therein. The external heating-type heater may alternatively include a shape including a cavity formed therein and surrounding the cavity. In this case, the external heating-type heater may be supported by a polyimide film. The heater supported by this film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating-type heater may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating-type heater may heat the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2 inserted into the cavity.

According to one embodiment, the external heating-type heater may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and a description of configurations identical to those shown in FIG. 2A will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an external heating-type heater implemented as a tubular susceptor and may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the external heating-type heater (e.g., disposed outside the heater so as to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil 181 may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, if the external heating-type heater is an electro-resistive heater, heat may be generated through current flow through the tubular electro-resistive heater (e.g., the film heater), and thus a separate induction coil 181 may be omitted. Meanwhile, a thermally insulating material may be disposed outside the external heating-type heater. Accordingly, the amount of heat emitted from the heater 183 in the radially outward direction and released outside the housing 10 may be reduced.

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 may be a multi-heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, if the heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil. The first induction coil and the second induction coil may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of the first heater and the second heater in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one heater 183 in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

Unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B, both the heater 182 in FIG. 2A and the heater 183 in FIG. 2B may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1. In this case, the heater 182 may heat the inner side of the aerosol-generating article 2, and the heater 183 may heat the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which outside air may be introduced into the housing 10. The air introduced into the housing 10 may be introduced into the aerosol-generating article 2 through the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2. An aerosol generated based on heating of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity together with the introduced air through the upper end (i.e., downstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2.

Air to be supplied to the aerosol generator of the aerosol generating device 1 may flow through the passage 30. The passage 30 is arranged adjacent to the end of the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the receiving portion.

A sensor 130 (e.g., the sensor unit 13 of FIG. 1) is arranged in the passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30. At least a portion of the sensor 130 is deformed by the flow of air in the passage 30, thereby generating a signal.

When a user performs an inhalation action of holding the aerosol generating article 2 in his/her mouth to inhale the aerosol, air from outside the aerosol generating device 1 is introduced into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1 through the passage (30). At least a portion of the sensor 130 may be deformed by the flow of air flowing through the passage 30.

Because the sensor 130 generates a signal by changing according to a change in the flow of air supplied to the aerosol generator, the change in the flow of air supplied to the aerosol generator may be directly and quickly detected.

When the aerosol inhalation action is terminated, the flow of air flowing through the passage 30 stops. When the flow of air in the passage 30 is stopped, at least a portion of the sensor 130 that was deformed according to the flow of air is restored to its original shape. The at least a portion of the sensor 130 that is restored to its original shape may close at least a portion of the passage 30 again.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 according to the above-described embodiments, a change in the flow of air supplied to the aerosol generator may be directly and quickly detected. In addition, when the flow of air supplied to the aerosol generator is stopped, at least a portion the passage 30 through which the air flows may be closed, and thus, external foreign materials may be prevented from flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1.

FIG. 3 shows an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment. According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a controller 12, and/or a sensor unit 13. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3 and that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be further included. In the drawings below, a description of configurations identical to those shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may include a structure that allows a cartridge 19 to be inserted into or mounted on one side thereof. In this case, the cartridge 19 may be removably coupled to the housing 10.

Although not shown in the drawings, the housing 10 and/or the cartridge 19 may include a mouthpiece. A user may inhale an aerosol while holding the mouthpiece in the mouth.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may include a chamber C0 containing an aerosol-generating substance. The chamber C0 may contain an aerosol-generating substance having any one state among a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

According to one embodiment, a liquid delivery part 25 that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol-generating substance may be included in the cartridge 19. For example, the liquid delivery part 25 may be impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the chamber C0. Here, the liquid delivery part 25 may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. Although not shown in the drawings, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a liquid delivery part. In this case, at least a portion of the first liquid delivery part of the cartridge 19 and at least a portion of the second liquid delivery part of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be formed in contact with each other. In this case, the first liquid delivery part and the second liquid delivery part may be implemented in different forms. For example, the first liquid delivery part may include cotton fiber, and the second liquid delivery part may include porous ceramic. Alternatively, the cartridge 19 may not include a liquid delivery part, and the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 may be delivered to the liquid delivery part of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 and/or the cartridge 19 may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows.

For example, the housing 10 may include a structure allowing outside air to be introduced into the housing 10 in the state in which the cartridge 19 is coupled thereto. In an example, an air inlet through which outside air may be introduced into the housing 10 may be formed in one side surface of the housing 10. The air inlet may also be formed in the lower end surface of the housing 10. Outside air introduced into the housing 10 through the air inlet may pass through the cartridge 19, and then may flow toward the user's oral cavity through the passage 30. The outside air introduced through the air inlet may flow to the user's oral cavity through the passage 30 via the cartridge 19.

For example, the passage 30 may be included in the cartridge 19. The passage 30 may connect the chamber (e.g., an atomization chamber) in which the cartridge heater 24 or the liquid delivery part 25 is disposed to the outside of the housing 10 and/or the cartridge 19. In more detail, one end of the passage 30 may be open to the chamber (e.g., the atomization chamber) in which the cartridge heater 24 or the liquid delivery part 25 is disposed, and the other end thereof may communicate with the mouthpiece. The passage 30 may be elongated from one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19. The passage 30 may also be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19 through the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19. The passage 30 may also communicate with a separate mouthpiece provided at the housing 10.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 may heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater. In an example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In another example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an induction coil (not shown) provided around the induction heater. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater 24 may be formed in a coil shape surrounding (or wound around) the liquid delivery part included in the cartridge 19 and/or the aerosol-generating device 1 and/or in a shape (e.g., a pattern shape) contacting one side of the liquid delivery part.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge 19. If the cartridge 19 is formed to be removable from the housing 10, the cartridge heater 24 may be removed from the aerosol-generating device 1 together with the cartridge 19. Unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may be included inside the housing 10. Meanwhile, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in a form that is removable from the housing 10 separately from (i.e., independently of) the cartridge 19. In other words, the cartridge heater 24 may or may not be removed from the housing 10 regardless of removal of the cartridge 19.

According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on generation of heat by the cartridge heater 24. As the liquid delivery part 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. For example, as the aerosol-generating substance impregnated in the liquid delivery part 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, vapor may be generated from the aerosol-generating substance, and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with the outside air introduced into the cartridge 19. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the passage 30.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., the housing 10). The cartridge 19 may be formed so as not to be removed from the aerosol-generating device 1 by the user. Even in this case, the cartridge 19 and/or the aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one liquid delivery part, and an aerosol may be generated based on heating of the liquid delivery part 25 by the cartridge heater 24 included in the aerosol-generating device 1 or the cartridge 19. The generated aerosol may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the passage 30.

The heater 24 of the cartridge 19 and the liquid delivery means 25 are other examples of an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may include a generation chamber C1 for generating an aerosol. At least one of the heater 24 and the liquid delivery means 25 may be located in the generation chamber C1.

The aerosol generating device 1 includes a passage 30. The passage 30 may extend long in a length direction of the aerosol generating device 1. One end of the passage 30 is connected to the generation chamber C1, and the other end of the passage 30 is open toward the outside. The aerosol generated in the aerosol generator may flow through the passage 30 and then be discharged to the outside.

The aerosol generating device 1 includes a sensor 130 that generates a signal by being at least partially deformed by the flow of aerosol generated by the heater 183, which is an aerosol generator. The sensor 130 is arranged in the passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30.

When the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator flows through the passage 30, at least a portion of the sensor 130 may be deformed by the flow of the aerosol flowing through the passage 30.

Because the sensor 130 generates a signal by changing according to a change in the flow of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator, the change in the flow of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator may be directly and quickly detected.

When the aerosol inhalation action is terminated, the flow of aerosol flowing through the passage 30 may be stopped. When the flow of aerosol in the passage 30 is stopped, at least a portion of the sensor 130 that was deformed according to the flow of aerosol is restored to its original shape. The at least a portion of the sensor 130 that is restored to its original shape may close at least a portion of the passage 30 again.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 according to the above-described embodiments, a change in the flow of aerosol generated in the aerosol generator may be directly and quickly detected. In addition, when the flow of aerosol generated in the aerosol generator is stopped, at least a portion of the passage 30 through which the aerosol flows may be closed, and thus, the flow of aerosol may be prevented from flowing backward, and external foreign materials may be prevented from flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1 and droplets generated from the aerosol may be prevented from flowing into the generation chamber C1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor unit 13, and/or a heater 183 and 24 (e.g., the heater 18 and 24 in FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 4 and that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be further included. In the drawings below, a description of configurations identical to those shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide a space that is open upwardly to allow the aerosol-generating article 2 to be inserted thereinto (hereinafter referred to as an insertion space). The insertion space may be formed so as to be depressed in the housing 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted thereinto. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may protrude outside the housing 10.

Unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, the cartridge 19 may provide an insertion space for receiving the aerosol-generating article 2. In this case, the insertion space may be formed so as to be depressed in the cartridge 19 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted thereinto. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the cartridge 19, and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may protrude outside the cartridge 19. In this case, the aerosol-generating device 1 may not include the heater 183.

According to one embodiment, the depth of the insertion space may be equal to or greater than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article 2 in which an aerosol-generating substance and/or a medium is contained. A user may inhale air while holding the externally exposed upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 in the mouth.

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 may heat the aerosol-generating article 2. The heater 183 may be elongated upwardly around the space into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). In an example, the heater 183 may have a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) with a cavity formed therein. The heater 183 may include a shape including a cavity formed therein and surrounding the cavity. In this case, the heater 183 may be supported by a polyimide film. The heater supported by this film may be referred to as a film heater. The heater 183 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The heater 183 may heat the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2 inserted into the cavity. In the present disclosure, the heater 183 may be referred to as an external heating-type heater, which heats the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2. Meanwhile, a thermally insulating material may be disposed outside the heater 183. Accordingly, the amount of heat emitted from the heater 183 in the radially outward direction and released outside the housing 10 may be reduced.

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In this case, the electro-resistive heater may be electrically connected to the power supply 11, and may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

For example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include an induction coil (not shown) surrounding at least a portion of the heater 183 (e.g., disposed outside the heater 183 so as to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater 183). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator may be further provided outside the induction coil (not shown) in order to increase efficiency of induction heating. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil (not shown).

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol-generating article 2. The first heater and the second heater may be disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of two or more aerosol-generating rods in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol-generating rod in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Meanwhile, if the heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of the first heater and the second heater in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one heater 183 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. In addition, three or more heaters and/or three or more induction coils may be included.

Unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, the aerosol-generating device 1 may not include the heater 183. The aerosol-generating article 2 may be directly or indirectly heated by the cartridge heater 24 or may not be substantially heated. Indirect heating may mean that the aerosol-generating article 2 is heated by receiving heat contained in the aerosol during the process in which the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 passes through the aerosol-generating article 2. In this case, the aerosol-generating device 1 may be referred to as a non-heating-type (or indirect heating-type) aerosol-generating device. An additive such as an alkaline substance may be contained in the aerosol-generating rod of the aerosol-generating article 2. Based on the alkaline substance, nicotine contained in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). This alkaline nicotine may flow to the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol introduced into the aerosol-generating article 2 from the cartridge 19 to be described later.

Unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, the heater 183 may include an internal heating-type heater. For example, the internal heating-type heater may include various heating elements, such as a rod-shaped heating element, a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, or a needle-shaped heating element. The internal heating-type heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol-generating article 2, and may be set to heat the inner side of the aerosol-generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may be removably coupled to the housing 10. For example, a space may be formed in one side of the housing 10, and at least a portion of the cartridge 19 may be inserted into the space formed in one side of the housing 10 so that the cartridge 19 is mounted to the housing 10. Alternatively, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the housing 10.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 and/or the cartridge 19 may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure allowing outside air to be introduced into the housing 10 in the state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted thereinto. The introduced air may pass through the cartridge 19, may be introduced into the insertion space through the passage 30, and then may flow to the user's oral cavity. The passage 30 may include various structures for reducing residual droplets or making the flow of air smooth.

Although it is illustrated in FIG. 4 that the cartridge 19 is located beside the aerosol-generating article 2 and the passage 30 is formed from the side surface of the aerosol-generating article 2 to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2, the positions of the cartridge 19 and the passage 30 are not limited thereto. For example, the cartridge 19 may be located adjacent to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2. In this case, the passage 30 may be formed in a substantially straight shape to connect the cartridge 19 to the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 19 may include a storage part C0 that contains an aerosol-generating substance, a cartridge heater 24, and/or a liquid delivery part that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol-generating substance. The liquid delivery part 25 may be impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance supplied from the chamber C0. For example, the liquid delivery part may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 may heat the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

In an example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In another example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include an induction coil (not shown) provided around the induction heater. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil (not shown). The cartridge heater 24 may be formed in a coil shape surrounding (or wound around) the liquid delivery part and/or in a shape (e.g., a patterned shape) contacting one side of the liquid delivery part.

Unlike the configuration shown in the drawings, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the cartridge heater 24 may be included inside the housing 10. In this case, the cartridge 19 and the cartridge heater 24 may be separated by removal of the cartridge 19.

According to one embodiment, an aerosol may be generated based on generation of heat by the cartridge heater 24. For example, as the aerosol-generating substance impregnated in the liquid delivery part is heated by the cartridge heater 24, vapor may be generated from the aerosol-generating substance, and an aerosol may be generated as the generated vapor is mixed with the outside air introduced into the cartridge 19. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 may be introduced into the aerosol-generating article 2 through the passage 30. While the aerosol passes through the aerosol-generating article 2, tobacco or a flavoring substance may be added to the aerosol, and the aerosol containing the tobacco or the flavoring substance may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through one end of the aerosol-generating article 2.

The cartridge heater 24 may be an example of an aerosol generator. The aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 may flow along the passage 30. The aerosol generating device 1 includes a sensor 130 for generating a signal by being at least partially deformed by the flow of aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24. The sensor 130 is arranged in the passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30.

When the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator flows through the passage 30, at least a portion of the sensor 130 may be deformed by the flow of the aerosol flowing through the passage 30.

Because the sensor 130 generates a signal by changing according to a change in the flow of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator, the change in the flow of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator may be directly and quickly detected.

When the aerosol inhalation action is terminated, the flow of aerosol flowing through the passage 30 may be stopped. When the flow of aerosol in the passage 30 is stopped, at least a portion of the sensor 130 that was deformed according to the flow of aerosol is restored to its original shape. The at least a portion of the sensor 130 that is restored to its original shape may close at least a portion of the passage 30 again.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 according to the above-described embodiments, a change in the flow of aerosol generated in the aerosol generator may be directly and quickly detected. In addition, when the flow of aerosol generated in the aerosol generator is stopped, at least a portion of the passage 30 through which the aerosol flows may be closed, and thus, the flow of aerosol may be prevented from flowing backward, and external foreign materials may be prevented from flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1 and droplets and/or foreign materials may be blocked from flowing into the generation chamber C1 of the aerosol generating device 1.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol, a supply passage 32 for supplying air to the aerosol generator, a supply passage sensor 230 (e.g., the sensor unit 13 of FIG. 1) arranged in the supply passage 32 and deformed by the flow of air to generate a signal, a discharge passage 31 through which the aerosol generated in the aerosol generator flows, and a sensor 130 arranged in the discharge passage 31 and deformed by the flow of the aerosol to generate a signal.

The aerosol generator includes a generation chamber C1 in which an aerosol is generated, a liquid delivery means 25 located inside the generation chamber C1, and a heater 24 for heating the liquid delivery means 25 to generate an aerosol.

Air flowing into the inside of the aerosol generating device 1 from the outside of the housing 10 flows through the supply passage 32 and then flows into the generation chamber C1. The aerosol generated in the generation chamber C1 flows through the discharge passage 31 of the aerosol generator and may be discharged to the outside. The user may inhale the aerosol by holding a mouthpiece 10m provided at one end of the aerosol generator in his/her mouth.

The supply passage sensor 230 is arranged in the supply passage 32 to close at least a portion of the supply passage 32. At least a portion of the supply passage sensor 230 is deformed by the flow of air in the supply passage 32, thereby generating a signal.

When a user performs an inhalation action of holding the mouthpiece 10m in his/her mouth to inhale the aerosol, air from outside the aerosol generating device 1 is introduced into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1 through the supply passage 32. At least a portion of the supply passage sensor 230 may be deformed by the flow of air flowing through the supply passage 32.

Because the supply passage sensor 230 generates a signal by changing according to a change in the flow of air supplied to the aerosol generator, the change in the flow of air supplied to the aerosol generator may be directly and quickly detected.

When the aerosol inhalation action is terminated, the flow of air flowing through the supply passage 32 may be stopped. When the flow of air in the supply passage 32 is stopped, at least a portion of the supply passage sensor 230 that was deformed according to the flow of air is restored to its original shape. The at least a portion of the supply passage sensor 230 that is restored to its original shape may close at least a portion of the supply passage 32 again.

One end of the discharge passage 31 is connected to the generation chamber C1, and the other end of the discharge passage 31 is connected to the mouthpiece 10m. The sensor 130 is arranged to close at least a portion of the discharge passage 31. The sensor 130 may generate a signal by being at least partially deformed by the flow of aerosol generated in the generation chamber C1 of the aerosol generator.

When the aerosol generated in the aerosol generator flows through the discharge passage 31, at least a portion of the sensor 130 may be deformed by the flow of aerosol flowing through the discharge passage 31. In addition, as the at least a portion of the sensor 130 is deformed by the flow of aerosol flowing through the discharge passage 31, the generation chamber C1 is completely opened.

Because the sensor 130 generates a signal by changing according to a change in the flow of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator, the change in the flow of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator may be directly and quickly detected.

When the aerosol inhalation action is terminated, the flow of aerosol flowing through the discharge passage 31 stops. When the flow of aerosol in the discharge passage 31 is stopped, at least a portion of the sensor 130 that was deformed according to the flow of aerosol is restored to its original shape. The at least a portion of the sensor 130 that is restored to its original shape may close at least a portion of the discharge passage 31 again.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 according to the above-described embodiments, a change in the flow of air supplied to the aerosol generator and/or a change in the flow of aerosol generated from the aerosol generator may be directly and quickly detected. In addition, when the flow of air supplied to the aerosol generator and/or the flow of aerosol generated from the aerosol generator is stopped, at least a portion of the supply passage 32 through which the air flows and/or the discharge passage 31 through which the aerosol flows may be closed, and thus, external foreign materials may be prevented from flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device 1 and droplets generated from the aerosol may be prevented from flowing into the generation chamber C1.

The embodiments are not limited by the structure of the aerosol generating device 1 in which the supply passage sensor 230 is arranged in the supply passage 32 illustrated in FIG. 5 and the sensor 130 is arranged in the discharge passage 31. For example, the sensor 130 may be arranged in only one of the supply passage 32 and the discharge passage 31.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of some elements of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes a sensor 130 arranged in a passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30 through which air supplied to an aerosol generator or aerosol generated from the aerosol generator flows.

The sensor 130 may include a deformation portion 131 that is deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30, and a resistance portion 132 that is arranged at the deformation portion 131 and has an electrical resistance that changes by being deformed together with the deformation portion 131.

The sensor 130 having such a structure may be implemented by a strain gauge. The strain gauge may be a sensor for generating an electrical signal based on physical deformation when the deformation portion 131 and the resistance portion 132 are physically deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30.

The resistance portion 132 may include an electrically conductive material. For example, the resistance portion 132 may include an electrically conductive metal resistance element or semiconductor element.

The deformation portion 131 may support the resistance portion 132. The resistance portion 132 is arranged at a substrate 132b, and the substrate 132b is arranged at the deformation portion 131. The substrate 132b may include an insulating material that does not conduct electricity. The deformation portion 131 may include a flexible material that may be bent by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30.

A frame 130f for supporting the sensor 130 is arranged in the passage 30. The frame 130f includes a hole 130a corresponding to the shape of the outer edge of the deformation portion 131. One end of the deformation portion 131 may be fixed to the hole 130a, and the other end of the deformation portion 131 may be separated from the hole 130a.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, a state in which the deformation portion 131 is deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 130a is illustrated as a solid line. When the deformation portion 131 is deformed by the flow of air or aerosol, the other end of the deformation portion 131 moves to a position spaced apart from the hole 130a, and the hole 130a is opened. As the hole 130a is opened, the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30 may be smoothly maintained.

When the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30 stops, the deformation portion 131 may be restored to its original shape. The deformation portion 131 restored to its original shape moves to a position that closes the hole 130a. When the deformation portion 131 closes the hole 130a, the passage 30 may be closed, thereby preventing the reverse flow of air or aerosol, and droplets generated by aerosol being condensed or external foreign materials may be blocked from moving along the passage 30.

The end of the resistance portion 132 of the sensor 130 extends to the outside of the passage 30. A connection wire 132t may be formed at the end of the resistance portion 132.

The sensor 130 may include a detector 133. The detector 133 may be connected to the resistance portion 132 through the connection wire 132t to generate a detection signal by detecting a change in the resistance of the resistance portion 132. For example, the detector 133 may include a detection circuit such as a Wheatstone Bridge.

The sensor 130 may also include an amplifier 134 for amplifying the detection signal of the detector 133 and transmitting the amplified signal to the controller of the aerosol generating device.

According to the aerosol generating device as described above, because at least a portion of the sensor 130 is deformed according to a change in the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30, a signal is generated, and thus, a change in the flow of air or aerosol may be directly, quickly, and precisely detected.

The degree of curvature of the resistance portion 132 of the sensor 130 may change according to the intensity of the flow of air or aerosol, i.e., the intensity of flow velocity. The ‘degree of curvature’ may refer to an angle at the center of an arc corresponding to a unit length of an arc of the curved resistance portion 132 or a radius of curvature of the curved resistance portion 132. Because the electric resistance of the resistance portion 132 of the sensor 130 changes based on the intensity of the flow velocity, the sensor 130 may generate a detection signal according to the intensity of the flow velocity.

According to the sensor 130 as described above, the intensity of the flow velocity of air or aerosol may be precisely measured. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 1 may control the aerosol generating operation by considering the characteristics of the user's inhalation action by reflecting the intensity of the flow velocity of air or aerosol. Based on the detection signal generated by the sensor 130, the aerosol generating device 1 may detect whether the flow velocity of the air or aerosol is in any of ranges of low, medium, and high velocities.

For example, when the flow velocity is in a range of high velocity, it may be understood that the inhalation action is performed with a strong intensity. Because a large amount of aerosol may be inhaled in a short period of time by a strong inhalation action, the aerosol generator may be operated to generate a large amount of aerosol in a short period of time in response to a strong inhalation action.

For example, when the flow velocity is in a range of low velocity, it may be understood that the inhalation action may be performed with a weak intensity. When the inhalation action is performed with a weak intensity, the aerosol may be inhaled over a relatively long period of time. The aerosol generator may reduce the amount of aerosol generated per unit time in response to the weak inhalation action, thereby supplying aerosol in an amount suitable for a user performing an inhalation action over a long period of time.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

A sensor 130 of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a plurality of deformation portions 131 that are deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through a passage, and a resistance portion 132 arranged in at least one of the deformation portions 131.

A frame 130f for supporting the sensor 130 is arranged in the passage of the aerosol generating device. The frame 130f includes a hole 130a through which air or aerosol may pass. One end of each of the deformation portions 131 may be fixed to the hole 130a, and the other end of each of the deformation portions 131 may be separated from the hole 130a.

A substrate 132b including the resistance portion 132 is arranged at the deformation portions 131. A connection wire 132t may be formed at the end of the resistance portion 132 of the sensor 130.

When the deformation portions 131 are deformed by the flow of air or aerosol, the other end of each of the deformation portions 131 moves to a position spaced apart from the hole 130a, thereby opening the hole 130a. As the hole 130a is opened, the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage may be smoothly maintained.

The deformation portions 131 may include a flexible material that may be bent by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage. As the deformation portions 131 are bent, the resistance portion 132 may be bent together with the deformation portions 131, thereby changing the electrical resistance of the resistance portion 132.

The sensor 130 may further include a detector (e.g., the detector 133 of FIG. 8) connected to the resistance portion 132 through the connection wire 132t to generate a detection signal by detecting a change in the resistance of the resistance portion 132, and an amplifier (e.g., the amplifier 134 of FIG. 8) to amplify the detection signal and transmit the amplified signal to a controller of the aerosol generating device.

The embodiments are not limited by the number of deformation portions 131 illustrated in FIG. 9 and the shapes of the deformation portions 131. For example, the number of deformation portions 131 may be three or more. In addition, the shapes of the deformation portions 131 may be modified into various shapes, such as a circle, an oval, a triangle, and a polygon. In addition, the frame 130f may include a plurality of holes 130a, and the plurality of deformation portions 131 may be respectively arranged in the plurality of holes 130a.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 includes a sensor 130 arranged in a passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30 through which air supplied to an aerosol generator or aerosol generated from the aerosol generator flows.

The sensor 130 includes terminals 130c and 130d positioned on a wall of the passage 30 and a deformation portion 131 that may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30 to close or open at least a portion of the passage 30.

The terminals 130c and 130d may be connected to a detector (e.g., the detector 133 of FIG. 8) for generating a signal and/or an amplifier (e.g., the amplifier 134 of FIG. 8) for amplifying a signal of the detector.

The deformation portion 131 may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30 and electrically connected to or electrically separated from the terminals 130c and 130d.

The deformation portion 131 includes a wing 131a deformably connected to the passage 30 and a connection terminal 131b made of an electrically conductive material and connected to an end of the wing 131a. One end of the wing 131a is fixed to the passage 30, and the other end of the wing 131a extends toward the center of the passage 30. The wing 131a may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol in the passage 30.

When the flow of air or aerosol occurs in the passage 30, the wing 131a of the deformation portion 131 bends. When the wing 131a is deformed into a shape, indicated by a dash-double dotted line in FIG. 10, by the flow of air or aerosol, the wing 131a opens the passage 30. With the wing 131a opening the passage 30, the connection terminal 131b comes into contact with the terminals 130c and 130d of the passage 30. The connection terminal 131b electrically connects the terminals 130c and 130d of the passage 30. When the terminals 130c and 130d are electrically connected, a signal of the sensor 130 is generated.

According to the aerosol generating device having the configuration described above, because the deformation portion 131 is deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30, the signal of the sensor 130 is generated, and thus, the flow of air or aerosol may be quickly and precisely detected.

Also, when the flow of air or aerosol in the passage 30 is stopped, the deformation portion 131 may be restored to its original shape, thereby closing the passage 30) Accordingly, the flow of air or aerosol may be prevented from flowing backwards, and droplets generated by aerosol being liquefied during the operation of the aerosol generating device or foreign materials may be effectively blocked from flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device along the passage 30.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a sensor 130 arranged in a passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30 through which air supplied to an aerosol generator or aerosol generated in the aerosol generator flows.

The sensor 130 includes terminals 130c and 130d positioned on a wall of the passage 30, and a deformation portion 131 that is electrically connected to the terminals 130c and 130d or electrically separated from the terminals 130c and 130d by being deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30. The deformation portion 131 may close or open at least a portion of the passage 30 by being deformed by the flow of air or aerosol.

The terminals 130c and 130d may be connected to a detector (e.g., the detector 133 of FIG. 8) for generating a signal and/or an amplifier (e.g., the amplifier 134 of FIG. 8) for amplifying a signal of the detector.

The deformation portion 131 includes a wing 131a deformably connected to the passage 30, and a connection terminal 131b made of an electrically conductive material and arranged along one side of the wing 131a. One end of the wing 131a is fixed to the passage 30, and the other end of the wing 131a extends toward the center of the passage 30. The wing 131a may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol in the passage 30.

One end of the connection terminal 131b remains electrically connected to a first terminal 130d among the terminals 130c and 130d of the passage 30.

In FIG. 11, an initial state before the deformation portion 131 is deformed is illustrated as a solid line. The deformation portion 131 may close the passage 30 in the initial state. In addition, in the initial state of the deformation portion 131, the other end of the connection terminal 131b is electrically separated from a second terminal 130c among the terminals 130c and 130d of the passage 30.

When the deformation portion 131 is deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30, the deformation portion 131 moves to a deformation position shown by a dotted line in FIG. 11. The deformation portion 131 may open at least a portion of the passage 30 at the deformation position. In addition, in the deformation position of the deformation portion 131, the other end of the connection terminal 131b is electrically connected to the second terminal 130c among the terminals 130c and 130d of the passage 30.

Because the terminals 130c and 130d of the passage 30 are electrically connected by the connection terminal 131b at the deformation position of the deformation portion 131, the signal of the sensor 130 is generated by a detector (a detection circuit) connected to the terminals 130c and 130d.

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

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 includes a sensor 130 arranged in a passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30 through which air supplied to an aerosol generator or aerosol generated from the aerosol generator flows.

The sensor 130 includes a deformation portion 131 positioned in one area of the passage 30, terminals 130c and 130d positioned in another area of the passage 30, and a connection terminal 131b arranged at the deformation portion 131 and electrically connected to or electrically separated from the terminals 130c and 130d by deformation of the deformation portion 131.

The deformation portion 131 may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30. The deformation portion 131 may close or open at least a portion of the passage 30 by being deformed by the flow of air or aerosol.

The terminals 130c and 130d may be connected to a detection circuit for generating a signal and/or an amplifier for amplifying a signal of the detection circuit.

One end of the deformation portion 131 is fixed to the passage 30, and one end of the deformation portion 131 remains electrically connected to a second terminal 130c among the terminals 130c and 130d of the passage 30. The other end of the deformation portion 131 extends toward the center of the passage 30. The deformation portion 131 may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol in the passage 30.

In FIG. 12, an initial state before the deformation portion 131 is deformed is illustrated as a solid line. The deformation portion 131 may close the passage 30 in the initial state. In addition, in the initial state of the deformation portion 131, the connection terminal 131b at the other end of the deformation portion 131 is electrically connected to the first terminal 130d among the terminals 130c and 130d of the passage 30. Because the deformation portion 131 includes an electrically conductive material, the deformation portion 131 electrically connects the terminals 130c and 130d in the initial state of the deformation portion 131.

When the deformation portion 131 is deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30, the deformation portion 131 moves to a deformation position shown by a dash-double dotted line in FIG. 12. The deformation portion 131 may open at least a portion of the passage 30 at the deformation position. In addition, in the deformation state of the deformation portion 131, the connection terminal 131b at the other end of the deformation portion 131 is electrically separated from the first terminal 130d among the terminals 130c and 130d of the passage 30.

Because the terminals 130c and 130d of the passage 30 are electrically separated by the connection terminal 131b in the deformation state of the deformation portion 131, the signal of the sensor 130 is generated by a detection circuit connected to the terminals 130c and 130d.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically illustrating some elements of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 includes a sensor 130 arranged in a passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30 through which air supplied to an aerosol generator or aerosol generated from the aerosol generator flows.

The sensor 130 includes a mesh portion 135 arranged in the passage 30 and a resistance portion 132 arranged at the mesh portion 135.

The resistance portion 132 may include an electrically conductive material. The resistance portion 132 has an electrical resistance that changes by being deformed together with the mesh portion 135. For example, the resistance portion 132 may include an electrically conductive metal resistance element or semiconductor element. An end of the resistance portion 132 may extend to the outside of the passage 30, and a connection wire 132t may be formed at the end of the resistance portion 132.

A frame 130f for supporting the sensor 130 is arranged in the passage 30. The frame 130f is fixed to one area of the passage 30 and supports the mesh portion 135. The mesh portion 135 may include a porous membrane material that allows air and/or aerosol to pass through. The mesh portion 135 may include a plurality of holes 135a having microscopic sizes through which air and/or aerosol may pass through. Because the mesh portion 135 includes the plurality of holes 135a, the mesh portion 135 does not completely close the entire area of the passage 30 but only closes a portion of the entire area of the passage 30.

The mesh portion 135 may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30. The mesh portion 135 may be made of a flexible material to be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol. When air or aerosol flows in the Z-axis direction in the passage 30, the air or aerosol passes through the plurality of holes 135a of the mesh portion 135. As the air or aerosol passes through the mesh portion 135, the pressure of a fluid acts on the mesh portion 135, and thus, the mesh portion 135 may be deformed to be a deformation state shown by a dash-double dotted line. When the mesh portion 135 is deformed, the resistance portion 132 is also deformed together with the mesh portion 135.

When the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30 stops, the mesh portion 135 may be restored to its original shape.

The mesh portion 135 may be implemented by a functional porous membrane material that allows gas to pass through but does not allow liquid to pass through. For example, the mesh portion 135 may allow air and/or aerosol flowing in the Z-axis direction to pass through and may perform a function of blocking droplets generated at an upper portion of the mesh portion 135 from flowing in the −Z-axis direction. In order to block droplets generated from an upper portion of the mesh portion 135 from flowing in the −Z-axis direction, the surface of the mesh portion 135 may be treated with a water-repellent coating. The mesh portion 135 may include one or a combination of materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), fluororesin, and nano-coating films.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 includes a sensor 130 arranged in a passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30 through which air supplied to an aerosol generator or aerosol generated from the aerosol generator flows.

The sensor 130 includes a mesh portion 135 including an electrically conductive material and arranged in the passage 30, and a deformation portion 131 electrically connected to or electrically separated from the mesh portion 135 by being deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30.

The deformation portion 131 includes an electrically conductive material and is electrically connected to a terminal 130c positioned on a wall of the passage 30. For example, the deformation portion 131 may include an electrically conductive metal resistance element or a semiconductor element.

The sensor 130 may include a detector 133 connected to the deformation portion 131 to detect a change in resistance of the deformation portion 131 and generate a detection signal. The sensor 130 may also include an amplifier 134 to amplify the detection signal of the detector 133 and transmit the amplified signal to a controller of the aerosol generating device.

In FIG. 15, a state in which the deformation portion 131 is deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through a hole 130a is illustrated as a dash-double dotted line. When the deformation portion 131 is deformed by the flow of air or aerosol, at least a portion of the deformation portion 131 may come into contact with the mesh portion 135, and thus, the deformation portion 131 and the mesh portion 135 may be electrically connected to each other.

When the deformation portion 131 is deformed and the deformation portion 131 and the mesh portion 135 are electrically connected to each other, the detector 133 may detect the total electrical resistance of the deformation portion 131 and the mesh portion 135 electrically connected to each other, and a signal of the sensor 130 indicating changed electrical resistance may be generated.

When the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30 stops, the deformation portion 131 may be restored to its original shape as shown in the solid line in FIG. 15.

When the deformation portion 131 is restored to its original shape and the deformation portion 131 and the mesh portion 135 are electrically separated from each other, the detector 133 may detect the electrical resistance of the deformation portion 131, and a signal of the sensor 130 indicating the original electrical resistance of the deformation portion 131 may be generated.

The mesh portion 135 may include an electrically conductive porous membrane material that allows air and/or aerosol to pass through. Therefore, the mesh portion 135 may allow air and/or aerosol to pass through, and at the same time, when the mesh portion 135 comes into contact with the deformation portion 131, the mesh portion 135 and the deformation portion 131 may be electrically connected to each other.

The surface of the mesh portion 135 may be treated with a water-repellent coating to block droplets generated at an upper portion of the mesh portion 135 from flowing in the −Z-axis direction.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 includes a sensor 130 arranged in a passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30 through which air supplied to an aerosol generator or aerosol generated from the aerosol generator flows.

The sensor 130 includes a mesh portion 135 including an electrically conductive material and arranged in the passage 30, and a deformation portion 131 electrically connected to or electrically separated from the mesh portion 135 by being deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30.

The deformation portion 131 may include an electrically conductive material. For example, the deformation portion 131 may include an electrically conductive metal resistance element or semiconductor element.

The mesh portion 135 is fixed to one area of the passage 30 by using a frame 130f. Because the mesh portion 135 includes a plurality of holes, the mesh portion 135 does not completely close the entire area of the passage 30 but only closes a portion of the entire area of the passage 30.

The mesh portion 135 may include an electrically conductive porous membrane material that allows air and/or aerosol to pass through. Therefore, the mesh portion 135 may allow air and/or aerosol to pass through, and at the same time, when the mesh portion 135 comes into contact with the deformation portion 131, the mesh portion 135 and the deformation portion 131 may be electrically connected to each other.

The sensor 130 may include terminals 130c and 130d positioned on the wall of the passage 30. The deformation portion 131 is electrically connected to a first terminal 130d among the terminals 130c and 130d. The mesh portion 135 is electrically connected to a second terminal 130c among the terminals 130c and 130d.

In FIG. 16, an initial state before the deformation portion 131 is deformed is illustrated as a solid line. In the initial state of the deformation portion 131, the deformation portion 131 and the mesh portion 135 are electrically separated from each other.

When the deformation portion 131 is deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30, the deformation portion 131 moves to a deformation position shown by a dash-double dotted line in FIG. 16. The deformation portion 131 is electrically connected to the mesh portion 135 at the deformation position.

When the deformation portion 131 and the mesh portion 135 are electrically connected to each other at the deformation position of the deformation portion 131, the terminals 130c and 130d are electrically connected, and thus, a signal of the sensor 130 is generated by a detection circuit (a detector) connected to the terminals 130c and 130d.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a sensor 130 arranged in a passage 30 to close at least a portion of the passage 30 through which air supplied to an aerosol generator or aerosol generated from the aerosol generator flows.

The sensor 130 includes an electrodes 130e and 130g positioned in a passage 30, and a deformation portion 131 that may close or open at least a portion of the passage 30 by being deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30.

The sensor 130 may include terminals 130c and 130d positioned on a wall of the passage 30. Ends of the electrodes 130e and 130g are electrically connected to the terminals 130c and 130d, respectively, and the other ends of the electrodes 130e and 130g protrude toward the center of the passage 30. The terminals 130c and 130d may be connected to a detection circuit for generating a signal and/or an amplifier for amplifying the signal of the detection circuit.

The deformation portion 131 may include a flexible material. The deformation portion 131 may be deformed by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30 and may come into contact with or be separated from the electrodes 130e and 130g. Because at least a portion of the deformation portion 131 includes an electrically conductive material, the deformation portion 131 and the electrodes 130e and 130g may be electrically connected to each other by coming into contact with each other.

When the flow of air or aerosol occurs in the passage 30, the deformation portion 131 bends. When the deformation portion 131 is deformed into a shape, indicated by a dash-double dotted line in FIG. 17, by the flow of air or aerosol, the passage 30 is opened. In addition, as the deformation portion 131 is deformed, the deformation portion 131 may be electrically separated from the electrodes 130e and 130g. As the deformation portion 131 is electrically separated from the electrodes 130e and 130g, a signal from the sensor 130 is generated by a detection circuit, connected to the terminals 130c and 130d, to indicate that the passage 30 is opened. For example, the signal from the sensor 130 may be a signal indicating that a portion of an electrical circuit is opened and the flow of current is blocked.

When the flow of air or aerosol in the passage 30 is stopped, the deformation portion 131 may be restored to its original shape, thereby closing the passage 30. Accordingly, the flow of air or aerosol may be prevented from flowing backwards, and droplets generated by aerosol being liquefied during the operation of the aerosol generating device or foreign materials may be effectively blocked from flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device along the passage 30.

When the deformation portion 131 is restored to its original shape, the deformation portion 131 is electrically connected to the electrodes 130e and 130g, and thus, a signal from the sensor 130 is generated by a detection circuit, connected to the terminals 130c and 130d, to indicate that the passage 30 is closed. For example, the signal from the sensor 130 may be a signal indicating that an electrical circuit is closed and a current flow has occurred.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

A sensor 130 of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18 includes a moving portion 136 movably arranged in a passage 30, and a signal generating portion 137 connected to the moving portion 136 and capable of generating a signal by being deformed by the movement of the moving portion 136.

The passage 30 includes a reducing portion 30s in which the inner diameter of a portion of the passage 30 is narrowed. The moving portion 136 is arranged inside the passage 30 to be movable in an extension direction of the passage 30. In FIG. 18, the position of the moving portion 136 in contact with the reducing portion 30s of the passage 30 is illustrated by a dash-double dotted line. The position where the moving portion 136 comes into contact with the reducing portion 30s corresponds to a state where no flow of air or aerosol occurs in the passage 30. Therefore, the position where the moving portion 136 comes into contact with the reducing portion 30s corresponds to an initial position of the moving portion 136.

The moving portion 136 includes a leg portion 136b that protrudes outward from the edge thereof. The leg portion 136b is connected to a guide portion 30g formed on an inner wall surface of the passage 30. The guide portion 30g may include a groove formed concavely on the inner wall surface of the passage 30. The guide portion 30g is formed to extend in the extension direction of the passage 30 in a portion of the passage 30.

An elastic pressure portion 136s is arranged between one end of the guide portion 30g and the leg portion 136b. The elastic pressure portion 136s presses the leg portion 136b in the −Z-axis direction. Because the moving portion 136 is pressed in the −Z-axis direction by the elastic pressure portion 136s, the moving portion 136 is always pressed toward the initial position where the moving portion 136 contacts the reducing portion 30s.

The elastic pressure portion 136s may be implemented by, for example, a spring, rubber, or a gas cylinder.

The signal generating portion 137 is arranged between the other end of the guide portion 30g and the leg portion 136b. The signal generating portion 137 may include, for example, a strain gauge. The signal generating portion 137 may include a substrate that is deformed as the leg portion 136b moves in the extension direction of the passage, and a resistance portion arranged at the substrate. The signal generating unit 137 may, for example, expand or contract in the Z-axis direction along a moving direction of the moving portion 136. As the substrate of the signal generating portion 137 is deformed, the resistance portion may be deformed together with the substrate, thereby changing the electrical resistance of the resistance portion. A detector (e.g., the detector 133 of FIG. 8) and/or an amplifier (e.g., the amplifier of FIG. 8) for detecting the changing electrical resistance of the resistance portion may be connected to the signal generating portion 137.

In FIG. 18, a state in which the moving portion 136 is moved by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30 is illustrated by a solid line. When the moving portion 136 is moved by the flow of air or aerosol, the moving portion 136 is separated from the reducing portion 30s, thereby opening a hole 130a. As the hole 130a is opened, the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30 may be maintained smoothly.

The moving portion 136 may move in the Z-axis direction by the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30. When the moving portion 136 moves to a position separated from the reducing portion 30s while resisting the pressure of the elastic pressure portion 136s, the signal generating portion 137 is deformed and a signal of the sensor 130 is generated.

The stronger the intensity of the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage 30, the greater the distance that the moving portion 136 moves, and thus the distance between the moving portion 136 and the reducing portion 30s may increase. Therefore, the stronger the intensity of the flow of air or aerosol, the more the open area of the passage 30 may increase. When the moving distance of the moving portion 136 increases, the deformable length of the signal generating portion 137 also increases. Therefore, the sensor 130 may quickly detect an open area of the passage 30 and the intensity of the flow of air or aerosol based on the size of the signal generated by the signal generating portion 137.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

The operation of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 19 may be an operation for implementing a smart-on function that automatically starts the operation of the aerosol generating device by detecting, for example, that a user has attempted an inhalation action to inhale air and/or aerosol from the aerosol generating device.

The example of the operation of the aerosol generating device includes an inhalation action detection operation S100 of detecting that a user's inhalation action has occurred. In the inhalation action detection operation S100, a sensor that is at least partially deformed by the flow of air or aerosol may generate a signal.

After the inhalation action detection operation S100, an operation S110 of determining whether the inhalation action has occurred may be executed. The operation S110 of determining whether the inhalation action has occurred may be an operation in which a controller determines whether the inhalation action has occurred based on the signal generated by the sensor. For example, when the size of the signal of the sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value, it may be determined that the user is performing the inhalation action through the passage. As another example, the signal of the sensor for determining the occurrence of the inhalation action may be an on/off signal. That is, before the user performs the inhalation action, the signal of the sensor may correspond to an off signal, and when the user performs the inhalation action, the signal of the sensor may correspond to an on signal.

After it is determined that an inhalation action has occurred in the operation S110 of determining whether the inhalation action has occurred, an aerosol generation operation S120 of initiating an operation of an aerosol generator may be executed.

When it is determined that the inhalation action has occurred, a controller of the aerosol generating device may initiate an operation of the aerosol generator. The operation of the aerosol generator may be, for example, an operation of generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material or an aerosol generating article by applying electricity to a heater of the aerosol generator.

As another example, the operation of the aerosol generator may be a preheating operation of preheating the heater of the aerosol generator by applying electricity to the heater of the aerosol generator before generating the aerosol. The preheating operation is an operation of preparing an environment capable of generating an aerosol before the aerosol generating device performs an operation of generating an aerosol. Therefore, when the user performs one operation of inhaling air from the aerosol generating device before inhaling the aerosol, the aerosol generating device may perform a preheating operation to preliminarily heat the heater of the aerosol generator.

According to the operation of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment described above, the flow of air or aerosol generated inside the passage by the user's inhalation action may be detected by the sensor, and the operation of the aerosol generator may be efficiently controlled based on the signal of the sensor.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

The operation of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 20 may be an operation of controlling an aerosol generating operation considering the characteristics of the user's inhalation action.

The operation of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 20 includes an inhalation action detection operation S300 of detecting a user's inhalation action. In the inhalation action detection operation S300, a sensor that is at least partially deformed by the flow of air or aerosol may generate a signal.

In the inhalation action detection operation S300, for example, one or a combination of the length of time the user continues the inhalation action, the intensity of the inhalation action, and the number of inhalation actions may be detected.

For example, in order to detect the intensity of the inhalation action, the degree to which the sensor is deformed may change depending on the intensity of the flow of air or aerosol, i.e., the intensity of the flow velocity, and thus, the size of the signal of the sensor may change. For example, the electrical resistance of the deformed sensor may change based on the intensity of the flow velocity, and thus, the sensor may generate a detection signal according to the intensity of the flow velocity.

As another example, as the sensor is deformed to detect the duration of the inhalation action and the number of inhalation actions, the duration for which the generation of the signal of the sensor is maintained and the number of times the signal of the sensor is generated may be detected.

Based on the characteristics of the user's inhalation action detected in the inhalation action detection operation S300, an operation S310 of changing a temperature profile is performed. In the operation S310 of changing a temperature profile, a temperature profile related to various parameters for controlling an aerosol generator may be adjusted based on the results detected in the inhalation action detection operation S300.

In the operation S310 of changing the temperature profile, for example, a temperature profile suitable for the characteristics of the user's inhalation action may be selected based on the results detected by the sensor.

For example, when the flow velocity generated by the inhalation action is in a range of high velocity, it may be understood that the inhalation action is performed with a strong intensity. Because a large amount of aerosol may be inhaled in a short period of time by a strong inhalation action, the aerosol generator may be operated to generate a large amount of aerosol in a short period of time in response to a strong inhalation action.

After the operation S310 of changing the temperature profile, an operation S320 of controlling the operation of the aerosol generator by using the changed temperature profile may be performed.

According to the operation of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment described above, the operation of the aerosol generator may be controlled by reflecting the characteristics of the user's inhalation action, and thus, an efficient aerosol generation operation may be implemented.

According to the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments, the flow of air generated inside the passage by the user's inhalation action or the flow of aerosol generated by the aerosol generator may be detected by the sensor, and the operation of the aerosol generator may be efficiently controlled based on the signal of the sensor.

According to the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments, because at least a portion of the sensor is deformed according to a change in the flow of air or aerosol flowing through the passage, a signal may be generated by the sensor, and thus, the change in the flow of air or aerosol may be directly, quickly and precisely detected.

In addition, because at least a portion of the passage through which the air or aerosol flows is closed when the flow of air or aerosol stops, the flow of air or aerosol may be prevented from flowing backward, and droplets generated from aerosol or external foreign materials may be blocked from flowing into the interior of the aerosol generating device.

In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments, the intensity of the flow velocity of air or aerosol may be precisely measured by the sensor. Therefore, the aerosol generating device may control the aerosol generating operation by considering the characteristics of the user's inhalation action by reflecting the intensity of the flow velocity of air or aerosol.

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

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other.

Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

For example, a configuration “A” described in one embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings and a configuration “B” described in another embodiment of the disclosure and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but should be considered as illustrative.

The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are included in the scope of the present disclosure.