WO2026023882A1 - Dispositif de génération d'aérosol - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'aérosol

Info

Publication number
WO2026023882A1
WO2026023882A1 PCT/KR2025/008723 KR2025008723W WO2026023882A1 WO 2026023882 A1 WO2026023882 A1 WO 2026023882A1 KR 2025008723 W KR2025008723 W KR 2025008723W WO 2026023882 A1 WO2026023882 A1 WO 2026023882A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
passage
generating device
aerosol generating
main passage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/KR2025/008723
Other languages
English (en)
Korean (ko)
Inventor
김동성
권영범
김용환
안휘경
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KT&G Corp
Original Assignee
KT&G Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by KT&G Corp filed Critical KT&G Corp
Priority to CN202580002480.1A priority Critical patent/CN121793865A/zh
Publication of WO2026023882A1 publication Critical patent/WO2026023882A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A24F40/465—Shape or structure of electric heating means specially adapted for induction heating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/44—Wicks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/49—Child proofing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/57—Temperature control
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/65—Devices with integrated communication means, e.g. wireless communication means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that can be conveniently used with a comfortable inhalation motion.
  • aerosol generating devices that utilize aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosol while also improving the user's smoking convenience are emerging.
  • an aerosol generating device has been proposed that detects the user's puff motion through a sensor and operates based on the detected puff motion.
  • the aerosol generating device includes a sensor for detecting the user's puffing motion.
  • the airflow passing through the airflow passage must be sufficiently pressurized.
  • the airflow pressure passing through the airflow passage must be appropriately generated. For example, if the airflow pressure becomes excessively high, increasing the "inhalation resistance" (the airflow pressure experienced by the user when puffing), the user may experience discomfort.
  • Airflow pressure is affected by the size of the airflow passage. For example, a larger airflow passage lowers airflow pressure, reducing suction resistance. However, this pressure may not be sufficient for sensor operation. Conversely, a smaller airflow passage increases airflow pressure, allowing the sensor to function normally, but may also increase suction resistance.
  • the senor To precisely control the operation of an aerosol generator, the sensor must be able to operate accurately. Depending on the operating environment of the aerosol generator, there are situations where the sensor may struggle to operate accurately.
  • a flow of heated air may be generated by a preheating operation performed prior to the user's inhalation.
  • a flow of heated air may be generated by heat generated by a heater in an aerosol generating device after the user's inhalation has ended.
  • the vibration transmitted to the aerosol generator during its carrying process can cause airflow. If the sensor detects that the user is inhaling due to the heated airflow or the vibration-induced airflow, the aerosol generator may operate differently than intended.
  • the embodiments seek to provide an aerosol generating device capable of minimizing false detection of a sensor.
  • An aerosol generating device comprises: an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol; a main passage for supplying air to the aerosol generator or for discharging aerosol or air generated from the aerosol generator; a branch passage having one end connected to one region of the main passage and the other end connected to another region of the main passage; and a puff sensor connected to the branch passage for detecting a flow of at least one of air or aerosol in the branch passage.
  • a branch passage may include a first passage connected to an area of the main passage.
  • the puff sensor can be connected to the first passage.
  • the width of the main passage may be greater than the width of the secondary passage.
  • At least a portion of the main passage may extend at an angle relative to the length of the aerosol generating device.
  • the aerosol generator may include a receiving portion for receiving an aerosol generating article for generating an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generator may further include a heater for heating the aerosol generating article.
  • the aerosol generator may further include a generation chamber for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material.
  • the main passage can be connected to the creation chamber.
  • air may be supplied to the generation chamber through the main passage.
  • aerosol and air generated in the generation chamber may be discharged through the main passage.
  • a puff sensor can detect changes in any one of the following: pressure, flow rate, velocity, or a combination thereof.
  • the aerosol generating device may further include additional branch passages connected to the main passage in parallel to the branch passages.
  • the aerosol generating device can extend along one direction, and the branch passage can be located closer to an end of the aerosol generating device in one direction than the main passage with respect to the one direction.
  • the aerosol generating device can extend along one direction, and the main passage can be located closer to the one-way end of the aerosol generating device than the branch passage with respect to the one-way direction.
  • At least a portion of the main passage and at least a portion of the branch passage may extend in a direction transverse to the direction in which the aerosol generating device extends.
  • the aerosol generating device may further include a supply block positioned outside the aerosol generator. At least one of the main passage and the branch passage may pass through the supply block.
  • the aerosol generator may further include a receiving portion for receiving the aerosol generating article.
  • a main passage can be formed by the space between the outer surface of the aerosol generating article contained in the receiving portion and the inner wall of the receiving portion.
  • the aerosol generating device can implement a low level of inhalation resistance so that a user can perform a comfortable puffing motion.
  • the puff sensor can precisely and quickly detect the flow of air or aerosol or the flow of air and aerosol.
  • a branch passage is connected in parallel to a main passage through which a main flow of air or aerosol is generated, and a puff sensor is connected to the branch passage. Accordingly, air can be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main passage or aerosol generated in the aerosol generator can be discharged to the outside, and at the same time, a puff sensor connected to the branch passage arranged in parallel to the main passage can precisely perform the function of detecting a user's inhalation motion.
  • FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device to which the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be applied.
  • Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 4.
  • FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing some parts of an aerosol generating device that is a modified version of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, separated.
  • Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the parts shown in Fig. 7 combined.
  • Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
  • Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
  • Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
  • Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
  • Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the coupling relationship of elements of the aerosol generating devices of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14.
  • an expression such as "at least one” precedes an array of elements modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element.
  • the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.
  • the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.
  • the aerosol generating device may include a heater.
  • the heater may be an electrically resistive heater.
  • the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track.
  • the heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.
  • the cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod.
  • the tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material.
  • the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.
  • the filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter.
  • the filter rod may be composed of at least one segment.
  • the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol.
  • the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.
  • An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge.
  • the cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto.
  • the cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the body, and may be secured so as not to be detached by a user.
  • the cartridge may be mounted to the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, this is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.
  • the cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state.
  • the aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition.
  • the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.
  • the cartridge can be operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of an aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol.
  • the aerosol may refer to a gas that is a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air.
  • the aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol may pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.
  • the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method.
  • the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.
  • the aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, which may generate short-cycle vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material.
  • the vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.
  • the aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance.
  • the wick may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the vibrator or may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the vibrator.
  • An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil.
  • the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor.
  • a magnetic field may be formed within the coil.
  • the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is positioned within the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.
  • the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.
  • the aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle.
  • the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery.
  • the heater can be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are combined.
  • FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.
  • An aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), and a heater (18). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), and the heater (18) may be disposed inside a body (10) of the aerosol generating device.
  • the body (10) may provide a space opened upwardly so that a stick (S), which is an aerosol generating article or an aerosol generating substance, may be inserted.
  • the space opened upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space.
  • the insertion space may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the body (10) by a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the stick (S) can be inserted.
  • the depth of the insertion space may correspond to the length of a region of the stick (S) containing the aerosol generating substance and/or medium.
  • the lower end of the stick (S) is inserted into the inside of the body (10), and the upper end of the stick (S) can protrude outside the body (10). The user can inhale air by putting the upper end of the stick (S) exposed to the outside in his/her mouth.
  • the heater (18) is an example of an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from a stick (S).
  • the aerosol generator may include a receiving portion (102p) including an insertion space for receiving the stick (S), and a heater (18) disposed in the receiving portion (102p) to generate heat for heating the stick (S).
  • the heater (18) can heat the stick (S).
  • the heater (18) can extend upwardly around the space where the stick (S) is inserted.
  • the heater (18) can be in the form of a tube having a hollow space therein.
  • the heater (18) can be placed around the insertion space.
  • the heater (18) can be placed to surround at least a portion of the insertion space.
  • the heater (18) can heat the insertion space or the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space.
  • the heater (18) can include an electrical resistance heater and/or an induction heater.
  • the heater (18) may be a resistive heater.
  • the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track.
  • the heater (18) may be electrically connected to a power source (11).
  • the heater (18) may be directly heated by receiving current from the power source (11).
  • the heater (18) may be a hollow heater arranged to surround at least a portion of a stick (S) inserted into an insertion space to heat the outside of the inserted stick (S), or may be a heater in the shape of a needle, rod, tube, or the like to be inserted into the inside of the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space to heat the inside.
  • the control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the control unit (12) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB).
  • the control unit (12) can control the operation of at least one of the power supply (11) and the sensor unit (13).
  • the control unit (12) can control the operation of the heater (18).
  • the control unit (12) can control the operation of the display, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the control unit (12) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.
  • the control unit (12) can analyze the results detected by the sensor unit (13) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) so that the operation of the heater (18) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor unit (13). For example, the control unit (12) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (18) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (18) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor unit (13).
  • the sensor unit (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor.
  • the sensor unit (13) may sense at least one of the temperature of the heater (18), the temperature of the power source (11), and the temperature inside and outside the body (10).
  • the sensor unit (13) may sense the user's puff.
  • the sensor unit (13) may sense whether the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space.
  • 'the sensor unit (13) includes a puff sensor' may mean that the sensor unit (13) illustrated in FIG. 1 is connected to the puff sensor (132), such that the sensor unit (13) supplies electricity to the puff sensor (132), receives a signal generated by the puff sensor (132), and the sensor unit (13) converts the signal of the puff sensor (132) into a 'puff signal' to be transmitted to the control unit (12), etc.
  • the 'puff signal' may be a signal indicating that an inhalation motion (puff motion) performed by a user has been detected.
  • One end of the main passage (150) is connected to the opening (150i) of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the other end of the main passage (150) is connected to the supply opening (150d) of the receiving portion (102p). Air can be supplied to the receiving portion (102p) through the supply opening (150d). Therefore, air introduced from the outside into the aerosol generating device (1) through the opening (150i) can be supplied to the receiving portion (102p) through the main passage (150).
  • the branch passage (160) is connected in parallel to the main passage (150).
  • the term "connected in parallel” can be explained in terms of the flow of fluid passing through the main passage (150). In other words, since the branch passage (160) is connected in parallel to the main passage (150), it means that when the fluid passes through the main passage (150), a flow of fluid can also be generated in the branch passage (160).
  • one side (160a) of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the main passage (150), and the other side (160b) of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • a puff sensor (132) is connected to the branch passage (160).
  • the puff sensor (132) can detect the flow of air and/or aerosol passing through the branch passage (160) and generate a signal.
  • the branch passage (160) includes a first passage (161) connected to one area of the main passage (150) and a second passage (162) connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • the puff sensor (132) can be connected to the first passage (161).
  • the first passage (161) can extend along a direction (X-axis direction) that crosses the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends.
  • the second passage (162) can extend along the extension direction of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • a filtering element (180) for filtering out foreign substances such as droplets or dust contained in the fluid flow may be placed in the branch passage (160).
  • the filtering element (180) may be placed in the second passage (162) of the branch passage (160).
  • the width of the main passage (150) may be formed to be larger than the width of the branch passage (160). More specifically, the width of the second passage (162) of the branch passage (160) is larger than the width of the first passage (161), and the width of the main passage (150) is larger than the width of the second passage (162).
  • the main passage (150) includes a first main passage (151) inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends, and a second main passage (152) connecting the first main passage (151) and the supply port (150d).
  • the aerosol generating device (1) can be extended in one direction (Z-axis direction).
  • the aerosol generating device (1) can include one end in one direction (Z-axis direction) and the other end in the other direction (-Z-axis direction).
  • An opening (150i) and an insertion hole for a stick (S) can be formed at one end of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the branch passage (160) may be located closer to one end of the aerosol generating device (1) than the main passage (150).
  • the branch passage (160) is positioned closer to one end of the aerosol generating device (1) than the main passage (150), it is possible to minimize the droplets generated by cooling the aerosol in the main passage (150) and the like from entering the puff sensor (132).
  • the direction of the posture of the aerosol generating device (1) is approximately the same as the Z-axis direction illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, even if droplets are generated in the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160), it is difficult for the droplets to enter the puff sensor (132) connected to the upper portion of the first passage (161) extending horizontally with respect to the direction of gravity.
  • a branch passage (160) is connected in parallel to the main passage (150) connecting the receiving portion (102p) for receiving the stick (S) and the opening (150i), so that when the user performs an inhalation motion, external air can pass through the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) and then be supplied to the stick (S).
  • the vapor generated in the stick (S) is mixed with the air, and the generated aerosol can be smoothly supplied to the user.
  • the width of the one passage must be determined by considering both the operation of the puff sensor (132) and the suction resistance associated with the user's inhalation motion. The narrower the width of the one passage, the more precisely the puff sensor (132) can operate. However, when the width of the one passage is set to be excessively narrow, the 'suction resistance', which is the fluid resistance felt by the user when performing the inhalation motion, may increase, causing discomfort to the user.
  • the puff sensor (132) may not operate precisely.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) when a user inhales an aerosol, sufficient air can be supplied to the stick (S) through the wide main passage (150), thereby providing sufficient 'inhalation resistance' at a level that makes the user feel comfortable.
  • the puff sensor (132) since air also flows through the narrow branch passage (160) while the user inhales an aerosol, the puff sensor (132) can operate precisely.
  • the heated air around the stick (S) can be naturally discharged to the outside through one passage.
  • the heater (18) can preliminarily heat the stick (S) before the user performs an inhalation motion, and the preheating operation of the heater (18) can cause the heated air around the stick (S) to flow to the outside through one passage.
  • heated air around the stick (S) or residual heat present in the heater (18) may still flow outward through one passage.
  • airflow may occur inside one of the passages if the user moves quickly while carrying the aerosol generating device (1) or makes a shaking motion of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the aerosol generating device (1) includes one passage and a puff sensor (132) connected to one passage, as described above, even when the user does not perform an inhalation motion, a flow of fluid may occur in one passage. This phenomenon may cause a malfunction in which the puff sensor (132) generates a signal indicating that an inhalation motion has been detected even when the user does not perform an inhalation motion.
  • air can be supplied to the receiving portion (102p) that receives the stick (S) through the main passage (150), and since the branch passage (160) is connected in parallel to the main passage (150), the occurrence of malfunction of the puff sensor (132) can be minimized.
  • Natural air flow may occur in the main passage (150) and branch passage (160) due to heated air generated around the stick (S) due to preheating or residual heat, or due to shaking of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the 'natural air flow' may refer to the air flow that flows along the main passage (150) and branch passage (160) when the user does not perform an inhalation motion.
  • the width of the main passage (150) is set to be larger than the width of the branch passage (160)
  • the flow resistance against the air flow is formed to be larger in the branch passage (160) than in the main passage (150).
  • a large amount of air in the natural air flow passes through the main passage (150) with small flow resistance.
  • a small amount of air in the natural air flow passes through the branch passage (160) with relatively large flow resistance. Therefore, even if a natural air flow occurs in the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160), a small amount of air passes through the branch passage (160), so that the occurrence of a malfunction of the puff sensor (132) can be minimized.
  • Fig. 2 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment.
  • the heater (18) of the aerosol generating device (1) may be an induction heating heater.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (181) surrounding the heater (18).
  • the induction coil (181) may heat the heater (18).
  • the heater (18) is a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181).
  • the magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18).
  • the current may generate heat in the heater (18).
  • the embodiment is not limited to the structure of the receiving portion (102p) and the heater (18).
  • the receiving portion (102p) may be removed, and the heater (18) functioning as a susceptor may receive the stick (S).
  • the shape of the heater (18) may be transformed into a cup shape, such as the receiving portion (102p) illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the heater (18) may perform the function of receiving the stick (S), supplying air to the stick (S), and heating the stick (S) at the same time.
  • a susceptor may be included inside the stick (S), and the susceptor inside the stick (S) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (181).
  • the power source (11) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the power source (11) can be referred to as a battery.
  • the power source (11) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (12), the sensor unit (13), and the heater (18).
  • the aerosol generating device (1) includes an induction coil (181)
  • the power source (11) can supply power to the induction coil (181).
  • the aerosol generator (1) includes a main passage (150) and a branch passage (160) connected to the main passage (150). Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main passage (150).
  • One side (160a) of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the main passage (150), and the other side (160b) of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • the branch passage (160) includes a first passage (161) connected to one area of the main passage (150) and a second passage (162) connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • a puff sensor (132) may be connected to the first passage (161).
  • a filtering element (180) may be arranged in the second passage (162) of the branch passage (160).
  • the width of the main passage (150) may be formed to be larger than the width of the branch passage (160). More specifically, the width of the second passage (162) of the branch passage (160) is larger than the width of the first passage (161), and the width of the main passage (150) is larger than the width of the second passage (162).
  • the main passage (150) includes a first main passage (151) inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends, and a second main passage (152) connecting the first main passage (151) and the supply port (150d).
  • the aerosol generating device (1) can be extended in one direction (Z-axis direction). Based on the direction in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends (Z-axis direction), the main passage (150) can be positioned closer to one end of the aerosol generating device (1) than the branch passage (160).
  • the droplets generated by cooling the aerosol in the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) can be minimized from entering the puff sensor (132).
  • the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device (1) is approximately identical to the Z-axis direction illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the droplets generated in the main passage (150), the branch passage (160), etc. will gather in the second passage (162) located at the bottommost in FIG. 2. Therefore, it is difficult for the droplets to enter the puff sensor (132) connected to the first passage (161) extending along the extension direction (Z-axis) of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • air can be supplied to the receiving portion (102p) that receives the stick (S) through the main passage (150), and since the branch passage (160) is connected in parallel to the main passage (150), the occurrence of malfunction of the puff sensor (132) can be minimized.
  • Heated air may be generated around the stick (S) due to preheating or residual heat, or natural air flow may occur in the main passage (150) and branch passage (160) due to shaking of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the width of the main passage (150) is set to be greater than the width of the branch passage (160)
  • the flow resistance against the air flow is formed to be greater in the branch passage (160) than in the main passage (150).
  • a large amount of air passes through the main passage (150) with small flow resistance during the natural air flow.
  • a small amount of air passes through the branch passage (160) with relatively large flow resistance during the natural air flow.
  • Heated air has a lower density than the surrounding air, and thus tends to move upward in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. Due to the rising tendency of heated air, most of the heated air surrounding the stick (S) flows into the first main passage (151) of the main passage (150) before reaching the second passage (162) of the branch passage (160). In addition, a small amount of air from the natural air flow flows into the branch passage (160).
  • FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment.
  • an aerosol generating device (1) may include a body (10) and a cartridge (19).
  • the body (10) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), and a sensor unit (13). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor unit (13) may be disposed inside the body (10).
  • a cartridge (19), which is an aerosol generating article, may be mounted on the body (10). A user may inhale the aerosol by placing a mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge (19) in his/her mouth.
  • the cartridge (19) may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel state within an internal chamber (C0).
  • the aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition.
  • the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing substance including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco substance.
  • the cartridge (19) can be detachably coupled to the body (10).
  • the cartridge (19) can be mounted on the body (10) by being inserted into the body (10).
  • the body (10) may be formed in a structure in which outside air can flow into the interior of the body (10) while the cartridge (19) is inserted. At this time, the outside air flowing into the body (10) can pass through the cartridge (19) and flow into the user's oral cavity through the main passage (150).
  • the cartridge (19) may include a chamber (C0) containing an aerosol generating material and/or a heater (24) for heating the aerosol generating material in the chamber (C0).
  • a liquid delivery means (25) impregnated with (contained by) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the chamber (C0).
  • the liquid delivery means (25) may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc.
  • the electrically conductive track of the heater (24) may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means (25) or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means (25).
  • the heater (24) may be referred to as a cartridge heater.
  • the cartridge (19) can generate an aerosol.
  • an aerosol can be generated.
  • the generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the main passage (150).
  • the heater (24) and the liquid delivery means (25) of the cartridge (19) are other examples of an aerosol generator.
  • the aerosol generator may include an aerosol 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 aerosol generation chamber (C1).
  • the aerosol generating device (1) includes a main passage (150) and a branch passage (160) connected to the main passage (150). Aerosol generated in the aerosol generator can be discharged to the outside through the main passage (150).
  • One end of the main passage (150) is open to the outside, and the other end of the main passage (150) can be connected to an aerosol generation chamber (C1).
  • the main passage (150) can be extended along the length of the aerosol generation device (1).
  • the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation chamber (C1) can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generation device (1) through the main passage (150).
  • One side (160a) of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the main passage (150), and the other side (160b) of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • the width of the main passage (150) may be formed to be larger than the width of the branch passage (160).
  • a puff sensor (132) is connected to the branch passage (160).
  • the puff sensor (132) can detect changes in the flow of air and/or aerosol passing through the branch passage (160) and generate a signal.
  • the aerosol generated in the aerosol generator can be discharged to the outside through the main passage (150), and since the branch passage (160) is connected in parallel to the main passage (150), the aerosol generated in the aerosol generator can be supplied to the user after passing through the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) as the user performs an inhalation motion.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) According to the aerosol generating device (1) according to the above-described embodiment, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be provided to the user through the wide main passage (150). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) can provide sufficient 'inhalation resistance' at a level that allows the user to feel comfortable while performing an inhalation motion. In addition, since the flow of aerosol is generated through the narrow branch passage (160) while the user inhales the aerosol, the puff sensor (132) can operate precisely.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) since the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) are connected to the aerosol generator, when a flow of heated air is generated due to the preheating operation of the heater (24) or residual heat after the operation of the heater (24) is completed, a large amount of the heated air can be discharged to the outside through the main passage (150) having a small flow resistance.
  • the width of the main passage (150) is set to be larger than the width of the branch passage (160)
  • the flow resistance against the air flow is formed to be larger in the branch passage (160) than in the main passage (150).
  • a large amount of air passes through the main passage (150) with small flow resistance during the natural air flow.
  • a small amount of air passes through the branch passage (160) with relatively large flow resistance during the natural air flow. Therefore, even if a natural air flow occurs in the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160), only a small amount of air passes through the branch passage (160), so that the occurrence of malfunction of the puff sensor (132) can be minimized.
  • the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) can extend long along the extension direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends.
  • at least a portion of the main passage (150) and at least a portion of the branch passage (160) can extend parallel to each other along the extension direction of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device (1) roughly matches the direction of gravity. Since the droplets generated in the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) will flow downward along the direction of gravity, it is difficult for the droplets to enter the puff sensor (132) connected to the branch passage (160) extending along the extension direction of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device (1) to which the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be applied
  • FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 4.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a power source (11), a control unit (12), and a sensor unit (13). At least one of the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor unit (13) may be disposed inside the body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the contents of the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor unit (13) described above in FIGS. 1-3 may be equally applied to the power source (11), the control unit (12), and the sensor unit (13).
  • the body (10) forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1) and may include an internal space in which components of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged.
  • the body (10) is formed in a semicircular cross-section as a whole is shown, but the shape of the body (10) is not limited thereto, and the body (10) may be formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole or in a polygonal pillar shape.
  • the body (10) may include a first body surface (10A) (e.g., a body upper surface), a second body surface (10B) opposite to the first body surface (10A) (e.g., a body lower surface), and at least one third body surface (10C) (e.g., a body side surface) between the first body surface (10A) and the second body surface (10B).
  • a first body surface (10A) e.g., a body upper surface
  • second body surface (10B) opposite to the first body surface (10A) e.g., a body lower surface
  • at least one third body surface (10C) e.g., a body side surface
  • an insertion space (102) may be formed inside the body (10).
  • the insertion space (102) may be formed at the upper portion of the body (10).
  • the insertion space (102) may be opened upward.
  • the insertion space (102) may have a cylindrical shape that extends vertically.
  • At least a portion of the stick (S) may be inserted into the body (10) through the opening (101) at the upper portion of the insertion space (102).
  • the aerosol generating material may be in the form of a cigarette, such as the stick (S) of FIGS. 1 and 2, but the form of the aerosol generating material is not limited thereto.
  • the depth of the insertion space (102) may correspond to the length of the region in the stick (S) that includes the aerosol generating material or medium.
  • At least one area of the stick (S) accommodated in the insertion space (102) can be heated by the heater (240), and the vaporized particles generated by the heating of the stick (S) and the air introduced into the internal space of the body (10) through the opening (101) can be mixed to generate an aerosol.
  • a display (141) may be placed on one side of the body (10). At least a portion of the display (141) may be exposed to the outside of the body (10).
  • the display (141) can provide various visual information to the user.
  • the display (141) can include a display panel and/or a touch panel.
  • the display (141) can include a cover glass.
  • the cover glass can form the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1) together with the body (10).
  • the cover glass can come into contact with a part of the user's body.
  • the cover glass can protect the display panel and/or the touch panel from external impact.
  • the display panel may be arranged in a direction facing the inside of the body (10) from the cover glass.
  • the display panel may be arranged parallel to the cover glass.
  • the touch panel can detect touch corresponding to contact with an object.
  • the touch panel can detect touch corresponding to contact with a part of the user's body.
  • the touch panel can receive user input.
  • a cover (104) may be provided on the upper side of the body (10).
  • the cover (104) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening (101) of the body (10).
  • the opening (101) of the body (10) may be circular, and the cover (104) may be circular with a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening (101).
  • the cover (104) can open and close the opening (101) of the body (10) by moving along the guide (103).
  • the cover (104) can close the opening (101) at a first position and open the opening (101) at a second position.
  • the position of the cover (104) can be manually moved by a user.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) may be equipped with a driving device, and the position of the cover (104) may be moved by the driving device.
  • Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment.
  • An aerosol generating device (1) includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol, a main passage (150), a branch passage (160) connected to the main passage (150), and a puff sensor (132) connected to the branch passage (160) for detecting a change in the flow of air. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main passage (150).
  • Components such as an aerosol generator, a main passage (150), a branch passage (160), and a puff sensor (132) can be arranged inside the body (10).
  • a cover (104) moves relative to the body (10) and a part of the body (10) is opened, a part of the stick (S) is inserted into the body (10) and another part of the stick (S) is exposed to the outside of the body (10).
  • the stick (S) is heated by a heater (18) to generate an aerosol.
  • the stick (S) may be referred to as a cigarette.
  • the stick (S) is an example of an aerosol generating article.
  • the embodiments are not limited to the method of generating an aerosol by heating the stick (S) of the aerosol generator illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • the aerosol generator may generate an aerosol, for example, by using a heater inserted into the stick (S) to generate heat, by heating a liquid aerosol generating substance, or by generating an aerosol from a liquid aerosol generating substance through ultrasonic vibration.
  • the main passage (150) and branch passage (160) can be arranged by forming a flow path within the supply block (150b).
  • the supply block (150b) can be formed by an injection molding process in which resin is injected into a mold and cured. Through the injection molding process, the main passage (150) and branch passage (160) having a position and structure pre-designed by the mold can be formed within the supply block (150b).
  • the method for forming the main passage (150) and branch passages (160) is not limited to the 'injection molding process'.
  • a supply block (150b) including the main passage (150) and branch passages (160) can be completed by drilling the interior of the block shape.
  • the main passage (150) is connected to the opening (150i) of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the other end of the main passage (150) includes a supply port (150d). Air can be supplied to the inlet (102i) through the supply port (150d).
  • the supply port (150d) of the main passage (150) can be formed to protrude from the supply block (150b) toward the receiving portion (102p). Therefore, air introduced from the outside through the main passage (150) can be supplied to the receiving portion (102p).
  • the supply port (150d) of the main passage (150) and the inlet (102i) of the receiving portion (102p) may be tightly coupled by a sealing portion (160r).
  • the term "tightly coupled” may mean that a sealed state is implemented so that air or liquid does not pass through the connection portion between the supply port (150d) and the inlet (102i).
  • the sealing portion (160r) may be formed of, for example, rubber or an elastic resin material.
  • the user can inhale the aerosol by holding the stick (S) protruding from the outside of the body (10) in his/her mouth.
  • the action of the user inhaling the stick (S) in his/her mouth may be referred to as a "puff action” or "inhalation action.”
  • a flow of air is generated through the stick (S), thereby allowing the aerosol generated from the stick (S) to be delivered to the user.
  • a state in which a portion of the stick (S) is inserted into the body (10) corresponds to a state in which the cover (104) opens a portion of the body (10).
  • External air of the body (10) can be introduced into the interior of the body (10) through the gap between the cover (104) and the body (10).
  • the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) are fluidly connected to the supply chamber (10c) of the receiving portion (102p). Air drawn in from the outside of the body (10) passes through the opening (150i), the main passage (150), the branch passage (160), the supply port (150d), the inlet (102i), and the supply chamber (10c) and is then supplied to the stick (S).
  • One side (160a) of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the main passage (150), and the other side (160b) of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • a puff sensor (132) is connected to the branch passage (160).
  • the puff sensor (132) is mounted on a circuit board (132b).
  • the circuit board (132b) on which the puff sensor (132) is mounted is placed on the supply block (150b) so as to be located outside the branch passage (160).
  • the circuit board (132b) may be a printed circuit board made of a rigid or flexible material.
  • the circuit board (132b) may supply electricity to the puff sensor (132) and transmit a detection signal generated by the puff sensor (132) to the control unit.
  • the puff sensor (132) can detect the flow of air and/or aerosol passing through the branch passage (160).
  • the puff sensor (132) detecting the flow means that the puff sensor (132) can generate a signal based on a change in the flow of air and/or aerosol.
  • the puff sensor (132) can detect a change in any one of the pressure, flow rate, or velocity of air flowing into the interior of the body (10) from the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1), or can generate a signal based on a change in a combination of various physical quantities related to the flow (or flow) of air.
  • the puff sensor (132) may be a pressure sensor.
  • the puff sensor (132) may generate a signal corresponding to a change in the pressure of the air in the branch passage (160).
  • the aerosol generating device (1) when a user inhales an aerosol, sufficient air can be supplied to the stick (S) through the wide main passage (150), thereby providing sufficient 'inhalation resistance' at a level that makes the user feel comfortable.
  • the puff sensor (132) since air also flows through the narrow branch passage (160) while the user inhales an aerosol, the puff sensor (132) can operate precisely.
  • a main passage (150) is connected to a receiving portion (102p) for receiving a stick (S).
  • the main passage (150) has a wide width so that a sufficient amount of air can be supplied to the receiving portion (102p).
  • a branch passage (160) of a small width is connected in parallel to the main passage (150) of a large width, and a puff sensor (132) is connected to the branch passage (160) of a small width, so that the occurrence of malfunction of the puff sensor (132) can be minimized.
  • the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) can be extended in a long manner along the direction in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends.
  • the embodiments are not limited to the arrangement structure of the supply block (150b) and the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) illustrated in FIG. 6, and various arrangement structures may be utilized.
  • one of the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) may be formed inside the supply block (150b), and the other of the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) may be arranged outside the supply block (150b).
  • the other of the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) arranged outside the supply block (150b) may be implemented as, for example, a pipe or a tube.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing some parts of an aerosol generating device (1) that is a modified version of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, separated, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the parts shown in Fig. 7 combined.
  • a supply block (150b) and a branch block (160t) are used to implement a main passage (150) and a branch passage (160).
  • a main passage (150) is formed inside the supply block (150b).
  • a branch passage (160) is formed inside the branch block (160t).
  • the width of the main passage (150) may be formed to be greater than the width of the branch passage (160).
  • Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main passage (150).
  • the main passage (150) connects an opening (150i) formed at the top of the supply block (150b) and a supply opening (150d) formed to protrude from one side at the bottom of the supply block (150b).
  • the branch block (160t) is coupled to the other side of the supply block (150b).
  • One side (160a) of the branch passage (160) and the other side (160b) of the branch passage (160) are formed to protrude from one side of the branch block (160t).
  • a connecting hole (154, 155) is formed to expose one area and the other area of the main passage (150) to the outside of the supply block (150b).
  • one side of the branch block (160t) When one side of the branch block (160t) is coupled to the other side of the supply block (150b), one side (160a) and the other side (160b) of the branch block (160t) are connected to the connection holes (154, 155) of the supply block (150b). Therefore, when the branch block (160t) is coupled to the supply block (150b), one side (160a) of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the main passage (150), and the other side (160b) of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • a circuit board (132b) is attached to the outside of the branch block (106t). When the circuit board (132b) equipped with the puff sensor (132) is attached to the other surface of the branch block (106t), the puff sensor (132) is connected to the branch passage (160).
  • the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) can be arranged by forming a flow path within the supply block (150b) and the branch block (106t).
  • each of the supply block (150b) and the branch block (106t) can be formed by an injection molding process in which resin is injected into a mold and cured.
  • the branch passage (160) is connected in parallel to the main passage (150).
  • the embodiments are not limited to the method of forming the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) by the injection molding process, and either or both of the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) may be implemented using separate pipes or tubes.
  • the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) can be extended in a long manner along the extension direction of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment.
  • An aerosol generating device (1) includes an aerosol generator (241) for generating an aerosol, a main passage (150), a branch passage (160) connected in parallel to the main passage (150), and a puff sensor (132) connected to the branch passage (160) for detecting the flow of air. Aerosol or heated air generated in the aerosol generator (241) can be discharged to the outside through the main passage (150), or the aerosol and air can be discharged to the outside together.
  • the aerosol generator (241) includes a chamber (C1) in which an aerosol is generated, a liquid delivery means (25) located inside the chamber (C1), and a heater (24) that heats the liquid delivery means (25) to generate an aerosol.
  • One end of the main passage (150) may be opened toward the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), and the other end of the main passage (150) may be connected to the aerosol generating chamber (C1). At least a portion of the main passage (150) may extend along the length of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating chamber (C1) may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the main passage (150).
  • One side (160a) of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the main passage (150), and the other side (160b) of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • the width of the main passage (150) may be formed to be larger than the width of the branch passage (160).
  • a puff sensor (132) is connected to the branch passage (160).
  • the puff sensor (132) can detect changes in the flow of air or aerosol passing through the branch passage (160) and/or changes in physical quantities related to the fluid to generate a signal.
  • Air from outside the aerosol generating device (1) is introduced into the interior of the aerosol generating device (1) through the inlet passage (158) of the body (10).
  • the air introduced through the inlet passage (158) flows into the chamber (C1) where the aerosol is generated, and then the aerosol formed in the chamber (C1) is mixed with the air and discharged to the outside through the main passage (150).
  • the user can inhale the aerosol by putting the mouthpiece (10 m) provided at one end of the aerosol generating device (1) in his/her mouth.
  • a flow of aerosol generated from the aerosol generator can be supplied to the user after passing through the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160).
  • a sufficient flow rate of aerosol can be supplied to the user through the wide main passage (150).
  • the puff sensor (132) can operate precisely.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) since a wide main passage (150) and a narrow branch passage (160) are connected in parallel to the aerosol generator, most of the air flow generated due to preheating or residual heat, etc. can be discharged to the outside through the main passage (150), thereby minimizing malfunction of the puff sensor (132).
  • Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment.
  • An aerosol generating device (1) includes an aerosol generator, a main passage (150), a branch passage (160) connected in parallel to the main passage (150), and a puff sensor (132) connected to the branch passage (160) and generating a signal regarding a fluid. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main passage (150).
  • the aerosol generator includes a receiving portion (102p) including a receiving space for receiving a stick (S), and a heater (18) at least partially positioned inside the receiving portion (102p) to generate heat for heating the stick (S).
  • the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power source (11) for supplying power to the heater (18).
  • a portion of a heater (18) can be inserted into an end of the stick (S).
  • At least one protrusion (102g) protruding toward the end of the stick (S) is formed on the bottom surface of the receiving space inside the receiving portion (102p).
  • the protrusion (102g) can perform a function of supporting the end of the stick (S) inserted into the receiving portion (102p).
  • air introduced into the receiving portion (102p) from the outside can be supplied to the end of the stick (S) through the space between the protrusions (102g). Since the protrusions (102g) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, air introduced into the receiving portion (102p) can be supplied to the end of the stick (S) through the spaced space between the protrusions (102g).
  • the main passage (150) can be formed by a space between the inner wall surface (102s) of the receiving portion (102p) and the outer surface of the stick (S). One end of the main passage (150) is opened toward the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), and the other end of the main passage (150) is connected to the end of the stick (S) into which the heater (18) is inserted.
  • the main passage (150) can be extended along the extension direction of the aerosol generating device (1). Therefore, air introduced into the receiving portion (102p) from the outside can be supplied to the end of the stick (S) through the main passage (150).
  • One side of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the main passage (150), and the other side of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • the width of the main passage (150) may be formed to be larger than the width of the branch passage (160).
  • a puff sensor (132) is connected to the branch passage (160).
  • the puff sensor (132) can detect the flow of air and/or aerosol passing through the branch passage (160) and generate a signal.
  • Fig. 11 is a 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. 11 is generally similar in configuration to the aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 10, but the structure of the main passage (150) is modified.
  • the main passage (150) is arranged inside the receiving portion (102p) and extends in a long direction along the direction in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends. One end of the main passage (150) is opened toward the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), and the other end of the main passage (150) is opened toward the end of the stick (S) into which the heater (18) is inserted. Therefore, air from outside the aerosol generating device (1) can be supplied to the end of the stick (S) through the main passage (150).
  • One side of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the main passage (150), and the other side of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • the width of the main passage (150) may be formed to be larger than the width of the branch passage (160).
  • a puff sensor (132) is connected to the branch passage (160).
  • the puff sensor (132) can detect changes in the flow of air or aerosol passing through the branch passage (160) and/or changes in physical quantities related to the fluid to generate a signal.
  • the receiving portion (102p) can be manufactured, for example, by an injection molding process that injects resin or molten metal into a mold and hardens it.
  • the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) can be formed based on the shape of the passage prepared in advance in the mold when the injection molding process is performed.
  • a method can be used in which the receiving portion (102p) is prepared to form the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) in the receiving portion (102p), and then holes are drilled in the receiving portion (102p) to form the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160).
  • Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment.
  • An aerosol generating device (1) includes an aerosol generator, a main passage (150), a branch passage (160) connected to the main passage (150), and a puff sensor (132) connected to the branch passage (160) and generating a signal regarding a fluid. Air can be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main passage (150).
  • the aerosol generator includes a receiving portion (102p) including a receiving space for receiving a stick (S), and a heater (18) that generates heat for heating the stick (S) by being supported at least in part by the receiving portion (102p).
  • a main passage (150) may be formed to penetrate the receiving portion (102p).
  • a cartridge (19) can be coupled to one side of a receiving portion (102p) that accommodates a stick (S).
  • the cartridge (19) can be detachably mounted on the body (10).
  • the outlet (19e) of the cartridge (19) is connected to the main passage (150) of the receiving portion (102p).
  • One end of the main passage (150) is opened toward the stick (S).
  • the other end of the main passage (150) is connected to the outlet (19e) of the cartridge (19). Therefore, at least one of the air and the aerosol transmitted through the outlet (19e) of the cartridge (19) can be supplied to the stick (S) through the main passage (150).
  • the aerosol generating device (1) operates to heat only the stick (S) while the cartridge (19) is stopped, air can be supplied to the main passage (150) from the cartridge (19).
  • a branch passage (160) may be formed inside the receiving portion (102p) so as to be connected in parallel to the main passage (150).
  • One side of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the main passage (150), and the other side of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • the width of the main passage (150) may be formed to be larger than the width of the branch passage (160).
  • the main passage (150) and branch passage (160) can be installed by forming a flow path inside the receiving portion (102p).
  • the receiving portion (102p) can be formed by an injection molding process in which resin is injected into a mold and cured. During the injection molding process, the main passage (150) and branch passage (160) can be formed inside the receiving portion (102p).
  • the cartridge (19) may include a chamber (C0) therein.
  • the chamber (C0) may store an aerosol generating material in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state.
  • outside air can be introduced into the interior of the body (10).
  • the outside air can be introduced into the aerosol generation chamber (C1) inside the cartridge (19) through the inlet (19i) of the cartridge (19).
  • the cartridge (19) may include a heater (24) for heating an aerosol generating material in a chamber (C0) containing the aerosol generating material.
  • a liquid delivery means (25) impregnating (containing) the aerosol generating material may be disposed inside the chamber (C0).
  • the cartridge (19) can generate an aerosol.
  • the aerosol can be generated.
  • the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation chamber (C1) of the cartridge (19) can pass through the outlet (19e), the main passage (150), and the branch passage (160) to be transferred to the stick (S).
  • the aerosol generated in the cartridge (19) when the user performs an inhalation motion, the aerosol generated in the cartridge (19) can be supplied to the user after passing through the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160). Through the wide main passage (150), a sufficient amount of aerosol can be supplied to the user by passing through the stick (S).
  • the puff sensor (132) can operate precisely.
  • air and/or aerosol can be supplied to the aerosol generator through the main passage (150), and since the branch passage (160) is connected in parallel to the main passage (150), most of the air flow generated due to preheating or residual heat, etc. can be discharged toward the aerosol generating chamber (C1) of the cartridge (19) through the main passage (150), thereby minimizing malfunction of the puff sensor (132).
  • the embodiments are not limited to the arrangement positions of the main passage (150), the branch passage (160), and the puff sensor (132) illustrated in FIG. 12.
  • the main passage (150) in which the puff sensor (132) and the branch passage (160) are arranged may be formed at a position between the cartridge (19) and the receiving portion (102p), or may be formed in a passage for delivering air to the cartridge (19). That is, the structure illustrated in FIG. 12 may be modified to arrange the main passage (150), the branch passage (160), and the puff sensor (132) in either the outlet (19e) or the inlet (19i).
  • the puff sensor (132), branch passage (160), and main passage (150) may be placed in all or part of the receiving portion (102p), outlet (19e), and inlet (19i).
  • Fig. 13 is a 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. 13 is similar in structure to the aerosol generating devices according to the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.
  • the aerosol generator may include a receiving portion (102p) including an insertion space for receiving a stick (S), and a heater (240) disposed in the receiving portion (102p) to generate heat for heating the stick (S).
  • the main passage (150) includes a first main passage (151) inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends, and a second main passage (152) connecting the first main passage (151) and a receiving portion (102p) for receiving a stick (S).
  • branch passage (160) One side of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the main passage (150), and the other side of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the main passage (150).
  • the branch passage (160) includes a first passage (161) connected to a first region of the main passage (150) and a second passage (162) connected to a second region of the main passage (150).
  • the puff sensor (132) can be connected to the first passage (161).
  • the first passage (161) of the branch passage (160) can extend along the extension direction (Z-axis direction) of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the second passage (162) can extend along the direction (X-axis direction) transverse to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends.
  • One side of the additional branch passage (170) is connected to the third area of the main passage (150), and the other side of the additional branch passage (170) is connected to the fourth area of the main passage (150). Therefore, the additional branch passage (170) and the branch passage (160) are connected in parallel to the main passage (150).
  • the additional branch passage (170) includes a first additional passage (171) connected to the third area of the main passage (150) and a second additional passage (172) connected to the fourth area of the main passage (150).
  • the first additional passage (171) of the additional branch passage (170) can extend along a direction (X-axis direction) that crosses the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) in which the aerosol generating device (1) extends.
  • the second additional passage (172) can extend along the extension direction (Z-axis direction) of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the additional branch passage (170) may be located closer to one end of the aerosol generating device (1) than the main passage (150).
  • the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device (1) roughly coincides with the Z-axis direction illustrated in Fig. 1. Droplets generated from the main passage (150), branch passage (160), and additional branch passage (170) will gather in the second passage (162) located at the bottom. Therefore, it is difficult for droplets to enter the puff sensor (132) connected to the first passage (161) extending along the extension direction (Z-axis) of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • air can be supplied to the receiving portion (102p) that receives the stick (S) through the main passage (150), and since the branch passage (160) and the additional branch passage (170) are connected in parallel to the main passage (150), the occurrence of malfunction of the puff sensor (132) can be minimized.
  • Heated air may be generated around the stick (S) due to preheating or residual heat, or natural air flow may occur in the main passage (150), additional branch passage (170), and branch passage (160) due to shaking of the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the widths of the main passage (150), additional branch passage (170), and branch passage (160) are as follows.
  • the main passage (150) includes a first main passage (151) connected to a receiving portion (102p) for receiving a stick (S), and a second main passage (152) having one end open toward the outside of the receiving portion (102p) and the other end connected to the first main passage (151). External air can be supplied to the first main passage (151) through the second main passage (152). Air can be supplied to the stick (S) through the first main passage (151).
  • branch passage (160) One side of the branch passage (160) is connected to one area of the second main passage (152), and the other side of the branch passage (160) is connected to another area of the second main passage (152).
  • the width of the main passage (150) can be formed to be larger than the width of the branch passage (160).
  • air can be supplied to the receiving portion (102p) that receives the stick (S) through the main passage (150), and since the branch passage (160) is connected in parallel to the main passage (150), external air can be supplied to the stick (S) after passing through the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) as the user performs an inhalation motion.
  • the aerosol generated in the stick (S) can be smoothly supplied to the user.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) when a user inhales an aerosol, sufficient air can be supplied to the stick (S) through the wide main passage (150), thereby providing sufficient 'inhalation resistance' at a level that makes the user feel comfortable.
  • the puff sensor (132) since air also flows through the narrow branch passage (160) while the user inhales an aerosol, the puff sensor (132) can operate precisely.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) since the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) are connected to the receiving portion (102p) that receives the stick (S), when a flow of heated air occurs due to preliminary heating or residual heat, most of the air flow can be discharged through the main passage (150) having a large width. Even if a natural air flow occurs in the main passage (150) and the branch passage (160) due to preliminary heating or residual heat, only a small amount of air flow passes through the branch passage (160) having a small width, so that the occurrence of a malfunction of the puff sensor (132) can be minimized.
  • FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the coupling relationship of elements of the aerosol generating device (1) of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIG. 15 may include a power source (11), a control unit (12), a sensor unit (13), an output unit (40), an input unit (70), a communication unit (50), a memory (60), and at least one stick heater (18).
  • the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 15. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components illustrated in FIG. 15 may be omitted or new components may be added.
  • the sensor unit (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of a cartridge heater (e.g., heater (24) of FIG. 3) and/or a stick heater (18), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick and/or cartridge is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.
  • a cartridge heater e.g., heater (24) of FIG. 3
  • the sensor unit (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (131), a puff sensor (132), an insertion detection sensor (133), a reuse detection sensor (134), a cartridge detection sensor (135), a cap detection sensor (136), and a movement detection sensor (137).
  • the temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater and/or stick heater (18) (e.g., the heater (18) of FIGS. 1 and 2) is heated.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or stick heater (18), or the cartridge heater and/or stick heater (18) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.
  • the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18).
  • the temperature sensor (131) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on the temperature.
  • the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18).
  • the temperature sensor (131) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18).
  • the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18).
  • a temperature sensor (131) may be placed around the power source (11) to monitor the temperature of the power source (11).
  • the temperature sensor (131) may be placed adjacent to the power source (11).
  • the temperature sensor (131) may be attached to one surface of the power source (11).
  • the temperature sensor (131) may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.
  • An inductive sensor may include at least one coil.
  • the coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space.
  • the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.
  • the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.
  • a reuse detection sensor (134) can detect whether the stick has been reused.
  • the reuse detection sensor (134) may be a color sensor.
  • the color sensor can detect the color of the stick.
  • the color sensor can detect the color of a portion of the wrapper that wraps the outside of the stick.
  • the color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object.
  • the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light.
  • the color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.
  • the cartridge detection sensor (135) can detect the mounting and/or removal of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge detection sensor (135) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.
  • the cap detection sensor (136) can detect the attachment and/or removal of the cap. If the cap is separated from the main body, the cartridge and part of the main body covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside.
  • the cap detection sensor (136) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.
  • a motion detection sensor (137) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device.
  • the motion detection sensor (137) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.
  • the sensor unit (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. A detailed description of the functions of each sensor may be omitted.
  • the output unit (40) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to the user.
  • the output unit (40) may include at least one of a display unit (41), a haptic unit (42), and an audio output unit (43), but is not limited thereto.
  • the display unit (41) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (41) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.
  • the display unit (41) (e.g., display (130) of FIG. 4) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user.
  • the information about the aerosol generating device (1) may refer to various information such as the charging/discharging status of the power supply (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the stick heater (18), the insertion/removal status of the stick and/or cartridge, the mounting/removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display unit (41) can output the above information to the outside.
  • the display unit (41) may be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.
  • the display unit (41) may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.
  • the haptic unit (42) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus.
  • the haptic unit (42) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when the initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater and/or stick heater (18) for a set period of time.
  • the haptic unit (42) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
  • the acoustic output unit (43) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly.
  • the acoustic output unit (43) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.
  • the power source (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1).
  • the power source (11) can supply power so that the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) can be heated.
  • the power source (11) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the sensor unit (13), the output unit (40), the input unit (70), the communication unit (50), and the memory (60).
  • the power source (11) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.
  • the power source (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.
  • the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit.
  • the power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source (11) and may include a switching element.
  • the control unit (12), sensor unit (13), output unit (40), input unit (70), communication unit (50), and memory (60) can receive power from the power source (11) and perform their functions.
  • a power conversion circuit such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the power source (11) and supplies it to each component may be further included.
  • a noise filter may be provided between the power source (11) and the stick heater (18).
  • the noise filter may be a low pass filter.
  • the low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high frequency switching current applied from the power source (11) to the stick heater (18). By the low pass filter, high frequency noise components can be prevented from being applied to the sensor unit (13), such as the insertion detection sensor (133).
  • the display unit (41) and the touch panel can be implemented as a single panel.
  • the touch panel can be inserted into the display unit (41) (on-cell type or in-cell type).
  • the touch panel can be added-on to the display unit (41).
  • the wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.
  • the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the stick heater (18) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (11) to the stick heater (18).
  • the control unit (12) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) sensed by the temperature sensor (131).
  • the control unit (12) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (60).
  • the aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (11) between the power supply (11) and the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18).
  • the power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater, the stick heater (18), or the induction coil (181).
  • the power supply circuit may include at least one switching element.
  • the switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like.
  • the control unit (12) may control the power supply circuit.
  • the control unit (12) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit.
  • the power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (11) into alternating current power.
  • the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.
  • the control unit (12) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power source (11) to the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18).
  • the control unit (12) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18).
  • the control unit (12) can control the current supplied from the power source (11) by controlling the frequency and/or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.
  • the control unit (12) can control the voltage output from the power source (11) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit.
  • the power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (11).
  • the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (11).
  • the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.
  • the control unit (12) can control the on/off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.
  • the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (11).
  • the duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source (11). As the duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease.
  • the stick heater (18) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.
  • the control unit (12) can control power to be supplied to the stick heater (18) using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • PID proportional-integral-differential
  • control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the stick heater (18) using the PWM method.
  • the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the stick heater (18) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.
  • control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on the temperature profile.
  • the control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the stick heater (18) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the stick heater (18) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.
  • PID method is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the stick heater (18) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.
  • the control unit (12) can prevent the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) from overheating.
  • the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature.
  • the control unit (12) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature.
  • the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating substance contained in the cartridge is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater.
  • the control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the power source (11).
  • the control unit (12) can check the temperature of the power source (11) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (131).
  • the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking charging of the power source (11). When the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control the power source (11) to be charged based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power source (11) is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the power source (11).
  • the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control to use the power stored in the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using the power stored in the power source (11).
  • the second limit temperature which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control to use the power stored in the power source (11). If the temperature of the power source (11) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using the power stored in the power source (11).
  • the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the stick is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the stick heater (18) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the stick heater (18) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and/or the stick heater (18).
  • control unit (12) can control the power supply time to the stick heater (18) to increase the preheating time of the stick compared to the normal state.
  • a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and/or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.
  • the embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device that can be conveniently used with a comfortable inhalation motion.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Resistance Heating (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de génération d'aérosol qui comprend : un générateur d'aérosol pour générer un aérosol ; un passage principal pour fournir de l'air au générateur d'aérosol ou évacuer l'air ou l'aérosol généré par le générateur d'aérosol ; un passage de ramification dont un côté est relié à une région du passage principal et l'autre côté est relié à l'autre région du passage principal ; et un capteur de bouffée relié au passage de ramification pour détecter l'écoulement de l'air et/ou de l'aérosol dans le passage de ramification.
PCT/KR2025/008723 2024-07-24 2025-06-23 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol Pending WO2026023882A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202580002480.1A CN121793865A (zh) 2024-07-24 2025-06-23 气溶胶生成装置

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2024-0098060 2024-07-24
KR1020240098060A KR20260014986A (ko) 2024-07-24 2024-07-24 에어로졸 생성 장치

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WO2026023882A1 true WO2026023882A1 (fr) 2026-01-29

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PCT/KR2025/008723 Pending WO2026023882A1 (fr) 2024-07-24 2025-06-23 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol

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US (1) US20260026555A1 (fr)
KR (1) KR20260014986A (fr)
CN (1) CN121793865A (fr)
WO (1) WO2026023882A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20190006540A (ko) * 2016-06-13 2019-01-18 니코벤처스 홀딩스 리미티드 에어로졸 전달 디바이스
KR20210010181A (ko) * 2019-07-19 2021-01-27 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치
WO2021089485A1 (fr) * 2019-11-05 2021-05-14 Jt International Sa Inhalateur
KR102395183B1 (ko) * 2019-07-23 2022-05-06 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치
KR20240023145A (ko) * 2021-07-19 2024-02-20 니코벤처스 트레이딩 리미티드 에어로졸 제공 시스템

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20190006540A (ko) * 2016-06-13 2019-01-18 니코벤처스 홀딩스 리미티드 에어로졸 전달 디바이스
KR20210010181A (ko) * 2019-07-19 2021-01-27 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치
KR102395183B1 (ko) * 2019-07-23 2022-05-06 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치
WO2021089485A1 (fr) * 2019-11-05 2021-05-14 Jt International Sa Inhalateur
KR20240023145A (ko) * 2021-07-19 2024-02-20 니코벤처스 트레이딩 리미티드 에어로졸 제공 시스템

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US20260026555A1 (en) 2026-01-29
CN121793865A (zh) 2026-04-03
KR20260014986A (ko) 2026-02-02

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