KR102637142B1 - Aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating device stores the aerosol-generating material, includes a storage portion having an outlet hole through which the aerosol-generating material is discharged, an aerosol-generating chamber containing the aerosol-generating material discharged from the discharge hole, and rotation to crush the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol-generating chamber. It generates an aerosol and includes a rotating part that generates an air current that discharges the generated aerosol to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

Description

Aerosol generating device {AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by pulverizing an aerosol generating material and generates an air current that delivers the generated aerosol to a user.

There is an increasing demand for aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols in a non-combustion manner, replacing the method of generating aerosols by burning cigarettes. An aerosol generating device is, for example, a device that performs the function of generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material in a non-combustible manner and supplying it to the user, or generating an aerosol with a flavor by passing the vapor generated from the aerosol generating material through a scent medium. am.

Additionally, research is being conducted on an aerosol generating device that can provide a refreshing feeling to the user without heating the aerosol generating material.

The most representative method of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material is to heat the aerosol-generating material. However, research is being conducted on aerosol generation methods that can relieve the user's desire to smoke and provide a refreshing or differentiated smoking sensation by generating aerosols using various methods other than heating the aerosol-generating material. An example of this method is a method of pulverizing a liquid aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol and delivering the generated aerosol to a user.

Embodiments provide an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by pulverizing an aerosol generating material and generates an air current that delivers the generated aerosol to a user.

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

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes an aerosol generating device that stores an aerosol generating material, a storage portion having a discharge hole through which the aerosol generating material is discharged, an aerosol generating chamber in which the aerosol generating material discharged from the discharge hole is accommodated, and an aerosol generating chamber accommodated in the aerosol generating chamber by rotating. It includes a rotating part that crushes the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, and generates an air current that discharges the generated aerosol to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiments can provide a refreshing aerosol to the user by pulverizing the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol and generating an air current that delivers the generated aerosol to the user.

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

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another aspect of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a rotating part of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing one aspect of a method in which the rotating part shown in FIG. 4 generates an aerosol.
FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating chamber and a rotating portion of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating chamber and a rotating portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the atomization unit of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2.
Figure 7b is a diagram showing an atomization unit of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the aerosol generating chamber of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a vibrating unit and an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a vibrating unit and an airflow passage of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

General terms that are currently widely used were selected to describe the embodiments, but the terms may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a technician working in the technical field to which the embodiments belong, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, when interpreting terms used to describe the embodiments, they should not be limited simply to the name of the term, but should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present specification.

When it is said that a part "includes" a certain element throughout the specification, this means that, unless specifically stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements. In addition, terms such as "...unit" and "...module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. You can.

Meanwhile, the terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the embodiments. As used herein, singular forms also include plural forms, unless specifically stated otherwise in the context.

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

Throughout the specification, 'examples' is an arbitrary division for easily explaining the invention in this specification, and each of the examples does not need to be mutually exclusive. For example, configurations disclosed in one embodiment may be applied and implemented in another embodiment, and may be applied and implemented with changes within the scope of the present specification.

In this specification, an aerosol generating device refers to a device that supplies an aerosol that can provide the satisfaction of smoking to a user, but is not limited thereto. For example, an aerosol generating device may refer to a device comprising a medicament inhaler or humidifier.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

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

1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the aerosol generating device 100 may include a battery 110, a processor 120, an atomizer 130, a user interface 140, a sensor 150, and a memory 160. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 100, some of the hardware configurations shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. .

As an example, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a main body, in which case hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 100 are located in the main body.

As another embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a main body and a cartridge, and hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located separately in the main body and the cartridge. Alternatively, at least some of the hardware elements included in the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in each of the main body and the cartridge.

Hereinafter, the operation of each element included in the aerosol generating device 100 will be described without limiting the space where each element is located.

The battery 110 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 100. That is, the battery 110 can supply power so that the atomizer 130 can atomize aerosol-generating substances. Additionally, the battery 110 can supply power required for the operation of other hardware elements provided in the aerosol generating device 100, that is, the sensor 150, the user interface 140, the memory 160, and the processor 120. there is. The battery 110 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

For example, battery 110 may be a nickel-based battery (e.g., nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery), or a lithium-based battery (e.g., lithium-cobalt battery, lithium-phosphate battery, lithium titanate batteries, lithium-ion batteries, or lithium-polymer batteries). However, the type of battery 110 that can be used in the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited by the above. If necessary, the battery 110 may include an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

The atomizer 130 receives power from the battery 110 under the control of the processor 120. The atomizer 130 can receive power from the battery 110 to atomize the aerosol generating material stored in the aerosol generating device 100.

The atomizer 130 may be located in the main body of the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, when the aerosol generating device 100 includes a main body and a cartridge, the atomizer 130 may be located in the cartridge or may be positioned separately between the main body and the cartridge. When the atomizer 130 is located in the cartridge, the atomizer 130 may receive power from the battery 110 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge. In addition, when the atomizer 130 is located separately in the main body and the cartridge, parts of the atomizer 130 that require power supply can receive power from the battery 110 located in at least one of the main body and the cartridge.

The atomizer 130 generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge. Aerosol refers to suspended liquid and/or solid fine particles dispersed in a gas. Therefore, the aerosol generated from the atomizer 130 may mean a mixture of vaporized particles generated from an aerosol-generating material and air. For example, the atomizer 130 may convert a phase of an aerosol-generating material into a gas phase through vaporization and/or sublimation. Additionally, the atomizer 130 may generate an aerosol by converting liquid and/or solid aerosol-generating materials into fine particles and releasing them.

For example, the atomizer 130 can generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method. The ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating material with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating device 100 may include at least one sensor 150. The result sensed by at least one sensor 150 is transmitted to the processor 120, and according to the sensing result, the processor 120 controls the operation of the atomizer 130, limits smoking, and inserts a cartridge (or cigarette). The aerosol generating device 100 can be controlled to perform various functions such as non-judgment, notification display, etc.

For example, at least one sensor 150 may include a puff detection sensor. The puff detection sensor may detect the user's puff based on at least one of a change in flow rate of an external airflow, a change in pressure, and detection of sound. The puff detection sensor may detect the start timing and end timing of the user's puff, and the processor 120 may determine a puff period and a non-puff period according to the start and end timing of the detected puff. can be judged.

Additionally, at least one sensor 150 may include a user input sensor. A user input sensor may be a sensor that can receive user input, such as a switch, physical button, or touch sensor. For example, the touch sensor may be a capacitive sensor that changes capacitance when the user touches a predetermined area made of metal, and can detect the user's input by detecting the change in capacitance. there is. The processor 120 may determine whether a user input has occurred by comparing the before and after values of the change in capacitance received from the capacitive sensor. If the values before and after the capacitance change exceed a preset threshold, the processor 120 may determine that a user input has occurred.

Additionally, at least one sensor 150 may include a motion sensor. Information about the movement of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the tilt, moving speed, and acceleration of the aerosol generating device 100, can be obtained through the motion sensor. For example, the motion sensor detects the state in which the aerosol generating device 100 is moving, the stationary state of the aerosol generating device 100, the state in which the aerosol generating device 100 is tilted at an angle within a predetermined range for puffing, and the state of each puff operation. In between, information about the state in which the aerosol generating device 100 is tilted at a different angle than during the puff operation can be measured. The motion sensor may measure motion information of the aerosol generating device 100 using various methods known in the relevant technical field. For example, the motion sensor may include an acceleration sensor capable of measuring acceleration in three directions: x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and a gyro sensor capable of measuring angular velocity in three directions.

Additionally, at least one sensor 150 may include a proximity sensor. A proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the presence or distance of an approaching object or a nearby object using the power of an electromagnetic field or infrared rays, etc., without mechanical contact, and allows the user to approach the aerosol generating device 100 through this. It can be detected whether it is done or not.

Additionally, at least one sensor 150 may include an image sensor. The image sensor may include, for example, a camera to acquire an image of an object. An image sensor can recognize an object based on an image acquired by a camera. The processor 120 may determine whether the user is in a situation to use the aerosol generating device 100 by analyzing the image acquired through the image sensor. For example, when a user approaches the aerosol generating device 100 near the lips to use the aerosol generating device 100, the image sensor may acquire an image of the lips. The processor 120 may analyze the acquired image and determine that the user is in a situation to use the aerosol generating device 100 when it is determined that the lip is present. Through this, the aerosol generating device 100 can operate the atomizer 130 in advance or preheat the heater.

Additionally, at least one sensor 150 may include a consumable detachment sensor capable of detecting the installation or removal of consumables (eg, cartridges, cigarettes, etc.) that can be used in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the consumable product detachment sensor may detect whether the consumable product is in contact with the aerosol generating device 100, or the image sensor may determine whether the consumable product is detached. Additionally, the consumable detachment sensor may be an inductance sensor that detects a change in the inductance value of a coil that can interact with the marker of the consumable product, or a capacitance sensor that detects a change in the capacitance value of a capacitor that can interact with the marker of the consumable product.

Additionally, at least one sensor 150 may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect the temperature at which the heater (or aerosol generating material) of the atomizer 130 is heated. The aerosol generating device 100 may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater, or the heater itself may serve as a temperature sensor instead of including a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, while the heater functions as a temperature sensor, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include a separate temperature sensor. Additionally, the temperature sensor may detect the temperature of not only the heater but also internal components such as a printed circuit board (PCB) and battery of the aerosol generating device 100.

Additionally, at least one sensor 150 may include various sensors that measure information about the surrounding environment of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the at least one sensor 150 may include a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the surrounding environment, a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the surrounding environment, and an atmospheric pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the surrounding environment.

The sensor 150 that may be provided in the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the types described above and may further include various sensors. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a fingerprint sensor capable of acquiring fingerprint information from the user's finger for user authentication and security, an iris recognition sensor that analyzes the iris pattern of the eye, and an intravenous sensor from an image taken of the palm. It may include a vein recognition sensor that detects the amount of infrared absorption of reduced hemoglobin, a facial recognition sensor that recognizes feature points such as eyes, nose, mouth, and facial contour in 2D or 3D, and an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) sensor. .

The aerosol generating device 100 may be implemented by selecting only some of the various examples of sensors 150 illustrated above. In other words, the aerosol generating device 100 can utilize information sensed by at least one of the above-described sensors by combining them.

The user interface 140 may provide information about the status of the aerosol generating device 100 to the user. The user interface 140 includes a display or lamp that outputs visual information, a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, and an input/output (I/O) that receives information input from the user or outputs information to the user. ) Terminals for data communication or receiving charging power with interfacing means (e.g., buttons or touch screens), wireless communication with external devices (e.g., WI-FI, WI-FI Direct, Bluetooth, NFC) (Near-Field Communication, etc.) may include various interfacing means such as a communication interfacing module.

However, the aerosol generating device 100 may be implemented by selecting only some of the various examples of the user interface 140 illustrated above.

The memory 160 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100. The memory 160 may store data processed by the processor 120 and data to be processed. The memory 160 is a variety of memory such as random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). It can be implemented in different types.

The memory 160 may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

The processor 120 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The processor 120 may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that the processor 120 may be implemented with other types of hardware.

The processor 120 analyzes the results sensed by at least one sensor 150 and controls subsequent processing.

The processor 120 may control the power supplied to the atomizer 130 to start or end the operation of the atomizer 130 based on a result sensed by at least one sensor 150. In addition, the processor 120 determines the amount of power supplied to the atomizer 130 so that the atomizer 130 can generate an appropriate amount of aerosol, based on the results sensed by the at least one sensor 150, and You can control the time when power is supplied. For example, the processor 120 may control the current or voltage supplied to the vibrator of the atomizer 130 so that the vibrator vibrates at a predetermined frequency.

In one embodiment, the processor 120 may initiate the operation of the atomizer 130 after receiving a user input for the aerosol generating device 100. Additionally, the processor 120 may detect the user's puff using a puff detection sensor and then start the operation of the atomizer 130. Additionally, the processor 120 may count the number of puffs using a puff detection sensor and then stop supplying power to the atomizer 130 when the number of puffs reaches a preset number.

The processor 120 may control the user interface 140 based on a result sensed by at least one sensor 150. For example, after counting the number of puffs using a puff detection sensor, when the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the processor 120 uses at least one of a lamp, a motor, and a speaker to inform the user of the aerosol generating device (100). ) can foreshadow that it will end soon.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 100 may be included in an aerosol generating system along with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can be used to charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 may charge the battery 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 by receiving power from the cradle's battery while accommodated in the accommodation space inside the cradle.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing instructions executable by a computer, such as program modules executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. Additionally, computer-readable media may include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically includes computer readable instructions, data structures, other data such as program modules, modulated data signals, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information delivery medium.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 200 according to another embodiment includes a storage part 210, an aerosol generating chamber 220, a rotating part 230, an atomization part 240, a discharge passage 250, and a vibrating part. It may include 260, battery 270, and processor 280.

Since the battery 270 and processor 280 of FIG. 2 may be substantially the same as the battery 110 and processor 120 of FIG. 1, respectively, overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

Meanwhile, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 200 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2. Those skilled in the art can understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 200, some of the hardware configurations shown in FIG. 2 may be omitted or new configurations may be added. . For example, the aerosol generating device 200 may selectively include one of the atomization unit 240 and the vibrating unit 260.

The storage unit 210 may store the aerosol generating material 211. For example, the storage unit 210 may store the aerosol-generating material 211 by containing the aerosol-generating material 211 therein. In this specification, the storage unit 210 'stores the aerosol-generating material 211' inside means that the storage unit 210 has the function of simply containing the aerosol-generating material 211, such as the use of a container. This means that the inside of the storage unit 210 includes an element that impregnates (contains) the aerosol generating material 211, such as a sponge, cotton, cloth, or a porous ceramic structure.

The storage unit 210 may hold the aerosol-generating material 211 in any one state, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state.

As an example, the aerosol generating material 211 may include a liquid composition. In this case, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing substances including volatile tobacco flavor components, or may be a liquid containing non-tobacco substances.

The liquid composition may include, for example, any one or a mixture of water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, fragrances, flavors, and vitamin mixtures. Fragrances may include, but are not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit flavor ingredients. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide various flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. The liquid composition may also contain aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

For example, the liquid composition may include a solution of glycerin and propylene glycol in any weight ratio to which nicotine salt has been added. The liquid composition may contain two or more nicotine salts. Nicotine salts can be formed by adding a suitable acid, including an organic or inorganic acid, to nicotine. Nicotine may be naturally occurring nicotine or synthetic nicotine and may have a concentration of any suitable weight relative to the total solution weight of the liquid composition.

The acid for forming nicotine salt may be appropriately selected considering the absorption rate of nicotine in the blood, the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device 100, flavor or flavor, solubility, etc. For example, acids for the formation of nicotine salts include benzoic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lauric acid, sorbic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid. , citric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, phenylacetic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, gluconic acid, saccharic acid, malonic acid or malic acid or a single acid selected from the group consisting of the above. It may be a mixture of two or more acids selected from the group, but is not limited thereto.

The storage unit 210 may include at least a portion of a transparent material so that the aerosol generating material 211 contained within the storage unit 210 can be visually confirmed from the outside. The entire storage unit 210 may be made of a transparent material such as plastic or glass, and only a portion of the storage unit 210 may be made of a transparent material.

The storage unit 210 may include a discharge hole 212. The discharge hole 212 may be a passage through which the aerosol generating material 211 in the storage unit 210 is discharged to the outside of the storage unit 210 and moves to the aerosol generating chamber 220. For example, the discharge hole 212 may be formed on one side of the storage unit 210 facing the aerosol generation chamber 220. In this case, the aerosol generating material 211 passes through the discharge hole 212 along the direction from the storage unit 210 toward the aerosol generating chamber 220 (e.g., -z direction in FIG. 2) to the aerosol generating chamber 220. ) can be reached.

Discharge sensor 213 may be placed adjacent to discharge hole 212. The discharge sensor 213 can detect the amount of aerosol-generating material 211 discharged from the discharge hole 212. For example, the emission sensor 213 may detect the flow rate of the aerosol-generating material 211 passing through the discharge hole 212 and transmit the detected flow rate of the aerosol-generating material 211 to the processor 280. The processor 280 calculates the amount of aerosol-generating material 211 discharged from the discharge hole 212 through the flow rate of the aerosol-generating material 211 detected by the discharge sensor 213 and the cross-sectional area of the discharge hole 212. You can.

The aerosol generating chamber 220 may accommodate the aerosol generating material 211 moved from the storage unit 210. The aerosol generation chamber 220 may be a space where aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating material 211.

The valve 221 may control the amount of aerosol generating material 211 supplied into the aerosol generating chamber 220. For example, the valve 221 is arranged to cover the discharge hole 212 and closes the discharge hole 212, thereby preventing the aerosol-generating material 211 in the storage unit 210 from being discharged to the outside. . Additionally, the valve 221 may open the discharge hole 212 so that the aerosol generating material 211 in the storage unit 210 is discharged into the aerosol generating chamber 220.

The airflow passage 222 may communicate with the aerosol generating chamber 220 and the outside of the aerosol generating device 200. As air outside the aerosol generating device 100 flows into the aerosol generating chamber 220 along the airflow passage 222, an airflow may be generated inside the aerosol generating chamber 220.

Additionally, a filter (not shown) may be placed in the airflow passage 222 to prevent the aerosol-generating material 211 from being discharged to the outside of the airflow passage 222. The filter may include a material that allows gaseous particles to pass through, but does not allow liquid particles that are larger than the gaseous particles to pass through. For example, the material of the filter may be ePTFE Membrane (Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane), but is not limited thereto.

The rotating unit 230 may rotate to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material 211 and may also generate an air current that discharges the generated aerosol to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200.

The rotating unit 230 may include a central axis 231, a grinding blade 232, and a driving unit 233.

The central axis 231 may provide a rotation center of the rotating part 230. For example, the central axis 231 penetrates the bottom surface 220a of the aerosol generating chamber 220, so that one end of the central axis 231 may be disposed inside the aerosol generating chamber 220. Here, the bottom surface 220a may refer to one side of the aerosol generation chamber 220 facing the storage unit 210, and the corresponding expression may be used in the same manner below unless otherwise specified.

The pulverizing blade 232 may generate an aerosol by pulverizing the aerosol generating material 211 contained within the aerosol generating chamber 220. By being coupled to the central axis 231, the grinding blade 232 can rotate together along the direction in which the central axis 231 rotates.

Additionally, the pulverizing blade 232 may rotate to generate an airflow that discharges the aerosol generated inside the aerosol generating chamber 220 to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the airflow generated by the grinding blade 232 moves in the direction from the aerosol generating chamber 220 toward the storage unit 210 (e.g., z-direction in FIG. 2), thereby generating the aerosol to the aerosol generating device ( 200) can be discharged to the outside.

The driving unit 233 may provide power to rotate the central axis 231. For example, the driving unit 233 may be a motor that receives power from the battery 270 and rotates the central axis 231, but is not limited thereto.

The atomization unit 240 can reduce the size of aerosol particles generated by the rotating unit 230. A plurality of perforations may be formed in at least one area of the atomization unit 240. Accordingly, the atomization unit 240 can reduce the size of aerosol particles by passing aerosol smaller than the size of the perforations and colliding with aerosol larger than the size of the perforations.

For example, the atomization unit 240 is disposed between the rotating unit 230 and the storage unit 210 inside the aerosol generating chamber 220 to collect aerosol particles moving by the airflow generated by the rotating unit 230. The size can be reduced.

The discharge passage 250 may be connected to the aerosol generating chamber 220 to communicate with the outside of the aerosol generating chamber 220 and the aerosol generating device 200. Accordingly, the aerosol generated inside the aerosol generating chamber 220 may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200 along the discharge passage 250. For example, the discharge passage 250 may be surrounded by the reservoir 210 by penetrating the inside of the reservoir 210 .

The puff sensor 251 is disposed inside the discharge passage 250 and can detect the user's inhalation of the aerosol generating device 200. For example, the puff sensor 251 may detect the user's inhalation by measuring the user's inhalation pressure of the aerosol generating device 200.

When the user's inhalation is detected by the puff sensor 251, the processor 280 may supply power from the battery 270 to the driving unit 233 to rotate the rotating unit 230. Accordingly, an aerosol may be generated inside the aerosol generation chamber 220. In other words, the user can naturally cause the aerosol generating device 200 to generate an aerosol by inhaling without having to perform a separate action.

The vibrating unit 260 may vibrate to reduce the size of aerosol particles passing through the discharge passage 250. The vibration unit 260 may generate short-period vibration by an externally applied signal.

For example, the vibration generated from the vibration unit 260 may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration may be, for example, 100 kHz to 3.5 MHz. The aerosol may be pulverized into small-diameter particles and atomized by short-cycle vibration generated from the vibrating unit 260.

The vibrating unit 260 may include, for example, piezoelectric ceramic. Piezoelectric ceramics are functional materials that can convert electrical and mechanical forces into each other by generating electricity (voltage) by physical force (pressure) and conversely generating vibration (mechanical force) when electricity is applied. Therefore, vibration (physical force) is generated by the electricity applied to the vibrating unit 260, and this small physical vibration can crush the aerosol into particles with a small diameter, thereby atomizing the aerosol.

Meanwhile, the same reference numerals for components of the embodiments shown in FIG. 2 may mean substantially the same components hereinafter, and the components for one embodiment may be applied substantially the same to other embodiments. there is.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another aspect of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, FIG. 3 shows the valve 221 in an open state in the aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 3 , when the valve 221 is opened, the aerosol generating material 211 in the storage unit 210 may move into the interior of the aerosol generating chamber 220 through the discharge hole 212. The aerosol generating material 211 that has moved to the aerosol generating chamber 220 may be located on the bottom surface 220a of the aerosol generating chamber 220.

If the amount of aerosol generating material 211 located on the bottom 220a of the aerosol generating chamber 220 is excessive, the rotating part 230 may be locked in the aerosol generating material 211 and may not rotate smoothly. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 200 needs to adjust the amount of the aerosol generating material 211 contained in the aerosol generating chamber 220 so that the rotating part 230 rotates smoothly.

The aerosol generating device 200 may include a capacity sensor 231a that detects the amount of aerosol generating material 211 accommodated inside the aerosol generating chamber 220. For example, the capacity sensor 231a may be disposed inside the aerosol generation chamber 220 to surround the central axis 231.

As an example, the capacitance sensor 231a may detect the amount of the aerosol-generating material 211 by measuring the change in electric charge caused by the aerosol-generating material 211. In this case, the capacitance sensor 231a may include a metal material (not shown) surrounding the central axis 231.

With the processor 280 passing current to the capacity sensor 231a, when the aerosol-generating material 211 approaches the capacity sensor 231a, the permittivity (ε) of the components included in the aerosol-generating material 211 ) The amount of charge of the capacitance sensor 231a may change. Specifically, because the dielectric constant of water (H ₂ O) is about 80 times greater than that of air, when the aerosol-generating material 211 approaches the capacitive sensor 231a, the charge of the capacitive sensor 231a may decrease. there is.

The processor 280 may open or close the valve 221 based on the change value of the charge amount of the capacitance sensor 231a. For example, the processor 280 sets the charge change value of the capacitance sensor 231a when the level of the aerosol generating material 211 accommodated in the aerosol generating chamber 220 corresponds to the height of the capacitance sensor 231a as a threshold value. It can be set to . Accordingly, if the charge amount change value detected by the capacitance sensor 231a exceeds the threshold, the processor 280 closes the valve 221, and if the charge amount change value detected by the capacitance sensor 231a is less than the threshold value, the processor 280 closes the valve 221. , the processor 280 may open the valve 221.

Here, the height of the capacity sensor 231a or the water level of the aerosol generating material 211 may mean the length extending from the bottom surface 220a of the aerosol generating chamber 220 toward the storage unit 210, and the corresponding expression Can be used in the same way below.

As another example, the capacity sensor 231a may detect the amount of the aerosol-generating material 211 by measuring the change in temperature of the capacity sensor 231a due to the aerosol-generating material 211. In this case, the capacitance sensor 231a may include a metal material (not shown) surrounding the central axis 231.

Specifically, when the processor 280 flows current to the capacitive sensor 231a, heat is generated in the capacitive sensor 231a due to the electrical resistance of the capacitive sensor 231a, and the temperature of the capacitive sensor 231a increases. You can. In addition, when the aerosol-generating material 211 and the capacity sensor 231a come into contact with each other, the heat capacity at which heat is transferred by the aerosol-generating material 211 increases, so that the temperature change value of the capacity sensor 231a increases with the aerosol-generating material 211. It may be reduced compared to the case where there is no contact with the produced material 211. In other words, the temperature change value of the capacity sensor 231a may be inversely proportional to the amount of the aerosol generating material 211.

The processor 280 may open or close the valve 221 based on the temperature change value of the capacitance sensor 231a. For example, the processor 280 sets the temperature change value of the capacity sensor 231a to a threshold value when the level of the aerosol generating material 211 accommodated in the aerosol generating chamber 220 corresponds to the height of the capacity sensor 231a. It can be set to . Accordingly, if the temperature change value detected by the capacity sensor 231a is less than the threshold value, the processor 280 closes the valve 221, and if the temperature change value detected by the capacity sensor 231a is more than the threshold value, The processor 280 may open the valve 221.

Additionally, the processor 280 may open or close the valve 221 based on the amount of aerosol-generating material 211 measured by the emission sensor 213. For example, the processor 280 may set the amount of aerosol-generating material 211 at which the rotating part 230 can rotate smoothly as a threshold value. Accordingly, the processor 280 may close the valve 221 when the amount of aerosol-generating material 211 detected by the emission sensor 213 exceeds a threshold value.

In addition, in order to smoothly generate aerosol inside the aerosol generation chamber 220, the processor 280 moves the grinding blade 232 in a direction toward the bottom surface 220a of the aerosol generation chamber 220, or the processor 280 ) may move the grinding blade 232 in a direction away from the bottom surface 220a of the aerosol generating chamber 220.

As an example, when the amount of aerosol generating material inside the aerosol generating chamber 220 is excessive, the processor 280 moves the central axis 231 in a direction toward the storage unit 210 so that the grinding blade 232 Prevents immersion in aerosol-generating substances. Here, when the amount of aerosol-generating material is excessive, it may mean that the level of the aerosol-generating material exceeds the height of the capacity sensor 231a, but is not limited thereto.

As another example, as the amount of aerosol-generating material inside the aerosol-generating chamber 220 is consumed, the processor 280 moves the central axis 231 in a direction toward the bottom 220a of the aerosol-generating chamber 220. You can do it.

As described above, the aerosol generating device 200 according to another embodiment adjusts the amount of aerosol generating material 211 accommodated inside the aerosol generating chamber 220 or moves the pulverizing blade 232 to form the rotary unit 230. ) By ensuring smooth rotation, aerosol can be smoothly supplied to the user.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a rotating part of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating one aspect of how the rotating part shown in FIG. 4 generates an aerosol.

The grinding blade 232 rotates with the central axis 231 according to the rotation of the central axis 231, thereby extracting aerosol 211a from the aerosol generating material 211 located on the bottom 220a of the aerosol generating chamber 220. can be created.

As an example, the pulverizing blade 232 may rotate to pulverize the liquid aerosol-generating material 211 to generate the aerosol 211a. In this case, the faster the rotation speed of the grinding blade 232, the smaller the particle size of the generated aerosol 211a may be.

As another example, the grinding blade 232 rotates and collides with the aerosol-generating material 211 in a liquid state, thereby causing the aerosol-generating material 211 to bounce from the bottom surface 220a of the aerosol generating chamber 220. The bouncing aerosol-generating material 211 moves in the direction from the aerosol-generating chamber 220 toward the storage unit 210 due to the air current and collides with the grinding blade 232 again, thereby generating an aerosol 211a. .

The grinding blade 232 has a central axis that is inclined in a direction from the aerosol generation chamber 220 toward the storage unit 210 (e.g., z-direction in FIGS. 4 and/or 5) to smoothly generate the aerosol 211a. It can be combined with (231).

When the grinding blade 232 is obliquely coupled to the central axis 231, the aerosol-generating material 211 may be pushed up along the surface of the grinding blade 232 by the rotation of the grinding blade 232. A portion of the aerosol-generating material 211 that has been pushed up may be separated from the grinding blade 232 again by the pushing force of the grinding blade 232 and become an aerosol 211a. Accordingly, the amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 200 increases compared to the case where the grinding blade 232 is coupled to the central axis 231 in parallel with the direction toward the storage unit 210 in the aerosol generating chamber 220. can do.

As described above, in the aerosol generating device 200 according to another embodiment, the grinding blade 232 is coupled to the central axis 231 so as to be inclined in a direction from the aerosol generating chamber 220 toward the storage unit 210. , it is possible to smoothly generate the aerosol (211a).

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating chamber and a rotating portion of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the pulverizing blade 232 may rotate to generate an airflow moving in a direction from the aerosol generating chamber 220 toward the storage unit 210. The airflow generated by the grinding blade 232 can move the aerosol generated by the grinding blade 232.

The atomization unit 240 can reduce the size of aerosol particles generated by the grinding blade 232. A plurality of perforations 240a may be formed in at least one area of the atomization unit 240. Aerosols larger than the size of the plurality of perforations 240a are pulverized and reduced in size by colliding with the atomization unit 240, and only aerosols smaller than the size of the plurality of perforations 240a can pass through the atomization unit 240. there is.

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an aerosol generating chamber and a rotating portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 6B may be a device in which the structure of the rotating part 230 has been changed from the aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 6A, and thus redundant description will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6B, an aerosol generating device 200 according to another embodiment may include a first rotating part 234 and a second rotating part 235.

The first rotating part 234 is coupled to the central axis 231 and rotates about the central axis 231 to pulverize the aerosol generating material 211 to generate an aerosol. In addition, the second rotating part 235 is coupled to the central axis 231 and rotates according to the rotation of the central axis 231, thereby generating airflow.

For example, the first rotating part 234 is disposed on the central axis 231 so as to be close to the bottom surface 220a of the aerosol generating chamber 220 based on the central axis 231, and the second rotating part 235 is atomized. It may be placed on the central axis 231 so as to be close to the unit 240.

As described above, the aerosol generating device 200 according to another embodiment includes a first rotating part 234 that pulverizes the aerosol generating material 211 and a second rotating part 235 that generates an air current, thereby providing the user Aerosol can be delivered smoothly.

Meanwhile, in FIGS. 6A and/or 6B , the atomizing unit 240 is shown to be arranged spaced apart from the grinding blade 232, but the atomizing unit 240 may be arranged to rotate together with the grinding blade 232. For example, the atomization unit 240 may be coupled to one end of the central axis 231 adjacent to the bottom surface 220a of the aerosol generating chamber 220 and the other end of the central axis 231 opposite to the other end. Accordingly, by rotating the atomization unit 240 together with the central axis 231, the atomization unit 240 can effectively reduce the size of aerosol particles generated by the grinding blade 232.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an atomization unit of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an atomization portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

The atomization unit 240 may include a plurality of perforations 240a through which aerosol passes. As an example, the atomization unit 240 may have a plurality of perforations 240a evenly distributed in all areas. As another example, the atomization unit 240 may have a plurality of perforations 240a disposed in the central area of the atomization unit 240, and no perforations 240a are formed in areas other than the central area. .

The size of the perforations 240a of the atomization unit 240 may be changed depending on the size of the aerosol particles to be provided to the user. For example, the size of the plurality of perforations 240a may be 0.5 μm or less. Preferably, the size of the plurality of perforations 240a may be 0.2 μm to 0.5 μm, but is not limited thereto.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the aerosol generating chamber of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol inside the aerosol generating chamber 220 may reach one end 250a of the discharge passage 250 along the airflow of the rotating part 230. Here, one end 250a of the discharge passage 250 refers to a portion of the discharge passage 250 where the aerosol generating chamber 220 and the discharge passage 250 are connected.

The cross-sectional area of the aerosol generation chamber 220 may decrease toward the discharge passage 250. For example, the cross-sectional area of the aerosol generation chamber 220 may decrease toward the discharge passage 250 to have a minimum cross-sectional area at one end 250a of the discharge passage 250.

As the cross-sectional area of the aerosol generation chamber 220 is reduced, the airflow generated by the rotating part 230 can naturally guide the aerosol inside the aerosol generation chamber 220 to the discharge passage 250.

For example, when the cross-sectional area of the aerosol generation chamber 220 is constant, aerosols in areas that are not located in a direction parallel to the discharge passage 250 may not be smoothly discharged into the discharge passage 250.

On the other hand, if the cross-sectional area of the aerosol generation chamber 220 decreases toward the discharge passage 250, a path for airflow moving from the inside of the aerosol generation chamber 220 to the discharge passage 250 may be formed. Accordingly, the airflow generated by the rotating unit 230 does not cause aerosols in areas not located in a direction parallel to the discharge passage 250 to contact the inner wall 220b of the aerosol generation chamber 220, but naturally flows through the discharge passage 250. ) can be moved to .

Additionally, as the cross-sectional area of the aerosol generation chamber 220 is reduced, a portion of the aerosol generation chamber 220 adjacent to one end 250a of the discharge passage 250 may function like a nozzle. Accordingly, the particle size of the aerosol may decrease as it moves from the inside of the aerosol generation chamber 220 to one end 250a of the discharge passage 250.

As described above, the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the aerosol generation chamber 220 decreases toward the discharge passage 250, so that the aerosol generation chamber 220 can naturally guide the aerosol therein to the discharge passage 250. . Additionally, the aerosol generation chamber 220 can provide high-quality aerosol to the user by reducing the size of aerosol particles moving into the discharge passage 250.

FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a vibrating unit and an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating the vibrating unit 260 of the aerosol generating device 200 reducing the size of aerosol particles.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the vibrating unit 260 is disposed to be in contact with at least a portion of the discharge passage 250, thereby transmitting vibration to the aerosol passing through the discharge passage 250 to atomize the aerosol.

For example, the vibrating unit 260 may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the discharge passage 250 to vibrate the discharge passage 250. The vibrating unit 260 vibrates the discharge passage 250, and the aerosol can receive vibration from the discharge passage 250 while passing through the inside of the vibrating discharge passage 250. Accordingly, the particle size of the aerosol that has received the vibration may decrease as it moves along the discharge passage 250 and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 9A, the vibrating unit 260 is shown to be arranged to surround the outer surface of the discharge passage 250, but this is not limited to this, and the vibrating unit 260 is arranged to contact the inner surface of the discharge passage 250 to discharge the discharge. Vibration may be transmitted to the aerosol passing through the passage 250.

FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a vibrating unit and an airflow passage of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. The aerosol generating device 200 of FIG. 9B may be an aerosol generating device in which the structure of the vibrating unit 260 is changed from the aerosol generating device 200 shown in FIG. 9A, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the vibrating unit 260 is disposed inside the discharge passage 250, and the vibrating unit 260 may include at least one through hole (not shown) through which the aerosol passes. Since the aerosol passes through the through hole and receives vibration from the vibrating unit 260, the particle size of the aerosol that has passed through the through hole may be reduced compared to the particle size of the aerosol before passing through the through hole. The aerosol that has been atomized through the hole may pass through the discharge passage 250 and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 200.

For example, one area of the vibrating unit 260 in which the through hole is formed may be in a mesh shape, and another area of the vibrating unit 260 may be in a plate shape surrounding the mesh-shaped area. In other words, the shape of the vibrating unit 260 shown in FIG. 9B may be substantially the same as the shape of the atomizing unit 240 shown in FIG. 7B.

As described above, the aerosol generating device 200 according to another embodiment includes the vibrating unit 260, thereby atomizing the aerosol and providing the user with a high-quality aerosol having a finer aerosol particle size.

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

100: Aerosol generating device 110: Battery
120: processor 130: atomizer
140: User Interface 150: Sensor
160: memory 200: aerosol generating device
210: storage unit 211a: aerosol
212: discharge hole 213: discharge sensor
220: Aerosol generation chamber 220b: Inner wall of aerosol generation chamber
221: valve 222: airflow passage
230: Rotating part 231: Central axis
231a: capacity sensor 232: grinding blade
230: Rotating part 231: Central axis
232: crushing blade 233: driving unit
234: first rotating part 235: second rotating part
240: atomization unit 250: discharge passage
250a: One end of discharge passage 251: Puff sensor
260: Vibration unit 270: Battery
280: processor

Claims (17)

In the aerosol generating device,
A storage unit that stores an aerosol-generating material and includes a discharge hole through which the aerosol-generating material is discharged;
an aerosol-generating chamber that accommodates the aerosol-generating material discharged from the discharge hole; and
A rotating part that rotates to pulverize the aerosol-generating material accommodated in the aerosol-generating chamber to generate an aerosol, and generates an airflow that discharges the generated aerosol to the outside of the aerosol-generating device;
The aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol-generating chamber collides with the rotating part and is pulverized to generate an aerosol,
The rotating part includes a central axis and a grinding blade that is coupled to the central axis and rotates with the central axis to crush the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol-generating chamber,
The grinding blade may move in a direction toward the bottom of the aerosol generation chamber or move in a direction away from the bottom. According to claim 1,
An aerosol generating device further comprising a valve that opens or closes the discharge hole of the storage unit. According to clause 2,
a discharge sensor that detects the amount of the aerosol-generating material discharged from the discharge hole; and
An aerosol generating device further comprising a processor that controls the valve to open or close the discharge hole based on the amount of the aerosol generating material detected by the discharge sensor. According to clause 2,
a capacity sensor that detects the amount of the aerosol-generating material contained within the aerosol-generating chamber; and
An aerosol generating device further comprising a processor that controls the valve to open or close the discharge hole based on the amount of the aerosol generating material detected by the capacity sensor. According to claim 1,
A puff sensor that detects the user's inhalation; and
An aerosol generating device comprising: a processor that rotates the rotating unit when the user's inhalation is detected by the puff sensor. delete According to claim 1,
The pulverizing blade is coupled to the central axis to be inclined with respect to a direction from the aerosol generating chamber toward the storage unit. According to claim 1,
The rotating part,
An aerosol generating device that generates an airflow moving in a direction from the aerosol generating chamber toward the storage portion so that the aerosol generated by the rotating portion is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
An atomizing unit disposed inside the aerosol generating chamber and reducing the size of aerosol particles moving by the airflow generated by the rotating unit. According to clause 9,
An aerosol generating device in which a plurality of perforations are formed in at least one area of the atomization unit to pass the aerosol generated by the rotating unit. According to claim 1,
The aerosol generating device further comprises an airflow passage communicating the aerosol generating chamber with the exterior of the aerosol generating device. According to claim 1,
The aerosol generating device further includes an exhaust passage through which aerosol moving by the airflow generated by the rotating unit is discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device. According to claim 12,
An aerosol generating device, wherein the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the aerosol generating chamber decreases toward the discharge passage. According to claim 13,
An aerosol generating device further comprising a vibrating unit that vibrates to reduce the size of aerosol particles passing through the discharge passage. According to claim 1,
The rotating part,
a first rotating unit that rotates to pulverize the aerosol-generating material contained in the aerosol-generating chamber to generate an aerosol; and
An aerosol generating device comprising a; a second rotating unit generating an airflow by rotating to discharge the aerosol generated by the first rotating unit to the outside of the aerosol generating device. delete According to claim 1,
a capacity sensor that detects the amount of the aerosol-generating material contained within the aerosol-generating chamber; and
An aerosol generating device further comprising a processor for controlling movement of the grinding blade so that the grinding blade moves based on the amount of the aerosol generating material detected by the capacity sensor.

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