JP2024536325A - Aerosol Generator - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is disclosed, which includes a body including an optical sensor, and a cartridge coupled to the body, the cartridge including a light guide having a polyhedral shape and a chamber for storing a liquid aerosol generating material, the optical sensor being disposed adjacent to and facing the light guide when the cartridge is coupled to the body, and the light guide being disposed at or adjacent to a lower end of the chamber such that at least one of a plurality of surfaces of the light guide is exposed to an interior of the chamber.

Description

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device is for extracting a predetermined component from a medium or substance via an aerosol. The medium may contain a substance of various components. The substance contained in the medium may be a flavoring substance of various components. For example, the substance contained in the medium may contain a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. In recent years, much research has been conducted into such aerosol generating devices.

This disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can accurately determine the presence or absence of a liquid aerosol generating substance in a cartridge.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can adjust the power supplied to the heater based on the presence or absence of a liquid aerosol generating substance.

According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, an aerosol generating device includes a body including a light sensor, and a cartridge coupled to the body, the cartridge including a light guide having a polyhedral shape and a chamber for storing a liquid aerosol generating material, the light sensor being positioned adjacent to and facing the light guide when the cartridge is coupled to the body, and the light guide being positioned at or adjacent to the lower end of the chamber such that at least one of the multiple faces of the light guide is exposed to the interior of the chamber.

At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure allows for accurate determination of the presence or absence of liquid aerosol generating material in the cartridge.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supplied to the heater can be adjusted based on the presence or absence of an aerosol generating substance.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stick. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stick. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stick. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generating device. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the aerosol generating device.

The embodiments disclosed in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers even if they are illustrated in different drawings, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are used solely for ease of explanation of the specification. "Module" and "section" do not have distinct meanings or roles.

In addition, in the following description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a specific description of related publicly known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are provided to facilitate an understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and do not limit the technical ideas disclosed in this specification. Therefore, the attached drawings should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included in the idea and scope of this disclosure.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but it should be understood that the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

When referring to an element as being "connected" to another element, it will be understood that there may be other elements in between. On the other hand, when referring to an element as being "directly connected" to another element, it will be understood that there are no other elements in between.

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

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

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

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

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

The input/output interface 12 may include an input device that receives commands from a user and/or an output device 122 that outputs information to a user. For example, the input device may include a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. For example, the output device 122 may include a display device that outputs visual information such as a display or a light emitting diode (LED), an audio device that outputs auditory information such as a speaker or a buzzer, a motor that outputs tactile information such as a haptic effect, etc.

The input/output interface 12 can transmit data corresponding to commands input by a user via an input device to other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10. The input/output interface 12 can output information corresponding to data received from other components (etc.) of the aerosol generating device 10 via the output device 122.

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

The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing tobacco-containing material, including volatile tobacco flavor components, according to one embodiment. The liquid aerosol generating material may be a liquid containing non-tobacco material, according to another embodiment. For example, the liquid aerosol generating material may include water, solvent, nicotine, botanical extracts, flavors, flavorings, vitamin mixtures, and the like.

The solid-state aerosol generating material may include solid materials based on tobacco raw materials, such as reconstituted tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, and granulated tobacco. The solid-state aerosol generating material may also include solid materials containing taste modifiers, seasonings, and the like. For example, taste modifiers may include calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium oxide, and the like. For example, seasonings may include natural materials such as herb granules, silica containing fragrance ingredients, zeolite, dextrin, and the like.

The aerosol generating material may also include an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol.

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

The aerosol generating module 13 may include an electrical resistive heater. For example, the electrical resistive heater may include at least one electrically conductive track and may be heated by an electric current passing through the electrically conductive track. Here, the aerosol generating material may be heated by the heated electrical resistive heater.

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

The electrical resistive heater may include an electrically conductive track formed in a variety of shapes. For example, the electrically conductive track may be formed in any one of a tube, a plate, a needle, a rod, and a coil.

The aerosol generating module 13 may include a heater using an induction heating method. For example, an induction heater may include an electrically conductive coil, and an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically may be generated by adjusting the current flowing through the electrically conductive coil. Here, when an alternating magnetic field is applied to a magnetic material, energy loss due to eddy current loss and hysteresis loss may occur in the magnetic material, and the lost energy may be released as thermal energy to heat the aerosol generating material adjacent to the magnetic material. Here, the object that generates heat due to the magnetic field may be called a susceptor.

On the other hand, the aerosol generating module 13 can also generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

The aerosol generation module 13 may be referred to as a cartomizer, atomizer, vaporizer, etc.

When the aerosol generating device 10 is composed of a cartridge 200 that holds an aerosol generating substance and a main body 100, the aerosol generating module 13 can be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

The memory 14 can store programs for each signal processing and control within the control unit 17, and can store data processed by the control unit 17 and data to be processed.

For example, the memory 14 can store application programs designed to perform various tasks that can be processed by the control unit 17, and selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request of the control unit 17.

For example, the memory 14 can store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 10, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, the number of times the battery 16 has been charged, the number of times the battery 16 has been discharged, at least one temperature profile, data on the user's inhalation pattern, data on charging and discharging, etc. Here, a puff can refer to the user's inhalation, and inhalation can refer to the situation in which the user inhales into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

For example, the memory 140 can store reference light intensity information for determining whether or not a liquid aerosol generating substance is present.

The memory 14 may include at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) and non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

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

The sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor that detects a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be implemented by a proximity sensor such as an IR sensor, a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor that detects a puff (hereinafter, referred to as a puff sensor). Here, the puff sensor may be embodied by a pressure sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a magnetic field sensor, etc.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, the temperature of the aerosol generation material, etc. Here, the heater included in the aerosol generation module 13 may also function as a temperature sensor. For example, the electrically resistive material of the heater may be a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). The sensor module 15 may sense the temperature of the heater by measuring the resistance of the heater, which changes depending on the temperature.

For example, if a stick can be inserted into the main body of the aerosol generating device 10, the sensor module 15 can include a sensor that detects the insertion of the stick (hereinafter referred to as a stick detection sensor).

For example, if the aerosol generating device 10 includes a cartridge 200, the sensor module 15 may include a sensor (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge detection sensor) that detects the attachment/detachment, position, etc. of the cartridge 200 relative to the main body 100.

Here, the stick detection sensor 152 and/or the cartridge detection sensor may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance-type sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cartridge detection sensor may include a connection terminal. The connection terminal may be provided in the main body 100, and may be electrically connected to an electrode provided in the cartridge 200 by coupling the cartridge 200 to the main body 100.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to a component (e.g., battery 16) provided in the aerosol generating device 10 and/or a current sensor that detects the current.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one sensor (hereinafter referred to as "motion sensor" 154) that detects the movement of the main body 100 and/or the cartridge 200 of the aerosol generating device 10. Here, the motion sensor 154 may be embodied by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor 154 may be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

For example, the sensor module 15 may include at least one optical sensor 155 that measures the amount of light. The optical sensor 155 may sense the amount of light (light intensity) reflected by at least one surface exposed to the chamber C1 that stores the liquid aerosol generating material.

The optical sensor 155 can emit light onto at least one surface exposed to the chamber C1, receive light reflected from the emitted light onto at least one surface, and output a signal corresponding to the received reflected light. The optical sensor 155 can output a signal corresponding to the amount of reflected light received.

The battery 16 can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generation device 10 under the control of the control unit 17. The battery 16 can supply power to other components provided in the aerosol generation device 10. For example, the battery 16 can supply power to a communication module included in the communication interface 11, an output device included in the input/output interface 12, a heater included in the aerosol generation module 13, etc.

Battery 16 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, battery 16 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer (Li-Polymer) battery. For example, if battery 16 is rechargeable, battery 16 may have a charge rate (C-rate) of 10C and a discharge rate (C-rate) of 10C to 20C, but is not limited to these. In addition, for stable use, battery 16 may be manufactured to maintain 80% or more of its full capacity even after 2000 charge/discharge cycles.

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

The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a charging terminal to which power supplied from an external source is input. For example, a charging terminal may be formed on one side of the body of the aerosol generating device 10, and the aerosol generating device 10 may charge the battery 16 using power supplied through the charging terminal. Here, the charging terminal may be a wired terminal for USB communication, a pogo pin, or the like.

The aerosol generating device 10 can also wirelessly receive power supplied from an external source via the communication interface 11. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 can receive power wirelessly using an antenna included in a communication module for wireless communication, and can charge the battery 16 using the wirelessly supplied power.

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

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

The control unit 17 can perform any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the control unit 17 can execute any one of the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., a preheating function, a heating function, a charging function, a cleaning function, etc.) depending on the state of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 10, a user's command received via the input/output interface 12, etc.

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

The control unit 17 can determine the occurrence of a puff using the puff sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the control unit 17 can check the temperature change, flow change, pressure change, voltage change, etc. in the aerosol generating device 10 based on the sensing value of the puff sensor, and can determine the occurrence of a puff based on the confirmed results based on the sensing value of the puff sensor.

The control unit 17 can control the operation of each component of the aerosol generating device 10 depending on whether or not a puff is performed and/or the number of puffs. For example, the control unit 17 can control the heater temperature to be changed or maintained based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 14.

The control unit 17 can control the power supply to the heater to be cut off under certain conditions. For example, when the stick is removed and the cartridge 200 is separated, when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, when no puffs are detected for a preset time or more, when the remaining charge of the battery 16 is less than a preset value, etc., the control unit 17 can control the power supply to the heater to be cut off.

The control unit 17 can calculate the remaining amount of power stored in the battery 16. For example, the control unit 17 can calculate the remaining amount of power in the battery 16 based on the sensing values of the voltage sensor and/or current sensor included in the sensor module 15.

The control unit 17 can control the supply of power to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

For example, the control unit 17 can use a PWM method to control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater. Here, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the control unit 17 can determine a target temperature to be the target of control based on the temperature profile. Here, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater using a PID method, which is a feedback control method based on the difference between the heater temperature and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

For example, the control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater based on the temperature profile. The control unit 17 can control the length of the heating section in which the heater is heated, the amount of power supplied to the heater in the heating section, etc. The control unit 17 can control the power supplied to the heater based on the target temperature of the heater.

Meanwhile, the PWM method and the PID method have been described as examples of control methods for supplying power to the heater, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various control methods such as the Proportional-Integral (PI) method and the Proportional-Differential (PD) method can be used.

The control unit 17 can determine the temperature of the heater and can adjust the power supplied to the heater depending on the heater temperature. For example, the control unit 17 can determine the heater temperature by checking the resistance value of the heater, the current flowing through the heater, and/or the voltage applied to the heater.

Meanwhile, the control unit 17 can control the heater to supply power under preset conditions. For example, when a cleaning function for cleaning the space into which the stick is inserted is selected according to a command input by the user via the input/output interface 12, the control unit 17 can control the heater to supply a predetermined amount of power.

Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

In one embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 100. In another embodiment, the cartridge 200 may be configured integrally with the main body 100. For example, the cartridge 200 may be attached to the main body 100 by inserting at least a portion of the cartridge 200 into an internal space formed by the housing 101 of the main body 100.

The main body 100 may be formed in a structure that allows external air to flow into the main body 100 when the cartridge 200 is inserted. Here, the external air that flows into the main body 100 may flow to the user's mouth through the cartridge 200.

The control unit 17 can determine whether the cartridge 200 is attached/detached by the cartridge detection sensor included in the sensor module 15. For example, the cartridge detection sensor can transmit a pulse current through one terminal connected to the cartridge 200. Here, the cartridge detection sensor can detect whether the cartridge 200 is connected based on whether the pulse current is received through another terminal.

The cartridge 200 may include a heater 210 for heating an aerosol generating substance and/or a storage section 220 for storing the aerosol generating substance. For example, a liquid transmission means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating substance may be disposed inside the storage section 220. The electrically conductive track of the heater 210 may be formed in a structure that wraps around the liquid transmission means. Here, the liquid transmission means may be heated by the heater 210 to generate an aerosol. Here, the liquid transmission means may include a wick made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

The cartridge 200 may include an insertion space 230 into which the stick 20 can be inserted. For example, the cartridge 200 may include an insertion space formed by an inner wall (not shown) extending in a circumferential direction along the direction in which the stick 20 is inserted. Here, the insertion space may be formed by opening the inside of the inner wall upward and downward. The stick 20 may be inserted into the insertion space 230 formed by the inner wall.

The insertion space into which the stick 20 is inserted may be formed in a shape that corresponds to the shape of the part of the stick 20 that is to be inserted into the insertion space. For example, if the stick 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the insertion space may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

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

The stick 20 may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the stick 20 may be divided into a first portion including an aerosol generating material and a second portion including a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion of the stick 20 may also include an aerosol generating material. For example, an aerosol generating material manufactured in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion.

The entire first part may be inserted into the insertion space 230, and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first part, or both the first part and the second part may be inserted into the insertion space 230. A user may inhale aerosol while holding the second part in their mouth. Here, aerosol is generated when outside air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol may pass through the second part and be delivered to the user's mouth.

A user can inhale the aerosol while holding one end of the stick 20 in their mouth. The aerosol generated by the heater 210 can pass through the stick 20 and be delivered to the user's mouth. Here, as the aerosol passes through the stick 20, the substance contained in the stick 20 is added to the aerosol, and the aerosol with the added substance can be inhaled into the user's mouth through one end of the stick 20.

The control unit 17 can monitor the number of puffs based on the sensing value of the puff sensor from the time the stick 20 is inserted.

When the inserted stick 20 is removed, the control unit 17 can initialize the current number of puffs stored in the memory 14.

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

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

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

Figures 4 to 6 are diagrams illustrating a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed explanations of content that overlaps with Figures 4 to 6 will be omitted.

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

Although the filter rod 22 is shown in FIG. 4 as a single segment, this is not limiting. In other words, the filter rod 22 may be composed of multiple segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. Also, if necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment that performs another function.

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

The stick 20 may be wrapped by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. As an example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by one wrapper 24. As another example, the stick 20 may be wrapped by two or more wrappers 24 stacked on top of each other. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be wrapped by a first wrapper 241. For example, the filter rod 22 may be wrapped by wrappers 242, 243, and 244. The tobacco rod 21 and the filter rod 22 wrapped by individual wrappers may be combined, and the entire stick 20 may be further wrapped by a third wrapper. When each filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, each segment may be wrapped by an individual wrapper 242, 243, and 244. The entire stick 20, in which the segments wrapped by the individual wrappers are combined, may be further wrapped by another wrapper.

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

The third wrapper 243 may be made of hard wrapping paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 88 g/ _m2 to 96 g/ _m2 . For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 90 g/ _m2 to 94 g/ _m2 . Also, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 243 may be 125 μm.

The fourth wrapper 244 may be made of a grease-resistant hard wrapper paper. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 88 g/m ₂ to 96 g/m _2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 90 g/m ₂ to 94 g/m _2. Also, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be in the range of 120 μm to 130 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 244 may be 125 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may be made of a multi-layered paper (MFW). Here, the multi-layered paper (MFW) may refer to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 57 g/m ₂ to 63 g/m _2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 60 g/m ^2. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 245 may be 67 μm.

The fifth wrapper 245 may include a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon may have properties such as heat resistance, which is less susceptible to change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-mentioned properties may be applied or coated onto the fifth wrapper 245 without any restrictions.

The fifth wrapper 245 can prevent the stick 20 from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod 21 is heated by the heater 210, the stick 20 may burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the flash point of any one of the materials contained in the tobacco rod 21, the stick 20 may burn. Even in such a case, the fifth wrapper 245 contains a non-flammable material, so it can prevent the stick 20 from burning.

The fifth wrapper 245 can also prevent the main body 100 from being contaminated by the substance produced in the stick 20. A liquid substance can be produced in the stick 20 by the user's puff. For example, a liquid substance (e.g., moisture) can be produced when the aerosol produced in the stick 20 is cooled by external air. The fifth wrapper 245 wraps the stick 20, thereby preventing the liquid substance produced in the stick 20 from leaking out of the stick 20.

The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 21 may also include other additives, such as flavoring agents, humectants, and/or organic acids. A flavoring liquid, such as menthol or a humectant, may also be added to the tobacco rod 21 by spraying it onto the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a sheet. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a strand. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be manufactured from a small piece of a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. For example, the tobacco rod 21 can be surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. As an example, the thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can uniformly distribute the heat transferred to the tobacco rod 21 and improve the thermal conductivity to the tobacco rod. Therefore, the tobacco taste can be improved. The thermally conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Here, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod 21 can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the thermally conductive material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 22. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a cylindrical type rod. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a tube type rod having a hollow inside. For example, the filter rod 22 may be a recess type rod. When the filter rod 22 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may be manufactured into another shape.

The first segment of the filter rod 22 may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow inside. The first segment can prevent the internal material of the tobacco rod 21 from being pushed backward when the heater 110 is inserted, and can also provide a cooling effect for the aerosol. The diameter of the hollow inside the first segment may be an appropriate diameter within the range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment can be any suitable length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited to this. For example, the length of the first segment can be 10 mm, but is not limited to this.

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

The length or diameter of the second segment can be determined in various ways depending on the shape of the stick 20. For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within the range of 7 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the length of the second segment can be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The second segment can be made by weaving polymer fibers. In this case, the flavor liquid can be applied to the fibers made from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be made by weaving together separate fibers that have been applied with the flavor liquid and the fibers made from the polymer. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed from a crimped polymer sheet.

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

The second segment may be formed from woven polymer fibers or a crimped polymer sheet, so that the second segment may include one or more longitudinally extending channels, where a channel may refer to a passageway through which a gas (e.g., air or aerosol) may pass.

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

Meanwhile, the second segment can include a thread containing a volatile flavor component, where the volatile flavor component can be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread can be loaded with a sufficient amount of menthol to provide 1.5 mg or more of menthol to the second segment.

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

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

The filter rod 22 may also include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may function to generate a flavor. The capsule 23 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 5, the stick 30 according to one embodiment may further include a front end plug 33. The front end plug 33 is located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 facing the filter rod 32. The front end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from falling out to the outside. The front end plug 33 may prevent the aerosol liquefied from the tobacco rod 31 during smoking from flowing into the aerosol generating device 100.

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

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

The stick 30 may be wrapped in at least one wrapper 35. The wrapper 35 may have at least one hole through which external air can flow in or internal gas can flow out. For example, the front end plug 33 may be wrapped in a first wrapper 351, the tobacco rod 31 may be wrapped in a second wrapper 352, the first segment 321 may be wrapped in a third wrapper 353, and the second segment 322 may be wrapped in a fourth wrapper 354. Then, the entire stick 30 may be rewrapped in a fifth wrapper 355.

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

The second segment 322 may also include at least one capsule 34. Here, the capsule 34 may also function to generate a flavor. The capsule 34 may also function to generate an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring is enveloped in a coating. The capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper 351 may be formed by bonding a metal foil, such as aluminum foil, to a common filter wrapper. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 45 μm to 55 μm. For example, the total thickness of the first wrapper 351 may be 50.3 μm. The thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 6 μm to 7 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper 351 may be 6.3 μm. The basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be in the range of 50 g/m ² to 55 g/m ^2. For example, the basis weight of the first wrapper 351 may be 53 g/m ² .

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

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper 352 may be, but is not limited to, 35,000 CU. The thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 70 μm to 80 μm. For example, the thickness of the second wrapper 352 may be 78 μm. The basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be in the range of 20 g/m ² to 25 g/m ^2. For example, the basis weight of the second wrapper 352 may be 23.5 g/m ² .

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper 353 may be, but is not limited to, 24,000 CU. The thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 60 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the third wrapper 353 may be 68 μm. The basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be in the range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper 353 may be 21 g/ ^m2 .

The fourth wrapper 354 may be made of PLA laminated paper. Here, the PLA laminated paper may refer to a triple layer paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 100 μm to 120 μm. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 110 μm. Also, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be in the range of 80 g/m ² to 100 g/m ^2. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper 354 may be 88 g/m ² .

The fifth wrapper 355 may be made of a multi-layered paper (MFW). Here, the multi-layered paper (MFW) may refer to a paper that is specially manufactured to have improved tensile strength, water resistance, smoothness, etc., compared to general paper. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 57 g/m ² to 63 g/m ^2. For example, the basis weight of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 60 g/m ^2. Also, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be in the range of 64 μm to 70 μm. For example, the thickness of the fifth wrapper 355 may be 67 μm.

The fifth wrapper 355 may include a predetermined material. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be, but is not limited to, silicon. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance, which is less susceptible to change with temperature, oxidation resistance, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-mentioned properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper 355 without any restrictions.

The front end plug 33 may be made of cellulose acetate. As an example, the front end plug 33 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate toe. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate toe may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate toe may be in the range of 4.0 to 6.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be 5.0. Also, the cross section of the filaments constituting the front end plug 33 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be in the range of 25,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the front end plug 33 may be 28,000.

Optionally, the front end plug 33 may also include at least one channel. The cross-section of the channel may be fabricated in a variety of shapes.

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

The first segment 321 may be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow interior. The first segment 321 may be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to the cellulose acetate tor. For example, the mono-denier and total denier of the first segment 321 may be the same as the mono-denier and total denier of the front end plug 33.

The second segment 322 may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment 322 may be in the range of 1.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 8.0 to 10.0. For example, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be 9.0. The cross section of the filaments of the second segment 322 may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment 322 may be in the range of 20,000 to 30,000. For example, the total denier of the second segment 322 may be 25,000.

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

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

The medium 411 may contain various substances. The substances contained in the medium may be flavor substances of various ingredients. The medium 411 may be composed of a plurality of granules. Each of the plurality of granules may have a size of 0.4 mm to 1.12 mm. The medium 411 may be filled with granules to about 70%. The length L2 of the medium 411 may be 10 mm. The first medium cover 413 may be composed of an acetate material. The second medium cover 415 may be composed of an acetate material. The first medium cover 413 may be composed of a paper material. The second medium cover 415 may be composed of a paper material. At least one of the first medium cover 413 and the second medium cover 415 may be composed of a paper material and may have a wrinkled shape, and a plurality of gaps may be formed between them for air to flow. The gaps may be smaller than the size of each granule of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L3 of the second medium cover 413 may be shorter than the length L2 of the medium 411. The length L1 of the first medium cover 413 may be 7 mm. The length L2 of the second medium cover 413 may be 7 mm.

Therefore, each granule of the medium 411 cannot detach from the medium portion 410 and the stick 40.

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

Therefore, the cooling unit 420 can support the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, and ensure the rigidity of the stick 40. The cooling unit 420 can also support the wrapper 440 between the medium unit 410 and the filter unit 430, and ensure the area where the wrapper 440 is attached. The heated air and aerosol can also be cooled as they pass through the cooling passage 424 inside the cooling unit 420.

The filter part 430 may be composed of an acetate filter. The filter part 430 may be disposed at the other end of the stick 40. When the stick 40 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the filter part 430 may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. A user may inhale air by holding the filter part 430 in their mouth. The length L5 of the filter part 430 may be 14 mm.

The wrapper 440 may wrap or surround the medium part 410, the cooling part 420, and the filter part 430. The wrapper 440 may form the outer shape of the stick 40. The wrapper 440 may be made of a paper material. The adhesive part 441 may be formed on one side end of the wrapper 440. The wrapper 440 wraps the medium part 410, the cooling part 420, and the filter part 430, and the adhesive part 441 formed on one side edge and the other side edge may be adhered to each other. The wrapper 440 that wraps the medium part 410, the cooling part 420, and the filter part 430 may not cover one end and the other end of the stick 40.

The wrapper 440 therefore fixes the medium section 410, the cooling section 420 and the filter section 430 and prevents them from coming off the stick 40.

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

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

Figure 7 shows the structure of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 8 to 11 are diagrams explaining the aerosol generating device.

Here, "upstream" and "downstream" can be determined based on the direction of airflow that flows so that the generated aerosol is inhaled into the user's mouth or lungs when the user inhales using the stick. For example, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the aerosol generated in the tobacco rods 21 and 31 flows toward the filter rods 22 and 32, so the tobacco rods 21 and 31 are located upstream of the filter rods 22 and 32, and the filter rods 22 and 32 are located downstream of the tobacco rods 21 and 31. "Upstream" and "downstream" can be determined based on the relative positions between the components.

Here, the direction of the aerosol generation device 10 can be defined based on a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generation device 10. Here, based on the origin, the direction toward +x can mean the rightward direction, and the direction toward -x can mean the leftward direction. The y-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generation device 10. Here, based on the origin, the direction toward +y can mean the upward direction, and the direction toward -y can mean the downward direction. The z-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generation device 10. Based on the origin, the direction toward +z can mean the forward direction, and the direction toward -z can mean the backward direction.

Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a main body 100 and a cartridge 200. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a heater 210, a light sensor 155, a light guide 250, a light guide connecting portion 260, a battery 16, and/or a control portion 17.

The cartridge 200 is detachable from the main body 100. A chamber C1 may be formed inside the cartridge 200.

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

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

The cartridge 200 or the main body 100 may include an insertion space 130, 230. One end of the insertion space 130, 230 may be open to form an opening. The insertion space 130, 230 may be exposed to the outside through the opening. The opening may be defined as one end of the insertion space 130, 230. The insertion space 130, 230 may be elongated in the vertical direction. The insertion space 130, 230 may be configured as a space surrounded by an inner wall that elongates in the vertical direction. The stick 40 may be inserted into the insertion space 130, 230.

The cartridge 200 may be disposed so as to contact the main body 100. The cartridge 200 may be coupled to the main body 100 or separated from the main body 100. One side wall and a lower end wall of the outer wall of the cartridge 200 may contact the main body 100. The insertion space 130, 230 may be formed adjacent to one side wall of the outer wall of the cartridge 200 that contacts the main body 100.

The cartridge 200 can include a light guide 250. The light guide 250 can have a polyhedral shape. The light guide 250 can include multiple exterior surfaces that form a polyhedron.

The light guide 250 may be located at or adjacent to the lower end of the chamber C1. At least one of the multiple faces forming the polyhedron of the light guide 250 may be exposed within the chamber C1. The liquid aerosol generating material contained within the chamber C1 and/or the air within the chamber C1 may come into contact with the at least one face exposed to the interior of the chamber C1.

For example, referring to FIG. 7, the light guide 250 may be disposed on one side of the underside of the cartridge 200. In the light guide 250, at least one of the multiple faces forming a polyhedron may be exposed in the chamber C1 at the underside of the cartridge 200.

For example, referring to FIG. 8, the light guide 250 may be disposed adjacent to the lower end of one side of the cartridge 200. In the light guide 250, at least one of the multiple faces forming a polyhedron may be exposed in the chamber C1 on one side of the cartridge 200.

For example, referring to FIG. 9, the light guide 250 may be disposed at a corner formed by the bottom surface and one side surface of the cartridge 200. At least one of the multiple faces forming the polyhedron of the light guide 250 may be exposed in the chamber C1 at the corner of the cartridge 200.

The main body 100 may include a light sensor 155. The light sensor 155 may be located adjacent to the light guide 250 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100.

The optical sensor 155 may be disposed facing the light guide 250. The light emitting portion 1551 and the light receiving portion 1552 of the optical sensor 155 may be disposed facing the light guide 250. The light emitting portion 1551 of the optical sensor 155 may emit light through the light guide 250 toward at least one surface of the light guide 250 exposed to the inside of the chamber C1 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100. The light receiving portion 1552 of the optical sensor 155 may receive reflected light reflected by at least one surface of the light guide 250 exposed to the inside of the chamber C1 through the light guide 250 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100.

The light emitting portion 1551 and the light receiving portion 1552 of the optical sensor 155 may be disposed adjacent to each other. The optical sensor 155 may be configured in the form of a single module including the light emitting portion 1551 and the light receiving portion 1552. For example, referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the light emitting portion 1551 and the light receiving portion 1552 may be disposed in parallel to face one of the multiple surfaces of the light guide 250 that is exposed to the outside of the cartridge 200.

The light emitting unit 1551 and the light receiving unit 1552 of the optical sensor 155 may be disposed at a distance from each other. The light emitting unit 1551 and the light receiving unit 1552 of the optical sensor 155 may be disposed at different positions of the cartridge 200. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the light emitting unit 1551 may be disposed adjacent to the lower end of one side of the cartridge 200 or adjacent to one side of the lower surface. The light receiving unit 1552 may be disposed adjacent to one side of the lower surface of the cartridge 200 or adjacent to the lower end of one side. The light emitting unit 1551 may be disposed facing one surface of the light guide 250 that is exposed to the outside of the cartridge 200, and the light receiving unit 1552 may be disposed facing the other surface of the light guide 250 that is exposed to the outside of the cartridge 200. For example, the direction in which the light emitting unit 1551 faces and the direction in which the light receiving unit 1552 faces may be perpendicular to each other.

The main body 100 or the cartridge 200 may include a light guide connector 260. The light guide connector 260 may be formed of an optical fiber. When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, one end of the light guide connector 260 may be located adjacent to the light emitting portion 1551 and the light receiving portion 1552 of the optical sensor 155, and the other end may be located adjacent to the light guide 250.

When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 1551 of the optical sensor 155 is propagated to the optical guide 250 through the inside of the optical guide connecting portion 260, and can be incident on at least one of the multiple surfaces of the optical guide 250 that is exposed to the inside of the chamber C1 through the inside of the optical guide 250.

When the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100, the reflected light reflected by at least one surface of the light guide 250 exposed to the inside of the chamber C1 is propagated to the light guide connector 260 through the inside of the light guide 250, and can be incident on the light receiving part 1552 of the light sensor 155 through the inside of the light guide connector 260. Although FIG. 7 illustrates a structure in which the cross section of the light guide connector 260 is linear, the shape of the light guide connector 260 is not limited thereto, and any shape is possible as long as it connects the light sensor 155 and the light guide connector 260. Even if the light sensor 155 is not located adjacent to the light guide 250 or the direction in which the light sensor 155 faces is not the direction in which the light guide 250 is located, light can be propagated between the light sensor 155 and the light guide 250 through the light guide connector 260.

The control unit 17 can activate the optical sensor 155 and receive a signal output from the optical sensor 155. The signal output from the optical sensor 155 can be an analog signal or a digital signal.

The control unit 17 determines the amount of light (light intensity) received by the light sensor 155 based on the signal received from the light sensor 155, and can determine whether the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has been exhausted based on the amount of light received. The details of how the control unit 17 determines whether or not liquid is present will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12.

When the liquid aerosol generating material is exhausted, the control unit 17 can output guidance information via the output device 122. The control unit 17 can output information regarding the exhaustion of the liquid aerosol generating material and/or the replacement of the cartridge 200.

The battery 16 can supply power to the heater 210 under the control of the control unit 17.

Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the light guide when a liquid aerosol generating substance is present in the chamber, and Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the light guide when no liquid aerosol generating substance is present in the chamber.

Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the light emitting unit 1551 of the optical sensor 155 may include at least one light source that generates light. For example, the light emitting unit 1551 may include a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a laser diode (LD), etc. as a light source. Here, the multiple light sources included in the light emitting unit 1551 may be arranged in a certain pattern.

The light emitting unit 1551 can emit light in a predetermined direction. For example, the light emitting unit 1551 can include a first light collecting unit (not shown) that collects light generated by a light source toward an object. Here, the first light collecting unit can be composed of an imaging lens, a diffractive optical element (DOE), etc.

The light receiving unit 1552 may include a photodiode that responds to light. The light receiving unit 1552 may output an electrical signal corresponding to the light incident on the photodiode.

The light receiving unit 1552 may include a second light collecting unit (not shown) that collects light reflected from the object (hereinafter, referred to as reflected light). For example, the reflected light collected by the second light collecting unit may be transmitted to a photodiode included in the light receiving unit 1552. Here, the second light collecting unit may include a lens that receives the reflected light incident in a predetermined direction.

The light receiving unit 1552 may further include an optical filter (not shown) that selectively transmits light in a specific wavelength range. For example, the optical filter may be an infrared pass filter that selectively transmits infrared light with wavelengths of 780 nm to 1000 nm.

The light emitting unit 1551 may emit light toward the light guide 250. The light emitting unit 1551 may emit light toward the inside of the chamber C1. The emitted light may propagate inside the light guide 250 and may be reflected or refracted by at least one surface of the light guide 250 that is exposed to the inside of the chamber C1.

The light receiving unit 1552 can receive reflected light. The light receiving unit 1552 can receive reflected light that is reflected by at least one surface exposed inside the chamber C1 out of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1551. The light receiving unit 1552 can output an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of reflected light incident on the photodiode.

Referring to FIG. 10, the surfaces of the light guide 250 that are exposed within the chamber C1 may include a first surface 251 and a second surface 252.

The first surface 251 may be disposed at a certain angle relative to the lower surface of the chamber C1 and in a tilted direction relative to the lower surface of the chamber C1. The first surface 251 may be exposed within the chamber C1. The second surface 252 has one end in contact with one end of the first surface 251, may be disposed at a certain angle relative to the lower surface of the chamber C1 and in a tilted direction relative to the lower surface of the chamber C1. The second surface 252 may be exposed within the chamber C1.

Based on the front-to-rear direction (direction perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis) of the aerosol generating device 10, the cross section of the light guide 250 perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction can be a polygon. For example, the cross section of the light guide 250 can be a pentagon. For example, the cross section of the light guide 250 can be an N-sided polygon.

The light guide 260 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material that can transmit light. For example, the light guide 260 may be formed of a transparent or translucent plastic or glass material. For example, the light guide 260 may contain a liquid or gas inside through which light can transmit. The refractive index n1 of the light guide 260 may be smaller than the refractive index n3 of the liquid aerosol generating material. The refractive index n1 of the light guide 260 may be larger than the refractive index n2 of air.

The refractive index n3 of the liquid aerosol generating material may be about 1.40 or greater. For example, the liquid aerosol generating material may include at least one of the following materials: propylene glycol (refractive index about 1.44) or glycerin (refractive index about 1.47).

The light emitting unit 1551 may be arranged to face the first surface 251 of the light guide 250. The light 901 emitted from the light emitting unit 1551 may propagate through the inside of the light guide 250 and enter the first surface 251. The emitted light 901 may be partially reflected by the first surface 251 and partially refracted 902B by the first surface 251. The light 902A reflected by the first surface 251 of the emitted light 901 may enter the second surface 252. The light 902A incident on the second surface 252 may be partially reflected by the second surface 252 and partially refracted 903B by the second surface 252. The light 903A reflected on the second surface 252 may propagate through the inside of the light guide 250 and enter the light receiving unit 1552.

Since the refractive index n1 of the light guide 260 is smaller than the refractive index n3 of the liquid aerosol generating substance, when liquid aerosol generating substance A is present in chamber C1, the light 901, 902A incident on the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 is partially refracted and propagated inside the liquid aerosol generating substance A, and only the remaining portion may be reflected.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the liquid aerosol generating material A is exhausted in the chamber C1, the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 of the light guide 250 may be in contact with the air B in the chamber C1. The light 1001 emitted from the light emitting unit 1551 may propagate through the inside of the light guide 250 and be incident on the first surface 251. When the first angle that the light 1001 incident on the first surface 251 makes with respect to the first surface 251 is X (unit: deg), the first angle X may satisfy the following mathematical formula 1.

(Equation 1)
X<90-arcsin(n2/n1)

where n1 is the refractive index of the light guide 250 and n2 is the refractive index of air B.

Since the refractive index n1 of the light guide 250 is greater than the refractive index n2 of the air B, when the emitted light 1001 is incident on the first surface 251 at a first angle X that satisfies the above mathematical formula 1, the incident light 1001 is not refracted at the first surface 251 and can be totally reflected (total reflection).

Furthermore, when the light 1002 reflected by the first surface 251 and incident on the second surface 252 forms a second angle with the second surface 252 as Y, the second angle Y can satisfy the following mathematical formula 2.

(Equation 2)
Y<90-arcsin(n2/n1)

When light 1002 incident on the second surface 252 is incident on the second surface 252 at a second angle Y that satisfies the mathematical formula 2, the incident light 1002 is not refracted at the second surface 252 and can be totally reflected (total reflection).

Light 1001 emitted from the light emitting unit 1551 and incident on the first surface 251 is totally reflected by the first surface 251, and light 1002 reflected by the first surface 251 and incident on the second surface 252 is totally reflected by the second surface 252 and can be incident on the light receiving unit 1552.

In this case, the amount of light 1003 incident on the light receiving unit 1552 under the condition of total reflection at the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 (a state in which the liquid aerosol generating material A in the chamber C1 has been consumed) may be greater than the amount of light 903A incident on the light receiving unit 1552 under the condition of partial refracting of the incident light at the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 (a state in which the liquid aerosol generating material A in the chamber C1 has not been consumed). The amount of light 1003 incident through the light receiving unit 1552 under the condition of total reflection at both the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 can be set to a reference light amount. The set reference light amount information can be stored in advance in the memory 14.

On the other hand, the refractive index n1 of the light guide 260 may be greater than the refractive index n3 of the liquid aerosol generating material. The refractive index n1 of the light guide 260 may be greater than the refractive index n2 of air.

Referring again to FIG. 10, light 901 emitted from the light emitting portion 1551 may propagate through the inside of the light guide 250 and be incident on the first surface 251. The first angle X that the light 901 incident on the first surface 251 makes with respect to the first surface 251 may satisfy the following mathematical formula 3.

(Equation 3)
X>90-arcsin(n3/n1)

where n1 is the refractive index of the light guide 250 and n3 is the refractive index of the liquid aerosol generating material A.

When the refractive index n1 of the light guide 250 is greater than the refractive index n3 of the liquid aerosol generating material A, but the emitted light 901 is incident on the first surface 251 at a first angle X that satisfies the above mathematical formula 3, the incident light 901 may not be totally reflected by the first surface 251. A portion of the incident light 901 may be reflected by the first surface 251, and the remaining portion may be refracted by the first surface 251.

Furthermore, when the light 902 reflected by the first surface 251 and incident on the second surface 252 forms a second angle with the second surface 252 as Y, the second angle Y can satisfy the following mathematical formula 4.

(Equation 4)
Y>90-arcsin(n3/n1)

When light 902A incident on the second surface 252 is incident on the second surface 252 at a second angle Y that satisfies the above mathematical formula 4, the incident light 902A may not be totally reflected at the second surface 252. A portion of the incident light 902A may be reflected at the second surface 252, and the remaining portion may be refracted at the second surface 252.

When the refractive index n1 of the light guide 260 is greater than the refractive index n3 of the liquid aerosol generating material and the refractive index n2 of the air, the first angle X and the second angle Y can satisfy all of the above mathematical expressions 1 to 4. Therefore, the first angle X and the second angle Y can satisfy the following mathematical expression 5.

(Equation 5)
90-arcsin(n3/n1)<X<90-arcsin(n2/n1)

90-arcsin(n3/n1)<Y<90-arcsin(n2/n1)

In this case, the amount of light 1003 incident on the light receiving unit 1552 when the liquid aerosol generating substance A in the chamber C1 has been consumed may be greater than the amount of light 903A incident on the light receiving unit 1552 when the liquid aerosol generating substance A in the chamber C1 has not been consumed. The amount of light 1003 incident through the light receiving unit 1552 under the condition that the light is totally reflected by both the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 (when the liquid aerosol generating substance A in the chamber C1 has been consumed) can be set to a reference light amount. The set reference light amount information can be stored in advance in the memory 14.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 10 can detect the insertion of the stick 40 in operation S1210. The stick detection sensor 152 of the aerosol generating device 10 can output a signal corresponding to the stick 40 inserted into the insertion space 130, 230.

The aerosol generating device 10 can detect that the stick 40 is inserted into the insertion space 130, 230 based on the signal received from the stick detection sensor 152.

Upon detecting the insertion of the stick 40, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a measurement signal from the motion sensor 154 in operation S1220. The aerosol generating device 10 may include at least one motion sensor 154 that detects the movement of the main body 100 and/or the cartridge 200 of the aerosol generating device 10. The motion sensor 154 may be embodied by at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The motion sensor 154 may be disposed in at least one of the main body 100 and the cartridge 200.

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

In operation S1240, the aerosol generating device 10 can compare the calculated angle of the chamber C1 with a reference angle. The aerosol generating device 10 can determine whether the calculated angle is equal to or less than the reference angle.

In operation S1250, if the calculated angle exceeds the reference angle, the aerosol generating device 10 may output a warning through the output device 122. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may output information through the output device 122 notifying the user that the presence or absence of the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 cannot be measured because the chamber C1 is tilted. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may output information through the output device 122 guiding the user to align the device in a direction perpendicular to the ground because the chamber C1 is tilted.

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

In operation S1260, the aerosol generating device 10 may activate the optical sensor 155 if the calculated angle is equal to or less than the reference angle. The aerosol generating device 10 may transmit an activation signal to the optical sensor 155 to activate the optical sensor 155. The aerosol generating device 10 may monitor the signal received from the activated optical sensor 155. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may receive a signal from the activated optical sensor 155 for a certain period of time from the point in time when the angle of the chamber C1 is calculated.

When chamber C1 is tilted relative to the ground, even if liquid aerosol generating material is present in chamber C1, the liquid aerosol generating material may not be located near light guide 250. Aerosol generating device 10 can accurately determine the presence or absence of liquid aerosol generating material by determining the presence or absence of liquid aerosol generating material based on the signal from optical sensor 155 only when chamber C1 is positioned at a certain angle or less relative to the direction perpendicular to the ground.

In operation S1270, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine the presence or absence of liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 based on the signal received from the activated optical sensor 155.

Based on the signal received from the optical sensor 155, the aerosol generating device 10 can compare the amount of reflected light incident on the light receiving unit 1552 of the optical sensor 155 with a reference amount of light. For example, the reference amount of light can be set to the amount of light 1003 incident through the light receiving unit 1552, or an amount of light that is a certain level smaller than the amount of light, under the condition that the light emitted from the light emitting unit 1551 of the light guide 250 toward the first surface 251 is totally reflected by both the first surface 251 and the second surface 252.

When the amount of reflected light is equal to or greater than a reference amount, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has been exhausted. When the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has been exhausted, the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 can be in contact with the air in the chamber C1. In this case, the light is totally reflected by both the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 of the light guide 250, so the amount of reflected light can be equal to or greater than a reference amount.

When the amount of reflected light is less than the reference amount of light, the aerosol generating device 10 can determine that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has not been consumed. When the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has not been consumed, the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 may be in contact with the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1. In this case, the reflected light is not totally reflected by the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 of the light guide 250, so the amount of reflected light may be less than the reference amount of light.

The aerosol generating device 10 can control the power supplied to the heater 210 based on the presence or absence of liquid aerosol generating material.

In operation S1280, the aerosol generating device 10 can be controlled to cut off the supply of power to the heater 210 when the amount of liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 is exhausted.

In operation S1290, the aerosol generating device 10 can control power to be supplied to the heater 210 if the amount of liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has not been exhausted.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device 10 can calculate the angle and movement of chamber C1 based on the signal received from the motion sensor 154 in operation S1230, and compare the angle of chamber C1 with a reference angle and compare the value corresponding to the movement of chamber C1 with the reference movement in operation S1240. The aerosol generating device 10 can activate the optical sensor 155 in operation S1260 if the angle is less than the reference angle and the value corresponding to the movement is less than the reference movement. The aerosol generating device 10 can determine whether the liquid aerosol generating material in chamber C1 has been exhausted based on the signal received from the activated optical sensor 155.

The aerosol generating device 10 can accurately determine the presence or absence of liquid aerosol generating material by considering both the angle and the degree of movement of the chamber C1, and determining the presence or absence of liquid aerosol generating material based on the signal from the optical sensor 155 only when both the angle and the degree of movement are below a certain level.

As described above, at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure allows for accurate determination of the presence or absence of liquid aerosol generating material in the cartridge.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supplied to the heater can be adjusted based on the presence or absence of an aerosol generating substance.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 12, an aerosol generating device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a main body 100 including an optical sensor 155, and a cartridge 200 coupled to the main body and including a light guide 250 having a polyhedral shape and a chamber C1 for storing a liquid aerosol generating material. The optical sensor 155 may be disposed adjacent to and facing the light guide 250 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100. The light guide 250 may be disposed at or adjacent to the lower end of the chamber C1 such that at least one of the multiple surfaces of the light guide 250 is exposed to the inside of the chamber C1.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light guide 250 may be disposed toward one side of the underside of the cartridge 200, and at least one side of the light guide 250 may be exposed from the underside of the cartridge 200 to the inside of the chamber C1.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light guide 250 may be disposed adjacent to a lower end of one side of the cartridge 200, and at least one surface of the light guide may be exposed to the interior of the chamber C1 from one side of the cartridge 200.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light guide 250 is disposed at a corner formed by the bottom surface and one side surface of the cartridge 200, and at least one surface of the light guide 250 may be exposed to the interior of the chamber C1 from the corner of the cartridge 200.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the optical sensor 155 may include a light emitting portion 1551 that emits light to the light guide 250, and a light receiving portion 1552 that receives reflected light that is reflected by at least one surface exposed to the interior of the chamber C1 and propagated through the light guide 250.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one surface of the light guide 250 exposed to the interior of the chamber C1 may include a first surface 251 and a second surface 252 adjacent to the first surface 251. The emitted light may be reflected or refracted at the first surface 251 and the second surface 252. Of the emitted light, the light reflected at the first surface 251 and the second surface 252 may be propagated through the light guide 250 and incident on the light receiving unit 1552.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the refractive index n1 of the light guide 250 may be less than the refractive index n3 of the liquid aerosol generating material and greater than the refractive index n2 of air.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the angle X of the light emitted from the light emitting portion 1551 and incident on the at least one surface exposed inside the chamber C1 with respect to at least one surface of the light guide 250 may satisfy the mathematical formula: X<90-arcsin(n2/n1).

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a light guide connector 260 including an optical fiber. One end of the light guide connector 260 may be connected to the light emitting unit 1551, and the other end of the light guide connector 260 may be disposed adjacent to the light guide 250 when the cartridge 200 is coupled to the main body 100.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a control unit 17. The control unit 17 receives a signal corresponding to the amount of light received from the optical sensor 155, and when the amount of light received is equal to or greater than a reference amount of light, it may determine that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has been exhausted.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a motion sensor 154 and an output device 122. The control unit 17 may determine the angle that the chamber C1 makes with respect to a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane based on a signal received from the motion sensor 154, and output a warning via the output device 122 if the angle exceeds a reference angle, and may activate the optical sensor 155 if the angle is equal to or less than the reference angle, and may determine whether the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has been exhausted based on the signal received from the optical sensor 155.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device may further include a long insertion space 130, 230 and a stick detection sensor 152 that outputs a signal corresponding to the stick 40 inserted into the insertion space 130, 230. The control unit 17 detects that the stick 40 is inserted into the insertion space 130, 230 based on the signal received from the stick detection sensor 152, and when detecting the insertion of the stick 40, activates the optical sensor 155 and determines whether the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber C1 has been consumed based on the signal received from the optical sensor 155.

The specific embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. The configuration or function of any or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined with other elements or combined with each other.

For example, configuration A described in one embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings and configuration B described in another embodiment of this disclosure and the drawings can be combined with each other. In other words, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible, except in cases where it is described that the combination is not possible.

Although the embodiments have been described above in accordance with a number of illustrative examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that many other variations and embodiments are possible within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure. More specifically, various modifications and variations are possible in the components and/or arrangements of the subject combinations within the scope of the present disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. In addition to the modifications and variations of the components and/or arrangements, other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (12)

A main body including a light sensor;
a cartridge coupled to the body, the cartridge including a light guide having a polyhedral shape and a chamber for storing a liquid aerosol generating material;
the light sensor is disposed adjacent to and facing the light guide when the cartridge is coupled to the body;
An aerosol generating device, wherein the light guide is positioned at or adjacent to the lower end of the chamber so that at least one of the multiple surfaces of the light guide is exposed to the interior of the chamber. The light guide is disposed toward one side of a lower surface of the cartridge,
The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein at least one surface of the light guide is exposed to the interior of the chamber from a bottom surface of the cartridge. The light guide is disposed adjacent to a lower end of one side of the cartridge,
The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein at least one surface of the light guide is exposed to the interior of the chamber from one side of the cartridge. The light guide is disposed at a corner formed by a bottom surface and one side surface of the cartridge,
The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein at least one surface of the light guide is exposed to the interior of the chamber from a corner of the cartridge. The optical sensor includes:
A light emitting portion that emits light into the light guide;
The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , further comprising: a light receiving unit that receives reflected light reflected by at least one surface exposed to the interior of the chamber and propagated through the light guide. At least one surface of the light guide exposed to the interior of the chamber includes:
The first page and
a second surface adjacent to the first surface,
the emitted light is reflected or refracted at the first surface and the second surface;
The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the emitted light is reflected by the first surface and the second surface and propagates through the light guide and enters the light receiving section. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, wherein the refractive index n1 of the light guide is smaller than the refractive index n3 of the liquid aerosol generating material and is larger than the refractive index n2 of air. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the angle X of the light emitted from the light emitting unit and incident on the at least one surface exposed inside the chamber with respect to the at least one surface of the light guide satisfies the mathematical formula: X<90-arcsin(n2/n1). Further comprising a light guide connector including an optical fiber;
The aerosol generating device of claim 5 , wherein one end of the light guide connecting portion is connected to the light emitting portion, and the other end of the light guide connecting portion is positioned adjacent to the light guide when the cartridge is connected to the main body. Further comprising a control unit,
The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the control unit receives a signal corresponding to the amount of light received from the optical sensor, and determines that the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber has been exhausted if the amount of light received is greater than or equal to a reference amount. A motion sensor and
and an output device,
The control unit is
determining an angle of the chamber relative to a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane based on a signal received from the motion sensor;
If the angle exceeds a reference angle, outputting a warning via the output device;
The aerosol generating device of claim 10, further comprising: activating the optical sensor when the angle is less than the reference angle; and determining whether the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber has been exhausted based on a signal received from the optical sensor. Long insertion space,
a stick detection sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the stick inserted into the insertion space,
The control unit is
Detecting that the stick is inserted into the insertion space based on a signal received from the stick detection sensor;
The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein when the insertion of the stick is detected, the optical sensor is activated, and based on the signal received from the optical sensor, it is determined whether the liquid aerosol generating material in the chamber has been exhausted.