KR102711857B1 - Cartridge and Aerosol Generating Apparatus Comprising the Same - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments may include an aerosol generating unit including a housing, a battery disposed within the housing and supplying power, a cartridge supplied with power from the battery and storing a liquid composition, and an aerosolizing element that aerosolizes the liquid composition, and a control unit that controls the battery or the aerosol generating unit, wherein at least a portion of the cartridge is made of an elastic material so that a volume of the cartridge can change in conjunction with an outflow of the liquid composition.

Description

Cartridge and aerosol generating apparatus comprising the same {Cartridge and Aerosol Generating Apparatus Comprising the Same}

The various embodiments below relate to cartridges and aerosol generating systems comprising the same.

Research is being conducted on non-combustion cigarettes. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion flavor inhaler, flavor source unit, and atomizing unit.

A cartridge and an aerosol generating device including the same according to various embodiments can maintain constant transport of a liquid composition within the cartridge without the introduction of air.

The cartridge and the aerosol generating device including the cartridge according to various embodiments can effectively prevent leakage within the cartridge.

The cartridge and the aerosol generating device including the same according to various embodiments enable accurate and effective measurement of the remaining amount of liquid composition in the cartridge by measuring a physical change in the cartridge size due to a decrease in the liquid composition in the cartridge.

An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments may include an aerosol generating unit including a housing, a battery disposed within the housing and supplying power, a cartridge supplied with power from the battery and storing a liquid, and an aerosolizing element that aerosolizes the liquid, and a control unit that controls the battery or the aerosol generating unit, wherein at least a portion of the cartridge is made of an elastic material so that a volume of the cartridge can change in conjunction with an outflow of the liquid.

In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a first end surface, a second end surface opposite the first end surface, and a side surface between the first end surface and the second end surface, wherein the first end surface, the second end surface, and the side surface can define an interior space, and the first end surface is movable toward the second end surface.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the side surface can have a corrugated tube shape.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the folded portion of the corrugated pipe may be less than the thickness of the non-folded portion.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the cartridge may be configured in the form of a balloon having a silicone rubber material.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the cartridge may be greater than or equal to 0.01 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating unit may further include a residual quantity measuring element.

In one embodiment, the residual quantity measuring element may include a distance measuring sensor that measures a distance from a point on the housing adjacent to the first end surface to the first end surface.

In one embodiment, the distance measuring sensor may include at least one of an ultrasonic sensor using sound waves, a ToF sensor using infrared wavelengths, an infrared sensor using infrared light, a lidar sensor using laser, a radar sensor using radio waves, a camera sensor using visible light, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the remaining quantity measuring element may include an image acquisition sensor that detects an outline of the cartridge.

In one embodiment, the device may further include a smoking article insertion portion that is in communication with the aerosol generating portion and into which a non-combustible smoking article is inserted.

In various embodiments, a cartridge inserted into an aerosol-generating device and storing a liquid may include a first end surface, a second end surface opposite the first end surface, and a side surface between the first end surface and the second end surface, wherein the first end surface, the second end surface, and the side surface may define an internal space, and at least a portion of the side surface may have a corrugated tube shape, and the side surface may be variable in response to an outflow of the liquid.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the folded portion of the corrugated pipe may be less than the thickness of the non-folded portion.

According to various embodiments, the transport of liquid within the cartridge can be maintained at a constant level without the introduction of air.

According to various embodiments, leakage prevention within the cartridge can be effectively implemented.

According to various embodiments, accurate and effective measurement of the remaining amount of liquid in a cartridge is possible by measuring the physical change in the cartridge size due to a decrease in the liquid within the cartridge.

The effects of the cartridge and the aerosol generating device including the same according to various embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments.
Figures 3 and 4 schematically illustrate non-combustible smoking articles according to various embodiments.
Figure 5 illustrates a cartridge according to one embodiment.
Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the usage status of a cartridge according to one embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments.

The terms used in the embodiments are selected from the most widely used general terms possible while considering the functions in the embodiments, but this may vary depending on the intention of engineers working in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meanings thereof will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall contents of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated. In addition, terms such as "-unit", "-module", etc. described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements rather than each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an aerosol generating system (1) according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the aerosol generating system (1) may include an aerosol generating device (100) and a non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) insertable into the aerosol generating device (100).

The aerosol generating device (100) may include a housing (110), a battery (120), a control unit (130), an aerosol generating unit (140), an insertion unit (150), and a heater (160). A cigarette or a non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) may be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device (100) through the insertion unit (150).

The aerosol generating device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device (100).

In addition, although FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate that the aerosol generating device (100) includes a heater (160), the heater (160) may be omitted if necessary.

In Fig. 1(a), the battery (120), the control unit (130), the aerosol generator (140), and the insertion unit (150) or the heater (160) are illustrated as being arranged in a row. In addition, in Fig. 1(b), the aerosol generator (140) and the heater (160) are illustrated as being arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator (100) is not limited to that illustrated in Figs. 1(a) and 1(b). In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generator (100), the arrangement of the battery (120), the control unit (130), the heater (160), and the aerosol generator (140) may be changed.

When a cigarette or a non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) is inserted into an aerosol generating device (100), the aerosol generating device (100) can generate an aerosol by operating a heater (160) and/or an aerosol generating unit (140). The aerosol generated by the heater (160) and/or the aerosol generating unit (140) can pass through the cigarette or a non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) and be delivered to a user.

If desired, the aerosol generating device (100) can heat the heater (160) even when a cigarette or non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) is not inserted into the aerosol generating device (100).

The battery (120) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the battery (120) can supply power so that the heater (160) or the aerosol generating unit (140) can be heated, and can supply power required for the control unit (130) to operate. In addition, the battery (120) can supply power required for the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (100) to operate.

The control unit (130) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). Specifically, the control unit (130) can control the operation of not only the battery (120), the heater (160), and the aerosol generating unit (140), but also other components included in the aerosol generating device (100). In addition, the control unit (130) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (100) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (100) is in an operable state.

The control unit (130) may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs that the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

The heater (160) can be heated by power supplied from the battery (120). For example, when a cigarette or a non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) is inserted into the insertion portion (150) of the aerosol generating device (100), the heater (160) can be located outside the cigarette or the non-combustible smoking article (11, 12). Accordingly, the heated heater (160) can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the cigarette or the non-combustible smoking article (11, 12).

The heater (160) may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater (160) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (160) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater (160) is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applied without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device (100), or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater (160) may be an induction heating heater. Specifically, the heater (160) may include an electrically conductive coil for heating a cigarette or a non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) by induction heating, and the cigarette or non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) may include a susceptor that can be heated by the induction heating heater.

For example, the heater (160) may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and depending on the shape of the heating element, may heat the interior or exterior of a cigarette or non-combustible smoking article (11, 12).

In addition, a plurality of heaters (160) may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (100). At this time, the plurality of heaters (160) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of a cigarette or a non-combustion smoking article (11, 12), or may be arranged on the exterior of the cigarette or the non-combustion smoking article (11, 12). In addition, some of the plurality of heaters (160) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette or the non-combustion smoking article (11, 12), and the rest may be arranged on the exterior of the cigarette or the non-combustion smoking article (11, 12). In addition, the shape of the heater (160) is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIG. 1(a) or 1(b), and may be manufactured in various shapes.

The aerosol generating unit (140) can generate an aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to a user by passing through a cigarette or a non-combustion-type smoking article (11, 12). In other words, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating unit (140) can move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device (100), and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating unit (140) can be delivered to a user by passing through a cigarette or a non-combustion-type smoking article (11, 12).

For example, the aerosol generating unit (140) may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit (e.g., a cartridge (141) of FIG. 5), a liquid delivery means, and a heating element (e.g., an aerosolizing element (142) of FIG. 5). For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device (100) as independent modules.

The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or can be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage unit can be manufactured to be detachable from/attached to the aerosol generating unit (140), or can be manufactured as an integral part of the aerosol generating unit (140).

For example, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavor, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The flavoring agent may include, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit-flavored ingredients, and the like. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or tastes to the user. The vitamin mixture may include, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In addition, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming agent, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition from the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid transfer means can be a wick such as, but not limited to, cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramics.

The heating element is an element for heating a liquid composition delivered by a liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by supplying current, and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

For example, the aerosol generating unit (140) may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery (120), the control unit (130), the heater (160), and the aerosol generating unit (140). For example, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device (100) may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device (100) may be manufactured in a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged even when a cigarette or a non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) is inserted.

Although not shown in FIG. 1(a) or 1(b), the aerosol generating device (100) may also be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery (120) of the aerosol generating device (100). Alternatively, the heater (160) may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device (100) are combined.

The cigarette or non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette or non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) may be divided into a first part containing an aerosol generating substance and a second part containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second part of the cigarette or non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) may also contain an aerosol generating substance. For example, an aerosol generating substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first part may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device (100), and the second part may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device (100), or the entire first part and a part of the second part may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part in his mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated as the outside air passes through the first part, and the generated aerosol passes through the second part and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, outside air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the opening and closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device (100) and/or the size of the air passage may be controlled by the user. Accordingly, the amount of vapor, the smoking sensation, etc. may be controlled by the user. As another example, outside air may be introduced into the interior of the cigarette or non-combustible smoking article (11, 12) through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette or non-combustible smoking article (11, 12).

Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (200) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing (210), a battery (220), a control unit (230), an aerosol generating unit (240), and a mouthpiece (270). The functions of the battery (220), the control unit (230), and the aerosol generating unit (240) of the aerosol generating device (200) are similar to the functions of the battery (120), the control unit (230), and the aerosol generating unit (240) of the aerosol generating device (100) described with reference to FIG. 1, and thus a detailed description of the common contents will be omitted. The mouthpiece (270) is located at one end of the housing (210) and may come into contact with the user's mouth to inhale aerosol generated from the aerosol generating unit (240). This is merely a preferred embodiment for achieving the purpose of the present disclosure, and it will be apparent that some components may be added or omitted as needed.

Hereinafter, examples of non-combustible smoking articles (11) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring to FIG. 3, the non-combustible smoking article (11) includes a tobacco rod (111) and a filter rod (112). The first part (111) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 includes the tobacco rod (111), and the second part (112) includes the filter rod (112).

Although the filter load (112) is illustrated as a single segment in FIG. 3, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter load (112) may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter load (112) may include a segment for cooling the aerosol and a segment for filtering a predetermined component contained in the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter load (112) may further include at least one segment for performing another function.

The diameter of the non-combustible smoking article (11) is within a range of 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 (111) may be about 12 mm, the length of the first segment of the filter rod (112) may be about 10 mm, the length of the second segment of the filter rod (112) may be about 14 mm, and the length of the third segment of the filter rod (112) may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The non-combustible smoking article (11) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (114). The wrapper (114) may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. As an example, the non-combustible smoking article (11) may be wrapped by one wrapper (114). As another example, the non-combustible smoking article (11) may be wrapped by two or more wrappers (114) in an overlapping manner. For example, the tobacco rod (111) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (1141), and the filter rod (112) may be wrapped by wrappers (1142, 1143, 1144). In addition, the entire non-combustible smoking article (11) may be repackaged by a single wrapper (1145). If the filter load (112) is composed of multiple segments, each segment can be wrapped by wrappers (1142, 1143, 1144).

The first wrapper (1141) and the second wrapper (1142) can be made of general filter paper. For example, the first wrapper (1141) and the second wrapper (1142) can be porous paper or non-porous paper. In addition, the first wrapper (1141) and the second wrapper (1142) can be made of oil-resistant paper and/or aluminum composite packaging material.

The third wrapper (1143) may be made of hard paper. For example, the basis weight of the third wrapper (1143) may be within a range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2, and preferably within a range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper (1143) may be within a range of 120 um to 130 um, and preferably may be 125 um.

The fourth wrapper (1144) can be made of a hard paper having a high oil resistance. For example, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (1144) can be included in the range of 88 g/m2 to 96 g/m2, and preferably can be included in the range of 90 g/m2 to 94 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (1144) can be included in the range of 120 um to 130 um, and preferably can be 125 um.

The fifth wrapper (1145) can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) means 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 (1145) can be within a range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2, and preferably can be 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (1145) can be within a range of 64 um to 70 um, and preferably can be 67 um.

The fifth wrapper (1145) may have a predetermined material added thereto. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance that is less affected by temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-described properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper (1145) without limitation.

The fifth wrapper (1145) can prevent the non-combustible smoking article (11) from burning. For example, when the tobacco rod (111) is heated by the heater (160), there is a possibility that the non-combustible smoking article (11) will burn. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the materials included in the tobacco rod (111), the non-combustible smoking article (11) may burn. Even in this case, since the fifth wrapper (1145) includes a non-combustible material, the phenomenon of the non-combustible smoking article (11) burning can be prevented.

In addition, the fifth wrapper (1145) can prevent the holder from being contaminated by substances generated from the non-combustible smoking article (11). Liquid substances may be generated within the non-combustible smoking article (11) by the user's puff. For example, liquid substances (e.g., moisture, etc.) may be generated when the aerosol generated within the non-combustible smoking article (11) is cooled by the outside air. As the fifth wrapper (1145) wraps the non-combustible smoking article (11), liquid substances generated within the non-combustible smoking article (11) can be prevented from leaking outside the non-combustible smoking article (11).

The tobacco rod (111) contains an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod (111) may contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a humectant, and/or an organic acid. In addition, a flavoring agent such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod (111) by spraying it onto the tobacco rod (111).

The tobacco rod (111) can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod (111) can be manufactured as a sheet or as a strand. In addition, the tobacco rod (111) can be manufactured as a cut tobacco sheet. In addition, the tobacco rod (111) can be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (111) can evenly distribute heat transferred to the tobacco rod (111) to improve heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod, thereby improving the taste of the tobacco. In addition, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod (111) can function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the tobacco rod (111) can further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat-conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod (112) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (112). For example, the filter rod (112) may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-shaped rod having a hollow portion therein. In addition, the filter rod (112) may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod (112) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The first segment of the filter rod (112) may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment may be a tube-shaped structure having a hollow space therein. When the heater (160) is inserted by the first segment, the phenomenon of the internal material of the tobacco rod (111) being pushed back may be prevented, and a cooling effect of the aerosol may also be generated. The diameter of the hollow space included in the first segment may be adopted as an appropriate diameter within a range of 2 mm to 4.5 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The length of the first segment may be adopted as an appropriate length within the range of 4 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. Preferably, the length of the first segment may be 10 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The hardness of the first segment can be adjusted by controlling the content of the plasticizer during the manufacture of the first segment. In addition, the first segment can be manufactured by inserting a structure such as a film or tube of the same or different material into the interior (e.g., hollow).

The second segment of the filter rod (112) cools the aerosol generated by the heater (160) heating the tobacco rod (111). Accordingly, the user can inhale the aerosol 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 non-combustible smoking article (11). For example, the length of the second segment can be appropriately adopted within a 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, a flavoring agent can be applied to the fibers made of the polymer. Alternatively, a separate fiber to which a flavoring agent has been applied and a fiber made of the polymer can be woven together to make the second segment. Alternatively, the second segment can be formed by a crimped polymer sheet.

For example, the polymer can be made of 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.

As the second segment is formed by a woven polymer fiber or a crimped polymer sheet, the second segment may include a single or multiple longitudinally extending channels. Here, a channel means a passage through which a gas (e.g., air or an aerosol) passes.

For example, the second segment comprised of a compressed polymer sheet can be formed from a material having a thickness of between about 5 μm and about 300 μm, for example between about 10 μm and about 250 μm. Furthermore, the total surface area of the second segment can be between about 300 mm2/mm and about 1000 mm2/mm. Additionally, the aerosol-cooling element can be formed from a material having a specific surface area of between about 10 mm2/mg and about 100 mm2/mg.

Meanwhile, the second segment may include a thread containing a volatile flavor component. Here, the volatile flavor component may be, but is not limited to, menthol. For example, the thread may be filled 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 load (112) may be a cellulose acetate filter. The length of the third segment may be appropriately adopted within a range of 4 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of the third segment may be about 12 mm, but is not limited thereto.

In the process of manufacturing the third segment, the third segment may be manufactured so that flavor is generated by spraying a flavoring agent into the third segment. Alternatively, a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the interior of the third segment. The aerosol generated from the tobacco rod (111) is cooled as it passes through the second segment of the filter rod (112), and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the third segment. Therefore, when a flavoring element is added to the third segment, the effect of increasing the persistence of flavor delivered to the user can be generated.

In addition, the filter rod (112) may include at least one capsule (113). Here, the capsule (113) may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule (113) may be a structure in which a liquid including a flavor is wrapped with a film. The capsule (113) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 4, the non-combustible smoking article (12) may further include a shear plug (123). The shear plug (123) may be located on one side of the tobacco rod (121) facing the filter rod (122). The shear plug (123) may prevent the tobacco rod (121) from escaping to the outside, and may prevent liquefied aerosol from the tobacco rod (121) during smoking from flowing into an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1).

The filter load (122) may include a first segment (1221) and a second segment (1222). Here, the first segment (1221) may correspond to the first segment of the filter load (112) of FIG. 3, and the second segment (1222) may correspond to the third segment of the filter load (112) of FIG. 3.

The diameter and overall length of the non-combustible smoking article (12) may correspond to the diameter and overall length of the non-combustible smoking article (11) of Fig. 3. For example, the length of the shear plug (123) may be about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod (121) may be about 15 mm, the length of the first segment (1221) may be about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment (1222) may be about 14 mm, but is not limited thereto.

The non-combustible smoking article (12) may be wrapped by at least one wrapper (125). The wrapper (125) may have at least one hole formed therein through which outside air is introduced or internal gas is discharged. For example, the shear plug (123) may be wrapped by a first wrapper (1251), the tobacco rod (121) may be wrapped by a second wrapper (1252), the first segment (1221) may be wrapped by a third wrapper (1253), and the second segment (1222) may be wrapped by a fourth wrapper (1254). In addition, the entire non-combustible smoking article (12) may be repackaged by a fifth wrapper (1255).

In addition, at least one perforation (126) may be formed in the fifth wrapper (1255). For example, the perforation (126) may be formed in an area surrounding the tobacco rod (121), but is not limited thereto. The perforation (126) may serve to transfer heat formed by the heater (160) illustrated in FIG. 1 to the interior of the tobacco rod (121).

In addition, the second segment (1222) may include at least one capsule (124). Here, the capsule (124) may perform a function of generating a flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule (124) may be a structure in which a liquid including a flavor is wrapped with a film. The capsule (124) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first wrapper (1251) may be a general filter paper combined with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the overall thickness of the first wrapper (1251) may be within a range of 45 um to 55 um, preferably 50.3 um. In addition, the thickness of the metal foil of the first wrapper (1251) may be within a range of 6 um to 7 um, preferably 6.3 um. In addition, the basis weight of the first wrapper (1251) may be within a range of 50 g/m2 to 55 g/m2, preferably 53 g/m2.

The second wrapper (1252) and the third wrapper (1253) can be made of general filter paper. For example, the second wrapper (1252) and the third wrapper (1253) can be porous paper or non-porous paper.

For example, the porosity of the second wrapper (1252) may be 35000 CU, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the second wrapper (1252) may be within a range of 70 um to 80 um, and preferably may be 78 um. In addition, the basis weight of the second wrapper (1252) may be within a range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2, and preferably may be 23.5 g/m2.

For example, the porosity of the third wrapper (1253) may be, but is not limited to, 24000 CU. In addition, the thickness of the third wrapper (1253) may be within a range of 60 um to 70 um, and preferably may be 68 um. In addition, the basis weight of the third wrapper (1253) may be within a range of 20 g/m2 to 25 g/m2, and preferably may be 21 g/m2.

The fourth wrapper (1254) can be made of PLA laminate. Here, the PLA laminate means three-ply paper including a paper layer, a PLA layer, and a paper layer. For example, the thickness of the fourth wrapper (1254) can be included in the range of 100 um to 120 um, and preferably can be 110 um. In addition, the basis weight of the fourth wrapper (1254) can be included in the range of 80 g/m2 to 100 g/m2, and preferably can be 88 g/m2.

The fifth wrapper (1255) can be made of sterilized paper (MFW). Here, the sterilized paper (MFW) means 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 (1255) can be within a range of 57 g/m2 to 63 g/m2, and preferably can be 60 g/m2. In addition, the thickness of the fifth wrapper (1255) can be within a range of 64 um to 70 um, and preferably can be 67 um.

The fifth wrapper (1255) may have a predetermined material added thereto. Here, an example of the predetermined material may be silicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, silicon has properties such as heat resistance that is less affected by temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, or electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, any material having the above-described properties may be applied (or coated) to the fifth wrapper (1255) without limitation.

The shear plug (123) can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the shear plug (123) can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the cellulose acetate tow can be included in a range of 1.0 to 10.0, and preferably can be included in a range of 4.0 to 6.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the shear plug (123) can be 5.0. In addition, the cross section of the filaments constituting the shear plug (123) can be Y-shaped. The total denier of the shear plug (123) can be included in a range of 20,000 to 30,000, and preferably can be included in a range of 25,000 to 30,000. More preferably, the total denier of the shear plug (123) may be 28000.

Additionally, if necessary, the shear plug (123) may include at least one channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be manufactured in various ways.

The tobacco rod (121) may correspond to the tobacco rod (111) described above with reference to FIG. 3. Therefore, a detailed description of the tobacco rod (121) is omitted below.

The first segment (1221) can be made of cellulose acetate. For example, the first segment can be a tube-shaped structure including a hollow space therein. The first segment (1221) can be made by adding a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) to cellulose acetate tow. For example, the mono denier and total denier of the first segment (1221) can be the same as the mono denier and total denier of the shear plug (123).

The second segment (1222) may be made of cellulose acetate. The mono denier of the filaments constituting the second segment (1222) may be within a range of 1.0 to 10.0, preferably within a range of 8.0 to 10.0. More preferably, the mono denier of the filaments of the second segment (1222) may be 9.0. In addition, the cross section of the filaments of the second segment (1222) may be Y-shaped. The total denier of the second segment (1222) may be within a range of 20,000 to 30,000, preferably 25,000.

FIG. 5 illustrates an aerosol generating unit according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6 illustrates a state of use of the aerosol generating unit according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 6(a) illustrates a first state before the liquid composition is discharged, and FIG. 6(b) illustrates a second state after the liquid composition is discharged. The aerosol generating unit according to an embodiment may be the aerosol generating unit (140) described in FIG. 1(a) or 1(b) or the aerosol generating unit (240) described in FIG. 2, and for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the aerosol generating unit (140).

Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating unit (140) may include a cartridge (141) that stores a liquid and an aerosolizing element (142) that aerosolizes the liquid.

At least a portion of the cartridge (141) is made of an elastic material, so that when the liquid is discharged toward the aerosolizing element (142), the volume of the cartridge (141) can be varied depending on the amount of the discharged liquid.

In one embodiment, the cartridge (141) may include a first end surface (1411), a second end surface (1412) opposite the first end surface (1411), and a side surface (1413) between the first end surface (1411) and the second end surface (1412), and an internal space (1414) of the cartridge (141) may be formed by the first end surface (1411), the second end surface (1412), and the side surface (1413).

For example, a liquid delivery means (e.g., a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic) may be positioned on the second end face (1412). The liquid delivery means is positioned between the internal space (1414) and the aerosolizing element (142), so that the liquid composition within the internal space (1414) can be discharged to the aerosolizing element (142).

In one embodiment, the first end surface (1411) can move toward the second end surface (1412). For example, when the liquid composition escapes from the internal space (1414) of the cartridge (141), an area of the internal space (1414) equal to the space from which the liquid composition escapes becomes lower than the external pressure of the cartridge (141). At this time, since at least a portion of the cartridge (141) is made of an elastic material, the first end surface (1411) can move toward the second end surface (1412), and the volume within the cartridge (141) can decrease by the volume of the escaped liquid composition.

At least a portion of a side surface (1413) of a cartridge (141) according to one embodiment may have a corrugated pipe shape. The corrugated pipe may include a foldable portion, and the foldable portion of the foldable portion may be made of an elastic material so that the corrugated pipe can be folded or unfolded. In one example, the thickness of the foldable portion of the corrugated pipe may be smaller than the thickness of the non-foldable portion. Through this, the volume of the corrugated pipe may be reduced corresponding to the amount of the liquid composition flowing out from the internal space (1414).

In another example, at least a portion of the cartridge (141) may be configured in the shape of a balloon. In this case, the balloon may be configured of a silicone rubber material.

In one embodiment, the cartridge (141) may have a thickness of 0.01 mm or more and 1 mm or less. If the thickness of the cartridge (141) is less than 0.01 mm, there is a possibility of leakage of the liquid composition or damage to the cartridge (141), and if it is more than 1 mm, sufficient flexibility may not be secured. Therefore, by having a thickness of 0.01 mm or more and 0.1 mm or less, the cartridge (141) can secure sufficient flexibility to correspond to the outflow of the liquid composition.

The aerosol generating unit (140) according to one embodiment may further include a residual quantity measuring element. The residual quantity measuring element may include a distance measuring sensor (143), an image acquisition sensor for detecting the outline of the cartridge (141), or a combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the distance measuring sensor (143) may be installed at one point of a housing (e.g., the housing (110) of FIG. 1(a)), and the second end surface (1412) of the cartridge (141) may be installed at another point of the housing. Accordingly, the distance between the distance measuring sensor (143) and the second end surface (1412) may be constant. At this time, since the first end surface (1411) of the cartridge (141) may move toward the second end surface (1412), the distance between the distance measuring sensor (143) and the first end surface (1411) may be variable.

For example, referring to FIG. 6(a), in a first state before the liquid composition in the cartridge (141) is discharged, the distance measuring sensor (143) can measure a first distance (d1) which is a distance to the first end surface (1411). Referring to FIG. 6(b), when the liquid composition in the cartridge (141) is discharged, the first end surface (1411) moves toward the second end surface (1412), and the distance measuring sensor (143) can measure a second distance (d2) which is a distance to the first end surface (1411) in the second state. The discharge of the liquid composition leads to a decrease in the volume of the cartridge (141), and this decreased volume can be calculated based on the movement distance (d2-d1). Based on this, the control unit (e.g., the control unit (130) of FIG. 1(a) or 1(b)) can estimate the remaining amount of the liquid composition in the cartridge (141).

For example, the distance measuring sensor (143) may include at least one of an ultrasonic sensor using sound waves, a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor using infrared wavelengths, an infrared sensor using infrared rays, a lidar sensor using lasers, a radar sensor using radio waves, a camera sensor using visible light, or a combination thereof.

In another example, when the residual quantity measuring element is comprised of the image acquisition sensor, the image acquisition sensor can acquire an outline image of the cartridge (141). For example, the image acquisition sensor can include a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor.

For example, the image acquisition sensor can acquire a first contour image of the cartridge (141) in a first state before the liquid composition is discharged, and can acquire a second contour image of the cartridge (141) in a second state after the liquid composition is discharged. A control unit (e.g., control unit (130) of FIG. 1(a) or FIG. 1(b)) can compare the contour image information of the first state with the contour image information of the second state to calculate a reduced volume of the cartridge (141), and based on this, estimate the remaining amount of the liquid composition in the cartridge (141).

The cartridge (141) of the aerosol generating unit (140) according to one embodiment has a corrugated pipe or balloon shape that can change its volume even when the housing (e.g., the housing (110) of FIG. 1(a) or 1(b)) is blocked from the outside air, so that the internal pressure can always be maintained constant even without the introduction of air into the cartridge (141). In a case where air must be filled as much as the liquid composition in the cartridge is discharged, leakage of the liquid composition may occur due to expansion of the introduced air, etc., but the cartridge (141) according to one embodiment can effectively prevent leakage of the liquid composition compared to such cases.

An aerosol generating unit (140) according to one embodiment has a residual amount measuring element capable of detecting a change in the volume of a cartridge (141), thereby accurately and effectively measuring the residual amount of a liquid composition remaining in the cartridge (141). In a method of measuring the amount of a liquid composition in a cartridge using an electrostatic capacitance method, an error may occur depending on the state in which the cartridge is tilted. However, an aerosol generating unit (140) according to one embodiment estimates the residual amount of a liquid composition by measuring a change in the shape of the cartridge (141), thereby more accurately measuring the residual amount of a liquid composition compared to the electrostatic capacitance method described above.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (900) according to various embodiments.

The aerosol generating device (900) may include a control unit (910), a sensing unit (920), an output unit (930), a battery (940), a heater (950), a user input unit (960), a memory (970), and a communication unit (980). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (900) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 7. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the components illustrated in FIG. 7 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (900).

The sensing unit (920) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (900) or the status around the aerosol generating device (900) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (910). Based on the detected information, the control unit (910) can control the aerosol generating device (900) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater (950), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

The sensing unit (920) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a temperature sensor (922), an insertion detection sensor (924), and a puff sensor (926).

The temperature sensor (922) can detect the temperature at which the heater (950) (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device (900) may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (950), or the heater (950) itself may act as the temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor (922) may be placed around the battery (940) to monitor the temperature of the battery (940).

The insertion detection sensor (924) can detect insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor (924) can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change as an aerosol generating article is inserted and/or removed.

The puff sensor (926) can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in an airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor (926) can detect a user's puff based on any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

The sensing unit (9120) may further include at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor), in addition to the sensors (922 to 926) described above. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name by a person skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The output unit (930) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (900) and provide it to the user. The output unit (930) can include at least one of the display unit (932), the haptic unit (934), and the sound output unit (936), but is not limited thereto. When the display unit (932) and the touch pad form a layer structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (932) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit (932) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (900) can mean various information such as the charging/discharging status of the battery (940) of the aerosol generating device (900), the preheating status of the heater (950), the insertion/removal status of the aerosol generating article, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (900) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display unit (932) can output the information to the outside. The display unit (932) can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. In addition, the display unit (932) can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

The haptic component (934) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user. For example, the haptic component (934) can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The acoustic output unit (936) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (900) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (936) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

The battery (940) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (900). The battery (940) can supply power so that the heater (950) can be heated. In addition, the battery (940) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (900) (e.g., the sensing unit (920), the output unit (930), the user input unit (960), the memory (970), and the communication unit (980)). The battery (940) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (940) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater (950) can receive power from the battery (940) to heat the aerosol generating material. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device (900) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) that converts the power of the battery (940) and supplies it to the heater (950). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (900) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (900) may further include a DC/AC converter that converts the direct current power of the battery (940) into alternating current power.

The control unit (910), the sensing unit (920), the output unit (930), the user input unit (960), the memory (970), and the communication unit (910) can receive power from the battery (940) and perform functions. Although not shown in FIG. 7, a power conversion circuit that converts the power of the battery (940) and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included.

In one embodiment, the heater (950) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. In addition, the heater (130) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

In another embodiment, the heater (950) may be an induction heating type heater. For example, the heater (950) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by the coil.

In one embodiment, the heater (950) may include a plurality of heaters. For example, the heater (950) may include a first heater for heating the cigarette and a second heater for heating the liquid.

The user input unit (960) can receive information input by the user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit (960) may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact electrostatic capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device (900) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a battery (940) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

The memory (970) is a hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device (900), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (910). The memory (970) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, an SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (random access memory), a SRAM (static random access memory), a ROM (read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (970) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (900), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit (980) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (980) may include a short-range communication unit (982) and a wireless communication unit (984).

The short-range wireless communication unit (982) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

The wireless communication unit (984) may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit (984) may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device (900) within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI).

The control unit (910) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (900). In one embodiment, the control unit (910) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed by the microprocessor. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs that the processor can be implemented as other types of hardware.

The control unit (910) can control the temperature of the heater (950) by controlling the supply of power from the battery (940) to the heater (950). For example, the control unit (910) can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the battery (940) and the heater (950). In another example, the heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater (950) according to the control command of the control unit (910).

The control unit (910) can analyze the results detected by the sensing unit (920) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (910) can control the power supplied to the heater (950) so that the operation of the heater (950) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensing unit (920). As another example, the control unit (910) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (950) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (950) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensing unit (920).

The control unit (910) can control the output unit (930) based on the result detected by the sensing unit (920). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (926) reaches a preset number, the control unit (910) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (900) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit (932), the haptic unit (934), and the sound output unit (936).

In one embodiment, the control unit (910) may control the power supply time and/or power supply amount to the heater (950) according to the state of the aerosol generating article detected by the sensing unit (920). For example, when the aerosol generating article (15) is in a hyper-humidified state, the control unit (910) may control the power supply time to the induction coil (e.g., the induction coil (124) of FIG. 2) to increase the preheating time compared to when the aerosol generating article (15) is in a normal state.

The description of the above-described embodiments is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from this. Therefore, the true protection scope of the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents described in the claims should be interpreted as being included in the protection scope defined by the claims.

Claims (13)

housing;
A battery disposed within the housing and supplying power;
An aerosol generating unit that receives power from the battery and includes a cartridge storing a liquid composition and an aerosolizing element that aerosolizes the liquid composition; and
A control unit for controlling the battery or the aerosol generating unit;
Including,
At least a portion of the cartridge is made of an elastic material, so that the volume of the cartridge changes in response to the outflow of the liquid composition.
Aerosol generating device.
In paragraph 1,
The cartridge comprises a first end face, a second end face opposite the first end face, and a side face between the first end face and the second end face, wherein the first end face, the second end face, and the side face define an internal space,
The above first end surface is movable toward the above second end surface,
Aerosol generating device.
In the second paragraph,
At least a portion of the above side has a corrugated tube shape,
Aerosol generating device.
In the third paragraph,
The thickness of the folded portion of the above-mentioned corrugated pipe is smaller than the thickness of the non-folded portion.
Aerosol generating device.
In paragraph 1,
At least a portion of the above cartridge is configured in the form of a balloon having a silicone rubber material,
Aerosol generating device.
In paragraph 1,
The above cartridge has a thickness of 0.01 mm or more and 1 mm or less.
Aerosol generating device.
In the second paragraph,
The aerosol generating unit further includes a residual amount measuring element,
Aerosol generating device.
In paragraph 7,
The above residual quantity measuring element comprises a distance measuring sensor that measures a distance from a point of the housing adjacent to the first end surface to the first end surface.
Aerosol generating device.
In Article 8,
The above distance measuring sensor includes at least one of an ultrasonic sensor using sound waves, a ToF sensor using infrared wavelengths, an infrared sensor using infrared rays, a lidar sensor using lasers, a radar sensor using radio waves, a camera sensor using visible light, or a combination thereof.
Aerosol generating device.
In paragraph 5,
The above aerosol generating unit further includes a residual amount measuring element,
The above residual quantity measuring element comprises an image acquisition sensor that detects an outline image of the cartridge.
Aerosol generating device.
In paragraph 1,
Further comprising a smoking article insertion part that is connected to the aerosol generating part and into which a non-combustible smoking article is inserted.
Aerosol generating device.
In a cartridge inserted into an aerosol generating device and storing a liquid composition,
Section 1;
A second end surface opposite to the first end surface; and
The side surface between the first end surface and the second end surface;
Including,
The above first end surface, the above second end surface and the above side surface define an internal space,
At least a portion of the above aspect has a corrugated tube shape,
The side surface is variable in accordance with the outflow of the liquid composition.
Cartridge.
In Article 12,
The thickness of the folded portion of the above-mentioned corrugated pipe is smaller than the thickness of the non-folded portion.
Cartridge.

Images