AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0073144, filed on Jun. 4, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

2. Description of the Related Art

An aerosol-generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or a substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may contain a multicomponent substance. The substance contained in the medium may be a multicomponent flavoring substance. For example, the substance contained in the medium may include a nicotine component, an herbal component, and/or a coffee component. Recently, various studies on aerosol-generating devices have been conducted.

In a conventional aerosol-generating device, there may be a case in which an object such as a stick is inserted into the device in a non-mounted state of a cartridge. In this case, the aerosol-generating device is not capable of normally generating an aerosol. The conventional aerosol-generating device has problems in that whether the cartridge is mounted is not checked when an object such as a stick is inserted into the device and that an alarm related to non-mounting of the cartridge is not provided to a user. In addition, in the non-mounting state of the cartridge, power may be applied to a terminal for supply of power to the cartridge or may be applied to a heater for heating of the stick, which may lead to unstable operation or malfunction of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which whether a cartridge is coupled to a body is determined based on an object being received in or approaching the body.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to output a related alarm based on whether the cartridge is coupled to the body with an object received in or approaching the body.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to control allowance or interruption of supply of power to a heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled to the body with an object received in or approaching the body.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device configured to determine whether the cartridge is coupled through a cartridge power supply terminal based on an object being received in or approaching the body.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure for accomplishing the above and other objects, there is provided an aerosol-generating device including a body, a cartridge coupled to the body and including a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, a sensor disposed in the body, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether an object is received in or approaches the body based on a signal output from the sensor, and determine whether the cartridge is coupled to the body based on the object being received in or approaching the body.

Additional applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, because various changes and modifications will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are merely given by way of example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features, and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 to 3 are views showing an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front exploded perspective view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front exploded perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing determination as to whether a cartridge is mounted and control of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views showing the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in which a stick is received in the mounted or non-mounted state of the cartridge;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views showing the aerosol-generating device according to the other embodiment of the present disclosure in which a stick is received in the mounted or non-mounted state of the cartridge;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an aerosol-generating device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure in the mounted state of a cartridge; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

In the following description, with respect to constituent elements used in the following description, the suffixes “module” and “unit” are used only in consideration of facilitation of description, and do not have mutually distinguished meanings or functions.

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

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

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

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

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

Throughout this specification, “upstream” and “downstream” may be determined based on the direction of an airflow formed such that a generated aerosol is drawn into a user's mouth or lungs when the user inhales. For example, in FIGS. 1 to 3, because the generated aerosol flows from a part of a stick S inserted into the aerosol-generating device to a part of the stick S not inserted into the aerosol-generating device, the part of the stick S inserted into the aerosol-generating device is located upstream of the part of the stick S not inserted into the aerosol-generating device. “Upstream” and “downstream” may be determined relative to components.

FIGS. 1 to 3 are views showing an aerosol-generating device 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, or a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, or the sensor 13 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. The body 10 may define a space to allow the cartridge 19 to be inserted thereinto.

The cartridge 19 may contain therein an aerosol-generating substance in a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

The cartridge 19 may be detachably coupled to the body 10. The cartridge 19 may define an insertion space 43 having an open top to allow a stick S, which is an aerosol-generating article, to be inserted thereinto. The insertion space 43 may be formed so as to be depressed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the cartridge 19 so that the stick S is inserted at least partway thereinto. The depth of the insertion space 43 may correspond to the length of the portion of the stick S that contains an aerosol-generating substance and/or medium. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the cartridge 19, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude to the outside of the cartridge 19. A user may inhale air in a state of holding the upper end of the stick S, which is exposed to the outside, in the mouth.

The cartridge 19 may be mounted in the body 10 in such a manner that at least a portion of the cartridge 19 is inserted into a space defined in one side of the body 10. The gasflow channel CN may be defined by a portion of the cartridge and/or a portion of the body 10, and the gasflow channel CN may communicate with the insertion space.

The body 10 may be formed in a structure that allows outside air to be introduced into the body 10 in a state in which the cartridge 19 is inserted thereinto. In this case, the outside air introduced into the body 10 may pass through the cartridge 19 to enter the user's mouth.

The cartridge 19 may include a storage portion CO containing an aerosol-generating substance and/or a heater 24 configured to heat the aerosol-generating substance in the storage portion CO. The heater 24 may be referred as a cartridge heater 24. At least a portion of a liquid delivery element impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed in the storage portion CO. Here, the liquid delivery element may include a wick, such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that is wound around the liquid delivery element or a structure that is in contact with one side of the liquid delivery element. The heater 24 may be a resistive heater. The heater 24 may include an electrically conductive track and may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 24 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 24 may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

The cartridge 19 may generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery element is heated by the heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. While the aerosol generated by the heater 24 passes through the stick S, the aerosol may be mixed with a tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material may be drawn into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

The heater 24 may be disposed adjacent to bottom of the insertion space 43. Since the heater 24 is disposed adjacent to one end of the stick S accommodated in the insertion space 43, the heat transfer efficiency of the aerosol may be increased.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a cap. The cap may be detachably coupled to the body 10 so as to cover at least a portion of the cartridge 19 coupled to the body 10. The stick S may be inserted into the body 10 through the cap.

The power supply 11 may supply power so that components of the aerosol-generating device 1 operate. The power supply 11 may be referred to as a battery. The power supply 11 may supply power to at least one of the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 24. The power supply 11 may supply power to the induction coil.

The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The controller may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 12 may control operation of at least one of the power supply 11, the sensor 13, or the cartridge 19. The controller 12 may control operation of a display, a motor, etc. mounted in the aerosol-generating device 1. The controller 12 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may determine whether the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an operable state.

The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and may control subsequent processes. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, power supplied to the heater 24 so that operation of the heater 24 commences or ends. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the heater 24 and a power supply time so that the heater 24 is heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a color sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, or proximity sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of the heater 24, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the internal/external temperature of the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may detect a user puff. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the cap is mounted.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an aerosol-generating device 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, a heater 18 or a cartridge 19. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, the sensor 13, or the heater 18 may be disposed in a body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. The body 10 may define an insertion space 43 having an open top to allow a stick S, to be inserted thereinto. The insertion space 43 may be formed so as to be depressed to a predetermined depth toward the interior of the body 10 so that the stick S is inserted at least partway thereinto. The lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the body 10, and the upper end of the stick S may protrude to the outside of the body 10.

The heater 18 may heat a stick S. The heater 18 may be disposed around a space into which the stick S is inserted and may be elongated upward. For example, the heater 18 may be formed in a shape of a tube including a cavity formed therein. The heater 18 may be disposed around an insertion space 43. The heater 18 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may heat the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, the heater 18 may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater 18 may include an electrically conductive track and may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 18 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. The heater 18 may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11.

For example, the aerosol-generating device may include an induction coil surrounding the heater 18. The induction coil may cause the heater 18 to generate heat. The heater 18 as a susceptor may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 18 to generate an eddy current in the heater 18. The current may cause the heater 18 to generate heat.

Meanwhile, a susceptor may be included in the stick S, and the susceptor in the stick S may generate heat using a magnetic field generated by alternating current flowing through the induction coil.

The cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 or may be detachably coupled to the body 10.

For example, referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10 and may communicate with the insertion space through a gasflow channel CN.

For example, referring to FIG. 3, a space may be defined in one side of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 may be mounted in the body 10 in such a manner that at least a portion of the cartridge 19 is inserted into the space defined in one side of the body 10. The gasflow channel CN may be defined by a portion of the cartridge 19 and/or a portion of the body 10, and the cartridge 19 may communicate with the insertion space through the gasflow channel CN.

The cartridge 19 may generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery element 25 is heated by the cartridge heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. An aerosol may be generated by heating the stick S using the heater 18. While the aerosol generated by the cartridge heater 24 and the heater 18 passes through the stick S, the aerosol may be mixed with a tobacco material, and the aerosol mixed with the tobacco material may be drawn into the user's mouth through one end of the stick S.

The controller 12 may analyze a result of detection by the sensor 13 and may control subsequent processes. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, power supplied to the cartridge heater 18 and 24 so that operation of the cartridge heater 18 and 24 commences or ends. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on a result of detection by the sensor 13, the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 and a power supply time so that the heater 18 and 24 is heated to a predetermined temperature or is maintained at an appropriate temperature.

FIG. 4 is a front exploded perspective view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one of a body A10, a cartridge A19, or a cap A30.

The body A10 (e.g., the body 10) may include at least one of a lower body A410 or an upper body A420. The lower body A410 may accommodate various components necessary for supply of power or control, such as a power supply or a controller. The lower body A410 may form the external appearance of the aerosol-generating device 1. The upper body A420 may be disposed on the lower body A410. The cartridge A19 (e.g., the cartridge 19) may be coupled to the upper body A420.

The upper body A420 may include at least one of a mount A430 or a column A440. The mount A430 may be disposed on the lower body A410. The mount A430 may define a space A434 into which the lower portion of the cartridge A19 is inserted. The space A434 in the mount A430 may be referred to as a cartridge receiving space. The mount A430 may surround the lower portion of the cartridge A19 inserted into the receiving space A434 (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge receiving space). The mount A430 may be engaged with the cartridge A19.

The column A440 may be disposed on the lower body A410. The column A440 may extend upward from one side of the mount A430. The column A440 may face one side wall of the cartridge A19. The column A440 may have a shape surrounding one side wall of the cartridge A19. The column A440 may support one side wall of the cartridge A19.

The cartridge A19 may include at least one of a first container A210 or a second container A220. The first container A210 may be coupled to the upper side of the second container A220. The first container A210 may define a space CO (refer to FIG. 8) for storing liquid. The first container A210 may define an insertion space A214 that has an open upper side and is elongated in the upward-downward direction. A stick S may be inserted into the insertion space A214. One side wall of the first container A210 may face the column A440.

The second container A220 may be coupled to the lower side of the first container A210. The second container 220 may define a space in which a wick A241 (e.g., a liquid delivery part) (refer to FIG. 8) and a heater A242 (e.g., the heater 24) (refer to FIG. 8) are mounted. The second container 220 may be inserted into the cartridge receiving space A434. The mount A430 may surround the second container A220. The second container A220 may be coupled to the mount A430.

The cap A30 may be removably coupled to the body A10. The cap A30 may be coupled to the upper portion of the body A10. The cap A30 may be coupled to the upper side of the lower body A410. The cap A30 may cover the upper body A420 and the cartridge A19. The side wall A301 of the cap A30 may surround a lateral portion of the cartridge A19 and a lateral portion A442 of the upper body A420. The upper wall A303 of the cap A30 may cover an upper portion A213 of the cartridge A19 and an upper portion A443 of the column A440.

The cap A30 may have an insertion hole A304 formed therein. The insertion hole A304 may be formed at a position corresponding to the insertion space A214. The insertion hole A304 may communicate with one end or the upper end of the insertion space A214. The cap A30 may have a cap inlet A304a formed therein. One side of the cap A30 may be open to form the cap inlet A304a. Air may be introduced into the aerosol-generating device 1 through the cap inlet A304a.

FIG. 5 is a front exploded perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, a body B10 (e.g., the body 10) of an aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include an upper body B120 and a lower body B110. The upper body B120 may be located on the lower body B110. The lower body B110 may be elongated in the upward-downward direction. The body B10 may accommodate components for driving of the device. The upper body B120 may define an insertion space B134 that is open upwardly. The insertion space B134 may be located in the upper body B120. The insertion space B134 may be elongated in the upward-downward direction. The insertion space B134 may be defined in a pipe located in the upper body B120.

A cap B200 may have a hollow shape having an open bottom. The upper portion B212 of the cap B200 may cover an upper portion B180 of the upper body B120 or an outer cover B180. When the cap B200 is coupled to the body B10, the cap B200 may cover both the body B10 and the cartridge B300 (e.g., the cartridge 19). The cartridge B300 may be disposed in the cap B200.

An insertion hole B214 may correspond to the opening of the insertion space B134.

An outer wall B121 and a partition wall B125 may form a lateral portion of the upper body B120. The outer wall B121 and the partition wall B125 may be connected to each other. The outer wall B121 may be covered by the inner surface of the cap B200. The partition wall B125 may be formed so as to extend in the upward-downward direction between a pipe and a cartridge coupling space B124a. The partition wall B125 may separate the cartridge coupling space B124a and the insertion space B134 from each other.

The upper body B120 may include a seating portion B122. The seating portion B122 may extend from the lower portion of the partition wall B125 in one direction. The seating portion B122 may be formed on the upper side of the lower body B110. The seating portion B122 may cover the lower portion of the coupling space B124a. The bottom surface of the cartridge B300 may be seated on and supported by the seating portion B122.

The upper body B120 may include an extension portion B140. The extension portion B140 may extend from the upper portion of the partition wall B125 in one direction. The extension portion B140 may extend in the direction in which the seating portion B122 is formed. The extension portion B140 may cover the upper portion of the cartridge coupling space B124a. The extension portion B140 may cover the top surface of the cartridge B300. The extension portion B140 may cover a cartridge inlet B301 formed in the cartridge B300. Gaps may be formed between the extension portion B140 and the cartridge inlet B301 and between the lower portion of the extension portion B140 and the top surface B312 of the cartridge B300. The outside and the cartridge inlet B301 may communicate with each other through the gaps.

A sensor may be mounted in the extension portion B140. The sensor may sense the flow of surrounding air. The sensor may face the top surface of the cartridge B300 or the cartridge inlet B301. The sensor may be mounted adjacent to the cartridge inlet B301. The sensor may be located above the cartridge inlet B301. The sensor may overlap the cartridge inlet B301 in the upward-downward direction. The controller may control operation of various components connected thereto based on detection of the flow of air by the sensor.

The cartridge coupling space B124a may be formed in one side of the upper body B120. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be defined by the seating portion B122 of the upper body B120, the partition wall B125, and the extension portion B140. The bottom of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the seating portion B122. One side of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the partition wall B125 of the upper body B120. The upper side of the cartridge coupling space B124a may be covered by the extension portion B140. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be open outwardly between the seating portion B122 and the extension portion B140.

The cartridge B300 may be inserted into the coupling space B124a to be coupled to the body B10. The cartridge B300 may be removably coupled to the body B10. One lateral surface B311 of the cartridge B300 may face the partition wall B125. The top surface B312 of the cartridge B300 may be covered by the extension portion B140. The bottom surface of the cartridge B300 may be seated on the seating portion B122. A cartridge terminal B128 may be connected to the cartridge B300 to supply power to a heater B342 in the cartridge B300.

A coupling hook B125a may be formed at the upper body B120. A pusher B125b may be formed at the upper body B120. Each of the coupling hook B125a and the pusher B125b may be provided in pairs on both sides of the upper body, and each pair thereof may be disposed at opposite positions. The cartridge B300 may include a hook coupling recess (not shown). The hook coupling recess may be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling hook B125a. If the cartridge B300 is inserted into the coupling space B124a, the coupling hook B125a may be engaged with the hook coupling recess, with the result that the cartridge B300 may be coupled to the body B10. The pusher B125b and the coupling hook B125a may move in conjunction with each other. If the pusher B125b is pressed, the coupling hook B125a may be moved in a direction away from the hook coupling recess, and thus the cartridge B300 may be removed from the body B10.

A connection passage B133 may be formed in the lower portion of the partition wall B125. The connection passage B133 may communicate with the insertion space B134. The insertion space B134 may extend in the upward-downward direction. The connection passage B133 may be bent from the lower portion of the insertion space B134 in one direction. The connection passage B133 may be open from one side of the upper body B120. If the cartridge B300 is coupled to the body B10, a discharge port B323 (refer to FIG. 10) may be inserted into the connection passage B133, and the connection passage B133 and a cartridge discharge hole B304 (refer to FIG. 10) may communicate with each other.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing determination as to whether the cartridge is mounted and control of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views showing the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in which a stick is received in the mounted or non-mounted state of the cartridge.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 together with FIG. 6, the controller 12 may determine whether an object is received in or approaches the body A10 (S610).

A sensor 138 (refer to FIGS. 7 to 11) may be disposed on one side of the body A10. The sensor 138 may be disposed on the upper portion of the column A440 of the upper body 420. The sensor 138 may face outwardly from the column A440. The sensor 138 may face in the direction in which the column A440 faces the cartridge A19. In the state in which the cartridge A19 is coupled to the body A10, the sensor 138 may face the cartridge A19. The sensor 138 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion hole A304 in the cap A30. In the state in which the cap A30 is coupled to the body A10, the sensor 138 may be located adjacent to the insertion hole A304 in the cap A30.

The sensor 138 may emit light in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the column A440. The sensor 138 may output a signal based on the intensity of light received from the outside. The sensor 138 may detect approach of an object. For example, the sensor 138 may detect light reflected from the stick S. The sensor 138 may detect the stick S received in or inserted into the body A10. For example, the sensor 138 may detect light reflected from the cartridge A19. The sensor 138 may detect the cartridge A19 received or mounted in the body A10.

The sensor 138 may be a proximity sensor. The sensor 138 may be an optical proximity sensor. For example, the sensor 138 may be an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor may include a sensing light-emitting part that emits infrared light. The infrared sensor may include a sensing light-receiving part that receives infrared light. Infrared light emitted from the sensing light-emitting part may be reflected from an object and introduced into the sensing light-receiving part. The sensing light-receiving part may obtain information about the infrared light introduced thereinto.

In some embodiments, the sensor 138 may include at least one of a magnetic proximity sensor, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, or an inductive proximity sensor.

The controller 12 may receive a signal output from the sensor 138. The controller 12 may determine whether an object is received in or approaches the body A10 based on the signal output from the sensor 138. According to the embodiment, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is received or inserted using the sensor 138. However, depending on the range of the signal output from the sensor 138, the controller 12 may also determine that the cartridge A19 rather than the stick S is received or mounted.

For example, when the signal output from the sensor 138 has a value within a first range, the controller 12 may determine that a first object is received in or approaches the body A10. When the signal output from the sensor 138 has a value outside the first range, the controller 12 may determine that the first object is neither received in nor approaches the body A10. Here, the first object may be the stick S.

For example, when the signal output from the sensor 138 has a value within a second range, the controller 12 may determine that a second object is received in or approaches the body A10. When the signal output from the sensor 138 has a value outside the second range, the controller 12 may determine that the second object is neither received in nor approaches the body A10. Here, the second object may be the cartridge A19.

When it is determined that the object is received in or approaches the body A10 (“YES” in S620), the controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge A19 is coupled to the body A10 (S630).

The cap A30 may be coupled to the body A10. The cap A30 may cover or surround the upper body A420. The cap A30 may cover or surround the upper body A420 and the cartridge A19, with the cartridge A19 mounted in the body A10.

The cap A30 may include a cover A310. The cover A310 may open and close the insertion hole A304. When the cap A30 is coupled to the body A10, the insertion hole A304 may be aligned with the opening of the insertion space A214.

The stick S may be received in or inserted into the body A10. When the stick S pushes the cover 310, the cover 310 may pivot toward the inside of the cap A30 to open the insertion hole A304. In the state in which the cartridge A19 is not coupled to the body A10 (refer to FIG. 7), the stick S may push the cover A310 of the cap A30 and may be received in or inserted into the body A10 through the insertion hole A304. The inserted stick S may be supported by the cover 310 and the upper body A440. In the state in which the cartridge A19 is coupled to the body A10 (refer to FIG. 8), the stick S may push the cover A310 of the cap A30 and may be inserted into the insertion space A214 in the cartridge A19 through the insertion hole A304. The inserted stick S may be supported by the cover 310 and the inner wall A212 of the first container A210.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is received in the insertion hole A304 and/or the body A10 based on the signal output from the sensor 138. The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled based on the stick S being received in the insertion hole A304 and/or the body A10.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge A19 is coupled to the body A10 through a power supply terminal A428.

The power supply terminal A428 may be disposed in the body A10. The power supply terminal A428 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the mount A430. The power supply terminal A428 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. When the cartridge A19 is coupled to the body A10, the power supply terminal A428 may come into contact with a connection terminal A231 provided in the cartridge A19. The power supply terminal A428 may be electrically connected to the heater A242 (e.g., the heater 24) via the connection terminal A231. The heater A242 may be wound around the wick A241 (e.g., the liquid delivery part) or may be in contact with one side of the wick A241. The wick A241 may be impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance in the storage unit CO. The heater A242 may heat the wick A241 so that an aerosol is generated. The power supply terminal A428 may be referred to as a cartridge terminal.

The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 so that a predetermined current is applied through the power supply terminal A428 based on the stick S being received in or approaching the body. The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge A19 is coupled based on whether a current corresponding to the predetermined current is received through the power supply terminal A428. For example, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to transmit a pulse current through one of the power supply terminals A428. The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge A19 is coupled based on whether the pulse current is received through another of the power supply terminals A428.

The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt the supply of current to the power supply terminal A428 based on the stick S being neither received in nor approaching the body. That is, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is received in or approaches the body using the sensor 138, and may determine whether the cartridge A19 is coupled through the power supply terminal A428 only when it is determined that the stick S is received in or approaches the body A10.

Accordingly, it may be possible to prevent power from being unnecessarily wasted to check whether the cartridge is coupled.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the object is neither received in nor approaches the body A10 (“No” in S620), the controller 12 may repeatedly receive the signal output from the sensor 138.

When it is determined that the cartridge A19 is not coupled to the body A10 (“No” in S640), the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt the supply of power to the heater A242 (S670).

Referring to FIG. 7, there may be a case in which the cap A30 is coupled to the body A10 in the state in which the cartridge A19 is not coupled to the body A10. The stick S may be received in or inserted into the body A10 by the user in the state in which the cartridge A19 is not coupled to the body A10. The stick S may push the cover A310 of the cap A30 and may be received in or inserted into the body A10 through the insertion hole A304.

That is, if the cartridge A19 is not coupled to the body A10, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt the supply of power to the heater A242 even when the stick S is received in the body A10.

Accordingly, it may be possible to prevent unnecessary application of power to the cartridge A19 or the heater A242 and to prevent unstable operation or malfunction of the aerosol-generating device 1.

When it is determined that the cartridge A19 is not coupled to the body A10 (“No” in S640), the controller 12 may output a first alarm through the output unit 14 (S680). The first alarm may include information related to non-coupling of the cartridge A19. For example, the first alarm may include at least one of information indicating that the stick S is received in the body A10 and the cartridge A19 is not coupled, information inducing coupling of the cartridge A19, or information indicating interruption of heating of the heater 24.

Accordingly, user convenience may be improved.

When it is determined that the cartridge A19 is coupled to the body A10 (“Yes” in S640), the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to supply power to the heater A242 (S650).

Referring to FIG. 8, the stick S may be received in or inserted into the body A10 by the user, with the cartridge A19 and the cap A30 coupled to the body A10. The stick S may push the cover A310 of the cap A30 and may be inserted into the insertion space A214 in the cartridge A19 through the insertion hole A304.

That is, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to supply power to the heater A242 based on the stick S being received in the body A10 and on the cartridge A19 being coupled to the body A10.

Accordingly, when it is determined that the stick S is received in the body A10 and the cartridge A19 is coupled to the body A10, power may be supplied to the heater A242, and thus an aerosol may be normally generated.

The body A10 may be further provided with a cap detection sensor 136 (refer to FIG. 12). The cap detection sensor 136 may detect mounting and/or removal of the cap A30. The cap detection sensor 136 may be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cap A30 is coupled to the body A10 based on the signal output from the cap detection sensor 136. The controller 12 may determine whether the cap A30 is coupled based on the stick S being received in the body A10 and on the cartridge A19 being coupled to the body A10.

The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to supply power to the heater A242 based on the stick S being received in the body A10 and on the cartridge A19 and the cap A30 being coupled to the body A10. If it is determined that the cap A30 is not coupled to the body A10, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt the supply of power to the heater A242 even when the stick S is received in the body A10 and the cartridge A19 is coupled to the body A10.

When it is determined that the cartridge A19 is coupled to the body A10 (“Yes” in S640), the controller 12 may output a second alarm through the output unit 14 (refer to FIG. 12) (S660). The second alarm may include information related to insertion of the stick. For example, the second alarm may include at least one of information indicating that the stick S is received in the body A10 or information indicating commencement of heating of the heater A242.

Accordingly, user convenience may be improved.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views showing the aerosol-generating device according to the other embodiment of the present disclosure in which a stick is received in the mounted or non-mounted state of the cartridge. A detailed description of the features identical to those described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 together with FIG. 6, the insertion space B134 may be defined in the body B10. The insertion space B134 may be located in the upper body B120. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be defined in one side of the upper body B120. The cartridge coupling space B124a may be defined by the seating portion B122 of the upper body B120, the partition wall B125, and the extension portion B140.

The sensor 138 may be disposed on one side of the body B10. The sensor 138 may be disposed on the upper body B120. The sensor 138 may face the cartridge coupling space B124a. When the cartridge B19 is coupled to the body B10, the sensor 138 may face the cartridge B19. The sensor 138 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space B134. The sensor 138 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion hole B214 in the cap B200 (refer to FIG. 5). When the cap B200 is coupled to the body B10, the sensor 138 may be located adjacent to the insertion hole B214 in the cap B200.

The sensor 138 may be disposed so as to be spaced apart from a second heater B18 (e.g., the heater 18). The second heater B18 may be disposed around the insertion space B134. The second heater B18 may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space B134. The second heater B18 may heat the insertion space B134 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space B134. The sensor 138 may be disposed above the second heater B18 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space B134. The second heater may be referred to as a stick heater or a cigarette heater.

The controller 12 may receive a signal output from the sensor 138. The controller 12 may determine whether an object is received in or approaches the body B10 based on the signal output from the sensor 138. The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is received in or inserted into the insertion space B134 based on the signal output from the sensor 138.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge B19 is coupled to the body B10 based on the object being received in or inserted into the insertion space B134.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge B19 is coupled to the body B10 through the power supply terminal B128. The power supply terminal B128 may be disposed on the upper surface of the lower body B110. The power supply terminal B128 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. When the cartridge B19 is coupled to the body B10, the power supply terminal B128 may come into contact with a connection terminal B331 provided in the cartridge B19. The power supply terminal B128 may be electrically connected to the heater B342 (e.g., the heater 24) via the connection terminal B331. The heater B342 may be wound around a wick B341 (e.g., the liquid delivery part) or may be in contact with one side of the wick B341. The wick B341 may be impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance in the storage unit CO. The heater B342 may heat the wick B341 so that an aerosol is generated.

The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 so that a predetermined current is applied through the power supply terminal B128 based on the stick S being received in or approaching the body. The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge B19 is coupled based on whether a current corresponding to the predetermined current is received through the power supply terminal B128. For example, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to transmit a pulse current through one of the power supply terminals B128. The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge B19 is coupled based on whether the pulse current is received through another of the power supply terminals B128.

When it is determined that the cartridge B19 is not coupled to the body B10, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt the supply of power to the heater B342.

Referring to FIG. 9, regardless of whether the cartridge B19 is coupled to the body B10, the stick S may be received in or inserted into the insertion space B134. That is, if the cartridge B19 is not coupled to the body B10, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt the supply of power to the heater B342 even when the stick S is received in the body B10.

When it is determined that the cartridge B19 is not coupled to the body B10, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt the supply of power to the second heater B18. That is, if the cartridge B19 is not coupled to the body B10, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt the supply of power to the second heater B18 even when the stick S is received in the body B10.

In the non-coupled state of the cartridge B19, when the stick S is heated by the second heater B18, an aerosol may be generated. However, when only the stick S is heated without an aerosol atomized in the cartridge B19, the user inhaling only the aerosol generated by the stick S may feel a foreign sensation or discomfort.

In the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the cartridge B19 is not coupled to the body B10, the supply of power to the second heater B18 may be interrupted. Accordingly, the user may be prevented from feeling a foreign sensation or discomfort.

Referring to FIG. 10, the stick S may be received in or inserted into the body B10 by the user, with the cartridge B19 coupled to the body B10. The stick S may be inserted into the insertion space B134 in the body B10.

That is, the controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to supply power to the heater B342 based on the stick S being received in the body B10 and on the cartridge B19 being coupled to the body B10.

Accordingly, when it is determined that the stick S is received in the body B10 and the cartridge B19 is coupled to the body B10, power may be supplied to the heater B342, and thus an aerosol may be normally generated.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, the stick S may be received in or inserted into the body B10 by the user, with the cartridge B19 and the cap B200 coupled to the body B10. The stick S may be inserted into the insertion space B134 in the cartridge B19 through the insertion hole B214, with a door B215 of the cap B200 opened.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an aerosol-generating device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure in the mounted state of a cartridge. A detailed description of the features identical to those described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 11 together with FIG. 6, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a body C10 and a cartridge C19. The cartridge C19 may be coupled to one side of the body C10.

A sensor 138 may be disposed on one side of the body C10. The sensor 138 may be disposed on the upper side of the body C10 at which the cartridge C19 is coupled to the body C10. When the cartridge C19 is coupled to the body C10, the sensor 138 may face the cartridge C19.

The controller 12 may receive a signal output from the sensor 138. The controller 12 may determine whether an object is received in or approaches the body C10 based on the signal output from the sensor 138.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge C19 is coupled to the body C10 based on the object being received in or approaching the body C10.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge C19 is coupled to the body C10 through a power supply terminal C428. The power supply terminal C428 may be disposed on the upper surface of the body C10. The power supply terminal C428 may be electrically connected to the power supply 11. When the cartridge C19 is coupled to the body C10, the power supply terminal C428 may come into contact with a connection terminal C231 provided in the cartridge C19. The power supply terminal C428 may be electrically connected to a heater C242 (e.g., the heater 24) via the connection terminal C231. The heater C242 may be wound around a wick C241 (e.g., the liquid delivery part) or may be in contact with one side of the wick C241. The wick C241 may be impregnated with the aerosol-generating substance in the storage unit CO. The heater C242 may heat the wick C241 so that an aerosol is generated.

The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 so that a predetermined current is applied through the power supply terminal C428 based on the object being received in or approaching the body C10. The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge C19 is coupled based on whether a current corresponding to the predetermined current is received through the power supply terminal C428.

Referring to FIG. 11, the object received in or approaching the body C10 may be the cartridge C19. That is, when the sensor 138 detects an object received in or approaching the body C10, the controller 12 may determine whether the corresponding object is the cartridge C19 through the power supply terminal C428.

The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to interrupt the supply of current to the power supply terminal C428 based on an object being neither received in nor approaching the body. That is, the controller 12 may determine whether an object is received in or approaches the body using the sensor 138, and may determine whether the cartridge C19 is coupled through the power supply terminal C428 only when it is determined that an object is received in or approaches the body C10.

Accordingly, it may be possible to prevent power from being unnecessarily wasted to check whether the cartridge is coupled.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and one or more heaters 18 and 24. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 12. That is, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 12 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

The sensor 13 may detect the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the state of the surrounding of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may transmit information about the detected state to the controller 12. Based on the information about the detected state, the controller 12 may control the aerosol-generating device 1 to perform various functions, such as control of operation of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, smoking restriction, determination as to whether the stick S and/or the cartridge 19 is inserted, and notification display.

The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131, a puff sensor 132, an insertion detection sensor 133, a reuse detection sensor 134, a cartridge detection sensor 135, an cap detection sensor 136, or a movement detection sensor 137.

The temperature sensor 131 may detect temperature to which the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, or the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 itself may serve as a temperature sensor.

The temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element that changes in resistance value according to a change in temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. The temperature sensor may be implemented as a thermistor, which is an element characterized in that the resistance thereof changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be configured as a sensor configured to detect the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed around the power supply 11 to monitor the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one surface of the battery, which is the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

The temperature sensor 131 may be disposed in the body 10 to detect the internal temperature of the body 10.

The puff sensor 132 may detect a user puff based on various physical changes in a gasflow path. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to a puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of the gasflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor 132 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the gasflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol-generating device 1.

The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and/or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect a signal change caused by insertion and/or removal of the stick S. The insertion detection sensor 133 may be mounted around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 may detect insertion and/or removal of the stick S according to a change in dielectric constant in the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 may be an inductive sensor and/or a capacitance sensor.

The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if a magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include a frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, and the like.

The inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

The capacitance sensor may include a conductive body. The conductive body of the capacitance sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic characteristics of the surroundings, for example, the capacitance around the conductive body. For example, if the stick S including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic characteristics around the conductive body may change due to the wrapper of the stick S.

The reuse detection sensor 134 may detect whether the stick S is being reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect the color of the stick S. The color sensor may detect the color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outer side of the stick S. The color sensor may detect, based on light reflected from an object, a value for the optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a component integrated with a proximity sensor or may be implemented as a component provided separately from a proximity sensor.

At least a portion of the wrapper constituting the stick S may change in color due to an aerosol. The reuse detection sensor 134 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a position at which at least a portion of the wrapper, which changes in color due to an aerosol, is disposed when the stick S is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick S is used by the user, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be a first color. In this case, while the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device 1 passes through the stick S, at least a portion of the wrapper may become wet due to the aerosol, and accordingly, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may change to a second color. After changing from the first color to the second color, the color of at least a portion of the wrapper may be maintained in the second color.

The cartridge detection sensor 135 may detect mounting and/or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented as an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

The cap detection sensor 136 may detect mounting and/or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body 10, the cartridge 19 and the portion of the body 10 that have been covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 136 may be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (or Hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

The movement detection sensor 137 may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device. The movement detection sensor 137 may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

In addition to the sensors 131 to 137 described above, the sensor 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), or a proximity sensor. The functions of the sensors could be intuitively deduced by those skilled in the art from the names thereof, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may provide the information to the user. The output unit 14 may include at least one of a display 141, a haptic unit 142, or a sound output unit 143. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. If the display 141 and a touchpad form a touchscreen together in a layered structure, the display 141 may be used as not only an output device but also an input device.

The display 141 may visually provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 may include various pieces of information, such as a charging/discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18, an insertion/removal state of the stick S and/or the cartridge 19, a mounting/removal state of the cap, and a use restriction state of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display 141 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 141 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) device. For example, the display 141 may be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

The haptic unit 142 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation to haptically provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 for a predetermined amount of time, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 142 may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 143 may audibly provide information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 143 may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and may output the acoustic signal to the outside.

The power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power supply 11 and may include a switching element.

The power supply protection circuit may block an electric path to the power supply 11 according to a predetermined condition. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power supply protection circuit may block the electric path to the power supply 11 when the voltage level of the power supply 11 is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

The heater 18 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the medium or the aerosol-generating substance in the stick S. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., DC-to-DC converter) configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. In addition, if the aerosol-generating device 1 generates an aerosol in an induction heating way, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a DC-to-AC converter configured to convert direct current power of the power supply 11 into alternating current power.

The controller 12, the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the input unit 15, the communication unit 16, and the memory 17 may perform functions using power received from the power supply 11. Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol-generating device may further include a power conversion circuit configured to convert the power of the power supply 11 and supply the converted power to the respective components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 12, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 11 and the heater 18. The noise filter may be a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter may correspond to the frequency of a high-frequency switching current applied from the power supply 11 to the heater 18. The low-pass filter may prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 13, for example, the insertion detection sensor 133.

In an embodiment, the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, or nichrome. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 18 may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is disposed, or a ceramic heating element. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 18 may be an induction heater. For example, the heater 18 may include a susceptor configured to generate heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substance.

The input unit 15 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor configured to detect touch. For example, the touch sensor may include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as an integrated panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 141 (on-cell type touch panel or in-cell type touch panel). For example, the touch panel may be added onto the display 141 (add-on type touch panel).

Meanwhile, the input unit 15 may include a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

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

The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit or a wireless communication unit.

The short-range communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 12, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may be connected to other external devices through the connection interface such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 1 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 in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The controller 12 may control the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 to control the temperature of the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 detected by the temperature sensor 131. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may determine a target temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 11 between the power supply 11 and the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 24, the heater 18, or the induction coil 181. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The controller 12 may control the power supply circuit.

The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the supply of power. The power supply circuit may be an inverter configured to convert direct current power output from the power supply 11 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

The controller 12 may turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 11 to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. The controller 12 may turn off the switching element so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is interrupted. The controller 12 may control the frequency and/or the duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element to control the current supplied from the power supply 11.

The controller 12 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit to control the voltage output from the power supply 11. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck-converter configured to step down the voltage output from the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented as a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

The controller 12 may control on/off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to control the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. If the switching element is maintained in an on state, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power supply 11. The duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 11. As the duty ratio for the on/off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater 18 may be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

The controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme or a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme.

For example, the controller 12 may perform control using the PWM scheme such that a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and a predetermined duty ratio is supplied to the heater 18. The controller 12 may control the frequency and the duty ratio of the current pulse to control the power supplied to the heater 18.

For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control the power supplied to the heater 18 using the PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 18 and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value with respect to time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value with respect to time.

The controller 12 may prevent the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control operation of the power conversion circuit such that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 is interrupted when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the controller 12 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 by a predetermined ratio when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 exceeds a predetermined limit temperature. For example, when the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance contained in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted and may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24.

The controller 12 may control charging/discharging of the power supply 11. The controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 based on an output signal from the temperature sensor 131.

If a power line is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol-generating device 1, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which charging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power supply 11 is charged based on a predetermined charging current. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the first limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt charging of the power supply 11.

When the aerosol-generating device 1 is in an on state, the controller 12 may determine whether the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, which is a reference temperature at which discharging of the power supply 11 is interrupted. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is lower than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may perform control such that the power stored in the power supply 11 is used. When the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11.

The controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate or determine the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and/or current detection value of the power supply 11.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. The controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been inserted based on an output signal from the insertion detection sensor 133. Upon determining that the stick S has been inserted into the insertion space, the controller 12 may perform control such that power is supplied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18. For example, the controller 12 may supply power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 17.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the stick S is removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, the controller 12 may determine that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 is equal to or greater than a predetermined slope. Upon determining that the stick S has been removed from the insertion space, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may control a power supply time and/or the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 depending on the state of the stick S detected by the sensor 13. The controller 12 may check, based on a look-up table, a level range within which the level of a signal from the capacitance sensor is included. The controller 12 may determine the amount of moisture in the stick S based on the checked level range.

When the stick S is in a highly humid state, the controller 12 may control a time during which power is supplied to the heater 18 to increase a preheating time of the stick S compared to when the stick S is in a normal state.

The controller 12 may determine whether the stick S inserted into the insertion space is a reused stick using the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range within which the first color is included, and may determine that the stick S is not a reused stick when the sensing value is within the first reference range. For example, the controller 12 may compare a sensing value of a signal from the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range within which the second color is included, and may determine that the stick S is a reused stick when the sensing value is within the second reference range. Upon determining that the stick S is a reused stick, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and/or removed using the cartridge detection sensor 135. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled and/or removed based on a sensing value of a signal from the cartridge detection sensor.

The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 is exhausted. For example, the controller 12 may apply power to preheat the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, and may determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds a limit temperature in a preheating section. When the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 exceeds the limit temperature, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge 19 has been exhausted, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine whether use of the cartridge 19 is possible. For example, upon determining, based on the data stored in the memory 17, that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge 19, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible. For example, when a total time period during which the cartridge heater 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge 19 is impossible.

The controller 12 may make a determination as to a user puff using the puff sensor 132. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor, whether a puff occurs. For example, the controller 12 may determine the intensity of a puff based on a sensing value of a signal from the puff sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or when no puff is detected for a predetermined time period or longer, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may determine whether the cap is coupled and/or removed using the cap detection sensor 136. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on a sensing value of a signal from the cap detection sensor, whether the cap is coupled and/or removed.

The controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result of detection by the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 132 reaches a predetermined number, the controller 12 may notify the user that operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 will end soon through at least one of the display 141, the haptic unit 142, or the sound output unit 143. For example, upon determining that the stick S is not present in the insertion space, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, upon determining that the cartridge 19 and/or the cap has not been mounted, the controller 12 may notify the user of the determination result through the output unit 14. For example, the controller 12 may transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18 to the user through the output unit 14.

Upon determining that a predetermined event has occurred, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. The event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the stick S, commencement of heating of the stick S, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, detection of application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, termination of heating of the stick S, on/off operation of the aerosol-generating device 1, commencement of charging of the power supply 11, detection of overcharging of the power supply 11, and termination of charging of the power supply 11. The history of the event may include the occurrence date and time of the event and log data corresponding to the event. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of the stick S, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18, and the current flowing through the cartridge heater 24 and/or the heater 18.

The controller 12 may perform control for formation of a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data on authentication from an external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. Here, the data on authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine, based on the user's birthday or an identification number indicating the user, whether the user data is valid, and may receive data on the authority for use of the aerosol-generating device 1 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on the data on the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of at least one function of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the controller 12 may release restriction on use of a heating function for supplying power to the heater 18.

The controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the external device through the communication link established with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device may output the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 or the operation mode of the aerosol-generating device 1 through a display of the external device.

The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol-generating device 1 based on an input for commencement of search for the location of the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the location search request from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control, based on the received location search request, such that at least one of the output devices performs operation corresponding to location search. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibration in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output objects corresponding to location search and termination of search in response to the location search request.

Upon receiving firmware data from the external device, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware is updated. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may determine whether there is a new version of firmware. Upon receiving an input requesting firmware download, the external device may receive new version of firmware data and may transmit the new version of firmware data to the aerosol-generating device 1. Upon receiving the new version of firmware data, the controller 12 may perform control such that the firmware of the aerosol-generating device 1 is updated.

The controller 12 may transmit data on a value detected by the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit 16, and may receive, from the server, and store a learning model generated by learning the detected value through machine learning such as deep learning. The controller 12 may perform operation of determining the user's puff pattern and operation of generating the temperature profile using the learning model received from the server. The controller 12 may store data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 17. For example, the memory 17 may store a database for each of the components provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 and weights and biases constituting the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN) in order to train the artificial neural network (ANN). The controller 12 may learn data on the value detected by the at least one sensor 13, the user's puff pattern, and the temperature profile, which are stored in the memory 17, and may generate at least one learning model used to determine the user's puff pattern and to generate the temperature profile.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because whether the cartridge is coupled to the body is determined based on an object being received in or approaching the body and a related alarm is output, user convenience may be improved.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because whether the cartridge is coupled to the body is determined based on an object being received in or approaching the body and allowance or interruption of supply of power to the heater is controlled, it may be possible to prevent unnecessary application of power to the cartridge or the heater and to prevent unstable operation or malfunction of the device.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because whether the cartridge is coupled is determined through the cartridge power supply terminal based on an object being received in or approaching the body, it may be possible to prevent power from being unnecessarily wasted to check whether the cartridge is coupled.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, an aerosol-generating device 1 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body 10, a cartridge 19 coupled to the body 10 and including a heater 24 configured to heat an aerosol-generating substance, a sensor 138 disposed in the body 10, and a controller 12. The controller 12 may be configured to determine whether an object is received in or approaches the body 10 based on a signal output from the sensor 138, and may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled to the body 10 based on the object being received in or approaching the body.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include an output unit 14, and the controller 12 may be configured to output a first alarm through the output unit 14 based on the object being received in or approaching the body and on the cartridge 19 not being coupled to the body.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may be configured to output a second alarm through the output unit 14 based on the object being received in or approaching the body and on the cartridge 19 being coupled to the body.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include a power supply 11 configured to supply power to the heater 24, and the controller 12 may be configured to control the power supply 11 to interrupt supply of power to the heater 24 based on the object being received in or approaching the body and on the cartridge 19 not being coupled to the body.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may be configured to control the power supply 11 to supply power to the heater 24 based on the object being received in or approaching the body and on the cartridge 19 being coupled to the body.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include a power supply 11 configured to supply power to the heater 24 and a power supply terminal A428, B128, or C428 disposed in the body 10, connected to the power supply 11, and connected to the heater 24 when the cartridge 19 is coupled to the body 10. The controller 12 may control the power supply 11 to apply a specific current through the power supply terminal A428, B128, or C428 based on the object being received in or approaching the body, and may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled to the body based on whether a current corresponding to the specific current is received through the power supply terminal A428, B128, or C428.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 12 may be configured to control the power supply 11 to interrupt supply of current to the power supply terminal A428, B128, or C428 based on the object being neither received in nor approaching the body.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include an insertion space 43 with one side open, and the sensor 138 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space 43. The controller 12 may determine whether the object is received in the insertion space 43 based on a signal output from the sensor 138, and may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled to the body based on the object being received in the insertion space 43.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include a cap A30 or B200 coupled to the body 10 to cover the cartridge 19 and having an insertion hole A304 or B214 disposed on one side of the cartridge 19, and the sensor 138 may be disposed adjacent to the insertion hole A304 or B214. The controller 12 may determine whether the object is received in the insertion hole A304 or B214 based on a signal output from the sensor 138, and may determine whether the cartridge 19 is coupled to the body based on the object being received in the insertion hole A304 or B214.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge 19 may include an insertion space 43 with one side open, and the insertion hole A304 or B214 may be aligned with the open side of the insertion space 43 when the cap A30 or B200 is coupled to the body 10.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the first alarm may include at least one of information related to non-coupling of the cartridge 19, information that induces coupling of the cartridge 19, or information indicating interruption of heating of the heater 24.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the second alarm may include at least one of information indicating that a stick S is received in the body 10 or information indicating commencement of heating of the heater 24.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor 138 may include at least one of an optical proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an ultrasonic proximity sensor, or an inductive proximity sensor.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with another or combined with each other in configuration or function.

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

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are embraced within the scope of the present disclosure.