AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0082862, filed on Jun. 25, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0118410, filed on Sep. 2, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference 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.

A stick adapted to be heated by an aerosol-generating device may contain a medium and a moisturizer. A heater of the aerosol-generating device may heat the stick inserted into the device, and accordingly, the medium may be heated to generate nicotine vapor, or the moisturizer may be heated to generate moisturizer vapor. If there is large deviation in the amount of nicotine vapor generated or the amount of moisturizer vapor generated according to the number of user puffs, the user may feel a foreign sensation.

In addition, the characteristics of heating of the stick may vary depending on the structure and placement of the heater that heats the stick. If the heater is not designed or placed suitably for the structure of the stick, the medium or the moisturizer in the stick may not be properly heated.

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 having a structure in which the downstream end of an electrically conductive track is aligned with the downstream end of a medium portion of a stick inserted into an insertion space.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having a structure in which the downstream end of a susceptor is aligned with the downstream end of the electrically conductive track.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having a structure in which the susceptor surrounds the medium portion of the stick inserted into the insertion space and surrounds a portion of an aerosol base portion.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device having a structure in which the electrically conductive track surrounds the medium portion of the stick inserted into the insertion space and surrounds a portion of the aerosol base portion.

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 providing an elongated insertion space, a stick provided therein with a medium portion and being inserted into the insertion space, a susceptor surrounding the insertion space and extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space, and an electrically conductive track surrounding the susceptor and configured to heat the susceptor and the insertion space, wherein the electrically conductive track has a downstream end aligned, in the radial direction of the insertion space, with the downstream end of the medium portion of the stick inserted into the insertion space.

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:

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

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views showing an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

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

FIG. 5 is a view showing an electrically conductive track of a heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a coupling structure of the heater according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the side;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the stick is inserted into the heater according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a graph indicating comparison between heating temperatures depending on the arrangement structure of the electrically conductive track and a susceptor according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a graph indicating comparison between the amounts of nicotine vapor depending on arrangement of the electrically conductive track and a medium portion according to the embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a graph indicating comparison between the amounts of moisturizer vapor depending on arrangement of the susceptor and an aerosol base portion according to the 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. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

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. As used herein, the suffix “module” or “unit” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry.” A “module” or a “unit” may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, the “module” or the “unit” may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

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.

Embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., a memory 17) that is readable by a machine (e.g., an aerosol-generating device 1). For example, a processor (e.g., a controller 12) of the machine (e.g., the aerosol-generating device 1) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and may execute the same. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

In the present disclosure, the directions of the 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.

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

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and/or a heater 18 and 24. However, the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1. That is, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be further included depending on the design of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may detect the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol-generating device 1, and may transmit the detected information to the controller 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist state detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and/or a movement detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit 13 may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residual quantity sensor for detecting the residual quantity of liquid in the cartridge and an immersion sensor for detecting immersion of the aerosol-generating device 1.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may detect a temperature to which the heater 18 and 24 is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater 18 and 24, or the heater 18 and 24 itself may serve as a temperature sensor. In an example, the temperature sensor may be used to measure impedance for the heater 18. The impedance for the heater 18 may correlate with the temperature of the heater 18. The temperature sensor may measure current and/or voltage applied to the heater 18 (or an induction coil). The impedance for the heater 18 may be obtained based on the measured current and/or voltage. The controller 12 may estimate the temperature of the heater 18 based on the obtained impedance.

In an example, the temperature sensor may include a resistance element (e.g., a thermistor), the resistance value of which varies in response to changes in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element, and the controller 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or a change in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

In another example, the temperature sensor may include a sensor that detects the resistance value of the heater 18 and 24. The temperature sensor may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the heater 18 and 24, and the controller 12 may determine the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or a change in the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and/or may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. In an example, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a power supply protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power supply protection circuit module.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be disposed in a housing (not shown) of the aerosol-generating device 1 to detect the internal temperature of the housing (not shown).

According to one embodiment, the puff sensor may detect a user's puff.

In an example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1, and the controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol-generating device 1 may correspond to the pressure of an airflow path through which gas flows. The puff sensor may be disposed corresponding to the airflow path through which gas flows in the aerosol-generating device 1.

In another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When the user's puff occurs, temperature drop may temporarily occur in the airflow path, a space into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as an “insertion space”), and the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path output from the temperature sensor.

In still another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure temperature used to calibrate the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. In one example, the puff sensor may calibrate a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and may output the calibrated signal. In another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the controller 12 may receive the signals, and may calibrate the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

In still another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may also be called a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When the user's puff occurs, a temperature change of the aerosol-generating article in the insertion space and/or aerosol flow may occur, and accordingly, a dielectric constant in the insertion space may change. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting the user's puff.

According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may detect insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be mounted adjacent to the insertion space. In addition, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

In an example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, capacitance around the conductor may change. The controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

In another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and the at least one coil may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol-generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, a change in magnetic field may occur around the coil through which current flows. The controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article including a conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, and an impedance value). Alternatively, a susceptor SUS or the like may be included in the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a medium portion of the aerosol-generating article). In this case, a change in magnetic field may also occur around the coil based on insertion or removal of the susceptor or the like into or from the insertion space, and the controller 12 may determine insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., a proximity sensor) for detecting insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch or the like for detecting pressing by the aerosol-generating article.

According to one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is being reused. In an example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. If the aerosol-generating article is used by the user, a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper may occur due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on the light reflected from the wrapper. When a change in the color of a portion of the wrapper is detected, the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

According to one embodiment, the overly moist state detection sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state. For example, the overly moist state detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant or the like output from the capacitance sensor. In an example, the controller 12 may check a level range within which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and may determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article based on the checked level range.

According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may detect the type of the aerosol-generating article.

In an example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an optical sensor for detecting an identification material (or an identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., the wrapper) of the aerosol-generating article. The optical sensor may radiate light toward the identification material (or the identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article, and may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may detect the type of the aerosol-generating article based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material (i.e., a luminous material) that emits light of a specific wavelength band based on the light radiated thereto. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article based on the range of the wavelength.

In another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The dielectric constant in the insertion space may vary depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant or the like in the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

In still another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and/or inner portion (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, and an impedance value) may vary depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space. The controller 12 may determine whether the inserted aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the inserted aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above, and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or detecting the type of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor may detect mounting and/or removal of the cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and/or an optical sensor.

According to one embodiment, the cap detection sensor may detect mounting and/or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and/or an optical sensor. The cap may cover at least a portion of the cartridge mounted in or inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 or may cover at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol-generating device 1. When the cap is mounted in or removed from the housing, the cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to mounting or removal, and the controller 12 may determine mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to mounting or removal.

According to one embodiment, the movement detection sensor may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device 1. The movement detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (global positioning system (GPS)), or a proximity sensor in addition to the sensors described above. The functions of the sensors can be intuitively deduced by those skilled in the art from the names thereof, and thus detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 may output information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to provide the same to the user. The output unit 14 may include, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and/or a sound output unit. For example, information about the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a charging/discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol-generating device 1, a preheating state of the heater 18 and 24, an insertion/removal state of the aerosol-generating article and/or the cartridge, a mounting/removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol-generating device 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal object). The display may visually provide the information about the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the display may include a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), and an organic light-emitting diode panel (OLED). If the display includes a touchpad, the display may also be used as the input unit 15. The haptic unit may haptically provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, and an electrical stimulation device. The sound output unit may audibly provide the information about the aerosol-generating device 1 to the user. For example, the sound output unit may convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and may output the acoustic signal to the outside.

According to one embodiment, the power supply 11 may supply power used for operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. The power supply 11 may include one or more batteries. The power supply 11 may supply power so that the heater 18 and 24 is heated. In addition, the power supply 11 may supply power necessary for operation of the other components included in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as the controller 12, the sensor unit 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 without being limited thereto. The power supply 11 may be a replaceable (separation-type) battery (hereinafter referred to as a “removable battery”). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery accommodation portion provided in the aerosol-generating device 1 or may be removed from the battery accommodation portion. The removable battery may be charged in a wired and/or wireless manner.

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may receive power from the power supply 11 to heat the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a cigarette) and/or a medium and/or an aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include a heater 18 for heating the aerosol-generating article and/or a cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., a solid and/or liquid medium).

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may be an electro-resistive heater. For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electrically resistive material such as 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, and nichrome. The electro-resistive heater may be implemented as a metal wire, a metal plate having an electrically conductive track disposed thereon, or a ceramic heating element.

According to one embodiment, the heater 18 and 24 may be an induction heater. For example, the induction heater may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field. A magnetic field may be generated by an induction coil by alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may pass through the heater, and an eddy current may be generated in the susceptor. The susceptor may be heated based on generation of the eddy current. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be included in the inner portion (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article. In this case, the susceptor included in the inner portion of the aerosol-generating article may also be heated by the induction coil.

The heater 18 and 24 is not limited to the examples described above, and may include or be replaced with various heating methods, structures, and components for heating the aerosol-generating article and/or the cartridge.

According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 may receive information input from the user. For example, the input unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, and a jog switch.

According to one embodiment, 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. For example, 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. For example, 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.

According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit 16 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near-field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) 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, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, and a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. The controller 12 may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microcontroller unit (MCU) (or a microprocessor) and a memory in which a program executable by the MCU is stored. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the controller may also be implemented as other forms of hardware.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heater 18 and 24 to control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 based on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 detected by the temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). The controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 based on the temperature profile and/or the power profile stored in the memory 17.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heater 18 and 24 and the power supply 11 to control power (e.g., voltage and/or current) supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a DC/DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, or a Zener diode) that converts power to be supplied to the heater 18 and 24 and a DC/AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to the induction coil (not shown). The DC/AC converter may be implemented as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the frequency and/or duty ratio of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit (not shown) to control the current and/or the voltage supplied to the heater 18 and 24. 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.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 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 (a specific frequency) and a predetermined duty ratio (a specific duty ratio) is supplied to the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may control the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse to control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, the controller 12 may determine, based on the temperature profile, a target temperature to be controlled. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 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.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may determine, based on the power profile, target power to be controlled. The controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 so as to correspond to the preset target power over time.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may detect power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 to determine the user's puff. In more detail, the controller 12 may control power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 using the proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme. When the user's puff occurs, temperature drop may temporarily occur in a space into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted (hereinafter referred to as an insertion space) and the heater 18 and 24. Accordingly, the power (or the current) supplied to the heater 18 and 24 may change during control of the power using the PID scheme. The controller 12 may determine the user's puff based on the change in the power controlled.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may prevent the heater 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the controller 12 may control, based on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 exceeding a preset limit temperature, operation of the power conversion circuit such that the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 is reduced or the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 is interrupted.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control charging/discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may check the temperature of the power supply 11 using the temperature sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a first limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is equal to or higher than a second limit temperature, the controller 12 may interrupt use of the power stored in the power supply 11 (e.g., discharging). The controller 12 may calculate the remaining amount of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the controller 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on a voltage and/or current detection value of the power supply 11.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on a result of the detection by the sensor unit 13.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on insertion and/or removal of the aerosol-generating article into and/or from the insertion space. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may perform control such that power is supplied to the heater 18 and 24. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. The controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or higher than a limit temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset slope.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control, based on the state of the aerosol-generating article, a power supply time and/or the amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article is in an overly moist state using the overly moist state detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may increase a time during which power is supplied to the heater 18 and 24 (e.g., a preheating time).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article is being reused. For example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article has already been used, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the cartridge has been coupled and/or removed. For example, upon determining that the cartridge has been removed using the cartridge detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13), the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may perform control such that power is not supplied to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, upon determining that the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during preheating of the heater 18 and 24 (i.e., in the preheating section), the controller 12 may determine that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating substance in the cartridge has been exhausted, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether use of the cartridge is possible. For example, upon determining, based on 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, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge is impossible. Alternatively, when a total time period during which the heater 18 and 24 is heated is equal to or longer than a preset maximum time period or when the total amount of power supplied to the heater 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a preset maximum amount of power, the controller 12 may determine that use of the cartridge is impossible. In this case, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 or 24 or may perform control such that power is not supplied to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on the user's puff. For example, the controller 12 may determine whether a puff occurs and/or the intensity of a puff using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). When the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs and/or when no puff is detected for a preset time period or longer, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. When a puff is detected, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is authentic and/or the type of the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge). For example, the controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol-generating article is authentic and/or may determine the type of the aerosol-generating article using the cigarette identification sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). In an example, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is inauthentic, the controller 12 may interrupt the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. Upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is authentic, the controller 12 may control (e.g., commence) the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24. In another example, the controller 12 may control the supply of power to the heater 18 and 24 differently depending on the type of the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge). In more detail, upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is a first aerosol-generating article (or a first cartridge), the controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile), and upon determining that the aerosol-generating article (or the cartridge) is a second aerosol-generating article (or a second cartridge), the controller 12 may control the temperature of the heater 18 and 24 and/or power based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile).

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 based on a result of detection by the sensor unit 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) reaches a preset number, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to visually, haptically, and/or audibly provide information that operation of the aerosol-generating device 1 will end soon. For example, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to visually, haptically, and/or audibly provide information about the temperature of the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, based on occurrence of a predetermined event, the controller 12 may store a history of the corresponding event in the memory 17 and may update the history. For example, the event may include events performed in the aerosol-generating device 1, such as detection of insertion of the aerosol-generating article, commencement of heating of the aerosol-generating article, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the heater 18 and 24, detection of application of overvoltage to the heater 18 and 24, termination of heating of the aerosol-generating article, 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. For example, 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 aerosol-generating article, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on a value detected by the insertion detection sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13). For example, when the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the heater 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the heater 18 and 24, the voltage applied to the heater 18 and 24, and the current flowing through the heater 18 and 24.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

According to one embodiment, 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 (e.g., a heating function) of the aerosol-generating device 1. For example, the data on authentication may include the user's birthday, an identification number uniquely identifying the user, and whether authentication is completed by the user.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol-generating device 1 (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply 11 and operation mode) to the external device via the communication link. The transmitted data may be output through a display or the like of the external device.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving a request to search for the location of the aerosol-generating device 1 from the external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to location search. For example, the controller 12 may perform control such that the haptic unit generates vibration or the display outputs objects corresponding to location search and termination of search.

According to one embodiment, upon receiving firmware data from the external device via the communication link, the controller 12 may perform firmware update.

According to one embodiment, the controller 12 may transmit data on a value detected by the at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication link, 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 the operation of determining the user's puff pattern and the operation of generating the temperature profile using the learning model received from the server.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating device 1 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may include at least one switching element, and may block an electric path to the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and/or overdischarging of the power supply 11. 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 to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

The aerosol-generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol-generating rod (e.g., a medium portion) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 may be disposed to correspond to the at least one aerosol-generating rod, and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and/or positions of the aerosol-generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol-generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol-generating substance, and an additive. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and/or propylene glycol (PG) and may also include various other substances. For example, the additive may include a flavoring agent and/or an organic acid and may also include various other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may include an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco substance (e.g., an aerosol-generating substance and/or nicotine) and/or may contain a solid tobacco substance (e.g., leaf tobacco and reconstituted tobacco). The tobacco substance may be contained in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms, such as shredded tobacco, granules, and powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include an alkaline substance. Based on the alkaline substance, nicotine contained in the tobacco substance in the aerosol-generating rod may have an alkaline pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at a low temperature. According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating rod may include two or more aerosol-generating rods, each of which may contain a tobacco substance and/or a non-tobacco substance. Meanwhile, although not shown, the at least one aerosol-generating rod and the at least one filter rod may individually and/or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating article may be referred to as a stick.

The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol-generating substance having any one state among a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, and a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage part that contains the aerosol-generating substance and/or a liquid delivery part that is impregnated with (contains) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery part may include a wick formed of, e.g., cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure surrounding (or wound around) the liquid delivery part or a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery part. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1, which is removable from the cartridge.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views showing aerosol-generating devices 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a housing 10, a power supply 11, a controller 12, a sensor unit 13, and/or a heater 182 and 183 (e.g., the heater 18 in FIG. 1). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that the components included in the aerosol-generating device 1 are not limited to those shown in FIG. #a or FIG. #b and that some of the components may be omitted or new components may be further included. The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIG. 2 may be referred to as an “internal heating-type” aerosol-generating device that heats the inner side of an aerosol-generating article 2. The aerosol-generating device 1 shown in FIG. 3 may be referred to as an “external heating-type” aerosol-generating device that heats the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2. In the drawings below, a description of configurations identical to those shown in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

According to one embodiment, the housing 10 may provide a space that is open upwardly to allow the aerosol-generating article 2 to be inserted thereinto. In the present disclosure, the space that is open upwardly may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed so as to be depressed in the housing 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted thereinto. The depth of the insertion space may be equal to or greater than the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article 2 in which an aerosol-generating substance and/or a medium is contained. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inserted into the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 may protrude outside the housing 10. A user may inhale an aerosol while holding the externally exposed upper end of the aerosol-generating article 2 in the mouth.

According to one embodiment, the heater 182 and 183 may heat the aerosol-generating article 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, the heater 182 may be an internal heating-type heater.

According to one embodiment, the internal heating-type heater may be elongated upwardly in the space into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, as shown in the drawings, the internal heating-type heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element. Alternatively, the internal heating-type heater may include various other heating elements, such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internal heating-type heater may be inserted through the lower portion of the aerosol-generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the internal heating-type heater may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater.

For example, the electro-resistive heater may include an electro-resistive material, which is provided on the inner side (e.g., in the cavity or on the inner surface) or outer side (e.g., on the outer surface) thereof, and may generate heat as current flows through the electro-resistive material. In this case, the electro-resistive heater may be electrically connected to the power supply 11, and may directly generate heat using current received from the power supply 11. Meanwhile, an induction coil 181 may be omitted.

For example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the internal heating-type heater (e.g., disposed outside the heater so as to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, a magnetic flux concentrator may be further provided outside the induction coil 181 in order to increase efficiency of induction heating. The induction heater may include a susceptor, and may generate heat based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil 181. According to one embodiment, the induction heater (e.g., the susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be disposed to be removable from the housing 10.

According to one embodiment, the heater 182 may be a multi-heater. The multi-heater may include a first heater and a second heater, and may be inserted into the aerosol-generating article 2. The first heater and the second heater may be disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of two or more aerosol-generating rods in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one aerosol-generating rod in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Meanwhile, if the heater 182 is an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of the first heater and the second heater in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one heater 182 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. In addition, three or more heaters and/or three or more induction coils may be included.

According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be disposed on (or included in) the inner side (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol-generating article 2. The susceptor included inside the aerosol-generating article 2 may be implemented to be heated based on a magnetic field generated by the induction coil 181.

Referring to FIG. 3, the heater 183 may be an external heating-type heater.

According to one embodiment, the external heating-type heater may be elongated upwardly around the space into which the aerosol-generating article 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating-type heater may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. In an example, the external heating-type heater may include a tube shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) including a cavity formed therein. The external heating-type heater may alternatively include a shape including a cavity formed therein and surrounding the cavity. In this case, the external heating-type heater may be supported by a polyimide film. The heater supported by this film may be referred to as a film heater. The external heating-type heater may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating-type heater may heat the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2 inserted into the cavity.

According to one embodiment, the external heating-type heater may include an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and a description of configurations identical to those shown in FIG. 2 will be omitted. Meanwhile, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include an external heating-type heater implemented as a tubular susceptor and may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the external heating-type heater (e.g., disposed outside the heater so as to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In addition, the induction coil 181 may include a fan coil. Meanwhile, if the external heating-type heater is an electro-resistive heater, heat may be generated through current flow through the tubular electro-resistive heater (e.g., the film heater), and thus a separate induction coil 181 may be omitted. Meanwhile, a thermally insulating material may be disposed outside the external heating-type heater. Accordingly, the amount of heat emitted from the heater 183 in the radially outward direction and released outside the housing 10 may be reduced.

According to one embodiment, the heater 183 may be a multi-heater, and the first heater and the second heater may be disposed side by side in the longitudinal direction so as to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The first heater and the second heater may operate as an electro-resistive heater and/or an induction heater, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. Meanwhile, if the heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a first induction coil and a second induction coil. The first induction coil and the second induction coil may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of the first heater and the second heater in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of a first portion and a second portion of one heater 183 in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

Unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, both the heater 182 in FIG. 2 and the heater 183 in FIG. 3 may be included in the aerosol-generating device 1. In this case, the heater 182 may heat the inner side of the aerosol-generating article 2, and the heater 183 may heat the outer side of the aerosol-generating article 2.

According to one embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 1 may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing 10 may include a structure (e.g., a hole) through which outside air may be introduced into the housing 10. The air introduced into the housing 10 may be introduced into the aerosol-generating article 2 through the lower end (i.e., upstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2. An aerosol generated based on heating of the aerosol-generating article 2 may be inhaled into the user's oral cavity together with the introduced air through the upper end (i.e., downstream side) of the aerosol-generating article 2.

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

Referring to FIG. 4, a body 10 (e.g., the housing 10 in FIGS. 2 and 3) may include side walls 101 and 102 that extend lengthwise, a cover 103 that forms one end of the body 10, a base 104 that forms the other end of the body 10, and a door 110 that opens and close an insertion space 43. The body 10 may have a cylindrical shape that extends in one direction.

The body 10 may include the side walls 101 and 102 that form the outer surface of the body 10. The side walls 101 and 102 may include a curved surface extending in the circumferential direction of the body 10.

The side walls 101 and 102 may include a first side wall 101. The first side wall 101 may extend in the circumferential direction of the body 10. The first side wall 101 may be bent in the circumferential direction of the body 10 and form a space therein. The first side wall 101 may have one side that is opened. The cross-section of the first side wall 101 may have a loop shape with one side that is opened.

The side walls 101 and 102 may include a second side wall 102. The second side wall 102 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 10. The second side wall 102 may be coupled to the first side wall 101. The second side wall 102 may be located between both ends of the first side wall 101 in the circumferential direction, and form a surface that is continuous with the first side wall 101. The second side wall 102 may cover one side of the first side wall 101 that is opened laterally.

The body 10 may include the cover 103 that forms one end of the body 10 in the longitudinal direction. The cover 103 may be coupled to one end of the first side wall 101 in the longitudinal direction and one end of the second side wall 102 in the longitudinal direction.

The body 10 may include the door 110. The door 110 may be coupled to the cover 103. The door 110 may open and close the insertion space 43 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) in a sliding manner. A rail 105 may be formed on the cover 103. The door 110 may slide along the rail 105.

The body 10 may include the base 104 that forms the other end of the body 10 in the longitudinal direction. The base 104 may be coupled to the other end of the first side wall 101 in the longitudinal direction and the other end of the second side wall 102 in the longitudinal direction.

A button 106 (e.g., the input unit 15 in FIG. 1) may be provided on the body 10. The button 106 may be inserted into a hole formed in one side of the second side wall 102.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an electrically conductive track 220 of the heater 18 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the heater 18 may include the electrically conductive track 220. The electrically conductive track 220 may have a cylindrical shape. The electrically conductive track 220 may generate heat by receiving power from the power supply 11. The electrically conductive track 220 may be referred to as a heating element. Heat generated from the electrically conductive track 220 may heat a medium and/or a moisturizer of the stick 2 (refer to FIGS. 2 and 3) inserted into the insertion space 43, thereby generating an aerosol. The electrically conductive track 220 may be formed by etching a metal thin film with laser light. The electrically conductive track 220 may be made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The electrically conductive track 220 may include a heating track 221 and a connection part 222. The heating track 221 may include at least one of tracks 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d connected to each other in parallel.

The first track 221a may be disposed at the outermost side of the electrically conductive track 220 and may have a rectangular shape overall. The first track 221a may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the second track 221b. The second track 221b may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the third track 221c. The third track 221c may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the fourth track 221d.

The first to fourth tracks 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d may include at least one bent portion and may have a curved shape. The first to fourth tracks 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d may be spaced apart from each other. The first to fourth tracks 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d may each have one end connected to the other and the other ends connected to each other. In other words, the first to fourth tracks 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d may be connected to each other in parallel.

The width Wa of the first track 221a may be substantially equal to the width Wd of the fourth track 221d. At least one of the width Wb of the second track 221a or the width Wc of the third track 221c may be less than the width Wa of the first track 221a. In another example, the widths Wa, Wb, Wc, and Wd of the first to fourth tracks may be substantially equal to each other.

The widths of the first to fourth tracks 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d may be greater than intervals between adjacent tracks among the first to fourth tracks. Accordingly, the heat-generating area of the electrically conductive track 220 may be increased, and the insertion space 43 or the stick S inserted into the insertion space 43 may be evenly heated by the electrically conductive track 220.

The connection portion 222 may protrude outward from one side of the heat-generating track 221. The connection portion 222 may be integrally formed with the heat-generating track 221. The heat-generating track 221 and the connection portion 222 may be disposed on an insulator 224 covering the electrically conductive track 220. The connection portion 222 may include a first connection portion 222a and a second connection portion 222b. The first connection portion 222a may be connected to one end of each of the first to fourth tracks 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d, and the second connection portion 222b may be connected to the other end of each of the first to fourth tracks 221a, 221b, 221c, and 221d.

An electrode portion 223 may be connected to the electrically conductive track 220. The electrode portion 223 may be connected to the connection portion 222. The electrode portion 223 may be disposed on the protruding end portion of the connection portion 222. The electrode portion 223 may electrically connect the electrically conductive track 220 to the power supply 11. The electrode portion 223 may include a first electrode portion 223a in contact with the first connection portion 222a and a second electrode portion 223b in contact with the second connection portion 222b. Power may be supplied to the electrically conductive track 220 via the first electrode portion 223a and the second electrode portion 223b. The electrode portion 223 may be attached to the connection portion 222 through welding. However, the method of attaching the electrode portion 223 to the connection portion 222 is not limited thereto.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a coupling structure of the heater according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the heater 18 may include a susceptor 210, an electrically conductive track 220, and a support tube 230. The heater 18 may be referred to as a heater assembly.

The susceptor 210 may have a cylindrical shape. The susceptor 210 may be located at the innermost portion of the hollow heater 18. The susceptor 210 may be disposed on the inner side of the electrically conductive track 220. The susceptor 210 may surround at least a portion of the insertion space 43. The susceptor 210 may be referred to as a heat conductor, a heat conducting part, a heat diffusing part, or a pipe. The susceptor 210 may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy thereof without being limited thereto.

One end 212 and the other end 211 of the susceptor 210 may be bent outwardly in the longitudinal direction of the susceptor 210 or the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 (e.g., the z direction). Each of one end 212 and the other end 211 of the susceptor 210 may have a flange shape that is bent in the radially outward direction of the susceptor 210. One end 212 of the susceptor 210 may be referred to as a lower end or an upstream end. The other end 211 of the susceptor 210 may be referred to as an upper end or a downstream end.

Accordingly, because both ends of the susceptor 210 are formed in a flange shape, the strength of the susceptor 210 may be increased, and the susceptor 210 may be prevented from being deformed during the process in which the susceptor 210 is heated or cooled.

The electrically conductive track 220 may have a cylindrical shape. The electrically conductive track 220 may be disposed on the outer side of the susceptor 210. The electrically conductive track 220 may surround at least a portion of the susceptor 210. The electrically conductive track 220 may be aligned with the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. For example, the upper end or the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 may be in contact with the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210 that protrudes in a flange shape. The length Lt of the electrically conductive track 220 may be less than the length Ls of the susceptor 210. The lower end or the upstream end 220b of the electrically conductive track 220 may be spaced upwardly from the upstream end 212 of the susceptor 210.

An insulator 224 may be disposed on one side of the electrically conductive track 220. The insulator 224 may be disposed on the inner side and/or outer side of the electrically conductive track 220 and may have a cylindrical shape. The insulator 224 may cover the electrically conductive track 220. The insulator 224 may extend farther upward and downward than the electrically conductive track 220 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The insulator 224 may be disposed between the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43 (e.g., the x direction or the y direction).

The insulator 224 may be formed of a flexible and heat-resistant material. The insulator 224 may include, but is not limited to, polyimide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and may include other materials having elasticity, heat resistance, and electrical insulation.

The support tube 230 may have a cylindrical shape. The support tube 230 may be disposed on the outer side of the electrically conductive track 220. The support tube 230 may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the electrically conductive track 220. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the support tube 230 may be disposed between both ends of the electrically conductive track 220. The length of the support tube 230 may be less than the lengths of the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220.

The support tube 230 may be formed of a flexible and heat-resistant material. The support tube 230 may include at least one of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

The support tube 230 may include multiple layers 231 and 232 surrounding the outer side of the electrically conductive track 220. For example, the support tube 230 may include a first layer 231 in contact with the outer side of the electrically conductive track 220 and a second layer 232 surrounding the outer side of the first layer 231 while being in contact with the first layer 231. The first layer 231 and the second layer 232 may have approximately the same thickness.

The support tube 230 may include a heat shrink material. During the process of manufacturing the heater 18, the support tube 230 may be placed so as to surround the outer side of the electrically conductive track 220, and may contract when heated to a set temperature. Accordingly, the support tube 230 may be brought into tight contact with the outer side of the electrically conductive track 220.

The support tube 230 composed of multiple layers may be pressed more uniformly onto the outer side of the electrically conductive track 220 than a support tube composed of one layer even if the two types of support tubes have the same thickness after shrink. In addition, processing may become easier when thermally contracting multiple layers having a relatively small thickness than when thermally contracting a single layer having a relatively large thickness.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a stick according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the stick 2 may include an aerosol base portion 510. The stick 2 may include a medium portion 520. The aerosol base portion 510 and the medium portion 520 may be referred to as a tobacco rod. The stick 2 may include a cooling portion 530. The stick 2 may include a filter portion 540. The stick 2 may be referred to an aerosol-generating article 2. The stick 2 may include a wrapper 550 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510, the medium portion 520, the cooling portion 530 and/or the filter portion 540. In FIG. 5, the wrapper 550 may include individual wrappers that surround the aerosol base portion 510, the medium portion 520, and the filter portion 540, respectively, and/or an outer shell that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510, the medium portion 520, and the filter portion 540, which are surrounded by the individual wrappers, in one piece.

The aerosol base portion 510 may be a portion formed in a preset shape by containing a moisturizer in pulp-based paper. The moisturizer (a base material) contained in the aerosol base portion 510 may include propylene glycol and glycerin. For example, the moisturizer of the aerosol base portion 510 may include propylene glycol and glycerin having a certain weight ratio to the weight of base paper. When the stick 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1 and is heated to a temperature above a predetermined level by the heater 18, moisturizer vapor may be generated from the aerosol base portion 510.

The medium portion 520 may include at least one of a sheet, a strand, or pipe tobacco formed of tiny bits of a shredded tobacco sheet. The medium portion 520 may be a portion that generates nicotine in order to provide a smoking experience to a user. When the temperature of the medium contained in the medium portion 520 rises to a predetermined temperature or higher, nicotine vapor may be generated from the medium portion 520. When the stick 2 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 1, at least part of the aerosol base portion 510 and at least part of the medium portion 520 may face the heater 18. For example, a part of the upstream side or the downstream side of the aerosol base portion 510 and a part of the downstream side or the upstream side of the medium portion 520 may face the heater 18.

The part of the aerosol base portion 510 and the part of the medium portion 520 that face the heater 18 may be heated by the heater 18. Because at least part of the aerosol base portion 510 containing the moisturizer is heated by the heater 18, moisturizer vapor may be generated. Because at least part of the medium portion 520 containing the medium is heated by the heater 18, nicotine vapor may be generated. As the stick 2 is disposed so as to vary a ratio of the length of the part of the aerosol base portion 510 that faces the heater 18 to the length of the part of the medium portion 520 that faces the heater 18, a ratio of the amount of moisturizer vapor generated to the amount of nicotine vapor generated may be appropriately adjusted.

The medium portion 520 may be longer than the aerosol base portion 510. The length L2 of the medium portion 520 may be 1.1 to 1.3 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510. For example, the length L2 of the medium portion 520 may be 11 mm to 13 mm, and the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510 may be 9 mm to 11 mm.

If the length L2 of the medium portion 520 is less than 1.1 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510, a relatively insufficient amount of medium may be contained in the medium portion 520. Accordingly, the number of times a user may puff through one stick 2 may be reduced to a certain level (e.g., 13 times) or less. If the length L2 of the medium portion 520 is greater than 1.3 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510, a relatively insufficient amount of moisturizer may be contained in the aerosol base portion 510. Accordingly, the number of times a user may puff through one stick 2 may be reduced to a certain level or less. In addition, because the lengths of the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220 need to be increased according to the length L2 of the medium portion 520, the size of the heater 18 may be increased, and power consumption may be increased.

The length of the part of the medium portion 520 that faces the heater 18 may be greater than the length of the part of the aerosol base portion 510 that faces the heater 18. The length of the part of the medium portion 520 that faces the heater 18 may be greater than or equal to half the overall length of the medium portion 520.

The cooling portion 530 may be manufactured as a tube filter containing a predetermined weight of plasticizer. The moisturizer vapor and the nicotine vapor generated from the aerosol base portion 510 and the medium portion 520 may be mixed with each other to be aerosolized, and may be cooled while passing through the cooling portion 530. According to an embodiment, the cooling portion 530 may not be surrounded by the individual wrapper, unlike the aerosol base portion 510, the medium portion 520, and the filter portion 540.

The filter portion 540 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter portion 540. The filter portion 540 may be a cylindrical-type rod or may be of a tube type including a cavity formed therein. For example, when the filter portion 540 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be manufactured in a different shape. The filter portion 540 may be manufactured so as to generate a flavor. In an example, a flavoring agent may be sprayed to the filter portion 540, or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring agent may be inserted into the filter portion 540.

In addition, the filter portion 540 may include at least one capsule. Here, the capsule may perform a function of generating a flavor. For example, the capsule may be a structure that encapsulates a liquid containing a flavoring agent with a film, and may have a spherical or cylindrical shape. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the side. FIG. 8 shows the cross-section of the body cut along line AA in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 8, the heater 18 may surround the insertion space 43. The heater 18 may have a cylindrical shape having a cavity formed therein. At least a portion of the insertion space 43 may be defined in the heater 18.

A body casing 111 may be disposed in the body 10. The body casing 111 may support the body 10 inside the body 10. At least a portion of the body casing 111 may be coupled to or in contact with the inner surface of the body 10. The body casing 111 may accommodate the heater 18.

The heater 18 may be coupled to heater casings 241 and 242. The heater 18 and the heater casings 241 and 242 may be accommodated in the inner space in the body casing 111. The heater casings 241 and 242 may surround the outer side of the heater 18. The heater casings 241 and 242 may include a first heater casing 241 and a second heater casing 242. The first heater casing 241 may surround a portion of the side surface of the heater 18. The second heater casing 242 may surround the remaining portion of the side surface of the heater 18. For example, the first heater casing 241 may surround the upper side surface of the heater 18, and the second heater casing 242 may surround the lower side surface of the heater 18.

The aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one of a thermal insulator 400 or a heat dissipator 300. The thermal insulator 400 may be disposed in the body 10. The thermal insulator 400 may surround the outer side of the heater 18 inside the body 10. The thermal insulator 400 may thermally insulate the heater 18. The thermal insulator 400 may have an open top. The thermal insulator 400 may have a closed bottom, and a hole may be formed in a portion of the bottom. The thermal insulator 400 may be disposed so as to surround the side portion and bottom of the heater 18. The thermal insulator 400 may include two layers. The inner layer and the outer layer may be spaced apart from each other to define a space VS therebetween. The space VS defined by the layers of the thermal insulator 400 may be sealed from the outside. The space VS defined by the layers of the thermal insulator 400 may be in a vacuum state. The thermal insulator 400 may be referred to as a vacuum tube.

Accordingly, transfer of heat generated from the heater 18 to the outer circumferential surface of the body 10 may be minimized by the thermal insulator 400. Even when the heater 18 is heated to a high temperature, the thermal insulator 400 may prevent transfer of heat to the body of the user gripping the body 10.

Inflow paths P1 and P2 may be formed inside the body casing 111. The inflow paths P1 and P2 may communicate with the outside of the body 10 and the insertion space 43. The inflow paths P1 and P2 may communicate with the insertion space 43 through an inflow hole 2424 formed in the second heater casing 242.

The inflow paths P1 and P2 may include a first path P1 and a second path P2. The second path P2 may communicate with the insertion space 43. The second path P2 may extend from the lower side of the insertion space 43 in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The first path P1 may communicate with the second path P2. The first path P1 may extend from one end of the second path P2 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The first path P1 may communicate with the outside of the body casing 111. Outside air of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be introduced into the body 10 through a gap formed in the body 10, may pass through the first path P1 and the second path P2, and may flow into the insertion space 43 through the inflow hole 2424. In other words, the direction from the bottom of the insertion space 43 toward the top of the insertion space 43 may be defined as a direction from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

The stick 2 may be inserted into the insertion space 43. The stick 2 may be inserted up to a stopper 2421 formed at the lower end of the insertion space 43. The stick 2 may be inserted into the insertion space 43 from one end of the aerosol base portion 510. With the stick 2 inserted into the insertion space 43, the aerosol base portion 510, the medium portion 520, the cooling portion 530, and the filter portion 540 may be sequentially disposed in the insertion space 43 from below or the upstream side.

A puff sensor 132 may be disposed on one side of each of the inflow paths P1 and P2. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the inflow paths P1 and P2 or change in the internal pressure. The puff sensor 132 may output a signal corresponding to the user's puff. The puff sensor 132 may communicate with the inflow paths P1 and P2 and the insertion space 43. The puff sensor 132 may be disposed so as to face the inflow paths P1 and P2. In the radial direction of the insertion space 43, the puff sensor 312 may be disposed on the outer side of the thermal insulator 400.

The inflow paths P1 and P2 may be disposed adjacent to the heater 18 inside the body casing 111. The first path P1 may be disposed adjacent to the heater casings 241 and 242. The inflow paths P1 and P2 may be at least partially disposed on the inner side of the thermal insulator 400. The thermal insulator 400 may surround at least a portion of the outer side of each of the inflow paths P1 and P2.

Outside air introduced through the inflow paths P1 and P2 may be heated by heat generated from the heater 18. The outside air heated in the inflow paths P1 and P2 may be introduced into the insertion space 43, and may flow into the stick 2 through one end of the stick 2 received in the insertion space 43.

As described above, because the inflow paths P1 and P2 are disposed inside the thermal insulator 400, outside air introduced into the insertion space 43 may be effectively heated.

In addition, because the puff sensor 132 is disposed outside the thermal insulator 400, heating of the puff sensor 132 by heat generated from the heater 18 may be minimized.

At least one heat dissipator 300 may be disposed in the body 10. The heat dissipator 300 may surround the outer side of the body casing 111 coupled to the body 10 inside the body 10. The heat dissipator 300 may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the heater 18 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. The heat dissipator 300 may extend to be longer than the heater 18 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43. The heat dissipator 300 may include a material having excellent heat absorption and heat diffusion capabilities. For example, the heat dissipator 300 may include at least one of graphite, a metal compound, or an aerogel.

Accordingly, transfer of heat generated from the heater 18 to the outer circumferential surface of the body 10 may be minimized by the thermal insulator 400. Further, even if a certain amount of heat is transferred to the body 10, the transferred heat may be evenly diffused to a broad area of the body 10 by the heat dissipator 300.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the stick is inserted into the heater according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the stick 2 may be inserted into the insertion space 43. The upstream end of the stick 2 may be supported by the stopper 2421 in the insertion space 43. The downstream end of the stick 2 may be exposed outside the insertion space 43. The aerosol base portion 510 and the medium portion 520 of the stick 2 may be received in the insertion space 43. The cooling portion 530 of the stick 2 may be at least partially received in the insertion space 43.

One end of the electrically conductive track 220 may be aligned with one end of the medium portion 520. For example, with the stick 2 received in the insertion space 43, the upper end or the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 may be aligned with the upper end or the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. For example, with the stick 2 received in the insertion space 43, the upper end or the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 may be disposed at the same height as the upper end or the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

One end of the susceptor 210 may be aligned with one end of the electrically conductive track 220 or one end of the medium portion 520. For example, with the stick 2 received in the insertion space 43, the upper end or the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210 may be aligned with the upper end or the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. For example, with the stick 2 received in the insertion space 43, the upper end or the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210 may be aligned with the upper end or the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

The susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220 may surround the outer side of the medium portion 520 of the stick 2. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the length Ls of the susceptor 210 and the length Lh of the electrically conductive track 220 may be greater than the length L2 of the medium portion 520. The outer surface of the medium portion 520 may be entirely surrounded by the susceptor 210 or the electrically conductive track 220.

FIG. 10 is a graph indicating comparison between heating temperatures depending on the arrangement structure of the electrically conductive track and the susceptor according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 10, each graph indicates the heating temperature of the downstream end of the medium portion of the stick depending on the degree of spacing between the downstream end of the electrically conductive track and the downstream end of the susceptor. Each graph shows a result obtained in the state in which the medium portion of the stick is aligned with the downstream end of the susceptor.

Referring to FIG. 10 together with FIG. 9, when the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is aligned with the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210, as the electrically conductive track 220 generates heat, the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520 of the stick 2 is heated to a first temperature T1 (1010 in FIG. 10).

Meanwhile, when the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is spaced apart from the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210 by 2 mm in the downward direction or toward the upstream side, as the electrically conductive track 220 generates heat, the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520 of the stick 2 is heated to a second temperature T2 lower than the first temperature T1 (1020 in FIG. 10).

In addition, when the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is spaced apart from the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210 by 4 mm in the downward direction or toward the upstream side, as the electrically conductive track 220 generates heat, the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520 of the stick 2 is heated to a third temperature T3 lower than the second temperature T2 (1030 in FIG. 10).

When the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is aligned with the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210, the medium portion 520 may be heated to a higher temperature than when the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is not aligned with the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210.

In this case, a relatively small amount of power may be required to heat the medium portion 520 to a set temperature, and heat transfer efficiency or heating efficiency may be increased. In addition, because the amount of heat transferred outside the electrically conductive track 220 is reduced, components disposed adjacent to the heater 18 may operate more stably, and the outside temperature of the device 1 may be lowered.

FIG. 11 is a graph indicating comparison between the amounts of nicotine vapor depending on arrangement of the electrically conductive track and the medium portion according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 11, each graph indicates the amount of nicotine vapor generated per puff depending on the degree of spacing between the downstream end of the electrically conductive track and the downstream end of the medium portion. Each graph shows a result obtained in the state in which the medium portion of the stick is aligned with the downstream end of the susceptor.

Referring to FIG. 11 together with FIG. 9, when the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is aligned with the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520, the amount of nicotine vapor generated per puff increases from the first puff to the third puff, and after the third puff, the amount of nicotine vapor generated per puff is maintained at an approximately constant level (1110 in FIG. 11).

Meanwhile, when the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is spaced apart from the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520 by 2 mm in the downward direction or toward the upstream side, the amount of nicotine vapor generated per puff increases from the first puff to the seventh puff, and after the seventh puff, the amount of nicotine vapor generated per puff is maintained at an approximately constant level (1120 in FIG. 11). It can be seen that the amount of nicotine vapor generated from the first puff to the seventh puff is smaller than when the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is aligned with the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520.

In addition, when the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is spaced apart from the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520 by 4 mm in the downward direction or toward the upstream side, the amount of nicotine vapor generated per puff increases from the first puff to the ninth puff, and after the ninth puff, the amount of nicotine vapor generated per puff is maintained at an approximately constant level (1130 in FIG. 11). It can be seen that the amount of nicotine vapor generated from the first puff to the ninth puff is smaller than when the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is aligned with the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520.

When the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is aligned with the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520, deviation in the amount of nicotine vapor generated per puff may be reduced compared to when the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 is not aligned with the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520. In addition, the amount of nicotine vapor generated during some initial puffs may be relatively large.

In this case, user satisfaction may be improved. In addition, a foreign sensation that the user may feel due to deviation in the amount of nicotine vapor generated per puff may be reduced.

Referring back to FIG. 9, the susceptor 210 may extend to be longer than the electrically conductive track 220. The length Ls of the susceptor 210 defined in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 may be greater than the length Lt of the electrically conductive track 220. In other words, the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210 may be aligned with the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220, and the upstream end 212 of the susceptor 210 may be disposed farther downward or closer to the upstream side than the upstream end 220b of the electrically conductive track 220.

The length Lt of the electrically conductive track 220 may be 0.7 to 0.9 times the length Ls of the susceptor 210. For example, the length Ls of the susceptor 210 may be 16.5 mm to 18.5 mm, and the length Lt of the electrically conductive track 220 may be 13 mm to 15 mm.

If the length Lt of the electrically conductive track 220 is less than 0.7 times the length Ls of the susceptor 210, heat may not be sufficiently transferred to a portion of the susceptor 210 that is not in contact with the electrically conductive track 220, and the aerosol base portion 510 disposed on the corresponding portion may not be heated to a temperature suitable for generation of moisturizer vapor. Accordingly, an insufficient amount of moisturizer vapor may be generated from the aerosol base portion 510.

If the length Lt of the electrically conductive track 220 is greater than 0.9 times the length Ls of the susceptor 210, an excessive amount of heat may be transferred to a portion of the susceptor 210 that is not in contact with the electrically conductive track 220, and the aerosol base portion 510 disposed on the corresponding portion may be heated to a temperature much higher than a temperature suitable for generation of moisturizer vapor. Accordingly, heating efficiency may be reduced.

The susceptor 210 may surround the outer side of the medium portion 520 of the stick 2 and may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the aerosol base portion 510. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the length Ls of the susceptor 210 may be less than the sum of the length L2 of the medium portion 520 and the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510. The outer surface of the aerosol base portion 510 may be partially surrounded by the susceptor 210. An upper portion of the outer surface of the aerosol base portion 510 may be surrounded by the susceptor 210, and a lower portion of the outer surface of the aerosol base portion 510 may not be surrounded by the susceptor 210. The upper portion of the outer surface of the aerosol base portion 510 may be in contact with the susceptor 210, and the lower portion of the outer surface of the aerosol base portion 510 may not be in contact with the susceptor 210.

For example, the length Ls1 of a portion of the susceptor 210 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 may be 0.5 to 0.7 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510. For example, the length Ls1 of the portion of the susceptor 210 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 may be 0.55 to 0.65 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510.

The susceptor 210 may transfer heat generated from the electrically conductive track 220 to the stick 2. The susceptor 210 may transfer heat generated from the electrically conductive track 220 to the medium portion 520 and the aerosol base portion 510 of the stick 2.

FIG. 12 is a graph indicating comparison between the amounts of moisturizer vapor depending on arrangement of the susceptor and the aerosol base portion according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 12, each graph indicates the amount of moisturizer vapor generated per puff depending on the length of the portion of the susceptor that surrounds the aerosol base portion. Each graph shows a result obtained in the state in which the medium portion of the stick is aligned with the downstream end of the susceptor.

Referring to FIG. 12 together with FIG. 9, when the length Ls1 of the portion of the susceptor 210 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 is about 0.6 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510, the amount of moisturizer vapor generated per puff gradually increases from the first puff to the seventh puff, and after the seventh puff, the amount of moisturizer vapor generated per puff is maintained at an approximately constant level (1210 in FIG. 12).

Meanwhile, when the length Ls1 of the portion of the susceptor 210 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 is about 0.4 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510, the amount of moisturizer vapor generated per puff gradually increases from the first puff to the sixth puff, and after the sixth puff, the amount of moisturizer vapor generated per puff gradually decreases (1220 in FIG. 12). It can be seen that the amount of moisturizer vapor increases relatively quickly during some initial puffs and decreases relatively quickly during some final puffs compared to when the length Ls1 of the portion of the susceptor 210 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 is about 0.6 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510.

In addition, when the length Ls1 of the portion of the susceptor 210 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 is about 0.8 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510, the amount of moisturizer vapor generated per puff hardly increases from the first puff to the fourth puff, and after the fourth puff, the amount of moisturizer vapor generated per puff gradually increases (1230 in FIG. 12). It can be seen that the amount of moisturizer vapor is relatively small during some initial puffs and increases relatively quickly during some final puffs compared to when the length Ls1 of the portion of the susceptor 210 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 is about 0.6 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510.

When the length Ls1 of the portion of the susceptor 210 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 is about 0.6 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510, deviation between the amounts of moisturizer vapor generated during some initial puffs and some final puffs may be smaller than when the length Ls1 of the portion of the susceptor 210 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 is about 0.4 or 0.8 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510.

In this case, user satisfaction may be improved. In addition, a foreign sensation that the user may feel due to deviation in the amount of moisturizer vapor generated per puff may be reduced.

Referring back to FIG. 9, the electrically conductive track 220 may surround the outer side of the medium portion 520 of the stick 2 and may surround at least a portion of the outer side of the aerosol base portion 510. In the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, the length Lh of the electrically conductive track 220 may be less than the sum of the length L2 of the medium portion 520 and the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510. The outer surface of the aerosol base portion 510 may be partially surrounded by the electrically conductive track 220. An upper portion of the outer surface of the aerosol base portion 510 may be surrounded by the electrically conductive track 220, and a lower portion of the outer surface of the aerosol base portion 510 may not be surrounded by the electrically conductive track 220.

For example, the length Lh1 of a portion of the electrically conductive track 220 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 may be 0.1 to 0.3 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510. For example, the length Lh1 of the portion of the electrically conductive track 220 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 may be 0.15 to 0.25 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510.

The electrically conductive track 220 may generate heat using power supplied thereto, and may transfer the heat to the stick 2 through the susceptor 210. The electrically conductive track 220 may transfer the heat to the medium portion 520 and the aerosol base portion 510 of the stick 2 through the susceptor 210.

If the length Lh1 of the portion of the electrically conductive track 220 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 is less than 0.1 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510, heat may not be sufficiently transferred to the aerosol base portion 510 through the susceptor 210, and the aerosol base portion 510 may not be heated to a temperature suitable for generation of moisturizer vapor. Accordingly, an insufficient amount of moisturizer vapor may be generated from the aerosol base portion 510.

If the length Lh1 of the portion of the electrically conductive track 220 that surrounds the aerosol base portion 510 is greater than 0.3 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510, an excessive amount of heat may be transferred to the aerosol base portion 510 through the susceptor 210, and the aerosol base portion 510 may be heated to a temperature much higher than a temperature suitable for generation of moisturizer vapor. Accordingly, heating efficiency may be reduced.

The cooling portion 530 may be disposed farther upward or closer to the downstream side than the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220. One end of the cooling portion 530 may be aligned with one end of the susceptor 210 or one end of the electrically conductive track 220. For example, with the stick 2 received in the insertion space 43, the upper end or the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 may be aligned with the lower end or the upstream end of the cooling portion 530 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. For example, with the stick 2 received in the insertion space 43, the upper end or the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210 may be aligned with the lower end or the upstream end of the cooling portion 530 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43. In other words, the cooling portion 530 may not be surrounded by the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220.

Accordingly, the moisturizer vapor and the nicotine vapor generated from the aerosol base portion 510 and the medium portion 520 may be cooled while passing through the cooling portion 530. In addition, it may be possible to prevent the cooling portion 530 from being deformed by heat transferred by the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220.

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because the downstream end of the electrically conductive track is aligned with the downstream end of the medium portion of the stick inserted into the insertion space, deviation in the amount of vapor generated per puff may be reduced.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because the downstream end of the susceptor is aligned with the downstream end of the electrically conductive track, the temperature to which the medium is heated may increase, and heat transfer efficiency may be improved.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because the susceptor surrounds the medium portion of the stick inserted into the insertion space and surrounds a portion of the aerosol base portion, deviation in the amount of vapor generated per puff may be reduced.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because the electrically conductive track surrounds the medium portion of the stick inserted into the insertion space and surrounds a portion of the aerosol base portion, the amount of vapor generated may be increased.

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 providing an elongated insertion space 43, a stick 2 provided therein with a medium portion 520 and being inserted into the insertion space 43, a susceptor 210 surrounding the insertion space 43 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43, and an electrically conductive track 220 surrounding the susceptor 210 and configured to heat the susceptor 210 and the insertion space 43. The electrically conductive track 220 may have a downstream end 220a aligned, in the radial direction of the insertion space 43, with the downstream end 521 of the medium portion 520 of the stick 2 inserted into the insertion space 43.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the downstream end 220a of the electrically conductive track 220 may be aligned with the downstream end 211 of the susceptor 210 in the radial direction of the insertion space 43.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the length Ls of the susceptor 210 defined in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 may be greater than the length Lt of the electrically conductive track 220.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the length Lt of the electrically conductive track 220 may be 0.7 to 0.9 times the length Ls of the susceptor 210.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick 2 may include an aerosol base portion 510 disposed upstream of the medium portion 520, and the susceptor 210 may extend to be longer than the medium portion 520 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 and may surround the medium portion 520 and at least a portion of the aerosol base portion 510.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the length Ls of the susceptor 210 may be less than the sum of the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510 and the length L2 of the medium portion 520.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the length Ls1 of the portion of the susceptor 210 surrounding the aerosol base portion 510 may be 0.5 to 0.7 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick 2 may include an aerosol base portion 510 disposed upstream of the medium portion 520, and the electrically conductive track 220 may extend to be longer than the medium portion 520 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43 and may surround the medium portion 520 and at least a portion of the aerosol base portion 510.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the length Lh1 of the portion of the electrically conductive track 220 surrounding the aerosol base portion 510 may be 0.1 to 0.3 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the stick 2 may include an aerosol base portion 510 disposed upstream of the medium portion 520 and a cooling portion 530 disposed downstream of the medium portion 520, and the cooling portion 530 of the stick 2 inserted into the insertion space 43 may be disposed downstream of the susceptor 210 and the electrically conductive track 220 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion space 43.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the length L2 of the medium portion 520 may be greater than the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the length L2 of the medium portion 520 may be 1.1 to 1.3 times the length L1 of the aerosol base portion 510.

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.