AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0090857, filed on Jul. 10, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device.

2. Description of the Related Art

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

In a cartridge-replaceable aerosol-generating device, one side of a body that is coupled to a cartridge may have an open structure. In a state in which the cartridge is assembled with the body, a user may inhale an aerosol through a mouthpiece formed in the cartridge. As the device is operated, a clearance may occur at a portion where the cartridge is coupled to the body, or the cartridge may shake relative to the body. In this case, the cartridge may become detached from the body, or damage may occur to the cartridge or the body. Furthermore, operational inconvenience may occur.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a body is provided with a rib that protrudes inward and extends in one direction and a cartridge includes a slit formed in the side surface thereof, whereby the cartridge is assembled with the body by engagement between the rib and the slit.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a guide groove is formed in the side surface of the body and the rib extends in the extending direction of the guide groove and is disposed adjacent to the guide groove.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a rib groove is formed in an upper side of the rib and a support protrusion is provided in the slit in the cartridge, so that the cartridge and the body are supported by the rib groove and the support protrusion.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which a fixing groove is formed in an inner surface of the body and a fixing protrusion is provided on a side surface of the cartridge, so that the cartridge and the body are supported by the fixing groove and the fixing protrusion.

It is still another object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating device in which the rib extends in a direction in which a mouthpiece provided at one side of the cartridge protrudes.

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 formed to be elongated and including an opening formed in one end thereof in a longitudinal direction, a cartridge accommodated in an accommodation space in the body through the opening, a guide groove formed by a portion of a side surface of the body being open and extending from the opening in the longitudinal direction of the body, a slit formed by a portion of a side surface of the cartridge, accommodated in the accommodation space, being recessed, and a rib protruding inward from the body and engaged with the slit, wherein the rib extends in the extending direction of the guide groove and is positioned adjacent to the guide groove in the circumferential direction of the body.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIGS. 1 and 2 are views showing an aerosol-generating device according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an opening in the body of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from side;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cartridge of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from below;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a rib of the body of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a view showing a slit in the cartridge of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from above; and

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a body 10 and a cartridge 19. The aerosol-generating device 1 may include at least one of a power supply 11, a controller 12, or a sensor 13. At least one of the power supply 11, the controller 12, or the sensor 13 may be disposed inside the body 10. The cartridge 19, which is an aerosol-generating article, may be mounted to the body 10. A user may inhale an aerosol by holding a mouthpiece provided at one end of the cartridge 19 in the mouth.

The cartridge 19 may contain an aerosol-generating substance in an internal chamber CO. The aerosol-generating substance may be in the form of liquid, solid, gas, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing substance that contains a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid including a non-tobacco substance.

The cartridge 19 may be assembled with the body 10. The cartridge 19 may be inserted into the body 10 and mounted thereto. The cartridge 19 may be detachably assembled with the body 10. Alternatively, the cartridge 19 may be integrally formed with the body 10.

The body 10 may be configured to allow external air to be introduced into the body 10 while the cartridge 19 is assembled therewith. The external air introduced into the body 10 may flow through the cartridge 19 and then flow toward the user's mouth via an airflow channel CN.

The cartridge 19 may include a chamber C0 configured to contain an aerosol-generating substance. A liquid delivery part 25 impregnated with (containing) the aerosol-generating substance may be disposed in the chamber C0. The liquid delivery part 25 may include a wick formed of, for example, cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

A heater 24 may be disposed in the cartridge 19 or the body 10. Although the heater 24 is illustrated in the drawings as being disposed in the cartridge 19, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The heater 24 may be disposed in the body 10.

The heater 24 may be disposed to be separable from the body 10 and/or the cartridge

19. For example, the heater 24 may be disposed in the body 10 to be separable from the cartridge 19. Alternatively, the heater 24 may be disposed in a separate heater structure, and the heater structure may be detachably coupled to at least one of the body 10 or the cartridge 19.

An electrically conductive track of the heater 24 may be formed in a coil shape wound around the liquid delivery part 25 or in a structure contacting one side of the liquid delivery part 25.

The heater 24 may generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery part 25 is heated by the heater 24, an aerosol may be generated. The generated aerosol may be introduced into the user's mouth through the airflow channel CN.

The airflow channel CN may be provided in the cartridge 19. The airflow channel CN may allow the chamber in which the heater 24 or the liquid delivery part 25 is disposed to communicate with the outside of the cartridge 19. One end of the airflow channel CN may be open to the chamber in which the heater 24 or the liquid delivery part 25 is disposed, and the other end thereof may be in communication with a mouthpiece. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the airflow channel CN may be elongated from one side of the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the airflow channel CN may be elongated through the chamber C0 of the cartridge 19 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 19.

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

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

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

The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, or a movement detection sensor. For example, the sensor 13 may detect at least one of the temperature of the heater 24, the temperature of the power supply 11, or the internal/external temperature of the body 10. For example, the sensor 13 may detect a user puff. For example, the sensor 13 may detect whether the cartridge 19 is mounted. For example, the sensor 13 may detect movement of the aerosol-generating device 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a first housing A101, a second housing A201, and a third housing A301.

The first housing A101, the second housing A201, and the third housing A301 may define an external appearance of the aerosol-generating device 1. The first housing A101, the second housing A201, and the third housing A301 may accommodate other components of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may protect the same from the external environment. At least one of the first housing A101, the second housing A201, or the third housing A301 may be detachably assembled with the other housings.

The first housing A101 may be a main body. The first housing A101 may accommodate at least one of a battery (e.g., the power supply 11) or a controller (e.g., the controller 12). The second housing A201 may be a heater assembly. The second housing A201 may accommodate at least one of a heater (e.g., the heater 24) or a wick (e.g., the liquid delivery part 25). The third housing A301 may be a cartridge (e.g., the cartridge 19). The third housing A301 may include at least one of a storage chamber (e.g., the chamber C0) or an airflow channel (e.g., the airflow channel CN).

A mouthpiece A330 may be disposed at one side of the third housing A301. The mouthpiece A330 may include a suction port A335 that is in communication with the outside of the third housing A301.

A cover A102 may surround at least a portion of the outer circumferential surfaces of the first to third housings A101, A201, and A301. The cover A102 may be bent in the circumferential direction of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may have a space defined therein. One side of the cover A102 may be open, and the open side may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device 1 or the vertical direction. The coupling of the first to third housings A101, A201, and A301 may be guided by the opening in the cover A102. The cover A102 may be integrally formed with the first housing A101, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The cover A102 may alternatively be detachably coupled to the first housing A101.

The first housing A101, the second housing A201, and the third housing A301 may be replaceable independently of one another. The user may separately replace at least one of the first housing A101, the second housing A201, or the third housing A301.

For example, a consumption cycle of the aerosol-generating substance stored in the third housing A301 may be shorter than a replacement cycle of the second housing A201. While the third housing A301 is replaced multiple times, the second housing A201 may be replaced only once. For example, the first housing A101 may be used without replacement.

Accordingly, a replacement cost of some components of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be reduced.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge 500 and a body 400 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol-generating device 1 may include a body 400 (e.g., the first housing A101, the second housing A201, and the cover A102) and a cartridge 500 (e.g., the third housing A301).

The body 400 may accommodate other components of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may protect the same from the external environment. The body 400 may accommodate at least one of a battery (e.g., the battery 11) or a controller (e.g., the controller 12). The body 400 may accommodate at least one of a heater (e.g., the heater 24) or a wick (e.g., the wick 25).

The body 400 may include a body housing 410 (e.g., the cover A102). The body housing 410 may define the external appearance of the aerosol-generating device 1. The body housing 410 may be bent in the circumferential direction of the aerosol-generating device 1 and may have an accommodation space 411 defined therein. The body housing 410 may be elongated in one direction (e.g., the z-direction). One end of the body housing 410 in the longitudinal direction may be open. An opening 413 may be in communication with the accommodation space 411.

The body 400 may include a guide groove 412. The guide groove 412 may be formed by a portion of a side surface of the body housing 410 being open. The guide groove 412 may be in communication with the opening 413 in the body housing 410 and may be elongated from the opening 413 in the longitudinal direction of the body 400 or the body housing 410.

The cartridge 500 may be detachably assembled with the body 400. The cartridge 500 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 411 through the opening 413 in the body housing 410. The cartridge 500 may be assembled with the body 400 in the longitudinal direction of the body 400 or the body housing 410. A mouthpiece 530 (e.g., the mouthpiece A330) may be disposed at one side of the cartridge 500. The mouthpiece 530 may include a suction port 535 (e.g., the suction port A335) in communication with the outside of the cartridge 500. The cartridge 500 may be replaceable.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the opening 413 in the body 400 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from side, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cartridge 500 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from below.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the body 400 may be provided with a rib 420. The rib 420 may protrude from the body housing 410 toward the interior of the body 400. The rib 420 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the body housing 410 or the extending direction of the guide groove 412. In the longitudinal direction of the body housing 410, the upper end of the rib 420 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 413 in the body housing 410. In the circumferential direction of the body 400 or the body housing 410, the rib 420 may be disposed adjacent to the guide groove 412.

The cartridge 500 may include a slit 570. The slit 570 may be referred to as a sliding groove. The slit 570 may be formed by a portion of a side surface of the cartridge 500 being recessed inward. The slit 570 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500. The slit 570 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the rib 420. The cartridge 500 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 411 in the body housing 410 through the opening 413 in the body housing 410. When the cartridge 500 is assembled with the body housing 410, the upper end of the rib 420 may be inserted into the slit 570 through the lower end of the slit 570. The rib 420 may be engaged with the slit 570 while sliding along the slit 570.

The body 400 may be provided with a plurality of ribs 420. The ribs 420 may include a first rib 421 and a second rib 422. The first rib 421 may be disposed adjacent to one side of the guide groove 412 in the circumferential direction of the body housing 410. The first rib 421 may be elongated in the direction in which the guide groove 412 extends. The first rib 421 may be elongated along the guide groove 412 at one of the two opposite ends of the body housing 410 that face the guide groove 412. The second rib 422 may be disposed adjacent to the other side of the guide groove 412 in the circumferential direction of the body housing 410. The second rib 422 may be elongated in the direction in which the guide groove 412 extends. The second rib 422 may be elongated along the guide groove 412 at the other of the two opposite ends of the body housing 410 that face the guide groove 412.

The cartridge 500 may be provided with a plurality of slits 570. The slits 570 may include a first slit 571 and a second slit 572 (see FIGS. 8 to 10). The first slit 571 and the second slit 572 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500. The first slit 571 and the second slit 572 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500. The first slit 571 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first rib 421. The first slit 571 may be engaged with the first rib 421. The second slit 572 may be formed at a position corresponding to the second rib 422. The second slit 572 may be engaged with the second rib 422.

As described above, because the body 400 is provided with the rib 420 that protrudes inward and extends in one direction and the cartridge 500 includes the slit 570 formed in the side surface thereof, the cartridge 500 may be assembled with the body 400 by the engagement between the rib 420 and the slit 570, thereby preventing the occurrence of a clearance between the cartridge 500 and the body 400.

In addition, because the guide groove 412 is formed in the side surface of the body 400 and the rib 420 extends in the extending direction of the guide groove 412 and is disposed adjacent to the guide groove 412, the body 400 and the cartridge 500 may be securely assembled with each other in a region around the guide groove 412, in which a clearance is likely to occur.

The cartridge 500 may include a cartridge body 510 and a guide body 520. The cartridge body 510 may contain at least one of a storage chamber 527 (see FIGS. 9 and 10), an airflow channel 531 (see FIGS. 9 and 10), an aerosol passage 540, or an absorbent member 550. The storage chamber 527 may store an aerosol-generating substance. The airflow channel 531 may be in communication with the suction port 535 and the aerosol passage 540. The absorbent member 550 may be disposed below the storage chamber 527. The absorbent member 550 may absorb the aerosol-generating substance in the storage chamber 527. At least a portion of the absorbent member 550 may be exposed to the outside through a hole formed in the lower side of the cartridge body 510. In a state in which the cartridge 500 is assembled with the body 400, the absorbent member 550 may be in contact with a wick (not shown) (e.g., the wick 25) provided in the body 400. One end of the aerosol passage 540 may be exposed to the outside through a hole formed in the lower side of the cartridge body 510. The aerosol passage 540 may be in communication with an aerosol passage provided in the body 400, and an aerosol generated in an atomization chamber (not shown) provided in the body 400 may flow through the aerosol passage 540.

The guide body 520 may protrude outward from the side surface of the cartridge body 510. The guide body 520 may be bent in an outwardly convex shape. The guide body 520 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500. At least a portion of the storage chamber 527 may be disposed in the guide body 520.

Boundaries between the guide body 520 and the cartridge body 510 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500 on both sides of the guide body 520. The guide body 520 may be integrally formed with the cartridge body 510. When the cartridge 500 is assembled with the body housing 410, the guide body 520 may be inserted into the guide groove 412. The guide body 520 may protrude outward from the body housing 410 through the guide groove 412. The guide body 520 may be coupled to the guide groove 412 while sliding along the guide groove 412. At least a portion of the convexly bent outer surface of the guide body 520 may include a transparent material. The user may check a remaining amount of the aerosol-generating substance stored in the storage chamber 527 through the outer surface of the guide body 520 protruding outward through the guide groove 412.

The slit 570 may be positioned adjacent to the boundaries between the cartridge body 510 and the guide body 520. The first slit 571 may be elongated along one of the boundaries between the cartridge body 510 and the guide body 520. The second slit 572 may be elongated along the other of the boundaries between the cartridge body 510 and the guide body 520.

The mouthpiece 530 may be disposed at one side of the cartridge 500. The mouthpiece 530 may cover at least part of the upper portion of the cartridge body 510 and/or the guide body 520. The mouthpiece 530 may extend in the direction in which the guide body 520 extends. A portion of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 530 may be convexly bent. The convexly bent portion of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 530 may be connected to the convexly bent outer surface of the guide body 520. The mouthpiece 530 may be integrally formed with the cartridge body 510 and the guide body 520.

The rib 420 may extend in the protruding direction of the mouthpiece 530 or in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500. That is, the extending direction of the rib 420 may correspond to the protruding direction of the mouthpiece 530.

The user may inhale an aerosol by holding the mouthpiece 530 in the mouth. During the inhalation of the aerosol by the user, external force may be applied to the cartridge 500 and the body 400 through the mouthpiece 530 by the user. Because the rib 420 is elongated in a direction corresponding to the protruding direction of the mouthpiece 530, it may be possible to prevent the cartridge 500 from shaking or a clearance from occurring between the cartridge 500 and the body 400 due to the external force applied through the mouthpiece 530.

A guide protrusion 521 may be provided on one side of the guide body 520. The guide protrusion 521 may protrude outward in a convex shape from the convexly bent portion of the guide body 520. The guide protrusion 521 may include a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500. When the cartridge 500 is assembled with the body 400, the guide protrusion 521 may protrude outward from the guide groove 412.

In a state in which the lower end of the cartridge 500 is inserted into the opening 413 in the body housing 410, the user may push the guide protrusion 521 so that the cartridge 500 slides into the body housing 410. Accordingly, the user may easily assemble the cartridge 500 with the body 400, and user convenience may be improved.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the rib 420 of the body 400 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 8 is a view showing the slit 570 in the cartridge 500 of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the aerosol-generating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from above. FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the aerosol-generating device 1 taken along line AA in FIG. 4, and FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of the aerosol-generating device 1 taken along line BB in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, rib grooves 423 and 424 may be formed in the rib 420. The rib grooves 423 and 424 may be formed by a portion of the rib 420 being recessed in the outward direction of the body 400. The rib grooves 423 and 424 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 413 in the body 400. The rib grooves 423 and 424 may be spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the rib 420 that is adjacent to the opening 413. In the longitudinal direction of the rib 420, the rib grooves 423 and 424 may be disposed closer to one end of the rib 420 than to the other end of the rib 420. The rib grooves 423 and 424 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the body housing 410 or the longitudinal direction of the rib 420. The rib grooves 423 and 424 may have a shape in which both ends thereof are inclinedly recessed in the longitudinal direction of the rib 420. The rib grooves 423 and 424 may be formed in the respective ribs 420. The rib grooves 423 and 424 may include a first rib groove 423 formed in the first rib 421 and a second rib groove 424 formed in the second rib 422. The first rib groove 423 and the second rib groove 424 may be disposed at positions overlapping each other in the circumferential direction of the body housing 410 or the width direction of the rib 420. The first rib groove 423 and the second rib groove 424 may be disposed at substantially the same position in the longitudinal direction of the body housing 410 or the longitudinal direction of the rib 420.

Support protrusions 573 and 574 may be formed in the slit 570. The support protrusions 573 and 574 may protrude outward from the side surface of the cartridge 500. The support protrusions 573 and 574 may be disposed in the slit 570. The support protrusions 573 and 574 may protrude outward from the recessed surface of the slit 570. The support protrusions 573 and 574 may have a shape corresponding to the rib grooves 423 and 424. The support protrusions 573 and 574 may be disposed adjacent to an upper surface 511 of the cartridge 500. In the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500 or the longitudinal direction of the slit 570, the support protrusions 573 and 574 may be disposed closer to one end of the slit 570 adjacent to the upper surface 511 than to the other end of the slit 570. The support protrusions 573 and 574 may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500 or the longitudinal direction of the slit 570. In the longitudinal direction of the slit 570, the support protrusions 573 and 574 may have a shape in which both ends thereof are inclinedly curved. The support protrusions 573 and 574 may be provided in the respective slits 570. The support protrusions 573 and 574 may include a first support protrusion 573 provided in the first slit 571 and a second support protrusion 574 provided in the second slit 572. The first support protrusion 573 and the second support protrusion 574 may be disposed at positions overlapping each other in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500 or the width direction of the slit 570. The first support protrusion 573 and the second support protrusion 574 may be disposed at substantially the same position in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500 or the longitudinal direction of the slit 570.

The support protrusions 573 and 574 may be engaged with the rib grooves 423 and 424. When the cartridge 500 is assembled with the body housing 410, the rib 420 may be inserted into and slide along the slit 570. One end of the rib 420 may be inserted to a position adjacent to one end of the slit 570 or may come into contact with one end of the slit 570. In this case, the rib grooves 423 and 424 disposed adjacent to one end of the rib 420 may be engaged with the support protrusions 573 and 574 disposed adjacent to one end of the slit 570.

The support protrusions 573 and 574 and the rib grooves 423 and 424 may be formed to be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500 and in the longitudinal direction of the body housing 410, respectively, and may be engaged with each other at a position adjacent to the opening 413 in the body 400.

Accordingly, the cartridge 500 and the body 400 may be firmly supported at a position adjacent to the opening 413 in the body 400, and the occurrence of a clearance between the cartridge 500 and the body 400 may be prevented.

In addition, because the support protrusions 573 and 574 and the rib grooves 423 and 424 are engaged with each other at a position adjacent to the opening 413 in the body 400, the support protrusions 573 and 574 may come into contact with the rib 420 during sliding of the rib 420 in the slit 570, thereby minimizing separation of the rib 420 from the slit 570.

The slit 570 may include first ends 5711 and 5721 and second ends 5712 and 5722. The first ends 5711 and 5721 of the slit 570 may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of the cartridge 500. The first ends 5711 and 5721 may be covered by the upper surface 511 of the cartridge 500. The second ends 5712 and 5722 of the slit 570 may be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the cartridge 500. The second ends 5712 and 5722 may be open toward the lower end of the cartridge 500. At the second ends 5712 and 5722, the width of the slit 570 may gradually increase toward the lower side.

Because the first ends 5711 and 5721 of the slit 570, which are positioned on the upper side of the slit 570, are covered by the upper surface 511 of the cartridge 500, the aesthetic completeness of the aerosol-generating device 1 may be improved in the state in which the cartridge 500 is assembled with the body 400.

In addition, because the width of the slit 570 gradually increases toward the lower side at the second ends 5712 and 5722 of the slit 570, which are positioned on the lower side of the slit 570, insertion of the rib 420 into the slit 570 may be guided, thereby improving user convenience in assembling the cartridge 500 with the body 400.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, a fixing groove 430 may be formed in the body housing 410. The fixing groove 430 may be formed by a portion of the inner surface of the body housing 410 being recessed in the outward direction of the body housing 410. The fixing groove 430 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 413 in the body 400. In the longitudinal direction of the body housing 410, the fixing groove 430 may be disposed closer to one end of the body housing 410 at which the opening 413 is formed than to the other end of the body housing 410. The fixing groove 430 may be elongated in the circumferential direction of the body housing 410. The fixing groove 430 may have a shape in which both ends thereof are inclinedly recessed in the circumferential direction of the body housing 410. The fixing groove 430 may be provided in plural. The fixing groove 430 may include a plurality of fixing grooves 431, 432, 433, and 434 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the body housing 410. The fixing groove 430 may be spaced apart from the rib grooves 423 and 424 in the circumferential direction of the body housing 410. For example, the fixing groove 430 may include a first fixing groove 431 disposed adjacent to the first rib groove 423 and a second fixing groove 432 disposed adjacent to the second rib groove 424. For example, the fixing groove 430 may further include a third fixing groove 433 and a fourth fixing groove 434, which are disposed between the first fixing groove 431 and the second fixing groove 432 in the circumferential direction of the body housing 410.

A fixing protrusion 560 may be formed on the cartridge 500. The fixing protrusion 560 may protrude outward from the side surface of the cartridge 500. The fixing protrusion 560 may have a shape corresponding to the fixing groove 430. The fixing protrusion 560 may be disposed adjacent to the upper surface 511 of the cartridge 500. The fixing protrusion 560 may be elongated in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500. The fixing protrusion 560 may have a shape in which both ends thereof are inclinedly curved in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500. The fixing protrusion 560 may be provided in plural. The fixing protrusion 560 may include a plurality of fixing protrusions 561, 562, 563, and 564 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500. The fixing protrusion 560 may be spaced apart from the slit 570 and/or the support protrusions 573 and 574 in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500. For example, the fixing protrusion 560 may include a first fixing protrusion 561 disposed adjacent to the first slit 571 and/or the first support protrusion 573 and a second fixing protrusion 562 disposed adjacent to the second slit 572 and/or the second support protrusion 574. For example, the fixing protrusion 560 may further include a third fixing protrusion 563 and a fourth fixing protrusion 564, which are disposed between the first fixing protrusion 561 and the second fixing protrusion 562 in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500. The plurality of fixing protrusions 561, 562, 563, and 564 may be engaged with the plurality of fixing grooves 431, 432, 433, and 434, respectively.

The fixing protrusion 560 and the fixing groove 430 may be formed to be elongated in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500 and in the circumferential direction of the body housing 410, respectively, and may be engaged with each other at a position adjacent to the opening 413 in the body 400.

Accordingly, the cartridge 500 and the body 400 may be firmly assembled with each other, and the occurrence of a clearance between the cartridge 500 and the body 400 may be prevented.

The rib grooves 423 and 424 and the fixing groove 430 may extend in directions intersecting each other. The support protrusions 573 and 574 and the fixing protrusion 560 may extend in directions intersecting each other. In the longitudinal direction of the body housing 410, the rib grooves 423 and 424 may be positioned closer to the opening 413 in the body housing 410 than the fixing groove 430. In the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500, the support protrusions 573 and 574 may be positioned closer to the upper surface 511 of the cartridge 500 than the fixing protrusion 560.

Because the rib grooves 423 and 424 and the fixing groove 430 extend in directions intersecting each other and are engaged with the support protrusions 573 and 574 and the fixing protrusion 560 of the cartridge 500, respectively, the body 400 and the cartridge 500 may be firmly assembled with each other even when external force is applied thereto in various directions, and the occurrence of a clearance between the body 400 and the cartridge 500 may be prevented.

In addition, because the rib grooves 423 and 424 are disposed closer to the opening 413 in the body housing 410 than the fixing groove 430 and extend in the extending direction of the guide groove 412, the occurrence of a clearance around the opening 413 and the guide groove 412 in the body housing 410 may be more effectively prevented.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the aerosol-generating device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Although not shown in FIG. 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 such as a USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

The controller 12 may control overall operation of the aerosol-generating device 1. In an embodiment, the controller 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The controller 12 may calculate the remaining amount of 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As described above, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because the body is provided with the rib that protrudes inward and extends in one direction and the cartridge includes the slit formed in the side surface thereof, the cartridge may be assembled with the body by engagement between the rib and the slit. Accordingly, the occurrence of a clearance between the cartridge and the body may be prevented by the rib and the slit.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because the guide groove is formed in the side surface of the body and the rib extends in the extending direction of the guide groove and is disposed adjacent to the guide groove, the body and the cartridge may be firmly assembled with each other in a region around the guide groove, in which a clearance is likely to occur.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because the rib groove is formed in the upper side of the rib and the support protrusion is provided in the slit in the cartridge, the cartridge and the body may be supported by the rib groove and the support protrusion. Accordingly, the occurrence of a clearance between the cartridge and the body may be prevented.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because the fixing groove is formed in the inner surface of the body and the fixing protrusion is provided on the side surface of the cartridge, the cartridge and the body may be supported by the fixing groove and the fixing protrusion. Accordingly, the occurrence of a clearance between the cartridge and the body may be prevented.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, because the rib extends in a direction in which the mouthpiece provided at one side of the cartridge protrudes, it may be possible to prevent a clearance from occurring between the cartridge and the body due to external force applied to the cartridge through the mouthpiece.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, an aerosol-generating device 1 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body 400 formed to be elongated and including an opening 413 formed in one end thereof in a longitudinal direction, a cartridge 500 accommodated in an accommodation space 411 in the body 400 through the opening 413, a guide groove 412 formed by a portion of a side surface of the body 400 being open and extending from the opening 413 in the longitudinal direction of the body 400, a slit formed by a portion of a side surface of the cartridge 500, accommodated in the accommodation space 411, being recessed, and a rib 420 protruding inward from the body 400 and engaged with the slit 570. The rib 420 may extend in the extending direction of the guide groove 412 and may be positioned adjacent to the guide groove 412 in the circumferential direction of the body 400.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the rib 420 may include a first rib 421 disposed adjacent to one side of the guide groove 412 in the circumferential direction of the body 400 and a second rib 422 disposed adjacent to the opposite side of the guide groove 412 in the circumferential direction of the body 400 and facing the first rib 422, and the slit 570 may include a first slit 571 engaged with the first rib 421 and a second slit 572 engaged with the second rib 422.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the cartridge 500 may include a cartridge body 510 having a storage chamber 527 provided therein and a guide body 520 protruding outward from a side surface of the cartridge body 510, extending in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500, and coupled to the guide groove 412.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the slit 570 may be elongated along a boundary between the cartridge body 510 and the guide body 520 and may be positioned adjacent to the boundary.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include a rib groove 423 or 424 formed by a portion of the rib 420 being recessed in the outward direction of the body 400 and disposed adjacent to the opening 413.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include a support protrusion 573 or 574 formed in the slit 570, protruding outward from a side surface of the cartridge 500, and engaged with the rib groove 423 or 424.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the rib groove 423 or 424 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 400, and the support protrusion 573 or 574 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 500.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include a fixing groove 430 formed by a portion of an inner surface of the body 400 being recessed and extending in the circumferential direction of the body 400 and a fixing protrusion 560 protruding outward from a side surface of the cartridge 500, extending in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 500, and engaged with the fixing groove 430.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the fixing groove 430 may include a plurality of fixing grooves 431, 432, 433, and 434 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the body 400, and the fixing protrusion 560 may include a plurality of fixing protrusions 561, 562, 563, and 564 engaged with each of the plurality of fixing grooves.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, in the longitudinal direction of the body 400, the rib groove 423 or 424 may be positioned closer to the opening 413 than the fixing groove 430.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the rib groove 423 or 424 may be spaced apart from the fixing groove 430 in the circumferential direction of the body 400.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the extending direction of the rib groove 423 or 424 may intersect with the extending direction of the fixing groove 430.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the slit 570 may include a first end 5711 or 5721 positioned adjacent to the upper end of the cartridge 500 and covered by an upper surface 511 of the cartridge 500 and a second end 5712 or 5722 formed to be open toward the lower end of the cartridge 500 and having a width gradually increasing toward a lower side.

In addition, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating device may include a mouthpiece 530 protruding from one side of the cartridge 500 and having a suction port 535 provided therein, and the extending direction of the rib 420 may correspond to the protruding direction of the mouthpiece 530.

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.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.