AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE AND COUPLING DEVICE FOR AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0094408, filed on Jul. 17, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device and a coupling device for the aerosol generating device, in which a coupling force between an aerosol generating device body and a cap is improved, and a user is enabled to easily separate or couple the aerosol generating device body from or to the cap.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for an alternative method of overcoming disadvantages of general cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating a cigarette (or an “aerosol-generating article”) using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning the cigarette.

According to an example, an aerosol generating device may include an aerosol generating device body including a battery that supplies power required to heat an aerosol generating substrate, and a cap covering one region of the aerosol generating device body to protect the one region of the aerosol generating device body.

SUMMARY

In general, an aerosol generating device body and cap may be detachably coupled to each other, and in the related art, magnetism or a hook structure is applied to an aerosol generating device.

When the magnetism is used, a space, in which a component configured to generate magnetism is arranged, needs to be secured in advance, which reduces space utilization inside the aerosol generating device. In addition, the magnetism may affect a sensor inside the aerosol generating device, which must be avoided, and thus, it may be difficult to design the aerosol generating device.

In addition, when the simple hook structure is used, it is difficult for a user to operate smoothly in a process of separating or coupling the aerosol generating device body from or to the cap, and the hook structure may easily wear out due to frequent separation and coupling.

Provided are an aerosol generating device and a coupling device for the aerosol generating device, in which space utilization may be improved and the degree of freedom in designing the aerosol generating device may be improved.

Also, provided are an aerosol generating device and a coupling device for the aerosol generating device, in which a coupling force between an aerosol generating device body and a cap is improved, and a user is enabled to easily separate or couple the aerosol generating device body from or to the cap.

Also, provided are an aerosol generating device and a coupling device for the aerosol generating device, in which durability is improved.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned description, and other technical problems may be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the attached drawings.

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes an aerosol generating device body including a cavity accommodating an aerosol generating substrate, a cap detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body and covering at least a portion of the aerosol generating device body, and a coupling device arranged in one of the cap and the aerosol generating device body and detachably coupling the cap and the aerosol generating device body together. The other one of the cap and the aerosol generating device body includes a coupling groove into which a portion of the coupling device is inserted. The one of the cap and the aerosol generating device body includes a through hole through which a portion of the coupling device passes. The coupling device includes a coupling protrusion passing through the through hole and inserted into the coupling groove, and an elastic bar coupled to the coupling protrusion and enabling the coupling protrusion to elastically move.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article used therefor, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of some components of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the inside of an aerosol generating device based on line VII-VII of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a coupling device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a plan view of a coupling device according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 9A to 9C are schematic cross-sectional views for describing a process in which a cap is coupled to an aerosol generating device body by using a coupling device, based on line IX-IX of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the inside of an aerosol generating device based on line VII-VII of FIG. 4 to describe another example of a coupling device;

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the inside of an aerosol generating device based on line VII-VII of FIG. 4 to describe another example of a coupling device;

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate examples of the aerosol generating article.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Regarding the terms in the various embodiments, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, terms which can be arbitrarily selected by the applicant in particular cases. In such a case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail at the corresponding portion in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms “-er”, “-or”, and “module” described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function and operation and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

As used herein, when an expression such as “at least any one” precedes arranged elements, it modifies all elements rather than each arranged element. For example, the expression “at least any one of a, b, and c” should be construed to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

When an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

In an embodiment, an aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an interior space thereof.

The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In an embodiment, the heater may be an electro-resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when currents flow through the electrically conductive track.

The heater may include a tube-shaped heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of a cigarette according to the shape of a heating element.

A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be formed of sheets, strands, and tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

The filter rod may include a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may include at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment configured to cool aerosols, and a second segment configured to filter a certain component in aerosols.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols by using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge that contains an aerosol generating material, and a main body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the main body, and may also be fixed to the main body so as not to be detached from the main body by a user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while accommodating an aerosol generating material therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. An aerosol generating material may also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

The cartridge may contain an aerosol generating material in any one of various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, a gel state, or the like. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

The cartridge may be operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to perform a function of generating aerosols by converting the phase of an aerosol generating material inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase. The aerosols may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material are mixed with air.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may generate aerosols by heating a liquid composition, and generated aerosols may be delivered to a user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosols generated from the liquid composition may move along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage may be configured to allow aerosols to be delivered to a user by passing through a cigarette.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols from an aerosol generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating aerosols by converting an aerosol generating material into aerosols with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and generate a short-period vibration through the vibrator to convert an aerosol generating material into aerosols. The vibration generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be in a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHZ, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs an aerosol generating material. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one area of the vibrator, or may be arranged to contact at least one area of the vibrator.

As a voltage (for example, an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick. The aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, aerosols may be generated.

For example, the viscosity of the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick may be lowered by the heat generated by the vibrator, and as the aerosol generating material having a lowered viscosity is granulated by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, aerosols may be generated, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device in an induction heating method.

The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In an embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In an embodiment, the suspector may be a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. As the suspector is positioned inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied to the suspector, the suspector generates heat to heat an aerosol generating article. In addition, optionally, the suspector may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

The aerosol generating device may configure a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled to each other.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above or may be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate an aerosol generating device 1 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 1 according to embodiments may include at least one of a power supply 200, a controller 300, a sensor 400, and a heater 500. At least one of the power supply 200, the controller 300, the sensor 400, and the heater 500 may be arranged inside an aerosol generating device body 100 of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol generating device body 100 may provide a space opened upward such that an aerosol generating article 2 is inserted thereinto. The space opened upward may be referred to as an insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by being sunken into the aerosol generating device body 100 by a certain depth such that at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted. A depth of the insertion space may correspond to a length of a region of the aerosol generating article 2, which includes an aerosol generating material and/or medium. A lower end of the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the aerosol generating device body 100 and an upper end of the aerosol generating article 2 may protrude outside the aerosol generating device body 100. A user may inhale the air while holding, in his/her mouth, the upper end of the aerosol generating article 2, which is externally exposed.

The heater 500 may heat the aerosol generating article 2. The heater 500 may extend long upward in the space where the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted. For example, the heater 500 may include a tubular type heating element, a plate type heating element, a needle type heating element, or a rod type heating element. The heater 500 may be inserted below the aerosol generating article 2. The heater 500 may include an electric resistance heater and/or an induction heating type heater.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, the heater 500 may be a resistance heater. For example, the heater 500 may include an electrically conductive track and may be heated as a current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater 500 may be electrically connected to the power supply 200. The heater 500 may directly generate heat by receiving the current from the power supply 200.

For example, the heater 500 may be a multi-heater. The heater 500 may include a first heater 501 and a second heater 502. The first heater 501 and the second heater 502 may be arranged in parallel in a length direction. The first heater 501 and the second heater 502 may be sequentially heated or may be simultaneously heated.

For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 1 may include an induction coil 500a surrounding the heater 500. The induction coil 500a may generate heat in the heater 500. The heater 500 is a susceptor and may generate heat according to a magnetic field generated by an alternating current (AC) flowing through the induction coil 500a. The magnetic field may penetrate the heater 500 and generate eddy currents in the heater 500. The current may generate heat in the heater 500.

For example, referring to FIG. 3, a susceptor SS may be included inside the aerosol generating article 2, and the susceptor SS inside the aerosol generating article 2 may generate heat according to the magnetic field generated by the AC flowing through the induction coil 500a. The susceptor SS may be arranged inside the aerosol generating article 2 and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device 1. The susceptor SS may be inserted into the insertion space together with the aerosol generating article 2, and may be detached from the insertion space together with the aerosol generating article 2. The aerosol generating article 2 may be heated by the susceptor SS inside the aerosol generating article 2. In this case, the aerosol generating device 1 may not include the heater 500.

The power supply 200 may supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device 1. The power supply 200 may be referred to as a battery. The power supply 200 may supply power to at least one of the controller 300, the sensor 400, and the heater 500. The power supply 200 may supply power to the induction coil 500a.

The controller 300 may control general operations of the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 300 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller 300 may control operations of at least one of the power supply 200, the sensor 400, and the heater 500. The controller 300 may control operations of the induction coil 500a. The controller 300 may control operations of a display, a motor, and the like included in the aerosol generating device 1. The controller 300 may identify a state of each component of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is operable.

The controller 300 may analyze a result detected by the sensor 400 and control processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the controller 300 may control power supplied to the heater 500 such that an operation of the heater 500 is started or ended, based on the result detected by the sensor 400. For example, the controller 300 may control an amount of power supplied to the heater 500 or a time of supplying power such that the heater 500 is heated up to a specific temperature or maintains a suitable temperature, based on the result detected by the sensor 400.

The sensor 400 may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor 400 may sense at least one of a temperature of the heater 500, a temperature of the power supply 200, and a temperature inside or outside the aerosol generating device body 100. For example, the sensor 400 may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor 400 may sense whether the aerosol generating article 2 has been inserted into the insertion space. For example, the sensor 400 may sense movement of the aerosol generating device 1.

FIG. 4 is a view of the aerosol generating device 1 and the aerosol generating article 2 used therefor, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the aerosol generating device body 100 and a cap 600. At least one of components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 4 may be the same as or similar to at least one (e.g., the aerosol generating device body 100) of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are not provided below. In the disclosure, an aerosol generating system may be used in the meaning including the aerosol generating device 1 and the aerosol generating article 2.

The aerosol generating device body 100 may include a body wing 150. The body wing 150 may extend upward from an edge (e.g., a portion facing a +y direction and a −y direction) of an upper portion of the aerosol generating device body 100. The body wing 150 may be provided as a pair of the body wings 150 facing each other based on the upper portion of the aerosol generating device body 100. The body wing 150 may be formed at a location misaligned from a cap wing 620. Accordingly, when the aerosol generating device body 100 and the cap 600 are coupled together, the body wing 150 and the cap wing 620 may be coupled together without interfering with each other.

The cap 600 may be detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device body 100. The cap 600 may be coupled to an upper side (e.g., a +z direction) of the aerosol generating device body 100. The cap 600 may cover around an upper portion of the aerosol generating device body 100.

The cap 600 may include the cap wing 620. The cap wing 620 may extend downward (e.g., a −z direction) from opposite sides (e.g., a +x direction and a −x direction) of a cap body 610. In the disclosure, the cap body 610 may be referred to as an upper cap and the cap wing 620 may be referred to as an upper case grip. The cap body 610 and the cap wing 620 may be integrated with each other.

When the cap 600 is coupled to the aerosol generating device body 100, the cap 600 may form an upper exterior of the aerosol generating device 1. When the cap 600 is coupled to the aerosol generating device body 100, the body wing 150 may cover a side portion (e.g., a portion facing the +y direction and the −y direction) of the cap 600 exposed between the cap wings 620. When the cap 600 is coupled to the aerosol generating device body 100, the cap wing 620 may cover an outer side (e.g., the +x direction and the −x direction) of the aerosol generating device body 100.

The cap 600 may include an insertion hole 630. The aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the insertion hole 630. The cap 600 may further include a door 640 opening or closing the insertion hole 630. The door 640 may open or close the insertion hole 630 by sliding in a lateral direction.

The aerosol generating article 2 used in the aerosol generating device 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. Also, in the disclosure, a target inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 is described to be the aerosol generating article 2, but is not limited thereto. For example, a cartridge may be used in the aerosol generating device 1, instead of the aerosol generating article 2. The cartridge may store an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generating material may include a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component or a liquid composition including a non-tobacco material.

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include the aerosol generating device body 100, the cap 600, and a coupling device 700. At least one of components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 5 may be the same as or similar to at least one (e.g., the cap 600) of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are not provided below.

The aerosol generating device body 100 may include a cavity 100a, a coupling groove 100b, and an inner surface 100c.

An aerosol generating substrate may be accommodated in/inserted into the cavity 100a. The cavity 100a may communicate with the insertion hole 630 of the cap 600. The cavity 100a may be located between the pair of body wings 150 and exposed outside the aerosol generating device body 100 before being coupled to the cap 600. The aerosol generating substrate accommodated in/inserted into the cavity 100a may be an aerosol generating article or a cartridge described above.

A portion of the coupling device 700 arranged in the cap 600 may be inserted into the coupling groove 100b. When the coupling device 700 is inserted into the coupling groove 100b, the aerosol generating device body 100 and the cap 600 may be coupled together. When the coupling device 700 is separated from the coupling groove 100b, the aerosol generating device body 100 and the cap 600 may be separated from each other. For example, the coupling groove 100b may be provided in the body wing 150 of the aerosol generating device body 100 as shown in FIG. 5, but a location where the coupling groove 100b may be provided is not limited thereto.

The coupling groove 100b may be provided at a location corresponding to a coupling protrusion of the coupling device 700. The number of coupling grooves 100b same as the number of coupling protrusions of the coupling device 700 may be formed in the aerosol generating device body 100. The plurality of coupling grooves 100b may be provided at symmetrical positions based on a center portion of the aerosol generating device body 100.

The inner surface 100c may be one surface of the aerosol generating device body 100 facing the cavity 100a. In the disclosure, the inner surface 100c may be one surface of the body wing 150 facing the cavity 100a. The coupling groove 100b may be formed on the inner surface 100c. The coupling groove 100b may be formed by processing a groove having a certain depth from the inner surface 100c.

The cap 600 may include a through hole 600a.

A portion (the coupling protrusion) of the coupling device 700 may pass through the through hole 600a. The through hole 600a may be formed on each of the cap body 610 and a lower cap 660 described below. The through hole 600a may be provided at a location corresponding to the coupling protrusion of the coupling device 700. The same number of the through holes 600a as the coupling protrusions of the coupling device 700 may be formed on the cap body 610. The plurality of through holes 600a may be provided at symmetrical positions based on a center portion of the cap 600.

The coupling device 700 detachably couples the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 together. The coupling device 700 may be arranged in the cap 600. A portion (coupling protrusion) of the coupling device 700 may pass through the through hole 600a and protrude outside the cap body 610, and the protruding portion of the coupling device 700 may be inserted into the coupling groove 100b of the aerosol generating device body 100.

In FIG. 5 and below, the coupling device 700 is arranged in the cap 600 and the coupling groove 100b is arranged in the aerosol generating device body 100, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the coupling device 700 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device body 100 and the coupling groove 100b may be provided on a side surface (e.g., the +y direction and the −y direction) of the cap body 610 of the cap 600. In such an embodiment, the aerosol generating device body 100 may include a through hole through which the portion (coupling protrusion) of the coupling device 700 passes.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of some components of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates a coupling relationship between the cap 600 and the coupling device 700.

Referring to FIG. 6, the cap 600 may include the cap body 610, the cap wing 620, the insertion hole 630, the door 640, a guide 650, a lower cap 660, and a lower cap wing 670. At least one of components (e.g., the insertion hole 630) of the cap 600 shown in FIG. 6 may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the cap 600 described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are not provided below.

The guide 650 may guide movement of the door 640. Although not illustrated, the guide 650 may include a groove into which a portion of the door 640 is inserted. The guide 650 may include the insertion hole 630. The guide 650 may be arranged between the cap body 610 and the coupling device 700.

The lower cap 660 may be arranged below the cap body 610 (an upper cap). A hole communicating with the insertion hole 630 may be formed in the lower cap 660, and the aerosol generating substrate inserted into the insertion hole 630 may pass through the hole of the lower cap 660 and may be inserted into the cavity 100a (see FIG. 5) of the aerosol generating device body 100.

The lower cap wing 670 may be provided at a location misaligned from the body wing 150 (see FIG. 5). Accordingly, when the aerosol generating device body 100 (see FIG. 5) and the cap 600 are coupled together, the body wing 150 and the lower cap wing 670 may be coupled together without interfering with each other.

The lower cap wing 670 may extend downward (e.g., the −z direction) from opposite sides (e.g., the +x direction and the −x direction) of the lower cap 660. The lower cap wing 670 may be located at a location corresponding to the cap wing 620. The lower cap 660 and the lower cap wing 670 may be integrated with each other.

The coupling device 700 may be arranged between the guide 650 and the lower cap 660. The lower cap 660 may include a space accommodating the coupling device 700. When the cap 600 and the coupling device 700 are coupled together, an upper portion of the coupling device 700 may come into contact with the guide 650 and may be supported. Accordingly, upward movement of the coupling device 700 may be restricted, and thus, the location of the coupling device 700 may be fixed without being moved even when an external impact or shaking occurs.

Hereinafter, a structure of the coupling device 700 and a coupling relationship between the coupling device 700 and the cap 600 will be described in further detail.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the inside of the aerosol generating device 1 based on line VII-VII of FIG. 4. In FIG. 7, hachures in reference numerals 700 and 750 do not indicate cross-sections of components, but are illustrated to distinguish the components from each other.

Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include the aerosol generating device body 100, the cap 600, the coupling device 700, and a restricting rib 800. At least one (e.g., the cap 600) of components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 7 may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are not provided below.

The coupling device 700 may include a coupling protrusion 710 and an elastic bar 720.

The coupling protrusion 710 may pass through the through hole 600a (see FIG. 5) of the cap 600 and may be inserted into the coupling groove 100b (see FIG. 5) of the aerosol generating device body 100. When the coupling protrusion 710 is inserted into the coupling groove 100b (see FIG. 5), the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may be coupled together. When the coupling protrusion 710 is separated from the coupling groove, the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may be separated from each other.

The coupling protrusion 710 may be coupled to the elastic bar 720. The coupling protrusion 710 may elastically move while the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are coupled together or separated from each other. Arrows illustrated in FIG. 7 indicate movement directions of the coupling protrusion 710 while the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are coupled together or separated from each other.

The coupling protrusion 710 may include an outer surface 711 facing the aerosol generating device body 100, and at least a portion of the outer surface 711 may have a shape corresponding to the inner surface 100c of the aerosol generating device body 100.

The elastic bar 720 is coupled to the coupling protrusion 710 such that the coupling protrusion 710 may elastically move.

According to an embodiment, the coupling protrusion 710 and the elastic bar 720 may move towards an inner side of the aerosol generating device body 100 facing the cavity 100a while the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are coupled together, and thus, a smooth operation for coupling or separating the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may be possible. Also, because the coupling protrusion 710 and the elastic bar 720 are elastically restored and move outwards after the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are coupled together, a coupling force of the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may improve. In the disclosure, the coupling force is a force that maintains coupling between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100, and may be proportional to a force required to separate the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 from each other.

Also, because the coupling device 700 and the aerosol generating device 1 are arranged without an interference with another component (e.g., a sensor or a circuit element), original performance of the other component may be stably exhibited and space utilization of an internal component of the aerosol generating device 1 may improve.

The elastic bar 720 may include a synthetic resin material to have elasticity. For example, the elastic bar 720 may include at least one of polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer, polypropylene, or polyethylene. The elastic bar 720 may be manufactured through an injection method of injecting the above materials into a mold. Accordingly, the easiness of manufacturing the elastic bar 720 may improve.

According to an embodiment, the coupling device 700 may include a plurality of coupling protrusions 710. Accordingly, the coupling force between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may improve by using the plurality of coupling protrusions 710.

The plurality of coupling protrusions 710 may be symmetrically coupled to the elastic bar 720 with respect to a center portion of the elastic bar 720. Accordingly, a uniform coupling force or separation force between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may be implemented on opposite sides based on the center portion of the elastic bar 720.

The elastic bar 720 may include an elastic bar body 721, an elastic bar member 722, and a connecting member 723.

The elastic bar body 721 may be coupled to the cap 600. The elastic bar body 721 may provide, to the elastic bar member 722, a support force for the elastic bar member 722 to elastically move while the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are coupled together or separated from each other. The elastic bar body 721 may have the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped in overall, but the shape thereof is not limited thereto.

The elastic bar body 721 may include one surface 721a. The one surface 721a may be a surface of the elastic bar body 721 facing an upper portion of the cap 600. The one surface 721a may be supported by the guide 650 (see FIG. 6) of the cap 600. When the one surface 721a is supported by the guide 650 (see FIG. 6), the upward movement of the coupling device 700 is restricted, and thus, the location of the coupling device 700 may be fixed without being moved even when an external impact or shaking occurs.

The elastic bar member 722 may be coupled to the coupling protrusion 710. The elastic bar member 722 may elastically move while the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are coupled together or separated from each other. In other words, the elastic bar member 722 and the coupling protrusion 710 may move towards the inner side of the aerosol generating device body 100 facing the cavity 100a, while the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are coupled together or separated from each other. Also, the elastic bar member 722 and the coupling protrusion 710 may move towards an outer side of the aerosol generating device body 100 when the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are coupled together or separated from each other.

The elastic bar member 722 may be spaced apart from an inner surface 600b of the cap 600. The inner surface 600b of the cap 600 may be one surface of the cap 600 facing the cavity 100a.

According to an embodiment, the elastic bar 720 may include a plurality of elastic bar members 722. The plurality of elastic bar members 722 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center portion of the elastic bar 720.

When the plurality of elastic bar members 722 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center portion of the elastic bar 720, a space 720a into which the aerosol generating substrate is inserted may be provided between the plurality of elastic bar members 722. The space 720a may communicate with the cavity 100a. The coupling device 700 includes a structure in which the aerosol generating substrate is insertable through the space 720a, and thus, a compact structure of the aerosol generating device 1 may be implemented.

The connecting member 723 may connect the elastic bar member 722 and the elastic bar body 721 to each other. A portion of the connecting member 723 may move as the elastic bar member 722 moves elastically.

The connecting member 723, the elastic bar member 722, and the elastic bar body 721 may be integrated with each other. Also, the elastic bar 720 and the coupling protrusion 710 may be integrated with each other.

According to an embodiment, the coupling device 700 may be detachably coupled to the cap 600. Accordingly, when the coupling device 700 breaks or is damaged while using the aerosol generating device 1, the user may replace the existing coupling device 700 with a new coupling device 700. Accordingly, maintenance costs of the aerosol generating device 1 may be reduced.

The aerosol generating device 1 may further include a mounting portion 750 for the coupling device 700 to be detachably coupled to the cap 600.

The mounting portion 750 may be coupled to opposite ends of the elastic bar 720. In detail, the mounting portion 750 may be coupled to the elastic bar member 722 of the elastic bar 720. The coupling device 700 may be coupled by being inserted between a pair of the mounting portions 750. The pair of mounting portions 750 may move away from each other while the coupling device 700 is coupled to or separated from the mounting portion 750.

The mounting portion 750 may be coupled to the lower cap 660 (see FIG. 6). The mounting portion 750 may include a first portion extending upward from the lower cap 660 (see FIG. 6), and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending to the elastic bar 720. The first portion of the mounting portion 750 may be in contact with a side surface of the elastic bar member 722, and the second portion of the mounting portion 750 may be in contact with a top surface of the elastic bar member 722. The mounting portion 750 may be integrated with the lower cap.

The coupling protrusion 710 may protrude outward from an outer surface 600c of the cap 600 when the aerosol generating device body 100 and the cap 600 are separated from each other or coupled together. According to an embodiment, a protruding distance 710d by which the coupling protrusion 710 protrudes from the through hole 600a (see FIG. 5) may be 0.3 mm to 1.0o mm. The protruding distance 710d may be a distance between an end portion of the coupling protrusion 710 and the outer surface 600c of the cap 600.

Accordingly, the coupling force between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may improve while a force required by the user to couple or separate the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 is reduced, enabling a smooth operation.

Such an effect may be proven by Experiment 1 below.

[Experiment 1]

1. Several coupling devices 700 having different protruding distances 710d are prepared.

2. A coupling force between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 is measured while changing the coupling device 700, and a fastening strength between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 and operation convenience of the user are evaluated and recorded in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1
Protruding Distance	Coupling	Fastening	Operation
710d	Force	Strength	Convenience
0.10 mm	298 gf	Very Weak	Fair
0.20 mm	342 gf	Weak	Fair
0.29 mm	362 gf	Weak	Fair
0.30 mm	388 gf	Strong	Good
0.50 mm	450 gf	Strong	Good
0.60 mm	520 gf	Strong	Good
0.80 mm	584 gf	Strong	Good
1.00 mm	625 gf	Strong	Good
1.01 mm	650 gf	Strong	Poor
1.10 mm	680 gf	Strong	Poor
1.30 mm	745 gf	Strong	Poor
1.50 mm	821 gf	Strong	Poor

In Table 1, gf that is a coupling force unit is an abbreviation for gramforce, and 1 gf may be equal to 0.00980665 N [Newton]. In addition, the coupling force was measured by using OmniTest 0.5 kN, 1 kN, and 2.5 kN models from Mecmesin.

Also, in Table 1, the fastening strength is a strength of the coupling force between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100, wherein a strength at which the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are coupled together without being easily separated while the user uses the aerosol generating device 1 is expressed as weak/strong. “Weak” indicates that the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 were separated five times or more while the user was carrying the aerosol generating device 1 for one hour, and “strong” indicates that the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 were not separated while the user was carrying the aerosol generating device 1 for one hour.

In addition, in Table 1, in the operation convenience, a scale that allows the user to easily couple or easily separate the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 is expressed as good/fair/poor. The user may smoothly operate coupling or separating of the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 towards “Good”.

Referring to Table 1, the fastening strength is weak when the protruding distance 710d is less than 0.30 mm. In other words, when the protruding distance 710d is less than 0.30 mm, the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 were separated from each other five times or more in an unintended situation while the user was carrying the aerosol generating device 1 for one hour. This is because the coupling protrusion 710 protrudes less and thus is easily separated from the coupling groove 100b (see FIG. 5).

Also, when the protruding distance 710d is less than 0.30 mm, an operation may be somewhat inconvenient. This is because the coupling protrusion 710 protrudes less, and thus, the user may easily couple the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 together, but feel that the coupling protrusion 710 has not been inserted into the coupling groove 100b (see FIG. 5).

Referring to Table 1, when the protruding distance 710d is more than 1.0 mm, the fastening strength is too strong and an operation is very inconvenient. This is because the coupling protrusion 710 protrudes excessively and is difficult to be easily inserted into the coupling groove 100b (see FIG. 5), and even when the coupling protrusion 710 is inserted into the coupling groove, it is not easy to separate the coupling protrusion 710 from the coupling groove due to a strong fastening force.

Thus, according to an embodiment in which the protruding distance 710d is set to 0.30 mm to 1.00 mm, the coupling force between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 improves while a force required for the user to couple or separate the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 is reduced, thereby enabling a smooth operation.

The restricting rib 800 may restrict an extent to which the coupling protrusion 710 protrudes from the cap 600. In other words, the restricting rib 800 may restrict an extent to which the coupling protrusion 710 protrudes from the through hole 600a (see FIG. 5) of the cap 600. Accordingly, the protruding distance 710d of the coupling protrusion 710 may be set to a pre-set distance (0.3 mm to 1.0 mm), and thus, a force required to couple or separate the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 according to excessive protrusion of the coupling protrusion 710 may be reduced.

The restricting rib 800 may be located at an outer side of the elastic bar 720 and may protrude from the inner surface 600b of the cap 600. In detail, the restricting rib 800 may be located at an outer side of the elastic bar member 722 and may come into contact with the elastic bar member 722 to restrict a distance by which the elastic bar member 722 moves outward. The restricting rib 800 may be integrated with the cap 600.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a plurality of the restricting ribs 800. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the same number of the restricting ribs 800 as the coupling protrusions 710. The plurality of restricting ribs 800 may be arranged adjacent to the coupling protrusions 710. In FIG. 7, four restricting ribs 800 are illustrated, but the number thereof is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, a structure of the coupling device 700 will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the coupling device 700 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a plan view of the coupling device 700 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the coupling device 700 may include the coupling protrusion 710 and the elastic bar 720. At least one (e.g., the coupling protrusion 710) of components of the coupling device 700 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the coupling device 700 described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are not provided below.

The plurality of coupling protrusions 710 may be coupled to different portions of the elastic bar 720. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate four coupling protrusions, i.e., the coupling protrusion 710, a second coupling protrusion 710′, a third coupling protrusion 710″, and a fourth coupling protrusion 710′″, but this is only an example. In other words, two, three, or five or more coupling protrusions 710 may be coupled to the elastic bar 720.

The plurality of coupling protrusions 710 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center portion of the elastic bar 720. According to an embodiment, when the coupling device 700 includes an even number of coupling protrusions 710, a pair of coupling protrusions 710 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center portion of the elastic bar 720. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the second coupling protrusion 710′ and the third coupling protrusion 710″ may be omitted together, or the second coupling protrusion 710′ and the fourth coupling protrusion 710″ may be omitted.

Although not illustrated, a protection cover may be coupled to each of the plurality of coupling protrusions 710. The protection cover may be coupled to the coupling protrusion 710 while surrounding the coupling protrusion 710. The protection cover may be coupled to the coupling protrusion 710 in a fitting manner. The protection cover may be detachably coupled to the coupling protrusion 710. Accordingly, when the protection cover is damaged or breaks while the coupling device 700 is used, the protection cover may be replaced with a new protection cover, thereby reducing overall maintenance costs of the coupling device 700. The protection cover may include a rubber material.

The elastic bar body 721 of the elastic bar 720 may be located above (e.g., the +z direction) the elastic bar member 722. In other words, the one surface 721a of the elastic bar body 721 may be located above the elastic bar member 722.

The elastic bar 720 may include a same number of the elastic bar members 722 as the coupling protrusions 710. Here, one coupling protrusion 710 may be coupled to one elastic bar member 722. The plurality of elastic bar members 722 may be connected to the elastic bar body 721 through the connecting member 723.

According to an embodiment, the elastic bar 720 may include four elastic bar members, i.e., the elastic bar member 722, a second elastic bar member 722′, a third elastic bar member 722″, and a fourth elastic bar member 722″. In the present disclosure, the elastic bar member 722 may be referred to as a first elastic bar member. A pair of elastic bar members (the elastic bar member 722 and the second elastic bar member 722′) and another pair of elastic bar members (the third elastic bar member 722″ and the fourth elastic bar member 722″) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center portion of the elastic bar body 721.

Among the four elastic bar members, i.e., the elastic bar member 722, the second elastic bar member 722′, the third elastic bar member 722″, and the fourth elastic bar member 722″, the elastic bar member 722 and the second elastic bar member 722′ may be connected in parallel to each other, and the third elastic bar member 722″ and the fourth elastic bar member 722″ may be connected in parallel to each other. Also, the elastic bar member 722 and the third elastic bar member 722″ may extend longer than the second elastic bar member 722′ and the fourth elastic bar member 722′″. The space 720a described above may be formed between the elastic bar member 722 and the third elastic bar member 722″.

The elastic bar member 722 and the second elastic bar member 722′ may be connected to the elastic bar body 721 through the connecting member 723, and the third elastic bar member 722″ and the fourth elastic bar member 722″ may be connected to the elastic bar body 721 through a second connecting member 723′. In the present disclosure, the connecting member 723 may be referred to as a first connecting member.

Although not illustrated, when three or more coupling protrusions 710 are coupled to the elastic bar member 722 and the second elastic bar member 722′, protruding distances of the coupling protrusions 710 arranged in center portions of the elastic bar member 722 and the second elastic bar member 722′ may be less than protruding distances of the coupling protrusions 710 arranged in edges of the elastic bar member 722 and the second elastic bar member 722′.

According to an embodiment, a thickness 720d (see FIG. 8A) of the elastic bar 720 may be 0.80 mm to 1.50 mm. Here, the thickness 720d of the elastic bar 720 may be the thickness 720d of the elastic bar member 722. In the disclosure, the thickness 720d may be a distance between an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the +z direction) of the elastic bar member 722 and a lower surface (e.g., a surface facing the −z direction) thereof.

Accordingly, the coupling force between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may improve, damage to the elastic bar 720 may be prevented, and a force required by the user to couple or separate the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may be reduced, thereby enabling a smooth operation.

Such an effect may be proven by Experiment 2 below.

[Experiment 2]

1. Several coupling devices 700 having different thicknesses 720d are prepared.

2. A coupling force between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 and damage to the elastic bar 720 are measured while changing the coupling device 700, and a fastening strength between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 and operation convenience of the user are evaluated and recorded in Table 2 below.

3. Here, the protruding distance 720d (see FIG. 7) of the coupling protrusion 710 is fixed to 0.60 mm.

TABLE 2
Thickness		Fastening	Damage to	Operation
720d	Coupling Force	Strength	Elastic Bar	Convenience
0.40 mm	192 gf	Very Weak	◯	Fair
0.60 mm	265 gf	Very Weak	◯	Fair
0.79 mm	354 gf	Weak	◯	Fair
0.80 mm	398 gf	Strong	X	Good
1.00 mm	520 gf	Strong	X	Good
1.20 mm	557 gf	Strong	X	Good
1.40 mm	622 gf	Strong	X	Good
1.50 mm	640 gf	Strong	X	Good
1.51 mm	668 gf	Strong	X	Poor
1.70 mm	720 gf	Strong	X	Poor
1.90 mm	782 gf	Strong	X	Poor
2.00 mm	821 gf	Strong	X	Poor
.

In Table 2, gf that is a coupling force unit is an abbreviation tor gramforce, and 1 gf may be equal to 0.00980665 N [Newton]. In addition, the coupling force was measured by using OmniTest 0.5 kN, 1 kN, and 2.5 kN models from Mecmesin, as in Experiment 1.

Also, in Table 2, the fastening strength is a strength of the coupling force between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100, wherein a strength at which the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are coupled together without being easily separated while the user uses the aerosol generating device 1 is expressed as weak/strong. “Weak” indicates that the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 were separated five times or more while the user was carrying the aerosol generating device 1 for one hour, and “strong” indicates that the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 were not separated while the user was carrying the aerosol generating device 1 for one hour.

In addition, in Table 2, in the operation convenience, a scale that allows the user to easily couple or easily separate the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 is expressed as good/fair/poor. The user may smoothly operate coupling or separating of the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 towards “Good”.

Also, in Table 2, in relation to Damage to Elastic Bar, “O” is indicated when a component of the elastic bar 720 breaks during an experiment, and “X” is indicated when a component does not break.

Referring to Table 2, the fastening strength is weak when the thickness 720d is less than 0.80 mm. In other words, when the thickness 720d is less than 0.80 mm, the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 were separated from each other five times or more in an unintended situation while the user was carrying the aerosol generating device 1 for one hour. Also, when the thickness 720d is less than 0.80 mm, the elastic bar member 722 was damaged. This is because the thickness 720d of the elastic bar 720 is relatively thin to be easily damaged, the elastic bar member 722 moves easily and thus is unable to provide sufficient elasticity to the coupling protrusion 710, and a sufficient support force to support the elastic bar member 722 is not secured.

Also, when the thickness 720d is less than 0.80 mm, an operation may be somewhat inconvenient. This is because the elastic bar member 722 is unable to provide sufficient elasticity to the coupling protrusion 710, the elastic bar member 722 is easily damaged, and the user does not feel that the coupling protrusion 710 has been inserted into the coupling groove 100b (see FIG. 5).

Referring to Table 2, when the thickness 720d is more than 1.50 mm, the fastening strength is too strong and an operation is very inconvenient. This is because the elastic bar member 722 is too thick and thus is difficult to move to provide elasticity to the coupling protrusion 710.

Thus, according to an embodiment in which the thickness 720d of the elastic bar 720 is set to 0.80 mm to 1.50 mm, the coupling force between the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 improve, damage to the elastic bar 720 is prevented, and a force required by the user to couple or separate the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 is reduced, thereby enabling a smooth operation.

Hereinafter, a specific shape and structure of the coupling protrusion 710, and a process in which the coupling protrusion 710 is inserted into the coupling groove 100b will be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 9A to 9C are schematic cross-sectional views for describing a process in which the cap 600 is coupled to the aerosol generating device body 100 by using the coupling device 700, based on line IX-IX of FIG. 4.

At least one (e.g., the elastic bar 720) of components of an aerosol generating device shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are not provided below.

FIG. 9A illustrates the coupling device 700 before being coupled to the aerosol generating device body 100.

Referring to FIG. 9A, when the coupling device 700 is spaced apart from the aerosol generating device body 100, a shape of the elastic bar 720 is not deformed and no force is applied to the coupling protrusion 710. When the coupling device 700 moves towards the aerosol generating device body 100, the coupling protrusion 710 may come into contact with one region of the aerosol generating device body 100.

The outer surface 711 of the coupling protrusion 710 may include a first outer surface 711a, a second outer surface 711b, and a third outer surface 711c.

The first outer surface 711a may be a portion of the outer surface 711 facing the aerosol generating device body 100 from the cap 600. For example, the first outer surface 711a may be a portion of the outer surface 711 facing downward (e.g., the −z direction). The first outer surface 711a may include at least one of a flat surface or a curved surface.

The second outer surface 711b may be a portion of the outer surface 711 opposite to the first outer surface 711a. For example, the second outer surface 711b may be a portion of the outer surface 711 facing upward (e.g., the +z direction). The second outer surface 711b may include at least one of a flat surface or a curved surface.

The third outer surface 711c may connect the first outer surface 711a and the second outer surface 711b to each other. The third outer surface 711c may include at least one of a flat surface or a curved surface. The third outer surface 711c, the second outer surface 711b, and the first outer surface 711a may be integrated with each other.

According to an embodiment, a slope of the first outer surface 711a may be greater than a slope of the second outer surface 711b. Accordingly, after the coupling protrusion 710 comes into contact with one region of the aerosol generating device body 100, the coupling protrusion 710 may be in smooth contact with the inner surface 100c of the aerosol generating device body 100 along the first outer surface 711a. Accordingly, the easiness of the user coupling the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 together may improve. The first outer surface 711a and the second outer surface 711b may be formed by increasing a chamber amount of a lower end (e.g., a portion facing the −z direction) of the coupling protrusion 710 to be greater than a chamber amount of an upper end (e.g., a portion facing the +z direction) of the coupling protrusion 710.

FIG. 9B illustrates a process in which the coupling device 700 is inserted into the coupling groove 100b of the aerosol generating device body 100.

Referring to FIG. 9B, when the coupling protrusion 710 continuously moves towards the coupling groove 100b after coming into contact with one region of the aerosol generating device body 100, the coupling protrusion 710 may come into contact with the inner surface 100c of the aerosol generating device body 100, pass through the through hole 600a, and move to an inner side of the cap 600. In detail, at least a portion (e.g., the third outer surface 711c) of the outer surface 711 of the coupling protrusion 710 may come into contact with the inner surface 100c to push the coupling protrusion 710 to the inner side of the cap 600, and the elastic bar 720 may also move to the inner side of the cap 600 together with the coupling protrusion 710 to have a deformed shape. Here, the shape of the elastic bar 720 may be deformed to apply a force in a direction (e.g., a direction towards the inner surface 100c) opposite to a direction in which the coupling protrusion 710 has moved.

According to an embodiment, the third outer surface 711c and the first outer surface 711a may be connected to each other in a curved surface, without a corner. Accordingly, the coupling protrusion 710 may smoothly move during a process in which the third outer surface 711c comes into contact with the inner surface 100c of the aerosol generating device body 100 after the first outer surface 711a first comes into contact with one region of the aerosol generating device body 100. Also, because the third outer surface 711c and the first outer surface 711a are connected to each other as a continuous surface without a corner, the coupling protrusion 710 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are less likely to be damaged.

FIG. 9C illustrates the coupling device 700 after being inserted into the coupling groove 100b of the aerosol generating device body 100.

Referring to FIG. 9C, when the coupling protrusion 710 is inserted into the coupling groove 100b, coupling of the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may be completed. Because the elastic bar 720 presses the coupling protrusion 710 towards the inner surface 100c of the aerosol generating device body 100 while the coupling protrusion 710 is inserted into the coupling groove 100b, the coupling protrusion 710 is located at a location corresponding to the coupling groove 100b and thus is easily inserted into the coupling groove 100b.

According to an embodiment, the slope of the second outer surface 711b may be less than the slope of the first outer surface 711a. In other words, the second outer surface 711b may be gentler than the first outer surface 711a. Accordingly, after the coupling protrusion 710 is inserted into the coupling groove 100b, the coupling protrusion 710 may be supported on one region of the aerosol generating device body 100 through the second outer surface 711b that is relatively gentle. Accordingly, the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 may maintain a coupled state unless a pre-set force to separate the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 from each other is applied.

Referring back to FIG. 9B, when at least one of the cap 600 or the aerosol generating device body 100 is moved in an opposite direction from the other one to separate the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100 from each other, the coupling protrusion 710 may be separated from the coupling groove 100b. Here, the coupling protrusion 710 may move along the second outer surface 711b while the second outer surface 711b is in contact with one region of the aerosol generating device body 100.

Also, when the coupling protrusion 710 continuously moves after being separated from the coupling groove 100b, the coupling protrusion 710 comes into contact with the inner surface 100c of the aerosol generating device body 100, passes through the through hole 600a, and move to the inner side of the cap 600. In detail, at least a portion (e.g., the third outer surface 711c) of the outer surface 711 of the coupling protrusion 710 may come into contact with the inner surface 100c to push the coupling protrusion 710 to the inner side of the cap 600, and the elastic bar 720 may also move to the inner side of the cap 600 together with the coupling protrusion 710 to have a deformed shape.

According to an embodiment, the third outer surface 711c and the second outer surface 711b may be connected to each other in a curved surface, without a corner. Accordingly, because the third outer surface 711c comes into contact with the inner surface 100c of the aerosol generating device body 100 after the second outer surface 711b first comes into contact with one region of the aerosol generating device body 100 while the coupling protrusion 710 is separated from the coupling groove 100b, the coupling protrusion 710 may be smoothly separated from the coupling groove 100b. Also, because the third outer surface 711c and the second outer surface 711b are connected to each other as a continuous surface without a corner, the coupling protrusion 710 and the aerosol generating device body 100 are less likely to be damaged.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion A of FIG. 7. The cap 600 is omitted in FIG. 10.

At least one (e.g., the elastic bar 720) of components of an aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 10 may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are not provided below.

Referring to FIG. 10, the outer surface 711 of the coupling protrusion 710 may include a first portion 7111 and a second portion 7112. In the disclosure, the first portion 7111 and the second portion 7112 may be at least one of the third outer surface 711c (see FIGS. 9A to 9C), the second outer surface 711b (see FIGS. 9A to 9C), or the first outer surface 711a (see FIGS. 9A to 9C). The first portion 7111 and the second portion 7112 may face the inner surface 100c of the aerosol generating device body 100.

According to an embodiment, the first portion 7111 may extend in one direction and the second portion 7112 may extend in a direction different from that of the first portion 7111. For example, the second portion 7112 may be formed by cutting one end portion of the coupling protrusion 710. Accordingly, a distance between the coupling protrusion 710 and the inner surface 100c of the aerosol generating device body 100 may increase through the second portion 7112. Thus, an overall abrasion possibility of the coupling protrusion 710 due to contact with the inner surface 100c may be decreased despite frequent coupling and separation of the cap 600 and the aerosol generating device body 100.

Hereinafter, other embodiments of the coupling device 700 will be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the inside of the aerosol generating device 1 based on line VII-VII of FIG. 4 to describe another example of the coupling device 700.

Referring to FIG. 11, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include the aerosol generating device body 100, the cap 600, the coupling device 700, the mounting portion 750, an elastic member 760, and the restricting rib 800. At least one (e.g., the cap 600) of components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 11 may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are not provided below.

The elastic member 760 may press the coupling protrusion 710 towards a through hole. In other words, the elastic member 760 may press the coupling protrusion 710 towards the inner surface 100c of the aerosol generating device body 100. Accordingly, an extent to which the coupling protrusion 710 protrudes from the cap 600 is restricted by using the restricting rib 800 while the coupling protrusion 710 is pressed outward by using the coupling protrusion 710, and thus, an insertion force by which the coupling protrusion 710 is inserted into the coupling groove 100b (see FIG. 5) may be increased.

The elastic member 760 may be located at a location corresponding to the coupling protrusion 710. When the coupling protrusion 710 is coupled to one side of the elastic bar member 722, the elastic member 760 may be coupled to the other side of the elastic bar member 722. One end of the elastic member 760 may be coupled to the elastic bar member 722 and the other end of the elastic member 760 may be coupled to the cap 600. Although not illustrated, the cap 600 may include a support pillar extending in one direction (e.g., the +z direction) from the lower cap 660 to support the other end of the elastic member 760. For example, the elastic member 760 may include a spring.

A plurality of the caps 600 may be arranged in the elastic member 760. According to an embodiment, the same number of the caps 600 as the coupling protrusions 710 may be arranged in the elastic member 760. The plurality of elastic members 760 may be respectively arranged at locations corresponding to the coupling protrusions 710.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the inside of the aerosol generating device 1 based on line VII-VII of FIG. 4 to describe another example of the coupling device 700.

Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include the aerosol generating device body 100, the cap 600, the coupling device 700, the mounting portion 750, and the restricting rib 800. At least one (e.g., the cap 600) of components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 12 may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 described above, and thus, redundant descriptions are not provided below.

Among the plurality of elastic bar members 722, the elastic bar member 722 and the second elastic bar member 722′ may be spaced apart from each other in parallel. Other components of the aerosol generating device 1 may be arranged in a space between the elastic bar member 722 and the second elastic bar member 722′, and thus, space utilization may improve according to an embodiment.

Also, among the plurality of elastic bar members 722, the third elastic bar member 722″ and the fourth elastic bar member 722″ may be spaced apart from each other in parallel. Other components of the aerosol generating device 1 may be arranged in a space between the third elastic bar member 722″ and the fourth elastic bar member 722″, and thus, space utilization may improve according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the elastic bar 720 may include the same number of connecting members 723 as the elastic bar members 722. In other words, as shown in FIG. 12, one elastic bar member 722 may be connected to one connecting member 723. Accordingly, the plurality of elastic bar members 722 may move elastically and independently. The same number of connecting members 723 as the elastic bar members 722 may be connected to one elastic bar body 721.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the space 710a (see FIG. 7) may be formed between the elastic bar member 722 and the third elastic bar member 722″. Accordingly, the coupling device 700 may have a structure in which the aerosol generating substrate may be inserted through the space 720a.

According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include the same number of mounting portions 750 as the elastic bar members 722. In other words, as shown in FIG. 12, one elastic bar member 722 may be coupled to one mounting portion 750. Accordingly, a fixing force of fixing the elastic bar 720 to the cap 600 may improve.

Although FIG. 12 does not illustrate the elastic member 760, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 may also include the elastic member 760.

Hereinafter, the examples of the aerosol generating article 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate examples of the aerosol generating article.

FIG. 13 illustrates that the filter rod 22 includes a single segment, but is limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22 may include a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a first segment configured to cool an aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a certain component included in the aerosol. Also, as necessary, the filter rod 22 may further include at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

The aerosol generating article 2 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 24. The wrapper 24 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be packaged by one wrapper 24. As another example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be doubly packaged by two or more wrappers 24. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be packaged by a first wrapper 24a, and the filter rod 22 may be packaged by wrappers 24b, 24c, 24d. Also, the entire aerosol generating article 2 may be re-packaged by another single wrapper 245. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by wrappers 24b, 24c, 24d.

The tobacco rod 21 may include an aerosol generating material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but it is not limited thereto. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may include other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is injected to the tobacco rod 21.

The tobacco rod 21 may be manufactured in various forms. For example, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a sheet or a strand. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be formed as a pipe tobacco, which is formed of tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod 21 may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. For example, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may uniformly distribute heat transmitted to the tobacco rod 21, and thus, the heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod may be increased and taste of the tobacco may be improved. Also, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21 may function as a susceptor heated by the induction heater. Here, although not illustrated in the drawings, the tobacco rod 21 may further include an additional susceptor, in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod 21.

The filter rod 22 may include a cellulose acetate filter. Shapes of the filter rod 22 are not limited. For example, the filter rod 22 may include a cylinder-type rod or a tube-type rod having a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22 may include a recess-type rod. When the filter rod 22 includes a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may have a different shape.

The filter rod 22 may be formed to generate flavors. For example, a flavoring liquid may be injected onto the filter rod 22, or an additional fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter rod 22.

Also, the filter rod 22 may include at least one capsule 23. Here, the capsule 23 may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. For example, the capsule 23 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

When the filter rod 22 includes a segment configured to cool the aerosol, the cooling segment may include a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may include pure polylactic acid alone, but the material for forming the cooling segment is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the cooling segment may include a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described example and is not limited as long as the cooling segment cools the aerosol.

Referring to FIG. 14, the aerosol generating article 3 may further include a front-end plug 33. The front-end plug 33 may be located on one side of the tobacco rod 31 which is opposite to the filter rod 32. The front-end plug 33 may prevent the tobacco rod 31 from being detached outwards and prevent the liquefied aerosol from flowing from the tobacco rod 31 into the aerosol generating device (1 of FIGS. 1 and 2), during smoking.

The filter rod 32 may include a first segment 321 and a second segment 322. Here, the first segment 321 may correspond to the first segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 13, and the second segment 322 may correspond to the third segment of the filter rod 22 of FIG. 13.

A diameter and a total length of the aerosol generating article 3 may correspond to a diameter and a total length of the aerosol generating article 2 of FIG. 13. For example, the length of The front-end plug 33 is about 7 mm, the length of the tobacco rod 31 is about 15 mm, the length of the first segment 321 is about 12 mm, and the length of the second segment 322 is about 14 mm, but it is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating article 3 may be packaged using at least one wrapper 350. The wrapper 350 may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the front end plug 33 may be packaged by a first wrapper 35a, the tobacco rod 31 may be packaged by a second wrapper 35b, the first segment 321 may be packaged by a third wrapper 35c, and the second segment 322 may be packaged by a fourth wrapper 35d.

Further, the entire aerosol generating article 3 may be repackaged by a fifth wrapper 35e. In addition, at least one perforation 36 may be formed in the fifth wrapper 35e. For example, the perforation 36 may be formed in a region surrounding the tobacco rod 31, but is not limited thereto. The perforation 36 may serve to transfer heat generated by the heater 30 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 to the inside of the tobacco rod 31.

In addition, at least one capsule 34 may be included in the second segment 322. Here, the capsule 34 may generate a flavor or an aerosol. For example, the capsule 34 may have a configuration in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. For example, the capsule 34 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

An aerosol generating device 1000 may include a power source 1100, a controller 1200, a sensor 1300, an output unit 1400, an input unit 1500, a communication unit 1600, a memory 1700, and one or more heaters 1800 or 2400. However, an internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1000 is not limited to the illustration of FIG. 15. That is, it may be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 15 may be omitted or new components may be added, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1000.

The sensor 1300 may sense a state of the aerosol generating device 1000 or a state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device 1000 and may transmit information corresponding to the sensed state to the controller 1200. The controller 1200 may control the aerosol generating device 1000 so that various functions, such as operation control of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, smoking restrictions, determination as to whether the aerosol generating article and/or the cartridge is inserted, and an alarm display, may be performed, based on the information corresponding to the sensed state.

The sensor 1300 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1310, a puff sensor 1320, an insertion detection sensor 1330, a reuse detection sensor 1340, a cartridge detection sensor 1350, a cap detection sensor 1360, and a movement detection sensor 1370.

The temperature sensor 1310 may detect a temperature at which the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 is heated. The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a separate temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, or the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 may serve as a temperature sensor.

The temperature sensor 1310 may output a signal corresponding to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may include a resistor element of which resistance value changes according to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800. The temperature sensor 1310 may be implemented by a thermistor, etc. which is an element using a property in which resistance changes according to a temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 1310 may output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistor element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may include a sensor for detecting the resistance value of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800. In this case, the temperature sensor 1310 may output the signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800.

The temperature sensor 1310 may be disposed around the power source 1100 to monitor a temperature of the power source 1100. The temperature sensor 1310 may be disposed adjacent to the power source 1100. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may be attached to one surface of a battery, which is the power source 1100. For example, the temperature sensor 1310 may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

The temperature sensor 1310 may be disposed inside the body to detect an internal temperature of the body.

The puff sensor 1320 may detect the user's puff, based on various physical changes in an airflow path. The puff sensor 1320 may output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 1320 may be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 1320 may output a signal corresponding to internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. The internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1000 may correspond to pressure of the airflow path on which gas flows. The puff sensor 1320 may be disposed to correspond to the airflow path on which gas flows, in the aerosol generating device 1000.

The insertion detection sensor 1330 may detect insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article. The insertion detection sensor 1330 may detect signal changes relating to insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article. The insertion detection sensor 1330 may be installed around an insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 1330 may detect insertion and/or removal of the aerosol generating article according to changes in dielectric constants inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1330 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, when a magnetic field changes around a coil through which a current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may be changed according to the Faraday's law. The characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may include a frequency of an alternating current, a current value, a voltage value, an inductance value, an impedance value, etc.

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

The capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to an electromagnetic characteristic of the surroundings, for example, an electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when the aerosol generating article including a wrapper made of a metal material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the aerosol generating article.

The reuse detection sensor 1340 may detect whether the aerosol generating article is reused. The reuse detection sensor 1340 may be a color sensor. The color sensor may detect a color of the aerosol generating article. The color sensor may detect a color of a portion of the wrapper surrounding the outside of the aerosol generating article. The color sensor may detect values for optical characteristics corresponding to the color of an object, based on light reflected by the object. For example, the optical characteristics may be a wavelength of the light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

A color of at least a portion of the wrapper that constitutes the aerosol generating article may be changed by aerosol. In case where the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the reuse detection sensor 1340 may be disposed to correspond to a location in which at least a portion of the wrapper of which color is changed by aerosol. For example, before the aerosol generating article is used by the user, the color of at least the portion of the wrapper may be a first color. In this case, as at least a portion of the wrapper is wet by aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1000 while the aerosol is passing through the aerosol generating article, the color of the at least a portion of the wrapper may be changed to a second color. The color of the at least a portion of the wrapper may be maintained as the second color after being changed from the first color to the second color.

The cartridge detection sensor 1350 may detect insertion and/or removal of the cartridge. The cartridge detection sensor 1350 may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC) using a hall effect, etc.

The cap detection sensor 1360 may detect mounting and/or removal of a cap. When the cap is separated from the body, a portion of the cartridge and the body covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor 1360 may be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, etc.

The movement detection sensor 1370 may detect a movement of the aerosol generating device. The movement detection sensor 1370 may be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

The sensor 1300 may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a global positioning sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor, in addition to the above-described sensors 1310 through 1370. Functions of the sensors would be instinctively understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in view of their names and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herein.

The output unit (output interface) 1400 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 1000 and may provide the information to the user. The output unit 1400 may include at least one of a display 1410, a haptic unit 1420, and a sound output unit 1430, but embodiments are not limited thereto. When the display 1410 forms a layer structure together with a touch pad to construct a touch screen, the display 1410 may be used as an input device as well as an output device.

The display 1410 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1000 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1000 may refer to various pieces of information, such as the charging/discharging state of the power source 1100 of the aerosol generating device 1000, a preheating state of the heater 1800, 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 use of the aerosol generating device 1000 is limited (e.g., detection of an abnormal article), and the display 1410 may output the information to the outside. For example, the display 1410 may have a shape of a light-emitting diode (LED). For example, the display 1410 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting display (OLED) panel, or the like.

The haptic unit 1420 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or electrical stimulus and may tactually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1000 to the user. For example, when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 for a set time, the haptic unit 1420 may generate vibration corresponding to completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 1420 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, and/or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 1430 may acoustically provide the information about the aerosol generating device 1000 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 1430 may convert the electrical signal into a sound signal and may output the sound signal to the outside.

The power source (power supply) 1100 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1000. The power source 1100 may supply power so that the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 may be heated. In addition, the power source 1100 may supply power required for operations of the sensor 1300, the output unit 1400, the input unit 1500, the communication unit 1600, and the memory 1700, which are other components provided in the aerosol generating device 1000. The power source 1100 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source 1100 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a power supply protection circuit. The power supply protection circuit may be electrically connected to the power source 1100 and may include a switching element.

The power supply protection circuit may cut off an electric path for the power source 1100 according to certain conditions. For example, when a voltage level of the power source 1100 is greater than or equal to a first voltage corresponding to overcharging, the power supply protection circuit may cut off the electric path for the power source 1100. For example, when a voltage level of the power source 1100 is less than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarging, the power supply protection circuit may cut off the electric path for the power source 1100.

The heater 1800 may heat a medium or an aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating article by receiving power from the power source 1100. Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC/DC converter) for converting power of the power source 1100 to supply the converted power to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1000 generates aerosol by using an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a DC/AC converter that converts direct current power of the power source 1100 into alternating current power.

The controller 1200, the sensor 1300, the output unit 1400, the input unit 1500, the communication unit 1600, and the memory 1700 may perform functions by receiving power from the power source 1100. Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a power conversion circuit for converting the power of the power source 1100 to supply the converted power to components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit. Although not shown in FIG. 15, a noise filter may be provided between the power source 1100 and the heater 1800. The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. A cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to a frequency of a radio frequency switching current applied from the power source 1100 to the heater 1800. Radio frequency noise components may be prevented from being applied to the sensor 1300, such as the insertion detection sensor 1330, by the low pass filter.

According to an embodiment, the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 may be formed of an arbitrary proper electric resistance material. For example, the proper electric resistance material may be metal or metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc., but embodiments are not limited thereto. Also, the heater 1800 may be implemented using a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate on which an electric conductive track is disposed, a ceramic heating body, or the like, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

According to another embodiment, the heater 1800 may be a heater using an induction heating method. For example, the heater 1800 may include a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field applied by the coil and heats the aerosol generating material.

The input unit (input interface) 1500 may receive information input from the user or may output the information to the user. For example, the input unit 1500 may be a touch panel. The touch panel may include at least one touch sensor that detects 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, or the like, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

The display 1410 and the touch panel may be implemented as one panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted (on-cell type or in-cell type) into the display 1410. For example, the touch panel may be added on (add-on type) the display panel.

The input unit 1500 may include a button, a key pad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

The memory 1700 is hardware for storing various kinds of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1000, and may store pieces of data that have been processed and are to be processed by the controller 1200. The memory 1700 may include at least one type of storage medium selected from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, a secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 1700 may store data about the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1000, a maximum number of puffs, a current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

The communication unit (communication interface, communicator) 1600 may include at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1600 may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

Examples of the short-range wireless communication unit may include, but are not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication (NFC) unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., 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, and an Ant+ communication unit.

The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN) communication unit, or the like, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device 1000 may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may transmit/receive information by being connected to another external device through the connection interface, such as a USB interface, or may charge the power source 1100.

The controller 1200 may control overall operations of the aerosol generating device 1000. According to an embodiment, the controller 1200 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented by an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented by a combination of a general-use microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the general-use microprocessor is stored. It will also be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor may be implemented by other types of hardware.

The controller 1200 may control supplying of the power of the power source 1100 to the heater 1800, thereby controlling the temperature of the heater 1800. The controller 1200 may control the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 sensed by the temperature sensor 1310. The controller 1200 may control power supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800. For example, the controller 1200 may determine a target temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 1700.

The aerosol generating device 1000 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power source 1100 between the power source 1100 and the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater 2400, the heater 1800, or an induction coil. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The controller 1200 may control the power supply circuit.

The controller 1200 may control switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit, thereby controlling the supply of power. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output by the power source 1100 into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may include a full-bridge circuit or half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

The controller 1200 may turn on the switching element so that power may be supplied from the power source 1100 to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800. The controller 1200 may turn off the switching element so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 may be cut off. The controller 1200 may adjust a current supplied by the power source 1100 by adjusting a frequency and/or duty ratio of a current pulse input to the switching element.

The controller 1200 may control a voltage output by the power source 1100 by controlling switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit may convert the voltage output by the power source 1100. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a Buck-converter that drops the voltage output by the power source 1100. For example, the power conversion circuit may be implemented through a Buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

The controller 1200 may adjust the level of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit by controlling an on/off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When an on state of the switching element is continued, the level of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output by the power source 1100. A duty ratio with respect to the on/off operation of the switching element may correspond to a ratio of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit to the voltage output by the power source 1100. As the duty ratio with respect to the on/off operation of the switching element is decreased, the level of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit may be reduced. The heater 1800 may be heated based on the voltage output by the power conversion circuit.

The controller 1200 may control power to be supplied to the heater 1800, by using at least one method of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

For example, the controller 1200 may control supply of a current pulse having a certain frequency and a duty ratio, by using the PWM method. The controller 1200 may control power supplied to the heater 1800 by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

For example, the controller 1200 may determine a target temperature that is a target of control, based on the temperature profile. The controller 1200 may control the power supplied to the heater 1800 by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater 1800 and the target temperature thereof, a value obtained by integrating the difference value according to the flow of time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value according to the flow of time.

The controller 1200 may prevent the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 from being overheated. For example, the controller 1200 may control an operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of the power to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 is stopped, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the controller 1200 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 exceeding the preset limit temperature. For example, the controller 1200 may determine that the aerosol generating material accommodated in the cartridge is exhausted, based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 exceeding the limit temperature, and may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 2400.

The controller 1200 may control charging/discharging of the power source 1100. The controller 1200 may check the temperature of the power source 1100, based on an output signal of the temperature sensor 1310.

When a power wire is connected to a battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1000, the controller 1200 may check whether the temperature of the power source 1100 is greater than or equal to a first limit temperature that is a basis for blocking charging of the power source 1100. When the temperature of the power source 1100 is less than the first limit temperature, the controller 1200 may control the power source 1100 to be charged, based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the power source 1100 is equal to or greater than the first limit temperature, the controller 1200 may block charging of the power source 1100.

When power of the aerosol generating device 1000 is in an on state, the controller 1200 may check whether the temperature of the power source 1100 is greater than or equal to a second limit temperature that is a basis for cutting off discharging of the power source 1100. When the temperature of the power source 1100 is less than the second limit temperature, the controller 1200 may control the power stored in the power source 1100 to be used. When the temperature of the power source 1100 is greater than or equal to the second limit temperature, the controller 1200 may stop using the power stored in the power source 1100.

The controller 1200 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source 1100. For example, the controller 1200 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power source 1100, based on a voltage and/or current sensing value of the power source 1100.

The controller 1200 may determine whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space, through the insertion detection sensor 1330. The controller 1200 may determine that the aerosol generating article is inserted, based on an output signal of the insertion detection sensor 1330. When it is determined that the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space, the controller 1200 may control power to be supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800. For example, the controller 1200 may supply power to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 1700.

The controller 1200 may determine whether the aerosol generating article is removed from the insertion space. For example, the controller 1200 may determine whether the aerosol generating article is removed from the insertion space, through the insertion detection sensor 1330. For example, when the temperature of the heater 1800 is greater than or equal to the limit temperature or when a temperature change slope of the heater 1800 is equal to or greater than a set slope, the controller 1200 may determine that the aerosol generating article is removed from the insertion space. When it is determined that the aerosol generating article has been removed from the insertion space, the controller 1200 may block supply of power to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800.

The controller 1200 may control a power supply time and/or a power supply amount for the heater 1800 according to the state of the aerosol generating article detected by the sensor 1300. The controller 1200 may check a level range in which the level of a signal of a capacitance sensor is included, based on a lookup table. The controller 1200 may check a moisture amount for the aerosol generating article according to the checked level range.

When the aerosol generating article is in an overwatering state, the controller 1200 may control the power supply time for the heater 1800 to thereby increase the preheating time of the aerosol generating article rather than when the aerosol generating article is in a general state.

The controller 1200 may determine whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space is reused, through the reuse detection sensor 1340. For example, the controller 1200 may compare a sensing value of a signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range in which a first color is included, and may determine that the aerosol generating article is not used when the sensing value is included in the first reference range. For example, the controller 1200 may compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range in which a second color is included, and may determine that the aerosol generating article is used when the sensing value is included in the second reference range. When it is determined that the aerosol generating article is used, the controller 1200 may block supply of power to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800.

The controller 1200 may determine whether the cartridge is combined and/or removed, through the cartridge detection sensor 1350. For example, the controller 1200 may determine whether the cartridge is combined or removed, based on the sensing value of a signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

The controller 1200 may determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted. For example, the controller 1200 may preheat the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 by applying power, may determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 exceeds the limit temperature in a preheating section, and, when the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 exceeds the limit temperature, may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted. When it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted, the controller 1200 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800.

The controller 1200 may determine whether use of the cartridge is possible. For example, the controller 1200 may determine that the use of the cartridge is not possible if a current puff frequency is greater than or equal to a maximum puff frequency set in the cartridge, based on data stored in the memory 1700. For example, when a total time period during which the heater 2400 is heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time period or a total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater 2400 is greater than or equal to a preset maximum power amount, the controller 1200 may determine that the use of the cartridge is not possible.

The controller 1200 may perform determination on the user's inhaling through the puff sensor 1320. For example, the controller 1200 may determine whether a puff occurs, based on a sensing value of a signal of the puff sensor. For example, the controller 1200 may determine the intensity of the puff, based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor 1320. When the puff frequency reaches the preset maximum puff frequency or puffs are not sensed for a preset time period or more, the controller 1200 may cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800.

The controller 1200 may determine whether the cap is combined and/or removed, through the cap detection sensor 1360. For example, the controller 1200 may determine whether the cap is combined or removed, based on a sensing value of a signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

The controller 1200 may control the output unit 1400, based on a result of the sensing performed by the sensor 1300 For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 1320 reaches a preset number, the controller 1200 may notify the user in advance that the aerosol generating device 1000 is ended soon, through at least one of the display 1410, the haptic unit 1420, and the sound output unit 1430. For example, the controller 1200 may notify the user through the output unit 1400, based on a determination that the aerosol generating article is not present in the insertion space. For example, the controller 1200 may notify the user through the output unit 1400, based on a determination that the cartridge and/or the cap is not mounted. For example, the controller 1200 may transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800 to the user through the output unit 1400.

The controller 1200 may store and update a history of an event occurred in the memory 1700, based on certain event occurrence. The event may include insertion detection of the aerosol generating article, heating start of the aerosol generating article, puff detection, puff end, overheat detection of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, heating end of the aerosol generating article, an operation such as power on/off of the aerosol generating device 1000, charging start of the power source 1100, detection of overcharging of the power source 1100, and charging end of the power source 1100, which are performed by the aerosol generating device 1000. The history of the event may include, for example, a date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event. For example, when a predetermined event is insertion detection of the aerosol generating article, log data corresponding to the event may include data for the sensing value, etc. of the insertion detection sensor 1330. For example, when the predetermined event is overheating detection of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, the log data corresponding to the event may include data about, for example, the temperature of the cartridge heater 2400 and/or heater 1800, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800, and a current flowing through the cartridge heater 2400 and/or the heater 1800.

The controller 1200 may control a communication link to be formed with an external device, such as the user's mobile terminal. When receiving data on authentication from an external device through the communication link, the controller 1200 may remove limitation of the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1000. The data on authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication with respect to a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication through the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid, based on the user's birthday and a unique number representing the user, and may receive data about use authority of the aerosol generating device 1000 from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating the completion of the user authentication to the aerosol generating device 1000, based on the data about the use authority. When the user authentication is completed, the controller 1200 may remove limitation of the use of the at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1000. For example, when the user authentication is completed, the controller 1200 may remove the limitation of the use of a heating function of supplying power to the heater 1800.

The controller 1200 may transmit data on the state of the aerosol generating device 1000 to the external device through the communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received state data, the external device may output the remaining capacity, the operation mode, etc. of the power source 1100 of the aerosol generating device 1000 through a display of the external device.

The external device may transmit a position search request to the aerosol generating device 1000, based on an input of starting a position search of the aerosol generating device 1000. When receiving a position search request from the external device, the controller 1200 may control at least one of output devices to perform an operation corresponding to a position search, based on the received position search request. For example, the haptic unit 1420 may generate vibration in response to the position search request. For example, in response to the position search request, the display 1410 may output an object that corresponds to position search and search end.

The controller 1200 may control firmware update to be performed, when receiving firmware data from the external device. The external device may check a current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1000 and determine whether a new version of the firmware is present. When receiving an input of requesting for firmware download, the external device may receive the new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device 1000. As the controller 1200 receives the new version of the firmware data, the controller 1200 may control the firmware update of the aerosol generating device 1000 to be performed.

The controller 1200 may transmit data on a sensing value of the at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit 1600, and may receive and store a learning model generated by learning sensing values from a server through machine learning, such as deep learning. The controller 1200 may perform, for example, an operation of determining the user's inhaling pattern and an operation of generating a temperature profile, by using the learning model received from the server. The controller 1200 may store, for example, sensing value data of the at least one sensor 13 and data for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 1700. For example, the memory 1700 may store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device 1000, a weight that forms an ANN structure, and biases, which are for training the ANN. The controller 1200 may learn data on a sensing value of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhaling pattern, the temperature profile, etc. stored in the memory 1700, and may generate at least one learning model used for, for example, determination of the user's inhaling pattern, generation of the temperature profile.

The descriptions of the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and equivalents thereof may be made. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to those described in the claims will be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from each other. The certain embodiments or other embodiments of the disclosure described above may be combined with each other or used in combination with each other in their respective components or functions.

For example, it means that an A component described in a specific embodiment and/or the drawings and a B component described in another embodiment and/or the drawings may be combined with each other. In other words, even when it is not explained directly about combination between components, it is possible to combine unless it is explained that combination is impossible.

The above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictedly and should be considered as exemplary in all aspects. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by a rational interpretation of the attached claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the disclosure are included in the scope of the disclosure.

An aerosol generating device and a coupling device, according to various embodiments, may have improved space utilization and improved design freedom.

An aerosol generating device and a coupling device, according to various embodiments, may have an improved coupling force between an aerosol generating device body and a cap, and improved operational easiness for a user to separate or couple the aerosol generating device body from or to the cap.

An aerosol generating device and a coupling device, according to various embodiments, have improved durability, and thus, maintenance costs may be reduced.

Effects according to the sprit of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.